A ‘test-drive’ is an integral part of the car inspection process.

Test-drive the cars you are comparing on the same day. Prepare a common feature list for all the cars. This list will contain features like car speed, acceleration, brake power, seat comfort etc.

Spend at least 30-40 minutes to test each car. Drive on different types of road surfaces. If possible, plan a common route to test-drive all the cars.

Check for ride comfort. A strong suspension will protect you from the innumerable bumps on the road. The car’s tires, suspension, and seat comfort decides the ride comfort.

Check for acceleration. For city roads, the car must easily mix with the traffic. A city car has to stop several times on the road. It stops after covering short distances and everytime the car moves, it must do so quickly and safely. Only a strong acceleration can ensure safety on the tough city roads. During the test drive, stop the vehicle and try quick acceleration for a short distance.

Check for brake power. Observe how the vehicle reacts after you press the braking pedal. Make a mental note of the reaction time. Ideally, the car shouldn’t react too quickly or too late when you press the braking pedal. The rate of the vehicle’s slow down should be in proportion to the power of brake depression.

Check for noise. Avoid a car that emits unidentifiable sounds. Don’t waste your time in searching for the origins of unexplainable sounds. Simply reject the car.
While comparing the different cars, make a note of the engine sounds, road and wind noises. Pass on a car with a loud engine noise.

Check for road visibility. Check all the mirrors in the car. Every mirror must be effectively designed. Make sure you can see the cars on both sides of you. The side view and the rear view must be perfect.