If you already know what car you want, then go and buy it because there has never been a better time to buy a car!  If you don’t know what car you want, then get ready to test drive a few cars.  Test driving a car is much more important for finding the car that is right for you, rather than checking out a car to make sure it’s in good mechanical condition.  Besides, if you follow my advice, you’ll have a warranty and it will have already been inspected by a professional.

I’m a car nut, so test driving a car is like going to a movie for me.  It’s fun and comfortable.  For most people, keeping track of all the things you should consider when driving a car is hard.  To help you out, here’s a list of considerations you won’t want to forget AND (drum roll please) I attached a checklist to this post that you can print out and take with you when you’re on a test drive.  It doesn’t get better than this.

Always remember

• Take your time and don’t rush this important trial.
• Be in command by knowing and asking for what you want.
• It is better to test drive a car that is not “warmed up.”
• Bring a friend/passenger that can sit in the back and judge rear seat comfort.
• Require that you drive on a route of your choosing so you can fully test the car.

Before you get in the car

• Doors and Trunk: Open and close both doors and trunk because this gives you a feel for overall car quality.
• Cargo Space: Is the trunk big enough for you and all your passengers going on a trip?

In (and out of) the car, before you even turn the car engine on

• Getting In and Out: Is it easy to get in and out of the car? Can you get children or elderly people in and out of the car too?
• Seat: Make sure the seat and seat belt are comfortable.
• Pedal Position: Are the pedals in the right location for your body type. If not, are they adjustable?
• Gauges and Controls: Can you easily see them? If not, can you adjust the steering wheel and seat to make them easily readable?
• Cupholders: Where are they and they do they interfere with other car features?
• Interior Space: Is there enough leg room, and storage for your glasses, mints, iPod, purse, or whatever else you usually have?

During the drive

• Suspension: Test it on curvy roads bumpy roads, hills, U-turns, speed bumps, and freeways. Pay attention to car feeling like it’s swaying or drifting at higher speeds and bouncing at lower speeds.
• Acceleration: Does the car accelerate and shift well on hills or onto a freeway?
• Braking: Brake hard and let go of the steering wheel during braking. Does the car brake easily and does braking not interfere with steering?
• Steering: How much play is in the steering? Play is when you can turn the steering wheel, but the car doesn’t change direction.
• Visibility: Change lanes on city streets and on the highway to check overall visibility
• Climate Control: Air conditioners usually work pretty quickly but heaters can take a while. Start the car when it is cold, turn the heater on full, and see how long it takes for warm air to come out.
• Listen, Listen, Listen: During your drive, listen for outside noise and rattles. The amount of outside noise can never be improved and rattles are a sign of poor quality.
• Make Mistakes: Leave the lights on, or the windows rolled down when you turn the car off and get out. How has the design of the car help you when you do these common things?

After the drive

• Take a second drive if you feel like you need more time
• Drive other cars and compare!

Here’s the checklist again and remember to share you test driving techniques or write a comment about your test drive!