Buying a new car is a process that can certainly be exciting, but it's important to control your excitement enough that you make sure to get exactly what you want and at a price that suits you. While it can be easy to get caught up in the color of the car, some of its features, or the amount of your monthly car payment, you should also be patient to determine that the vehicle is right for you. When you sit down in the car at the dealership for a test drive, even if you haven't yet moved off the lot, here are some specific things to check.
Visibility
Each car provides a different degree of visibility, so it's important to check how well you can see around you when you're in the driver's seat. Adjust all of your mirrors accordingly and sit in an upright posture. Check various things such as how well you can see your blind spots with a quick shoulder check; you can repeat this process when you're out on the road during your test drive. Take stock, too, of how much visibility is around the posts on each side of the windshield. In some vehicles, thicker posts can partially obstruct your vision.
Leg Comfort
While you'll get a sense of your leg comfort when you're in the driver's seat, make sure to climb into the front passenger's seat to assess the comfort of your legs. This is especially important if you won't always be the driver, which may be the case when you buy a vehicle that will be shared. Can you move your legs freely, or do you feel confined where you sit? Confirming your comfort is highly important if you're tall, as you want to make sure your vehicle doesn't leave you feeling cramped during a drive. You might also wish to sit in the back seat to assess the space.
Arm Support
A vehicle's arm support might seem like a small detail to consider, but this is something you want to figure out before you buy a vehicle. Sit in your normal driving position and check if your elbows are supported by armrests on each side of the seat. Some vehicles have an armrest built into the inside of the door; some vehicles don't have an armrest toward the center of the vehicle. Not having these rests can make your shoulders and arms feel tired on long drives, so try to find a new car that has this feature.
