Most of the people do not opt to test drive the brand new or used car before purchasing it. However, a comprehensive test drive is essential with the technology innovating and attributes in the new vehicles increasing.
According to reports, approximately 32% of car buyers are aware of the exact features they are looking for in a vehicle when they plan to buy a car. On the other hand, around 55% of individuals test drive only vehicles they want to purchase.
When buying a car, a test drive is a must-do task. A test drive is classically the last step before an individual purchases a vehicle.
However, test driving only one vehicle isn’t a good idea. The car franchises know that if you have stretched to the point where you have requested a test drive a car, you will more likely purchase the vehicle. In addition, they know that you have already investigated many different vehicle trims and prices. So you are not going into a test drive without concrete research.
The Massive Transformation That Occurs While Test Driving A Vehicle
You may not realize that the complete car purchasing game transforms when you reach a car franchise to buy a vehicle. On the other hand, you may need to look at customer reviews, dependability ratings, and resale prices.
Even though all these matter, however when you take the used vehicle for a test drive, you may ask yourself a few questions:
- Is this car worth the price you are getting?
- What is the condition of the actual vehicle you are planning to buy (both interior and exterior)?
- Does this car have a reasonable resale value?
- Are all the documents correct?
Tips For The Test Drive
Did you know that more than 16% of people avoid test driving cars for sale in Kenya before they purchase? However, here are a few tips for the test drive:
1. Plan A Meeting With The Car Franchise
It is recommended to schedule multiple appointments with several car dealers. As a result, this can help you drive various cars and give you a genuine excuse to consent to the dealership.
2. Do Your Homework Comprehensively
The fundamental question you need to ask is what type of car you are looking for. Which car can suit your lifestyle? For example, you may not look to buy a Lamborghini for your commute to work daily.
3. Make A List Of Dealers
It would be best to make a detailed list of the vehicles and attributes you are looking for. Then, you need to check several websites for customer reviews of the car. As a result, this will help you check the quality of the brand of vehicle you plan to buy.
4. Walk Around The Car
Whether you are looking to buy a brand new or a used car, checking for rust, scratches, and missing parts is recommended. Also, be wary that vehicles can be impaired during import and test driving.
5. Dedicate An Entire Day
It is recommended to take out an entire day for a test drive. On the other hand, it would be best to buy the vehicle the next day.
6. What Is The Fuel Average
Before buying a car, it is recommended to find out the fuel economy and other maintenance stuff the car needs. For example, does the car take premium gas or require special upkeep?
7. Make A Comprehensive Checklist
Conduct comprehensive research and make sure you make a comprehensive checklist of what to inquire from the car dealer before buying and while driving the car.
8. Check For The Comfort
The fundamental question is; Are you easily able to get inside and outside the car? Do you fit in the seats of the vehicle? Finally, take a look at your car and think about your body in the future. The sports car you may have selected look cute now, but will you feel the same about the car after five years?
9. Bring A Friend With You
As soon as you enter a car franchise, the salesman’s goal is to convince you to purchase the car. However, a friend will ensure that you stay focused and not buy a vehicle that is not worth it. Besides, bring some stuff to check how it feels with a passenger and cargo in your car.
10. Examine The Technology
Before buying a car, it is recommended to check if your phone’s Bluetooth can be paired with the car’s Bluetooth. Moreover, it would be best to check all the other technologies available in the vehicle.
11. Bring Photocopies Of Your Driving License & Other Documents
Most car dealerships will check your original driving license and keep a photocopy of your license when you take the car for a test drive. So, it would help to bring your license copy. Unfortunately, identity theft around cars is rising, so make sure you take the documents back from the car dealership after the test drive.
12. Test Drive The Vehicle
Suppose, if most of your travel is on the freeway or highway, then taking a test drive on the highway is recommended. Moreover, you must drive on uneven roads or tracks to ensure that the car rides perfectly.
Bonus Tips To Check Before The Test Drive
Once you have checked the interior and exterior of the cars for sale in Kenya and you are ready to take the test drive, you must check the following too:
- Check The Air Conditioner And Heater
- Test The Lights
- Check The Mechanical Features
- Load In Any Special Cargo
- Ask The Salesman For A Technology Tour
The Final Words
Once you have decided which cars for sale in Kenya you are looking for and have already taken a test drive, finding a suitable car dealer who can offer a reasonable price is recommended. However, comparing the car with its competitor would be best.