Print copies of this checklist to take along with you on new-car test drives, and hang onto them for future reference.

Before Starting the Car		Notes
	Walk around the car. Inspect its lines, quality of assembly, body panel alignment, paint and door handles.
	Try it on for size. Get in and out. Get comfortable. Adjust the seats. Sit in the back seat.
	Try the accessories before going on the test drive. Make sure the controls are easy to reach and operate.
	Open and close the tailgate/trunk. Imagine loading items such as luggage, groceries and oddly shaped items.
	Imagine driving this vehicle. Ask yourself: "Is this my kind of car? Would I be comfortable driving it every day?"
	Let the salesperson give the pitch before hitting the road. Salespeople have helpful information to share, but they shouldn't do it while you're driving—it's a distraction.
On the Road: A Real Test Drive
	Drive the exact model of car you're interested in buying. Drivetrain, suspension and interior trim differences can affect the personality and drivability of a car.
	Choose your own route. If you know the area, drive a test route of your choosing.
	Ride quality. Drive on a number of different road surfaces: winding roads, city streets, hills and freeways.
	Power. Test the power in real-world situations: highway merging, passing, city driving. Try driving with the air conditioner on to see if it results in too much power drain.
	Transmission. Look for smooth operation and ease of use.
	Handling. Practice long turns and short turns, sudden swerves and smooth transitions. Check out steering responsiveness.
	Braking. Really use them. But be careful not to cause a crash. Brake softly, then aggressively to test the car's reaction to sudden braking.
	Noise. Listen for excessive engine, interior, road and wind noise. Do this with the windows up and down.
	Driving Position. See how comfortable you are in the driver seat. Get the most comfortable positioning for the steering wheel and pedals.
	Parking. Parallel park the car to check for blind spots or any difficulty identifying the corners of the car.