There are hundreds, if not thousands, of car brands and models to choose from. This will always confuse the average person on what he or she should pick as his or her next car.
While looking at a spec sheet and a quick talk with the dealer’s salesperson might be enough, the best way to really get to know a car is to test it out yourself in the open road. The short time you would be spending with the car of your choice might be the reason you end up driving it home or choosing a different brand or model instead.
When it comes to test driving a car, whether it is an SUV or compact sedan, you need to be aware and look for the following things once you finally have your hands on the steering wheel.
Engine power and speed
Obviously, engine power would be one of the first things you would notice once you start driving the car of your choice. However, it is worth noting that the specs you see on paper might feel different once you are behind the wheel.
Factors such as weight, tire pressure and tread patterns, and suspension tuning might make the feel of the vehicle different from what you expected. It may make the car feel faster or slower, depending on the said factors. So, relying on the spec sheet itself may not be as reliable as it seems.
It is also best to take notice of the car’s speed and acceleration. Not all people will be speed-hungry drivers, but it would still be nice to know that the car has the speed and acceleration should you ever need it.
Gas consumption
With engine power and speed in mind, the next thing you should check is gas consumption. With all that power (or lack of it), you should monitor how the fuel gauge reacts.
Most of the time, gas consumption is higher for cars with larger engine power. However, gas consumption will also be different among cars with different weights and sizes. It will also differ depending on each driver’s style. A driver with a heavier or lighter foot on the gas pedal and different shifting patterns will also make a difference.
For example, a Volkswagen Beetle’s small size might indicate lower fuel consumption. If you think that this model is the right car for you, a local dealer can help you with a number of Volkswagen finance options that are ideal to match the low gas consumption numbers.
Cargo and passenger space
Regardless if you are driving the car for yourself or for your family, you will need the space at some point in the future. You can use the space for when you need to go out shopping or for groceries. You can also use the space for when you, your friends or family members want to go out for a road trip. Needless to say, the space found in the car will be for your own use and comfort.
Test driving a car is the best way to check whether it would be your next purchase. Just make sure to go through a checklist of whether it passes your own criteria for your everyday use.
