WHY TEST DRIVE IS IMPORTANT?
Car-buying is a momentous occasion in the life of a person, especially so for us Indians, who consider the family car to be an extension of our homes and hearth. Our cars are our pride, honour, and in some cases, the symbols of our status too. But, equally important is to book a test drive and try your hand at driving the car, before you finally decide to buy the car. Always take a test drive for your choice of car, before you actually buy it. We’ll tell you why
WHY SHOULD YOU BOOK A TEST DRIVE FIRST?
A car that suits our needs perfectly is vital to our quality of life. We spend so much time driving, that it becomes extremely important that the car we buy fits in with our needs and driving style.
It becomes imperative, then, that we gather all our resources, and our wits, about us, when we make that important decision of choosing the car that is in perfect sync with our needs, desires and yes, aspirations. This is where the all-important test drive comes into the picture. It is a wise decision to book a test drive for the car you like, before finalizing it.
In today’s age, the car market abounds with a huge number of motor companies and innumerable car models in myriad variants. Add to that, the cacophony of in-your-face advertising campaigns, all of which scream the various advantages of the cars they espouse. In such a scenario, it becomes a herculean task for car buyers to zero in on the car that is just right for them.
Since buying a car is a big ticket investment, it is important that consumers get it right at the first go itself. If a pair of shoes you bought isn’t the right fit for you, you can get it exchanged, but there’s no exchange policy for a car, if you buy one that is simply not right for you. That is the reason why it is so important for you to book a test drive for it, drive it first hand and then decide.
WHAT IF I DO NOT BOOK A TEST DRIVE BEFORE BUYING THE CAR?
Many car buyers reason that reading up innumerable consumer reports, specs, features, pros, cons and first-person reviews of various cars over the internet is enough for them to make a decision, and it is not important to book a test drive for it. They are dead wrong. Car driving involves various things. One can only gauge the power of the acceleration, the comfort and safety features, the feel and noise level of the car, the smoothness and jerk-level, by taking the car for a spin; never just by reading up on it, never ever.
When you book a test drive for a car, you are able to grasp the nuances of driving it- whether you are comfortable, does the seat adjust to fit your particular frame, are the controls anthropometrically convenient- that is placed such that you can operate them without taking your eyes off the road, is the steering at a convenient height and angle for you to drive without getting a crick in your elbow, can you get in and out without hitting your head, is there enough leg-room, both in the front and at the back seats of the car- there are so many factors that become clearer only when you book a test drive, and try the cars you have short-listed.
SO, HOW DO I BOOK A TEST DRIVE?
Do all your research on the type of car and features you want, and narrow your list down to a select choice of cars. Then, call the car dealership and book a test drive for that particular car. When it comes to making the final choice, driving the car is a must. Don’t be shy to book a test drive for multiple cars, even if you’re subjected to cold vibes or feel pressurized by the freezing looks of the salesperson. A good sales executive will never ever deny you the privilege to book a test drive or hurry you through the process of selecting your preferred car.
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Dos and don’ts to remember when you book a test drive-
- Never go alone for a test drive. Book a test drive at a convenient time, and take someone along with you. Two is better than one, when it comes to understanding a car inside out.
- When you book a test drive, you should use the opportunity wisely. Take your time to understand the features the car delivers as against what you’re looking for.
- Take a test drive and try driving the car on diverse roads.
- Feel the car when you test drive; check the comfort, the ergonomics and the smoothness of use.
- Check the brakes, accelerator, steering, reverse gear, rear visibility, and all other controls for smoothness and ease of use. After all, that is why you book a test drive, in the first place.
- Listen to the sound of the car when it is on the road. Check for any unusual sounds or rattling noises.
- When you book a test drive, don’t forget to check the cargo area of the car. Gauge whether it has enough space for the needs of your family.
- Check out the gadgets and devices and the safety features- very important.
