How to test drive a car
Try before you buy: here are six simple steps everyone should follow when taking a test drive, including how to save up to £1,000 off your new Honda.
01 | Research what kind of car you need – and want
First things first, figure out which car is best for you. Looking for a reliable SUV? Look no further than the CR-V. After a small city car? Opt for the Jazz. Compact SUV? HR-V. Advanced, sporty hatchback? Civic. There’s a car for everyone – but only one that’s right for you.
02 | Take the roads less (and more) travelled
The more you get to know the car you’re testing, the better. So see how it handles on B-roads, motorways and everywhere in between. Better yet: test familiar routes such as the school run, your commute, etc. After all, what’s the point in buying a new ‘daily driver’ if it’s not suited to your daily drive?
03 | Drive with confidence
Okay, so you’re in the car and on the road. What next? Simple: drive! Here’s what you should be looking for: Is the transmission smooth? Does the car come to a quick stop when applying the brakes? Is the steering light or heavy? Are the display screens easily visible? Is the seat comfortable? Most importantly, how does the car actually feel ?
04 | Ask to see a demonstration of the in-car entertainment system
With the exception of Honda Connect in-car entertainment systems can be a bit… fiddly. Especially if you don’t have time to get to grips with them (for instance, during a 20-minute test drive). Take our advice: ask the dealer or owner to give you a demonstration. Try out the sat nav, the sound system, the Bluetooth connectivity – anything you can think of. If you do buy the car in question, you’re going to rely on these features a lot. So take your time.
05 | Review the car’s safety features
We’ll admit, reviewing the safety features isn’t the most exciting part of test driving a car, but it is the most essential. Ask yourself: Does the car have ABS? What about dual airbags? Hill start assist? Parking sensors? Rear-view cameras? If the answer’s no, then walk away. If the answer’s yes, then it looks like you’re on to a winner – i.e. a new Honda Civic.
06 | Have fun
Test driving should be fun and exciting. It should be one of the best parts of buying a new car. So sit back, relax and enjoy yourself! The first step to finding the car of your dreams starts right here.
Thanks to Honda’s Test Drive voucher, you can save up to £1,000 on the purchase of your next new car. All you need to do is register online here , then take a test drive – it’s that simple. But be quick – offer ends 31 January 2018! In addition to getting up to a grand off your next car, Honda is also offering five years’ complimentary servicing when you participate in their Test Drive Event.
