NAVIGATION
Introduction
Step 1: What kind of car do you need?
Step 2: How much can you afford?
Step 3: Should you lease or buy your next car?
Step 4: Have you considered all vehicles in that class?
Step 5: Have you considered all of the costs of ownership?
Step 6: Research options.
Step 7: Schedule an appointment for a test drive.
Step 8: How to test drive a car.
Step 9: After the test drive.
Step 10: Getting ready for the buying cycle.
Checklist

PHOTOS

(Enlarge photo)
After the test drive, leave the lot even though the salesman insists he can get you a great deal "if you buy today." (Photo by Scott Jacobs)


Buying Tips

10 Steps to Finding the Right Car for You

Step 9: After the test drive.
By Philip Reed, Senior Consumer Advice Editor
Email

After the test drive, you should leave the car lot. Why? Because you will probably need to drive other types of cars at other dealerships. It's a good idea to do all of your test driving in one morning or afternoon. Driving the cars back to back will help you uncover even minor differences, which will lead to a more educated purchase decision.

So, how do you get out of the clutches of the salesperson? Generally, Internet salespeople are pretty mellow and won't pressure you to buy on the spot. Besides, you can remind them you still have other cars to drive and you can't make a decision yet. Most good salespeople will respect that. If they don't, you probably won't be coming back to make a deal with them anyway.

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