Crain's Detroit Business - 2010 North American International Auto Show - (Page 35)

Test-driving Get the most from your test-drive By Bill Visnic I f you’re like many new-car buyers, you’re probably not exactly sure which model you want to buy. But one thing you must always do before buying any new vehicle: drive it. But save yourself some time and hassle. Here are tips on how to get the most out of a test-drive: 1. Narrow the field. Don’t wake up next Saturday and decide it’s time to test-drive some new models. Make sure you have some ideas about what kind of vehicle you want (or need) by researching online or printed resources. Once you’ve figured out which vehicles could work, make choices based on your priorities. Maybe a small crossover, for example, would be more useful for your lifestyle than a midsize sedan. Or maybe your main concern is having the hippest styling or better fuel economy. Whatever the case, narrowing the field has two big benefits. It forces you to think about the things you most want from your new vehicle before you head to the showroom, and knowing what you’re shopping for eliminates unneeded test-drives. 2. Don’t overdo it. Unless you’re absolutely sure about what new vehicle you want to buy, you’ve probably got a halfdozen candidates. Don’t try to test-drive them all in one day. Apart from the time factor, if you try to test too many vehicles in the same day, you’ll forget details about each. Limit your test-drive day to no more than two vehicles in the morning and two in the afternoon. Have down time between your sessions to reflect on each vehicle and what the dealers and salespeople said. Of course, don’t rush the test-drive itself. Don’t plan a cross-country jaunt, but don’t let anybody hurry you, either. 3. Make sure it fits. Before you ever leave the dealer’s parking lot, make sure you can get comfortable not only in the driver’s seat, but in all the other seats, too. Get somewhat familiar with the major controls, and fiddle with the secondary stuff, too, such as climate control and audio systems. You’ve probably heard complaints from somebody who bought a new vehicle but ended up hating the driving position or finding out there’s not enough headroom or legroom. Some things, such as long-trip seat comfort, can’t be determined from a half-hour test-drive, but the basics — whether the driving position can be adjusted to your preferences, whether the controls are awkward or the back seat’s too cramped — should be apparent if you spend some time in the car before you ever start the test-drive. 4. Make sure it’s actually a test-drive. Be firm about this. Driving around the block or down the highway and back is not really a testdrive. You should try to experience the vehicle in a variety of settings and driving conditions, from highway merging to neighborhood dawdling. Find some cruddy roads to check the ride on bad surfaces. You should ensure you get enough driving in to get an idea about the basics: how the car accelerates, steers, handles, rides and stops. After all this, be realistic — even if the car is one of your first choices. If you can’t get comfortable or you’re not satisfied with how it performs any of the basic maneuvers, you’re certain to be less happy after a year or three of ownership. Then, move on to the next choice on your list. 2010 North American International Auto Show

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Crain's Detroit Business - 2010 North American International Auto Show

Crain's Detroiot Business - 2010 North American International Auto Show
Table of Contents
Overview
Buyers Guide
Small Car Design
Alternative Movement
EcoXperience
Test-Driving
Technology
Poster Contest
Unveilings
Sponsors

Crain's Detroit Business - 2010 North American International Auto Show