How To Get The Most Out Of Your Test Drive

Planning A Test Drive? Get The Most Out Of It

We want all our customers to have a great car buying experience with us. We’re committed to competitive pricing and excellent customer service and want to build a great relationship with you from the minute you walk in the door.

Whether you’re buying a new or used car, we want to make sure you get the right car that fits your needs and lifestyle. Before you purchase a car, one important step is the test drive. That is your opportunity to get a feel for the car, how it drives, where the blind spots are at, how low – or high – it sits off the ground, where the buttons to turn features on and off are located, etc. The test drive is your chance to decide if that car is really for you. Test driving can sometimes be nerve-wracking.

We know that most people consider the purchase of a vehicle to be an important decision, but most of the time that decision is based on a 15- or 20-minute test drive of a vehicle. We want to make sure you get the most out of that experience so you don’t purchase the wrong vehicle and regret it later. To help, we want to share some tips and advice on how to get the most out of your next test drive.

Select The Right Vehicle

The first step is to educate yourself before you even visit our dealership. Have a good idea of how much money you want to spend, what type of vehicle you’re looking for and what options you would like. Think about your current vehicle and the things you like about it and the things you don’t. Whether you’re looking for a mini-van or compact sedan, new or used, Neil Huffman Honda of Frankfort has a great selection, and our online inventory and car payment calculator tool can help you find the right car with the right features at the right price for you.

Once you’ve selected a vehicle (or a few vehicles) that you are interested in, you can use our other online services to get more information. For instance, you can get pre-approved for financing and even make an appointment to come in for your test drive. When going for a test drive, allow yourself plenty of time — and to reduce any pressure, avoid weekends if you can. (The weekends are our busiest time for walk-ins and our sales staff would prefer to give you our undivided attention when you go for your test drive.)

Get Prepared For The Test Drive

When you do come in, be prepared. It’s a good idea to bring a friend to help you look at the car, take notes, ride in it with you, and share any thoughts or opinions they may have. If you have children, try to bring their car seats so you can check out how easy or difficult it is to put them in and take them out. If possible, though, leave the children at home so you can devote your full attention to the task at hand.

Bring Documentation

Be sure to bring your driver license and proof of insurance the day of your test drive — our own insurance won’t let you drive our cars without them. Also bring your phone and other items you typically carry with you in your vehicle so you can see how everything fits and stores in your potential new vehicle.

Get To Know The Car And How It Drives

Before you start your test drive, spend a few minutes getting to know the car. Take a walk around it and look for scratches, door dings or other damage. Even with a new car, vehicles can be damaged during shipping or by hurried porters. If you see a major blemish, point it out to the salesperson and have your friend take a note. Be sure to ask our sales professional to show you some of the features on the vehicle and how they work before you get behind the wheel.

Feel free to go ahead and pair your phone with the Bluetooth, work the air conditioning controls, roll down the windows – try out the features! Make sure all the normal functions are working properly and it’s easy for you to adjust the radio or turn the headlights and windshield wipers on. Make sure the seat adjusts to a comfortable driving position and that you can see out the windshield and fully around the car in that position.

Once you are ready to drive the car, ask your friend to sit in the back so they can check out the legroom, headroom, noise and other impressions. Take the vehicle through a variety of roads and driving conditions. If you have a long daily highway commute, get out on the open road. Drive over a railroad crossing or bumpy road to check out the ride. Take a curvy road to check out the handling. Listen for excessive wind noise, squeaks, rattles, or tire howl, and see how loud you need to turn up the radio to hear your favorite podcast. Make sure the steering and braking are predictable and it accelerates without any hesitation. Listen for the transmission to shift gears smoothly and without delay.

If anything seems like it needs repair or attention, ask your friend to jot it down and bring it to the salesperson’s attention.

What Did You Think?

When you return to the dealership, our salesperson will ask you what you think. Be honest. This is a good time to ask any questions you may have about the vehicle and give your honest feedback about the vehicle. If the car isn’t right or isn’t a good fit for you, we don’t want to sell it to you. But if you did like it, this is the time to talk about the deal and find out your trade-in and financing options. But don’t feel pressured to “sign” that day, simply tell us you need a day or two to think about it or discuss it with your friend or significant other.

Take your time. We’re not in a hurry — and you shouldn’t be either. We understand that buying a new car is an important decision, and we won’t pressure you. Plus, you can buy with confidence at Neil Huffman Honda of Frankfort where you get a 110% Price Protection Guarantee and our Seven Day Like it or Exchange It Program, plus two years’ of complimentary Factory Service with the purchase of any new Honda.

So stop on in to our dealership in Frankfort! We look forward to taking you on a test drive soon.

 

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