Test driving a car gives you the opportunity to assess its performance and feel before committing to a purchase. When you first arrive to test drive the car, there are a few things our team at Bob-Boyd Lincoln, Inc. in Columbus, OH thinks you’ll want to inspect.
Check out the paint job and see how it stands up to the sunlight. Test the brakes by depressing them several times, take note of any unusual sounds or smells coming from the vehicle, and examine its interior and exterior for damage or wear.
Once everything looks in order, it’s time to take the car out for a spin. Drive it on multiple surfaces — pavement, gravel, and grass — to really get a sense of how it handles in different conditions. This will give you an idea of its acceleration and braking capabilities as well as its maneuverability when navigating sharp turns.
During the ride, take note of any vibrations or rattles that could indicate a mechanical issue. Pay attention to how much road noise you can hear while driving — if there’s too much, it might be an indication that the car isn’t as soundproof as you would like.