Buying a new or used car in Dubai, UAE can be an overwhelming experience. However, nothing gives more comfort than taking the car out for a test drive. At CarSwitch we accompany our buyers for every test drive and so have put together our 6 tips to make sure you get the most out of every test drive!
Bring a Friend: A second opinion never hurts, and it can also give you a perspective beyond only driving-related issues. In fact, let your friend take a spin and ride in the passenger seat of the car to observe other aspects the car offers.
Don’t Rush: Do not squeeze a test drive in between other errands of the day. Do it at a time when you know you would have enough time to observe the car thoroughly.
Hit the Accelerator: You must take the car out for a spin on both your local route with traffic and a comparatively clearer road. Make sure you take the test drive the car on roads that allow you to get to higher speeds and see how the car performs above 100 km/hr.
Check the tires & brake pads: Does the car respond well to the brakes? If you let go of the steering wheel at high speed does the car drive in a straight line? If you have a bit more experience, take a look at the brake pad and tire tread line depth. It’s typically a 2,000-3,000 AED bill if they need replacement, so you can leverage this point to negotiate.
Inquire: There are three critical questions to ask yourself when taking the car for a test drive. One is to inquire if the service history is consistent i.e. is it from a reputable place and has been done regularly over the life of the vehicle. Second, does the car have any accident history, if yes then how severe was the damage and who serviced it? Thirdly and very importantly be sure to inquire about the chassis number. You should call the agency to verify warranty, service contract and history you’ve collected. There is no shame in inquiring about a car you are about to invest in.
Listen attentively: Pay attention to all sounds and vibrations produced by the car while you take it out for a test drive. Any unwanted hum or drone should not go unnoticed.
Safety has to come first when one is deciding to buy a car in Dubai, UAE. Therefore, at CarSwitch we pre-inspect every car, display it on the website and add a warranty, and make sure that we accompany you on every test drive so that our experts can help you make the best decision.
