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Take the test-drive
Take the time you need to make sure that you are really going to enjoy driving this car, and that you can live with it. Don't be pressured by the salesperson into making a decision straightaway, or get carried away by the smooth ride, acceleration or clever gadgets. Take someone with you for a second opinion (or voice of reason) if possible.
Make sure that you can find all the controls easily, and that you can find a good driving position. Do you like the view you get of the road ahead? How do you find the steering? Is it disturbingly light at high speeds, or too heavy for parking? Can you see to the rear when parking without craning your neck or twisting your back? Are those seats still supportive? Is the position of the pedals comfortable, or are they offset from centre (sometimes a problem with European cars converted to right-hand-drive)? Are the pedals too close together for your large feet?
Is the stereo easy to use, and can you find your way through any complex electronic control menus? Does the stereo have inputs for your iPod, MP3 player or other portable audio device? Will you need to make telephone calls on the road, and thus need
Bluetooth hands-free kit? Don't get carried away by the options list and choose items you won't really use or need.
Try and drive on the kind of roads that you'll be traveling on. Take a quick run on the motorway, climb that super-steep hill, go down that pot-holed local road, negotiate the cramped supermarket car park. Have a go at reverse-parking. Is it still comfortable and suitable? Go on, take your time, and don't be rushed into making a wrong decision.
