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Making sure the car you love really is the car for you.

The price may be right. The size may be right. And your significant other may just love the styling. But if you slide behind the wheel and find that you can't get comfortable, or that the seatbelt slices across your neck, or that you can't reach important controls, then the car isn't for you.

Discovering such fatal flaws is why the test drive is so important. If you test drive several vehicles, it may be hard to recall the pluses and minuses of each at the end of the day when it comes time to make the big decision. Here's a scorecard that can help. Jot down a "+" or "-" beside each item. Print copies of this web page for every vehicle you test drive.

Exterior Inspection
Styling Does it please you?
Overall size Too big, too small or just right?
Trunk Is it large enough for your needs, and does it seem easy to load?
Build quality Does the exterior seem well finished?
On The Road
Acceleration from rest Does the vehicle move away smartly?
Transmission Does it shift from gear to gear smoothly?
Brakes Do they stop the vehicle quickly and in a straight line?
Ride Is it comfortable on different surfaces without being either soft and mushy or too harsh?
Handling During quick lane changes or hard cornering, does the body lean excessively?
Steering Does it seem quick and precise?
Noise Is there excessive wind, engine, or tire noise at high speeds?
Heat/air conditioning Do they seem up to the job?
Audio system Is the sound pleasing and the radio reception good?
Build quality Are there any rattles or squeaks as you travel over poor road surfaces?
Interior Inspection
Doors Are they easy to open?
Entry/exit Can you get in and out of the cabin easily?
Seats, front and rear Are they comfortable and supportive?
Room, front and rear Is there enough leg room and head room?
Instruments/controls Can you see and reach all of them easily?
Seatbelts Can they be adjusted to fit you well?
Visibility Are there any potentially dangerous blind spots?
Styling Is the interior attractive?
Build quality Does everything seem well assembled?