TORONTO — A recent study shows that many Canadians are complete wrecks when it comes to knowing the basics of car buying. According to Toyota Canada, one of the most important criteria when purchasing a car, is the test drive. Although many Canadians recognize the importance of the test drive, the 2001 Customer Satisfaction Study conducted by Maritz Automotive Research Group, suggests that one in three Canadians who purchased a car this year, failed to test drive them first. For those who did go through a test drive, they didn't spend enough time on the road to make a sound purchasing decision.
Next to a house, a car is one of consumers' largest purchases. "When people buy a home, they inspect every facet of the house — from the number of closets to its potential for expansion to nearby amenities." says Chris Travell, vice president, Maritz. "Considering that the car has become a surrogate office and home, people are failing to take all the necessary steps to determine if a car is suitable for their individual situation. This can cause problems later on."
The fall season is a peak buying period for new and used cars, with many 2002 car models already in dealer showrooms. Many Canadians will be flooding dealerships looking for the best vehicles, yet many could leave with a great car that's just not right for them.