When looking for a new car it is vital that you test-drive several different cars. To choose the cars you want to test drive start by looking at vehicles that will fit in your parking area. Consider whether the car is economical enough for you. Look at the costs of, insurance, servicing, tyres, road tax and tolls or congestion charges, as well as fuel economy.
Begin by looking at vehicles that will fit in your garage or on your drive. Work out whether you can afford to run the car. Make a list of insurance, servicing, tyre, road tax and congestion charge costs. Finally, consider fuel economy and compare that with your current fuel costs. Most dealers have this information easily at hand. Failing that, the information is available on-line on several sites. Parkers and Which Car are the best for this type of information.
Take the last few cars that you like on detailed test drives. If you want to use the car for your family make sure that you take them with you on the final test drives. Check that all the family's belongings will fit comfortably into the car and that the boot is big enough to accommodate your work and family needs.
Take the final few cars that you really like on more detailed test drives. If you want to use the car for your family take them with you on the final test drive. At this stage, also check that all their belongings fit in the car and that the boot is big enough to accommodate your work and family needs.
Make sure that in the final test drive you include driving in town, on country roads and on dual carriageways. This will allow you to assess whether you like the way the car drives and make sure that engine noise is not an issue. If you are still not 100% sure, consider hiring one of the cars you want to buy for a few days. Make sure that during this time that you use it on typical journeys and that you used it extensively. Can be expensive, but it will make sure you are not left driving an unsuitable car for several years.
