Test Drive Tips from Lawton Kia

Test driving a potential vehicle is usually both exciting and a bit intimidating. But, if you know the tricks of the trade, that intimidation factor goes down substantially. Who better to give you tips to test drive cars than your favorite local car dealership?

Here are 7 Test Drive Tips from our Dealership

If you have more tips to add to our list, send us a message!

1. Know what to expect on price, features and abilities

You should look around online before your test drive, and know what the vehicle you’re about to drive. Knowing the features offered on that model will make you aware if anything is broken or missing. Also, knowing the price helps you not waste time on cars that are out of your budget when scheduling a test drive.

 

2. Schedule the test drive.

Don’t just show up to the dealership if you can help it. Having an appointment can be a major time saver because any good dealership, like Lawton Kia, will have everything prepared for your test drive when you walk in the door, as long as you scheduled in advance. Plus, this will give the dealership time to see if there are any comparable models in your price range that you should consider.

 

3. Bring a companion.

Having a test drive sidekick can really help when you are looking around. This person can be an extra set of eyes for any dings, dents or flaws on the vehicle. He or she can also take some of the pressure off of you when it comes to the small talk during the test drive, that way you can fully focus on what the car is trying to tell you.

 

4. Always make yourself at home in the vehicle.

This doesn’t mean carry around all of the random stuff that winds up in your car, but it does mean make the car comfortable. Get in, adjust the seat, mirrors and AC. Turn on the radio, see what the navigation panel is like, get a feel for the interior. It’s important that you don’t allow yourself to be rushed while checking out the vehicle.

 

5. Don’t listen to the radio while driving.

The problems you DO NOT want after a car purchase are engine problems. They’re expensive and troublesome. That’s why when you’re driving the car, listen for abnormalities in the sounds the car makes while you are accelerating, stopping and idling. Listening to the car is an important part of every test drive.

 

6. Check the tires, always.

Tires are often forgotten when a car is being taken for a test drive, but they shouldn’t be. Tires are a part of the car that can be negotiated. If they look bald, they are losing air, or look flat, bring that up to the dealership. They should take responsibility for the merchandise they are selling you.

 

7. Go to the right place.

Not all dealerships are created equal. Make sure you are going to a dealership that has not only an excellent selection of inventory, but also a top of the line sales staff, finance department and service center. Having all of these services available to you will make your car buying experience that much better. Lawton Kia has all of these things and we would love to help you into your next new or used car, truck or SUV.

Good luck car shoppers, and we hope to see you soon!

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