Getting the Most Out of Your Test Drive

 

The test drive is one of the most exciting parts of purchasing a new vehicle. There are some things no amount of research can convey. When buyers come to Velocity Mazda, they tend to fall in love with their new car pretty quickly. We cover the research process in our Ultimate East Texas Car Buying Guide Part 1 and Part 2. Here are suggestions for when you get to our dealership.

Sit In Your Current Vehicle

Take some notes about what you like and what you wish you could change. Check out the following:

• What cords do you normally need to plug in? Is that working or are there things you wish you could change?
• What technology do you use regularly? Do you pair your phone with the vehicle? What navigation and entertainment options do you use most or wish you had? Where do you keep your sunglasses?
• How comfortable are you when you sit in the driver’s seat? Does your neck or back ache on long drives?
• What beverages do you typically take? Do you have enough room for them? Does your favorite mug fit in a standard cupholder?
• What else rides with you? What kind of space do you need for purses, backpacks, passengers and equipment?
• What screen illumination are you currently using? Do you get music from radio, satellite or an external device?

Test Drive Early

People are afraid once they test drive a car their emotions will take over. They fear they’ll fall in love and make bad or hasty financial decisions. When you test drive a Mazda, you probably will be amazed by what a great experience it is, but we aren’t going to push you into a sale.

Online research into features, pricing and fuel economy is helpful, but you just have to experience a car to know if it’s really the one for you. Visit our dealership when you’re in the consideration stage so you can weed out cars that are too large or small and figure out what trim best meets your needs. We’ll let you take time to think it over, find your best financing and come back when you’re ready.

Schedule Weekday Test Drives

All car dealerships are busier on weekends. If you can get away during the week, you avoid the crowds and there’s less likely to be someone else test driving the car you’re interested in.

However, if you try and squeeze in a test drive over your lunch break you’ll miss important details and forget some of your most pressing questions. Allow yourself plenty of time to do the following:

• Explore the interior. See if everything will fit. Evaluate comfort, climate control and technology.
• Mimic your daily driving. Don’t just drive to the next stoplight on Loop 323 and bring the car back. If you shop, drive it to the Broadway Square Mall. If you have a long commute, find an open road. If you do a lot of night driving, ask to borrow the car to see how you feel about it after dark.
• Talk to your salesman. If cruise control, back-up cameras, 12-volt power outlets or Bluetooth audio streaming are important to you, ask him or her to show you models with everything you want.
• Evaluate driving. How do you feel about the way the vehicle brakes? Is the instrumentation easy to read? Does the car feel like an extension of yourself during acceleration and turns?

Velocity Mazda has a full 2018 Mazda lineup and Mazda certified pre-owned vehicles. Whether you’re just starting your car buying journey or ready to take a Mazda home today, stop in for a test drive. View our hours and directions online.

 

Sources:

http://www.sheknows.com/living/articles/985605/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-a-test-drive

https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/best-cars-blog/2016/03/7-must-read-tips-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-test-drive

https://mashable.com/2016/08/08/test-driving-cars-tips/#sCHTUoplvkq8

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