CHICAGO, May 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- During the summer
months, more Americans will shop for new and used cars than at any
other time during the year. So that car shoppers don't skimp
on one of the most vital pieces of the car-shopping process, the
editors at Cars.com have compiled important tips for taking a test
drive.
"The test drive can be the most important aspect of buying a new
or used car, but it's also one of the most overlooked," said
Joe Wiesenfelder, Cars.com executive
editor. "We want to ensure that shoppers don't let their
emotions get the best of them when they should be gathering the
important information they need to make the right purchase."
Cars.com advises shoppers to take test driving seriously and
consider the following tips when testing new and used vehicles:
- Explore the car fully before you drive; you cannot concentrate
on everything at once
- Make sure you are comfortable in the car; seat comfort and
overall confidence behind the wheel are important factors that can
determine your satisfaction
- Check the visibility in all directions
- Figure out whether the car fits your lifestyle and needs. For
example, can you install that child seat without trouble? Will your
bike fit in the trunk? Is there enough room in the cargo area for a
dog kennel?
- Judge if the car you are testing has the right options -
dealers may have more of the same vehicle but with different
options
- Do your research ahead of time so you are prepared when you
come to the dealership
- Make sure the car's features and technology meets your needs.
Can you reach all buttons and knobs? Are the car's features easy to
understand and use?
When testing a used vehicle:
- Check for any unusual or bad smells, sounds and sights
- Write down anything that seems damaged or suspicious and refer
to the list before purchasing
- Bring a second person along to act as an additional set of eyes
and ears
- Bring the car to a trained mechanic for inspection; if the
seller doesn't allow this, walk away
- If you are not allowed to test drive the vehicle, walk away and
consider a different seller
"No matter how sure you are that a car is perfect, everyone
should still take a test drive," said Wiesenfelder. "This is your
chance to size up the car when it's stationary, and to drive it
like you plan to every day."
ABOUT CARS.COM
Founded in 1998, Cars.com is an award-winning online
destination for car shoppers that offers information from consumers
and experts to help buyers formulate opinions on what to buy, where
to buy and how much to pay for a car. Cars.com is a division of
Classified Ventures LLC, which is owned by leading media companies,
including A.H. Belo (NYSE: AHC),
Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI), The McClatchy Company (NYSE: MNI),
Tribune Company and The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO).
SOURCE Cars.com