Regardless of how you locate it, sooner or later you'll come face-to-face with your potential new ride. If you're not used to driving with a critical eye, ear and backside, take a knowledgeable friend who is. Although many of the following questions may seem too obvious to mention, they're easy to forget when you're caught up in the buying process. Keep a cool head, ask a lot of questions, and don't be shy.
Keep the big picture in mind when you evaluate any vehicle. In other words, a sport/utility vehicle will not drive with the same prowess as a sports car. Likewise, a sports car will ride more firmly than a luxury car. Sometimes, what you thought you wanted or expected from a vehicle might be completely contrary to how the vehicle feels to drive.
Remember to compare apples-to-apples and try to drive a "benchmark" vehicle in whatever category you've selected. A good gauge for an appropriate benchmark vehicle would be a Motor Trend comparison test winner in the vehicle segment you are targeting.
Before you start the car, try opening each door and the trunk. Imagine loading groceries, heavy or bulky items such as luggage, even bicycles and sporting equipment where appropriate. How accessible is the spare tire? Inspect the entire interior and sit in all the seats. Could you imagine sitting in the back seat for a long drive? Does this matter to you at all? Will your passengers or children fit?
Finally, put yourself in the driver's seat and adjust the seat, steering wheel, and all mirrors to comfort. How well do your body and the seat fit together? Is the seat too firm, too soft, or just right? Take a look around: Are there dangerous blind spots in your field of vision? Can you detect where the edges of the vehicle are? Before you begin driving, test all interior features: heater/air conditioner, stereo, all power accessories, windows, headlights, turn signals, sun visors and emergency brake. Do you like where everything is located? Do you find anything particularly annoying, out of place, or just plain uncomfortable? How easily can you read the speedometer and other dashboard information? Are there enough power points, cup holders and cubby holes for all your stuff? Now, reach back, locate the seat belt, and put it on. How difficult or easy was that? Would it annoy you after a day, a month, a year? (As we've said before, a good place to do some of this is at a consumer auto show, where no sales people and no sales pressure are present.)
Cars abound with amazing - and sometimes annoying - technological features, depending on your preference and perspective. Not all equipment works the same way in every car. Make sure you pay particular attention to (and ask questions regarding) such features as navigation systems, Bluetooth connectivity, rear entertainment players, or the multimedia interface for the sound system. Many features are good, while others are not at all intuitive and may prove to be too difficult to operate.
Go for a drive. Relax at first and get used to the vehicle. Allow your salesperson to demonstrate the key features, but do all serious test-driving yourself. Pick a familiar route, one that encompasses a variety of different environments and allows proper evaluation of the vehicle's various dynamic qualities. During this outing, pay special attention to the basic control layout and driving position. Keep the radio turned off and conversation to a minimum.
Does the engine rev smoothly, quietly, predictably? Should it, or is auditory feedback part of the vehicle's personality? Do the tires make noise? Should they? (Don't take the salesperson's word for it.) Does the clutch engage properly or does it feel like a torture device from a health club? Try it on a hill: Are the pedals located appropriately for you to operate them easily? Try all the gears and test the overdrive. Is the shifter easy to operate? How does the acceleration compare to what you're used to or what you expected? Make several turns: Does the steering have an appropriate level of feedback or is it over- or under-boosted for your taste? Is it easy to maintain your lane in traffic?
In a safe area, brake very hard several times: Does the anti-lock brake system work? Do the brakes fade or remain predictable? In a large parking lot, make two tight, 360-degree turns in each direction: How does the turning radius compare with what you're use to driving? If possible and safe, simulate an emergency maneuver: Was the vehicle predictable and easy to handle?
Return the car, but don't shut it off yet. While it's in park with the emergency brake set, get out and listen to the car idling: Is it relatively quiet and smooth? Does it have a satisfying exhaust note? Shut the car off and make some underhood inspections. Check the fluids, paying special attention to where to check and fill the oil. Could you do this wearing your best clothes?
Try the passenger seats. How is ingress/egress? Does the door open wide enough? Is there adequate footwell space? In coupes, does the front seat slide forward far enough? Is there adequate room for the rider behind the driver's seat when it is set for your comfort? Judge leg, head, and shoulder space. Would three passengers fit comfortably side-by-side? In minivans, remove the seats to judge weight and difficulty, and also to evaluate the load floor. How flexible is the interior? Would this satisfy the bulk of your cargo-toting needs?
If the car is a serious contender, and before making the final transaction, ask if you can take the car for another test drive at night. How well do the headlamps, fog lamps and interior lights work? Better yet, ask if there is an overnight loan policy to see how well the car fits in your garage, driveway or carport.
The rest is up to you and your road-test-minded friend. Everyone has a different way of negotiating - some love this part, others hate it. Don't feel pressured if you want to continue looking around and don't be afraid to say so. Continuing your search will either yield an even more suitable vehicle or it will confirm your decision. You've got nothing to lose. Good luck, and happy hunting.
