{"id":10336,"date":"2020-01-31T05:04:19","date_gmt":"2020-01-30T19:04:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.privatefleet.com.au\/blog\/?p=10336"},"modified":"2020-06-20T00:00:13","modified_gmt":"2020-06-19T14:00:13","slug":"what-to-look-for-during-a-test-drive","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.privatefleet.com.au\/blog\/buy-new-car\/what-to-look-for-during-a-test-drive\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Look For During a Test Drive"},"content":{"rendered":"

When we jump behind the wheel of a car we\u2019re familiar with, we often take for granted the number of things that contribute to our driving experience. In part, this is because we become familiar with all the facets everything that makes it run like clockwork.<\/p>\n

But what about when we are\u00a0shopping for a new car<\/a>? A new vehicle is a completely difference experience, after all. As is often the case, we start to notice subtle differences – ones that may even shape our purchasing decision. With this in mind, as you start drawing up your shortlist of cars to check out, here are some of the key things to look for during a test drive.<\/p>\n

<\/h2>\n

\"IMG_3496bfree\"<\/p>\n

Features and\u00a0amenities<\/h2>\n

Decide which features you need in a vehicle, and distinguish them from those considered\u00a0\u2018luxuries\u2019<\/em>. For example, you may wish to evaluate the importance of the vehicle\u2019s: drive system, fuel system, climate control, upholstery, entertainment system, aesthetics, paintjob, airbags, GPS, cameras and sensors, as well as the inclusion of other safety-focused technology.<\/p>\n

Depending on your needs, prioritise and rank these amenities in order of importance so that you are prepared to compromise on something if need be. You’ll get a better idea as to which features matter most from your commute around town,\u00a0but also think ahead as to what driving conditions you will encounter most of the time in your day-to-day driving.<\/p>\n

<\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ride quality and feel<\/h2>\n

It\u2019s standard procedure for test drives to last a short period of time. While certainly better than nothing, this often falls short of providing an adequate\u00a0\u2018feel\u2019<\/em>\u00a0for the vehicle. As such, try asking for a lengthened trial, where you might be able to experience the vehicle in different weather conditions, and to assess whether it fits in your garage. Some dealers will even let you borrow the car for a weekend, but this is subject to availability and certain conditions.<\/p>\n

Importantly, take the vehicle on roads that you would normally travel on. Not only does this familiarity help lower the chance of becoming distracted, it will assist you in making an informed and balanced assessment on the vehicle\u2019s handling and ride comfort.<\/p>\n

As part of the test, try operate the vehicle under differing road conditions \u2013 light traffic, heavy traffic, on a freeway, roundabouts, and sharp corners. Meanwhile, put climate control and other technologies through their paces \u2013 this is an area where some vehicles still encounter teething issues, and there are few things more frustrating in a vehicle than a GPS system which doesn\u2019t recognise your voice!<\/p>\n

\"pexels-photo-46277\"<\/p>\n

Some of the key things you’ll want to look out for include:<\/p>\n