Seven keys to focus on when comparing
vehicles
A lot of models look
similar on paper or on the Web, but differences can be dramatic from the
driver’s seat. What’s why the test drive is the moment of truth, your best
chance to see how a vehicle measures up and how well it “fits” you and your
family. Surprisingly, many people skip this step or give it a short-shrift.
That’s a mistake that can lead to buyer remorse down the road.
What’s why the test drive is the moment
of truth, your best chance to see how a vehicle measures up and how well it
“fits” you and your family?
Plan a day just to
test drive any car on your list, but don’t get into price negotiations. Tell
the sales-person you’re there only to drive and compare cars, and you’ll decide
which to buy later. This should reduce the sales pressure.
1. Driving position
Climb into the
driver’s seat and adjust the seat and steering wheel so they natural. Most
steering wheels adjust up and down; a telescoping design also lets you move the
wheel in and out. Your body should be at least 10 inches away from the wheel so
the air bag has room to deploy if necessary, and you should be able to easily
reach the pedals. If the pedals can also be adjusted, that’s a plus. You should
be able to see all gauges clearly all the controls without taking your eyes off
of the road for more than an instant.
2. Seat comfort
No matter how good a
car is, an uncomfortable seat will quickly spoil your driving experience. It
should fit your body’s contours and support you from the thighs to the
shoulders without any voids. Adjust the lumbar support, if available, and set
the head restraint so its top is no lower than the top of your ears. The seat
shouldn’t push awkwardly into your back and the head restraint shouldn’t
prevent you from comfortably settling back. Also, check that you can reach the
safety belt easily and that if feels comfortable in use.
Next, are the rear
seats roomy enough for adults? Is the center position usable? If there’s a
third-row seat, see how easy is it to climb back there and how comfortable (or
claustrophobic) it feels when you do?
If you tote around
small children, take along any child seats you use, to see if they are easy to
install securely. And even if they fit well, the LATCH anchors could be hard to
access or use.
3. Try it out on the road
To get a good feel for
a car, spend at least 30 minutes driving it on the types of roads that you
normally use. It’s better to plan your own route, since the salesperson may
direct you along one that only shows off the car’s best qualities. And include
some rough, poorly paved surfaces if you can, as they reveal a lot about a
car’s suspension tuning.
What to
look for
As you drive, focus on
the car’s various aspects. Is the ride soft, stiff, or in-between? Does the
suspension isolate you from the road or do you feel every bump and ripple? It
should feel tight and controlled over bumps, but not harsh.
How does the engine
feel when accelerating from a stop? Can you merge safety into freeway traffic?
Feel how the car
responds when you depress the brake pedal, both softly and with more force. The
brakes should be responsive without being too jerky, and it should be easy to
get jerky, and it should be easy to get jerky, and it should be easy to get just
the right amount of stopping power.
Does the car track
well when driving straight ahead on the highway or do you need to make small,
continual corrections with the steering wheel? Does it respond well to quick
steering maneuvers? You should get good feedback through the steering wheel
about what the car is doing on the road; some steering systems feel numb and
disconnected from the wheels.
How quiet is the cabin
with the windows closed, especially at highway speeds? How does the engine
sound when you accelerate? Is there excessive road or wind noise?
4. Controls & electronics
Today’s cars are
increasingly loaded with sophisticated, navigation, infotainment, and
climate-control systems. But their controls can be complicated and distracting
to use while driving. Try performing some common tasks, such as changing the
radio volume, tuning in a station, storing a preset, and changing the climate
settings. If necessary, have the salesperson give you a run-through on how to
navigate the systems.
Bring along a CD to
judge the quality of the audio system. And note if the car lets you play your
own music via an auxiliary or iPod input, USB port, Bluetooth connection, or
internal hard drive. If so, are the connections and 12-volt power outlets
conveniently located? If the only power outlet is located in the center
console, for example, it can make it difficult to plug in a GPS navigation
device or smart phone that’s mounted to the windshield
With some new
infotainment systems, you can operate apps by connecting the system to a smart
phone via Bluetooth. If available, try this out and make sure it works with
your phone. But avoid using apps that take your eyes off of the road while
driving.
5. Visibility
Being able to see
around the vehicle clearly is crucial for overall safety and for navigating in
parking lots and other tight spots. But the styling of many of today’s models-
with small rear windows and large roof pillars- can make this difficult and
create dangerous blind spots.
Focus on how well you
can see in all directions, including through the mirrors. Can you clearly see
out of the rear window? When stopped at a traffic light, can you easily see
overhead signals? Is there a blind-spot detection system, and does it help you
when changing lanes? Check if your kids can easily see out of the rear windows.
If not, it could lead to boredom and complaining.
Finally, try backing
up. Is it easy to judge where the corners of the car are? If there’s a back-up
camera, is it easy to see the area behind the vehicle?
6. Storage and cargo space
Does the vehicle have
adequate room for the stuff you’ll be carrying? Check out the size of the glove
box and center console. Is there storage for small items within easy reach of
the driver’s seat? Will the cup-holders securely handle different sized drinks?
And once drinks are in place, do they block controls or air vents?
Is the
trunk or rear cargo area large enough?
And can it be expanded
by folding down the rear seats? The most versatile designs have split seats
that allow either side to fold separately. Some cars have a flat-folding front
passenger seat that lets you carry extra-long items. Check the trunk hinges:
the type that swing down into the cargo area can damage luggage or items
beneath them
7. Night driving
It’s always best to
inspect a car in daylight. But if you become serious about buying it, you
should also try to test drive it at night. That’s the only way you’ll be able
to see how the head-lights perform, whether the controls and gauges are easy to
identify and use in the dark, and whether there are any annoying reflections in
the windshield.
