When you are in the market for a brand new car, the number one thing that you absolutely have to do is take test drives. Not one test drive, maybe not even two. The more the better – because the test drive is the best way to know if a vehicle you might have fallen in love with from a photo is actually the right vehicle for you. Unfortunately, it’s hard to remember any questions you should be asking yourself about the car when you’re driving it, because hey, new car! It’s fun and exciting and makes it hard to remember stuff. Our suggestion to remedy this? Bring a friend and bring this list of questions to ask. Your friend can ask you the questions and you can be free to drive the car and enjoy it.

The first thing you should think about is the interior of the vehicle. Is it comfortable? Can you see out of all the windows/do you have the visibility you want and need?

Now you’ve started up the car and begun the drive, how is the ride? Is it comfortable? Does it drive the way you expected? Remember that different cars feel different on the road, but you should have a vehicle that at least meets your expectations and desires.

When you accelerate, are you getting the results you want? Can you get up to speed quickly, or does it feel like the vehicle struggles to get going? Only test acceleration where it’s safe to do so!

After you’ve gotten going, you’ll be using the brakes. Test the brakes in a lot of different situations. Fast braking, slow braking, braking on hills… you get the idea. You need to be able to trust these brakes!

When you’re going around corners and turning, think about the handling of the vehicle. Does it feel solid, or does it feel like it’s going to tip over? Don’t drive recklessly, but practice some U-turns where it’s safe to do so, and test the vehicle on a winding road.

Now that you’ve read these questions, you’re ready to schedule your test drive! What are you waiting for?