10 Steps to Buying a New Car
Step 5: The New Car Test Drive
Once you have found the specific car(s) you want to test drive and have received a great price through our TIP™ new car price quote service, it is time to visit the dealership. When you walk into a dealership, there are two things you are going to want to test-drive -- the salesperson and the car. Does the salesperson seem impatient or try to steer you toward a car you do not want? Then it may be time to stop for the day. Does the salesperson answer all your questions and do their best to satisfy your interest in the car? Then you have a winner. If you feel uncomfortable with the salesperson, do not be hesitant to ask for a different salesperson to help you. If your salesperson meets with your approval, it is time to test-drive the car.
The New Car Test Drive - Test-driving a new car is your opportunity to experience the car as you would experience it as an owner. It is important to drive the car under similar conditions as your daily routine. If you drive mostly on the highway, get the car out on the highway and see how it handles. If you drive mostly in the city, spend some time driving on city streets in stop-and-go traffic. You will want to drive on smooth roads, bumpy roads, up hills, around corners, and test the brakes and acceleration (under safe conditions). You will also want to get familiar with some of the features of the car to make sure you like them. Is the seat comfortable and in a good position? Does your head rub on the headliner? How do the passenger seat and the rear seats feel? Is there enough headroom in the back? The ultimate question is asking yourself whether this is the car you can see yourself in three, five, or even ten years down the road.
You will certainly want to test drive all of the cars that have made it to the top of your list. Do not let the salesperson pressure you into a sale. Tell them you want to test drive several cars before making a decision. Buying a car is the second largest financial decision most people will make -- second only to a house. It is important you are completely satisfied with the car you purchase. If you only drive one car, you may not know if you would better like a different car. If you have submitted a TIP™ price quote request for each make and model, you will be ready to test-drive your top choices and will not have to go back and repeat the steps we have already covered.
Remember to Bring the Car Buying Folder -When visiting a dealership, remember to bring all of your documentation you have been collecting, along with your checkbook, current car’s registration, proof of insurance, and the title of the car you want to trade in, if applicable. If you owe money on your trade-in, you will want to bring the lender's information with you, too. If you have all of your paperwork in order, you will be ready to pull the trigger on a new car if you find the one that is right for you. Remember, you do not have to show the salesperson any of your documentation that involves quotes from other dealerships or online pricing unless you think it will help you negotiate a better deal.
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