5 Tips To Make The Most Out Of Your Test Drive

Try before you buy! It’s the best way to know for sure if a new or used vehicle is the perfect fit for you. While there is so much information available to consumers online, nothing beats getting behind the wheel and feeling the drive for yourself. You can accurately assess the interior space, determine how the car handles on the road, get familiar with the features and more. Before you go on a test drive, check out these five tips to make the most out of your test drive.

1.) CALL AHEAD

Calling the dealership to schedule a test drive is a great way to speed up the process and cut down on the time you actually spend at the dealership. When you call us and express interest in a test drive, we’ll have it ready and waiting for you when you arrive. Our sales reps will also block out some time to answer any questions that you have when you return or to accompany you on the drive if you prefer.

Some customers may be hesitant to take a test drive for fear that a sales consultant will lay a high-pressure sales pitch on them. At Loudon Motors Ford, our team is here to understand what you want and need in a vehicle and to match you with a car, truck or SUV that meets those conditions. All test drives are no-obligation and no-pressure. We’re here to help!

2.) BRING YOUR STUFF

Do you regularly listen to music via your phone? Bring it and any cords that you typically use to connect or charge your device. Do you have a car seat? Bring it to see how easy (or difficult) it may be to install in your new vehicle purchase. Go-to mug that you couldn’t imagine leaving home without? Bring it. Whatever you travel with regularly, you should bring with you to ensure that it has a place in the car you’re considering.

3.) SIT IN EVERY SEAT

The driver only gets one perspective, but let’s not forget your passengers! Sit in every seat that your new vehicle has to get a better understanding of how comfortable your passengers will be. This tip is especially important for families with children, elderly riders, and even pets that travel. It’s a good idea to look far beyond the driver’s seat and consider all other areas of the vehicle, even if you don’t travel with companions very frequently.

4.) DRIVE IT LIKE ITS YOURS

There is no right or wrong way to test drive a vehicle. If your daily commute consists of highways, take the vehicle on the nearest highway and make sure it comfortably reaches the speeds you need. If you regularly travel on country roads, well, we have plenty of those here in Minerva, Ohio! Your consultant can share with you the nearest route to replicate your daily driving conditions. Think about other situations, too, like parking, that you may encounter in your day-to-day that warrant closer look during your test drive.

5.) ASK QUESTIONS

At Loudon Motors Ford, we know our customers value transparency. Car buying can be stressful, but our team is here to make the process as easy as possible and to educate our customers so that they can make informed decisions. Ultimately, we want you to leave happy! So ask questions. Request to see the CARFAX history report. Ask if your sales rep knows the previous owner (they might!). Here are some other questions you may want to know the answers to:

• What are terms of the warranty?
• What service issues are common with this vehicle?
• What safety features are on the vehicle?
• What advanced technology does the vehicle come with?

WHERE CAN I TEST DRIVE A NEW OR USED VEHICLE NEAR MINERVA, OHIO?

We invite you to browse our new and used inventory online or in-person. For test drives, we recommend making an appointment with one of our knowledgeable consultants. You can do so by calling 330-868-2277 or submitting your information here!