The test drive is an important aspect of the car shopping process. In fact, when you are looking at used cars for sale, it may be the most significant factor that influences the final decision. It is essential to approach the test drive with a clear head and a set list of capabilities that need to be evaluated. 

When test driving a car, one of the most important things to experiment with is how the vehicle handles different scenarios. That is why the drive should take place over an extended amount of time – about 45 minutes – or if possible even the course of a few days. You should also make it a point to drive in different situations and conditions, such as on the highway, on quieter residential roads and the like. 

Specifically, you should be looking at how the vehicle accelerates, brakes and corners. Paying attention to other issues, such as engine noise or miscellaneous creaks, is also necessary, as it can clue you in to potential problems. Once these areas have been addressed, you can begin focusing on things like cargo space, fuel economy and technological features that you want to find in a used car. 

Drivers also need to take their personal comfort into account. How do the seat and steering wheel feel? Are you able to comfortably access the pedals? Are the controls intuitive? All of these smaller details come together to impact the driving experience, so it is important to assess them early in the buying process. 

You can get the buying process started with a visit to New Jersey State Auto Auction. With hundreds of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans available, the auction lot is a great place for drivers on a budget to scope out a future ride.