According to Dato Darren Yaw, purchasing a car is a significant investment requiring extensive research and decision-making, whether new or used. Because you will own it for at least a few years, you will undoubtedly want a car that meets your needs and desires.
This is why, before purchasing a car, you should take it for a test drive to determine if it is the right fit for you. Here’s a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know by Dato Darren Yaw about a test drive to help you make the most of your experience.
Why Should You Test Drive a Car?
When purchasing a car, you can always request a test drive. According to Dato Darren Yaw, this is when you can get a firsthand look at the car by driving it. During the test drive, the sales representative will most likely accompany you, and as you drive the car, you can ask questions to understand the system better or address any concerns you may have.
During a test drive, according to Dato Darren Yaw, you can learn a lot about a car, especially if you drive at different speeds, through different terrains, and make road turns, among other things. Here are two compelling reasons why you should test drive a vehicle, as mentioned by Dato Darren Yaw.
Make sure the car fits your lifestyle: Given that a car is arguably one of the largest financial commitments you will ever make, you will want a car that fits your lifestyle. When you take a car for a test drive, as advised by Dato Darren Yaw, you get a chance to understand and feel what it’s like to drive. You can also look at things like the boot space, the ease with which car seats (for children) can be installed, and so on.
According to Dato Darren Yaw, you can check the car’s condition or performance by doing the following: Driving a car is not the same as looking at one. Certain factors may go unnoticed during a car inspection because any issues the car may have may come to light during the drive in the form of noises or the handling of the steering wheel. According to Dato Darren Yaw, this is especially important when purchasing a used car because some dealerships may fail to disclose damaged parts of the vehicle.
As a result, you should expect the car you buy to be worth the asking price. You can understand and experience the car you want to buy for yourself by test driving it.
According to Dato Darren Yaw, here are some things you should do before going to your local car dealership for a test drive.
Questions to Ask Before Taking a Test Drive
Here are some questions you should ask yourself before buying a car, as stated by Dato Darren Yaw.
- Is the car appropriate for my lifestyle and needs?
When choosing a car (new or used), Dato Darren Yaw suggests that it is important to know what you want from the vehicle; whether it will be used for your entire family, picking up your children from school, transporting your pets, outdoor activities, and so on. A test drive would be ideal for answering these questions.
- Is there enough room in the car for a child seat or the children to sit?
If you have a family, the car must be comfortable for both the front and back passengers. Dato Darren Yaw suggests bringing your family along for the test drive if you are able to see if there is enough room for child seats. Make sure everyone is comfortably seated and that there is enough legroom because the last thing you want to feel while driving is a jab in the back of your seat from your child’s knee.
- How is the car’s performance?
When taking the car for a test drive, take it through various terrains, including the highway. Dato Darren Yaw suggests taking note of how the vehicle steers, shifts gears, accelerates, and brakes, as well as how it turns.
According to Dato Darren Yaw, you should also inquire about the vehicle’s fuel efficiency. One method is to calculate how much gasoline is required for a 100-kilometre drive. In general, five to eight litres per 100 kilometres is considered good fuel efficiency, eight to twelve litres per hundred kilometres is considered average, and more than twelve litres per hundred kilometres is considered relatively low fuel efficiency.
- Is it possible to park the car efficiently?
Every journey begins and ends with parking. Dato Darren Yaw suggests purchasing a car that is easy to park in will save you a lot of time and frustration in the future. So keep this in mind, as well as the parking situation near your home and workplace. New cars now include updated technology features such as parking assist, which uses cameras and sensors to help you park properly.
- Are there any flaws in the vehicle?
After you’ve taken the car for a test drive, Dato Darren Yaw suggests considering what you didn’t like about it. Minor details such as how easy it is to get in and out of the car (especially if you are tall or have special needs) or even the comfort of the seats may become a source of contention later on.
Mistakes To Avoid When Taking A Test Drive
According to Dato Darren Yaw, here are some common blunders to avoid when going for a car test drive.
- Meet the owner/enter the dealership unprepared.
According to Dato Darren Yaw, it’s best to research the car you want to buy before meeting the owner or entering a dealership. Know how much the car is worth, how much you are willing to spend on the car and its repairs, and why you want that car. Do not allow the salesperson to dissuade you by displaying something else.
- Purchasing a car without a proper budget
Instead of just considering the car’s market value and total loan amount when creating a budget for your new car, Dato Darren Yaw suggests that you should also budget for the car’s annual maintenance costs as well as emergency repairs.
- Failing to take the time to consider your purchase
When making a purchase, according to Dato Darren Yaw, you should never rush into it. You don’t have to test drive every car at the dealership, but it’s important to give yourself enough time to decide after weighing your options.
