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Test Drive Tips
Check the boot space
Walk around the back of the car (unless the boot is up the front, of course!) and have a look inside. Is there enought space for the stuff you will need to carry there? Anything from prams to golf bags, or naughty kids (just kidding - that would be illegal!!)
Is safety important?
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?
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.
Noise and sound
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.
