Car buying with Patty - The test drive

Before you buy – test drive. Unless you are familiar with the vehicle of your choice, are trading your car in on the same model or you are replacing your vehicle with the same vehicle as an insurance pre-requisite because your car has been stolen/written off – you need to test drive. When test driving, you have the opportunity to get to know how the car performs, what features and functions are available and whether or not this is the vehicle that will suit your needs. Ideally, the Salesperson assisting you should remain quiet unless directing you on the test drive route. This gives you time to concentrate on the drive. This also gives you the opportunity to ask questions regarding the vehicle.

Some Dealerships don’t need you to make an appointment and can assist you with driving the vehicle of your choice at the time you walk in. However, not all Dealerships have a vehicle sanitized, fueled and ready for you to test drive immediately. To spare yourself the aggravation of having to wait for a vehicle to be prepared for you, or worse yet, the inconvenience of having to go back to the Dealership when a vehicle will be ready, the best is to phone ahead, be specific about which vehicle you want to test drive and make an appointment. That way you know that when you get to the Dealership everything is ready for you and your experience is so much more enjoyable. On this note please know that when you make the appointment, considerable effort is taken to prepare your test drive vehicle for you. If you know you can’t make it – phone ahead and reschedule.

Make sure, before you test drive the vehicle, that all the features of the vehicle have been explained to you. If you have a vehicle to trade in, this is the best time for a trade evaluation to be done – you are out enjoying your test drive (hopefully) and when you get back the trade evaluation is done – this saves time. Just ensure you have your trade-in vehicle with you on that date. More about trade-ins later.

Dealerships require you to show a valid driver’s license and complete an indemnity form wherein you take responsibility for any speeding fines or damage to the vehicle while you are driving. This is standard practice to safeguard the Dealership while you are driving one of their assets. Should the Sales Executive feel that you are driving recklessly, placing him/her as well as the vehicle and yourself in danger he or she has the legal right to terminate the test drive immediately and drive the vehicle back to the Dealership. While we know that you would love to put your foot down and feel the G’s push you back in your seat, please consider safety first.

That’s all for today, see you next time when we discuss the next step – The Trade In. Remember to stay awesome. ?

Yours in motoring - Patty