We have no association with Geissler Motors selling Holden in Goulburn and in no way represent them.
Test Drive Tips
Pull the boot opener
Make sure you can fit your stuff! It is important you remember to check the luggage space. It sounds unbelievable, but people do buy cars and completely forget to check that their golf bag(s) and/or buggies will actually fit.
Safety considerations
Possibly the most important advance in safety since the introduction of seatbelts is ESC. ESC is short for Electronic Stability Control, a new safety technology that helps drivers to avoid crashes by reducing the danger of skidding. ESC reduces the risk of a single vehicle crash by more than 40%. Not all new cars are fitted with ESC. FCAI provides a list of those that do and those that don't. Make an informed choice!
How does it handle?
See how the car handles when you push it a little around corners. Oversteer or understeer is usually the result (unless it comes with Electronic Stability Control). It’s better to know how it handles before you buy – especially if you are used to a car that reacts in a certain way and you feel comfortable handling it. Does the front end dip excessively under a hard stop? Try a couple of times. If the vehicle has ABS you will feel some pulsing. Brake hard while turning, and the system will kick in. If the pulsing is pronounced the ABS system may not be quite as good as it should be.
Sound and noise
Road and wind noise can be annoying - especially if you do a lot of driving. Turn the radio off when you get into the car. 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 to your existing car, or a competitor to the car you are testing.
Remember to switch the radio on again at some point to check the quality of the sound. Many people like to bring their favourite CD and compare how it sounds in different cars.
