Doing a bit of homework — and driving — can really help in selecting the best car to fit individual needs and lifestyles, and to avoid post-purchase headaches. For starters, people should not expect to find the best car in less than a month. The average car purchase can take anywhere from four to six weeks. This goes for not only first-time buyers, but those who have "been around the block" with respect to car buying.
Before even heading to car dealerships, Canadians need to first consider their current and future lifestyles, driving objectives as well as financial situation. For instance, oftentimes, there is more than one driver in a household and that can include teenagers. Those single or married, may be considering a family in the future and need to think ahead with their car purchase. And others commute a long distance and have separate considerations. All this will help determine what car class, models, car's fuel efficiency, safety features and ratings, car insurance as well as warranty specifications to focus on to find the perfect car.
At the dealership, the test drive is one of the most important activities. Travell recommends that an average of 15 to 30 minutes is taken for each test drive for the buyers to get the true feel of the car. Before driving off, Travell suggests the following:
- Inspect the car from the outside
- Test door handles and ease of entry/exit from the car
- Investigate trunk space
- Check for comfort and room in the back seat; could a child seat slide in or out easily
- While behind the wheel, become oriented with the instrument panel, controls and their accessibility and convenience
- Test adjustability of seats and seatbelts
- Check and adjust mirrors and test visibility