We have no association with Booths Proton selling Proton in North Gosford and in no way represent them.
Test driving
Check the boot space
Is there enought space for the stuff you will need to carry there? People do buy cars and completely forget to check that their baby pram or a stroller will fit. If you are not 100 percent sure, you should take it with you and try. Imagine the expense and/or embarrassment if you take delivery of a car with not enough room!
Safety considerations
How Safe Is Your Car will give an indication of how most cars rate in crash tests. It also covers ESC. ESC is short for Electronic Stability Control, a new safety technology that helps drivers to avoid crashes by reducing the danger of skidding.
How does it handle?
Does the vehicle give you a comfortable ride? Will you be happy with the feel? Make sure you test the vehicle over small bumps to feel how soft or firm it feels through the seat and the wheels. Very stiff suspension can result in significant body fatigue when you have to travel longer distances.
Automatic transmissions should be tested up hills to assess the response to kick down. Try pushing the throttle and check for passing power at low speed and well as highway speed. How does it respond at 60klms when compared to 90klms?
Noise and sound
Road and wind noise can affect your ability to hear others in the car when you have conversations. Turn the radio off when you get into the vehicle. Around suburban streets, most cars will sound quiet but what is the engine and wind noise like on the highway or freeway? The best way for most people to check this is by way of comparing. Have a conversation at freeway speed and compare it to your existing car, or a competitor to the car you are testing.
Remember to turn the radio on again at some point before end of the drive to check the quality of the sound. A lot of people like to bring their favourite CD and hear how it sounds in different cars
