Buying a new car is an exciting venture, but it can also feel a bit overwhelming. If you’ve never shopped at a dealership or taken cars for test drives before, you may not know what to expect or how to get started. Follow these tips to test drive your next Kia like a pro and find the perfect model for your lifestyle.
Start With Research
The first thing to do before you step foot in a car is doing some research and deciding exactly what you’re looking for in your next vehicle purchase. If you have a big family, you might want to consider minivans and three-row SUVs. On the other hand, commuting tends to be easier in a car that gets great gas mileage and has the latest tech features to keep you connected. Kia has a wide selection of options across most of the main vehicle segments, making it easier to choose the car that will suit your needs.
Schedule an Appointment
Showing up at the dealership without an appointment can slow down the process significantly. If the other sales team members are already busy with customers who scheduled appointments, you may end up having to wait until someone is available to help you. When you have a specific Kia model in mind, the one you want could be out on another test drive, but scheduling an appointment will ensure that the car you want to drive is ready when you arrive.
Walk Around the Exterior
Once you have the car you want in mind, take a walk around the outside to see how everything looks from different angles. Make sure you like how the color appears in the daylight as well as at night. You should also look at features that will impact the overall look and feel of the exterior, such as the headlights, front grille, spoiler, and curves.
Test the Inside
When you’re test driving a car, you’re not just testing the way it drives. For many drivers, the interior comfort and space are more important than anything found beneath the hood. If you have young kids, bring their car seats to make sure they fit comfortably in the rear and are easy to install. The trunk or cargo area should be big enough to fit all your gear, while the seats should feel supportive and comfortable for both short and long trips.
Try out the different tech features as well, including the infotainment interface and audio system. These will impact how much you enjoy the ride, so they’re important to consider as well.
Getting In and Out
As you make your final decision, try climbing in and out of the car several times. You shouldn’t have to stoop too low or bump your head just to get into your new car. If it’s hard to get in from the start, you’ll probably end up with a lot of bumps and bruises when you’re trying to get in quickly.
At Gunther Kia, we make it easy to test drive your dream car. Schedule an appointment and meet with one of our friendly, helpful sales team members to get the process started.
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.