Video: Making The Most of Your Test Drive

However, we've got some tips to cut down on the stress and make it a really worthwhile experience for you. Our first tip may sound cruel, but it's important. When you take that first test drive, leave the kids behind. It'll save you time and aggravation. After the dealer points out a few key features, ask if you can take the car out on your own. This gives you the opportunity to speak candidly with your family members about what you like and what you don't like. Make sure you map out your test drive's route beforehand. Drive the car the way you normally would in your real life. Drive on a mix of highway and suburban streets, and when you get on the highway, check to see if the car has enough power to accelerate to highway speeds quickly. One of the easiest things to overlook is whether the car is easy to climb in and out of. And that's not just for kids. You don't want to hit your head on the door jam or your knees on the dashboard every time you get in and out of the car. Also check to see if the car has a telescoping steering wheel or seat adjustments and see if the seat is comfortable for you. What may seem minor now could be a major annoyance on a long trip. Check to see if the car is going to fit in all the tight parking spaces at the places that you normally go. Remember, you're going to be backing out of driveways and parking spaces all the time. So you're going to want to put your test car in reverse and check to see if you're comfortable driving backwards. Look for any blind spots or visibility issues and check to see if the car comes with a backup camera or backup sensors. See if you can parallel park with the car easily. Don't be seduced by the first new car that you drive. Make sure that you test drive a good handful of cars before you pick the winner. You don't want to make a $30,000 mistake. <v Announcer>For more car related news, go to Cars.com or our blog, KickingTires.net.