Ready to buy your next vehicle? The car buying process can be lengthy, but it doesn’t have to be. Going in with as much information as possible can help you make the best decision, and following our tips for test driving makes the process a breeze.
[SHOP NOW: Browse New and Used Vehicles Available in the Bay Area, CA]
Do Your Research
While some drivers have a specific make, model, and trim level in mind, many others come in to test drive several vehicles. It’s totally fine to be unsure of exactly what you want; that’s what the test drive is for, anyway. However, it’s never a bad idea to do some research beforehand. Look at the specs of a few different types of vehicles and decide if you see any must-have features. Get an idea of the style of vehicle you’re looking for (car, truck, SUV, crossover, etc.) and make note of anything that catches your eye.
What’s Your Car’s Value?
If you’re planning to trade in your current vehicle, you should get an idea of its value before you go in for a test drive. Use Carnamic’s online tool and enter some information about your car to get an instant offer. Then, you can shop knowing the actual value of your vehicle and whether your favorite new car can fit into your budget.
Get Pre-Approved for Financing
You should set aside several hours for your test drive. Although it can be somewhat time-consuming – it’s a big decision, after all – there are a few things you can do to save time. Applying for financing pre-approval serves other purposes, as well. In addition to saving you time at signing, it can also help you decide on a budget before you begin car shopping. That way, you know to only look at models in your price range.
Make an Appointment
Some test drives are spur-of-the-moment. However, if you’ve been considering your next car for a while, you should know that you can make an appointment ahead of time. Not only will the dealership know what you’re looking for and help you find it, you can also be sure that there’s no wait.
Have a Plan
It’s helpful to go into your test drive with a solid plan. Bring a checklist of everything you want to check during the test drive like the stereo or any new high-tech features you’re interested in. Be sure to drive on city streets and the highway to get an idea of what it’s like to drive the vehicle. You can check out more tips for going on a test drive here.
At Carnamic, we make car shopping in the Bay Area simple. Shop all of our locations online, then schedule your test drive at the nearest Carnamic! Contact us today to learn more.
Connect with us
