What are the top tips for making the most of a showroom visit and test drive?
• Book your test-drive appointment in advance, particularly for popular cars or on a weekend. • Thoroughly examine the vehicle’s exterior and interior in daylight or in a well-lit area. • Most dealerships require a sales consultant to accompany you. Consider this an advantage: the consultant can answer questions and demonstrate features while you drive. • Drive carefully but, where possible, tackle hills, rough surfaces, parallel parking and tight turns. Put the acceleration and brakes to the test. If possible, test drive the vehicle at motorway speeds. • Use the stereo, turn on the air conditioning, and generally determine how easy it is to adjust controls while you drive. Also, check for visibility or noise issues. • By taking these factors into consideration, you’ll be better prepared and more likely to have an enjoyable experience while looking for your new vehicle.