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1. I knew a guy who worked at a General Motors Assembly plant for
50 years, and for the last 20 of those years his job was to man the
shaker machine in order to make sure that each vehicle was safe
for test driving.

2. Each vehicle that comes off the assembly line is placed on the
shaker machine to see if loose parts or unusual sounds can be
identified.

3. Then 1 out of each 10 of these vehicles is taken for a car test drive.

4. The test drive route is designed to put the vehicle into a variety of
different environments.

5. The route includes lower speeds on residential streets and higher
speeds on a freeway.

6. There are red lights to stop at and railroad tracks to go over.

7. Again, the purpose is to try to identify any rattles or loose parts on
the vehicle.

8. I mention this because you should be thinking along same lines
when you decide to test drive a vehicle that you are considering to
purchase.

9. If you are not familiar with the area, talk to the salesperson and let
them know that you want to travel a route that will put the vehicle
into a variety of operating conditions.

10. Before you get started, take the time to adjust the seat, the mirrors
and any other vehicle controls as appropriate, so that you get a
chance to experience this functionality and to make the test drive
safer for you.

11. During the car test drive you will want to get a feel for the vehicle's
acceleration capability and its braking capacity.

12. You will also want to get a feel of the steering, is it comfortable and
easy.

13. Ask yourself if the ride feels smooth.

14. Do you like the feel of the interior design? Can you see yourself
spending the next few years in this vehicle and enjoying the
experience?

15. Try out some of the vehicle functions.

16. Turn on the wipers, the turn signals, the radio, the GPS system.

17. Do these systems see like they are designed with your size and rich
in mind?

18. Ask about fuel efficiency.

19. Chat with the salesperson as you drive about the warranty that
comes with the vehicle.

20. Inquire about consumer reviews regarding that particular vehicle.

21. Ask the salesperson what they personally think about the vehicle.

22. Be specific; ask them for their pros and cons.

23. The length that individuals or financing their vehicle has never been
longer.

24. Financing periods of 4, 6 and even 8 years is no longer uncommon.

25. Make the most of your car test drive because you and the vehicle
you purchase are going to be together for many years to come.