Test Drive Punch List... Check it out BEFORE you buy!
Whatever the reason, you’ve decided to buy a car. Yay! Before you hit the dealership, read these important tips about how to make your test drive experience more productive.
Complete your research before heading to the dealership. Know what models, trim levels, and options you are considering. It’s a good idea to bring a companion with you for moral support.
When you find one of the cars you’re considering, thoroughly inspect the car, inside and out. Analyze everything. Check out ergonomics, ease of use, and quality of craftsmanship, and make sure the seats are easily adjustable if there will be multiple drivers using the car. Whether it’s the middle of summer or the dead of winter, make sure to check the temperature controls to ensure the heat and air conditioning systems work. Are the gauges and screens easy to see and understand? Is it easy to operate the interactive features? Do the systems work with your mobile and other electronic devices? Check blue-tooth devices, streaming audio if available, etc. If it's a used car. Ask if the cars are inspected and was any work required before putting the car for sale. Are those records available?
Once the engine is running and you’re behind the wheel, see how the car drives in real life conditions. Take it on multiple road surfaces. Quickly accelerate. Does the car have enough power to safely merge into freeway traffic? Do the brakes work well? Take multiple corners at various speeds. Abruptly change direction. Park the vehicle both parallel and front in. Check parking sensors or cameras. How much road noise enters the cabin? How windy is it with the windows down? What is the visibility from every angle? Check for noise or vibration at higher speeds.
Ask more questions. What are the car’s safety features? Does the car take special fuel or require unique maintenance? What is the vehicle’s maintenance schedule? Find out the specifics about the warranties offered, including how specialty parts are handled.
When the drive is over, before going to the salesperson’s desk. Ask to see the parts and services areas of the dealership. Take a look at how this department appears to be running. Is it clean, organized, etc?
Make sure you have a copy of the car fax to see the where the car has been and if it was in an area of the country where rust is an issue. Check to see if there were any accidents and also if the major services were documented to have been performed on time at the brand dealership.
Punch List:
- Car Fax- Clean with good history
- Service up to date currently? Oil changes, fluids, etc?
- Does it come with extra keys and manuals?
- Tire tread? Ask for measurement in X/32 looking for higher than 7 or 8/32
- Check all electronics. Bluetooth, streaming audio, navigation, play radio loud, check AC and heat. check for any warning lights.
- Check for odor. bring a friend or family member with sensitive sense of smell.
- Check Kelley Blue Book Value before negotiating.
- Check Autotrader.com and Cargurus.com for similar vehicles with similar mileage and equipment packages. Make sure pricing is in line with competitors. Damaged cars are cheaper. Check car faxes on the cheap ones. The best price is not always the best deal.
- Check the customer reviews online before choosing the dealer. Remember there are grumblers everywhere. Some of the best customer service dealers get blasted by chronic complainers. Look at more than a couple reviews to see the bigger picture.
- Find a sales person that shows a sincere interest in finding the right car for you. Don't settle for less.
Some consumer sites tell you to leave the dealership even if you want to buy the car. In my opinion, if it's the car you want to own and the salesperson has done a great job finding the car you will be happy with, go ahead and get it provided it is a fair deal. If the car gets sold while you are playing hard to get, you may loose a chance to get a car you really like and have to settle for less. If there is anything on the punch list that doesn't line up, move on. There are plenty of similar cars out there if you are flexible on colors and equipment. I'd wish you good luck shopping but if you use this info, you won't need any :)
Dan L