Test drives

[Angelinus]

I've never actually chosen a car for myself as both have been gifts. Now I am looking around for something new and am wondering what happens on a test drive. How far do you usually go? Do you make sure you get to try out the car at various speeds?

 

[jason]

I beat the car up. Test the breaks, how fast they will stop, how tight of a turn I can make, how fast it will go from start. Beat it up.

 

[MustangSally]

On a test drive, you want to find out what the car can do and if there are any problems that you can find. Do what jason does and really give the car a test! Drive it on open roads, as well as side roads, and test everything you can.

 

[Angelinus]

I beat the car up. Test the breaks, how fast they will stop, how tight of a turn I can make, how fast it will go from start. Beat it up.

:smile: You do this while the owner is out with you? I guess if they start screaming that you shouldn't do a particular thing then you get the red flag!

 

[jason]

I let them know before I do anything. I may have phrased it better, but I do not constantly squeal the tires, or do break checks. But I do put a car through its paces. I am not going to "granny" drive it just to buy it and find out it cannot get into traffic.

 

[Gomera]

If you are buying from an individual, then yes, you need to do a solid test drive of different situations. More so, you need to get it checked by a mechanic. If you're buying from a dealer, the test drive scenario is a lot calmer.

 

[HondaMan]

I think it depends on what you're looking for. If you want something powerful, like Jason, you'd want to put the car through it's paces. But if fuel economy is your thing, then running it like you're in a race isn't going to prove a lot.