When on the hunt for a new car, there can be a lot of considerations, like features, financing, needs of the family, and more. One thing that many buyers expect to be simple is the test drive. You drive the car, see if you like it, and move on from there. And while it’s true that test drives are often the most fun part of shopping for a new car, it’s worth a little bit of planning to ensure that you’re getting the most out of your test drive experience. Before you even leave your house, make sure you have your license on you and plenty of time during your dealership visit to get a good test drive in. And once you arrive here at your San Diego Ford dealership, the real fun can begin.

If you plan on testing out more than one car, you may want to bring something to jot down notes on, or make sure you have a note-taking app on your phone. Differences that seem obvious while you’re driving can slip out of your mind quickly once you’re back in the showroom.

As you’re settling yourself into the car, note things like how comfortable the seats are and how easy to adjust, whether getting in or out is difficult for you, and visibility from the driver’s seat. On the road, there’s even more you’ll want to try out and think about. How is the hill acceleration? Do the engine and road noises distract you, or enhance the feel of the drive? How responsive is the model, and how responsive do you need it to be? Do the brakes feel easy and comfortable? Is it simple for you to turn on music, adjust volume, etc. while you’re driving? Where will your phone go during your daily commute?

At the end of the day, every car is different, even models from the same brand. Your family might prefer the space and versatility of a 2017 Ford Escape, or you may find a better fit for daily commutes in a 2017 Ford Focus. San Diego, El Cajon, and other local drivers can get a feel for everything from a Ford Mustang to a Ford truck here at Kearny Pearson Ford. With a few good test drives, we think you’ll have no problem picking the perfect car for you!