Avoiding Test Car Driving Blues

1
I knew a guy who worked at a General Motors
Assembly plant for 50 years, and for the last 20
of those years his job was to man the shaker
machine in order to make sure that each vehicle
was safe for test driving.
2
Each vehicle that comes off the assembly line is
placed on the shaker machine to see if loose
parts or unusual sounds can be identified.
3
Then 1 out of each 10 of these vehicles is taken
for a car test drive.
4
The test drive route is designed to put the
vehicle into a variety of different environments.
5
The route includes lower speeds on residential
streets and higher speeds on a freeway.
6
There are red lights to stop at and railroad
tracks to go over.
7
Again, the purpose is to try to identify any
rattles or loose parts on the vehicle.
8
I mention this because you should be thinking
along same lines when you decide to test drive a
vehicle that you are considering to purchase.
9
If you are not familiar with the area, talk to
the salesperson and let them know that you want
to travel a route that will put the vehicle into
a variety of operating conditions.
10
Before you get started, take the time to adjust
the seat, the mirrors and any other vehicle
controls as appropriate, so that you get a chance
to experience this functionality and to make the
test drive safer for you.
11
During the car test drive you will want to get a
feel for the vehicle's acceleration capability
and its braking capacity.
12
You will also want to get a feel of the steering,
is it comfortable and easy.
13
Ask yourself if the ride feels smooth.
14
Do you like the feel of the interior design? Can
you see yourself spending the next few years in
this vehicle and enjoying the experience?
15
Try out some of the vehicle functions.
16
Turn on the wipers, the turn signals, the radio,
the GPS system.
17
Do these systems see like they are designed with
your size and rich in mind?
18
Ask about fuel efficiency.
19
Chat with the salesperson as you drive about the
warranty that comes with the vehicle.
20
Inquire about consumer reviews regarding that
particular vehicle.
21
Ask the salesperson what they personally think
about the vehicle.
22
Be specific ask them for their pros and cons.
23
The length that individuals or financing their
vehicle has never been longer.
24
Financing periods of 4, 6 and even 8 years is no
longer uncommon.
25
Make the most of your car test drive because you
and the vehicle you purchase are going to be
together for many years to come.