Each year, millions of Americans decide to switch up
what's in their driveway.
But how do they know where to start,
and what's the best way to conduct a test drive to make
the right decision?
In this video, we'll provide tips and advice
for a proper test drive--
no engineering degree required.
Hi, I'm Yomary from Edmonds.
Each year, we painstakingly test and review hundreds
of cars, trucks, and SUVs while CarMax experts buy, sell,
and appraise thousands and thousands.
We are combining our car testing knowledge
with their experience to help you make the right choice
for your next car.
If you like this video and want to see more CarMax
videos like it, be sure to click like and subscribe.
Now, if you want to read an in-depth article about the test
drive process, click the link in the description below.
OK, I have great news about the first part.
You're already doing it.
Of course, the first part is research.
Information is definitely your friend, so read, read, read.
From there, think about what you need this vehicle for,
and what you plan to do.
A car purchase is not a small thing.
Make a list of body styles that will work for you
and narrow it down to the models you like.
A car is going to be a daily part of your life for years
to come, so be sure you're clear on what's important to you.
Make a checklist and compare it against each model
you're looking at.
Once you've narrowed it down to the models and trims
that you're interested in, look around
to see where they're available.
For the purposes of this video, we
selected a sedan and a pickup as examples of vehicle types
that people commonly shop for.
Your time is precious, so here's a pro tip-- most dealerships
will make appointments so that you can see the cars in person.
That way, they're ready as soon as you get there.
[UPBEAT MUSIC]
OK, so you made your list, you made your appointment,
and now you're going to see a vehicle in person.
Here's what to look for.
First, IS it the right size?
Take a walk around and see if the car or truck is the size
you thought it would be.
Photos or video are one thing, and real life is another.
Will it fit in your garage?
And then you have to think about everyday stuff.
Pop the trunk and check the cargo space.
Does your gym bag fit in there?
What about your kid's stroller?
Bring it with you and make sure it fits.
Drop the tailgate and check to see
if it's damped, meaning whether it falls slowly or not.
How useful is the bed?
Are the tie-downs easy to reach, and is it
easy to get in and out of the bed?
Is towing part of your future?
Look to make sure the specific vehicle you're looking at
has a trailer pin connector, and the plug is the one you need.
If you're buying a used vehicle, consider the condition.
Carefully check the vehicle all the way around.
You don't want any surprises once you get home.
Are the tires in good condition?
It's best to have a clear idea of what you're getting into.
So be sure to have someone work the headlights,
tail lights, brake lights--
you get the idea.
[UPBEAT MUSIC]
The first thing you want to know is whether it's
easy to get in and out of.
It's something you'll be doing thousands of times.
Then, adjust your seat.
It might be power or manual.
And see if it's easy to get comfortable.
Adjust your mirrors.
Don't be shy.
Pretend it's yours already.
And of course, you're going to want to play with the climate
controls.
I mean, are they logically placed?
Sometimes they are impossible to find and even harder to use.
I mean, do you have to go through three menus
to find what you're looking for?
That would drive me crazy.
If you're regularly traveling with passengers,
check the back seats to make sure
they're easy to get in and out of, and there's enough space.
If there's a baby on board, make sure the latch system
is easy to work with.
And if you're like me, you'll want to turn up the tubes,
because a stereo is an essential part of the daily commute.
So make sure it's one you like.
OK, so now it's time to check out the technology.
Let's start with the touch screen.
Go ahead and swipe, press, check out all of the menus.
Are they responsive or do you need
to press multiple times to get a response?
I would also check out everything
on the steering wheel.
Go through all of the menus and see
if you like the way they look, and how they react.
Something that a lot of people overlook
is to actually put the car in reverse,
and check out that rear view camera.
Well if everything on the inside checks out,
now it is time to go for a test drive.
[UPBEAT MUSIC]
[ENGINE STARTS]
Pay special attention to acceleration.
Make sure that it's fast enough to get you up
to speed whenever you need to, and that it gives you
power without any unsettling feelings or unsettling noises.
Same with the transmission.
It should shift smoothly, without making
you lose a lot of power.
Handling and brakes are also very important.
Now you, probably don't need it to feel like a race car,
but you want it to make you feel comfortable
that you can make a turn or come to a complete stop
whenever you need to.
Check in with yourself.
Are you comfortable?
Does the ride feel good?
And don't forget to think about the noise.
You might get noise from the wind and road sometimes,
but it shouldn't feel like you're in a wind tunnel.
Now, in a truck, things are a little different.
It probably won't go as fast, and you
might feel transmission shifts a bit more,
but does it feel like the truck is giving you what you need?
It should.
Ride comfort will also probably be a little bumpy,
and that's OK in a pickup.
Just make sure it's not too much,
and you still feel stable and in control at all times.
Same with the brakes.
Give yourself plenty of room to slow down and stop.
Lastly, always check your visibility.
Think about how it'll be in parking lots and tight spaces.
See how it is to turn in a tight circle
and maneuver into a parking spot.
So how did that all feel?
If it's what you expected, great.
If not, it sounds like you have some new questions to consider.
Yes, checking out cars can be exciting,
but it never hurts to sleep on the decision.
Be clear on what's important to you, and make sure that the car
that you test drive measures up.
After all, you're looking for something
that will keep you happy for miles and miles.
Thank you so much for watching.
If you liked this video and would
like to see more CarMax videos like it, be sure to like
and subscribe.
If you'd like to read an in-depth article about the test
drive process, click the link in the description below.