Test-driving an auto for a few days may seem excessive. However, when you have a large purchase in front of you, the extended test drive can save you a big chunk of cash.



Simple reasons for doing it



When you go to buy a new car, you will want to drive it around for a while and figure out how it feels and the way all the buttons work. Since you are paying a ton of cash for the car, you have to make sure it works for you. Unfortunately, test drives typically take between 15 and 20 minutes at a dealership. That is the normal amount. If you go for an hour, it is a very long time.




The way to get the long test



If you are preparing on purchasing a vehicle that is less than five years old, you have an option for test-driving that will cost you just $10 to $30. Rent the vehicle. Car rental, even for one day, gives you a full 24 hours with the vehicle and a chance to truly try it out. Rental gives you a feel for how you drive in the vehicle, the adjustments that are accessible and even how the radio controls work. You are able to settle in to the vehicle and truly give it a try.



Locating a vehicle that will work for your lifestyle



Whenever you are looking for the perfect car, you have to do some research first. That way, you can make sure you have the perfect car. After you have decided on a car, go ahead and call around to the various rental corporations to see which of them has your vehicle. Rental businesses will have different car options at them. In Jan 2012, 20 percent of Toyota vehicles sold brand new in the U.S. was for rental corporations, but only some rental businesses bought them. If you pick a rental business in town, it will most likely be cheaper. An airport selection will be bigger though. It is surely possible to rent a 2010 model of something and get a feel for the 2009 model as some are similar to the years around them. Make sure you always call the location to get the right make and model because online makes and models are not always listed.



Call and ask about rental sales



It is also worth considering the fact that many car rental companies sell their used cars themselves. These rental-used automobiles are often very well maintained and might be a fantastic value for car-buying dollars. Call a rental agency and ask about their used sales, and they will forward you to the right place.



Sources



Marketplace.org

Edmunds

AOL.com

 

^ This is one of the reasons we want a different kind of car every time we get a rental (3-5 times a year or so). We found PT Cruisers SUCK but the new little match box nissans are fairly comfortable for long hauls.

 

Great words. Last winter my wife and I had all but decided on a new Chevy Traverse. We flew down to Florida to visit the in laws. While I was watching our two young boys she went to the counter to get the rental ( a sedan). She comes back with the keys to a Traverse. Granted, it didn't have the options we wanted for our planned purchase but what the heck, right? Well, after 11 days we decided we really didn't like it at all. It had a huge blind spot out the back didn't get anywhere near the advertized fuel economy and for as big as it was, felt kind of cramped.

We definitely would have regret that purchase. Now, like you I tell people to try and rent before they buy.

Cheers