 The
test drive part of the test drive is probably the simplest
part. While you don't spend much time under the hood (or under
the car), one thing you probably do a lot is drive. So give
the car a good drive, but don't just drive around the block.
Put it through all the paces you'd put your own car through:
Parallel park a few times and back out of a driveway or two;
how's the visibility out the back?
Get on the highway and accelerate into traffic. Does the car
have enough power to get you into traffic safely? Does the
transmission shift smoothly or jerk and whine? Pay attention
to the road, engine and wind noise. Do any of these sound
wrong or just too loud?
Does the car drift to the left or right when you take your
hands off the steering wheel? Drift could mean an alignment
is needed.
 How's
the ride? Find some rough road and see how the car handles
it. Does it bounce you around too much? Do you feel that you're
still in control of the car? Drive over some bumps and dips.
Does the car continue bouncing after the disturbance has passed?
If so, new shock absorbers or other suspension work may be
in order. Excessive leaning during sharp turns may reflect
the same problem.
 How
well do the brakes work? Are they firm or spongy? Does the
car pull to one side or the other during hard braking (a sign
of trouble)? Do they squeak? Brakes are designed to squeak
when the pads need to be replaced, a costly repair. Does the
vehicle pitch forward dramatically when you brake hard? This
too could reflect worn suspension components.
Test the cruise control, if the car is so equipped.
 Before
you end your drive, pay attention to the seat. Is it comfortable?
Does it seem like it would be for a long trip? (Don't just
look at the number of controls; we've sat in some car seats
with 15 electronic adjustments, and were never comfortable
as well as in simple seats that only moved forward and backward
but always felt fine.) Does the seat give you enough thigh
support? Does it hold you in place during sharp turns? What
may seem minor now could become a major — and irreparable
annoyance if the car becomes yours.
Leave the engine running for some more checks.
As you get out of the car, note the headroom. Make sure there's
enough room in there for you, and that it's simple to get
in and out of the car. Likewise, you don't want to own a car
that's too big for you to drive comfortably and safely.
With
the engine still running, pop the hood. You're ready for some
tests After the Test Drive. |
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