Tips to consider during Test drive of cars!

[skandyhere]

sathya_nars, i meant the intention of test driving all new models that periodically come into the market.

as an instance, i test drove the magnum last month, without of course, intending to make a buy at that point. so next time there's a new chevy release and i walk in, the showroom fellows wouldn't probably take to me very kindly as they know i'm not about to buy it and i'm there only to enjoy a free drive.

i agree with their rationale, and have no problems with it. but apparently, t-bhp has so many members TDing every new model that's released - which makes me curious as to how they manage it unless they have friends at the dealer.

@crazydriver

well, i guess the only thing they rely on is their gut feeling at the moment, to gauge if the buyer's a genuine party - when it comes to near-minors, that is. little do they know of the persuasive ability (and pestering ability, when all else fails) of college kids to get their dads make a buy... poor marketing skills, you can perhaps say, but the fact is that dealers have to deal with so many test drive requests from TD-shoppers, rather than car-buyers.

[supercars]

I test drove many cars and I did buy a car at the end.

You just need to find the right vehicle for you.

I am also 23. It is just that you should not wreck the car or you may be in trouble.

[ta1017]

Hi

what happens if something happens while the TD ie lets a small crash/accident, you brake at a red light and a two wheeler guys bangs at the rear etc ...

who is liable ?

[veejay.greatone]

Ford and GM cars follow the European standards and have the indication on the left hand side because they don't want the driver to leave his/her right hand from the steering wheel while driving. It all comes down to geting used to the controls in the end. Personally I think it is a good idea.

Originally Posted by diabloo

LHD Controls VS RHD Controls:

Cars from Ford, GM have indicators on left hand side. But cars from Maruti, Honda, Toyota, Hyundai have it on right hand side. Adjust from one to another takes very little time. While TDing, be aware of this. Dont reject the car based on this criteria alone.

[Path_Finder]

Originally Posted by diabloo

LHD Controls VS RHD Controls:

Cars from Ford, GM have indicators on left hand side. But cars from Maruti, Honda, Toyota, Hyundai have it on right hand side. Adjust from one to another takes very little time. While TDing, be aware of this. Dont reject the car based on this criteria alone.

This is generally not much of a problem at all - some getting used to may be required. I have driven both times even interchangebly, but mananged without much issue.

[sameel]

i did a small test drive then told the service guy to show me what the verna is capable of,..he scared the living daylights out of me. i was like. *** this one is a rocket!!. i then sat at the back, the feel was still there, then handling and stuff i didnt bother for me its all about A.S.S so yes i will buy my third car also from hyundai..its as simple as that. and a benz ofcourse just for show.
i mean does these TD actually matter you need to drive a minimum of 100k over the highway and city mixed to actually get the full picture!! does it matter??.
for many it does. for me..its the peace of mind that i look for .
my tip for TD is look ahead and not just the material show value!!.
make sure the safety features atleast ABS is available. you never know when it will save your life!!

[NetfreakBombay]

Originally Posted by sathya_nars

Observe vibration during idle and running. In modern cars, you shouldn't feel it (or may be, very slightly).

TD a 6 months old Alto for a friend. That car vibrates at idle (neutral). I is felt by everyone sitting in the car. Is it common? And it seemed to go away after driving car for 2 minutes. We parked car and put it in neutral and vibration was gone.

What could be the issue there?