While most auto dealers offer tons of information about their cars for sale right on their website, photos and text can only do so much. Driving a car day in and day out is an experience that requires more than just a couple of great reviews and an attractive price. That’s why you should take a test drive on any vehicle that really catches your attention.

Take, for example, the Hyundai Veloster. With just a little bit of research, you’ll find that this quirky three-door hatchback gets amazing reviews. You’ll read about the Hyundai Veloster’s impressive warranty, safety ratings, and tech features. When you mix in the tremendous cargo and passenger space, you might be all set knowing that the Hyundai Veloster is the right car for you.

In reality, maybe the Veloster is a good fit. At the same time, you can’t know for sure until you get behind the wheel and take one for a spin. Of course, not everyone knows how to get the most out of their test drive experience.

Here are some tips that will ensure that your next test drive is a complete success:

Do Your Homework

Before you head out to your local auto dealer, spend some time looking at the various options you’re considering. Read reviews on different car review sites. This research will help you narrow down your search to just a handful of vehicles. You can also have an idea of what to look for in case people have issues.

Schedule a Test Drive

While you may be able to walk onto a dealership and ask to take one of their cars for a spin, you’re going to save time and frustration by planning ahead. In some cases, vehicles may be double or triple parked to save space on the lot. Some vehicles are even stored in different locations and need to be brought over to the dealership before they can be tested.

To avoid delays, call ahead and make an appointment. Let the salesperson know that you’re in the research stage and aren’t ready to buy just yet. Schedule all of your test drives on the same day and as close together as it makes sense. This gives you a good excuse to leave one dealership to head to another and avoid any high-pressure sales tactics. It also helps you compare each model more accurately since everything is fresh.

What To Look For

While you may have tons of information about the vehicle’s specs and accolades, you want to pay attention to several key items during the test drive. If necessary, make notes and take pictures to better help the comparison process.

Here are some items you should pay attention to:

• How it feels getting in and out
• Cabin space, seating position, gauge/control positions, and visibility while driving
• How the vehicle accelerates, handles, and brakes
• What kind of noise it makes at different speeds
• Does it have the tech features you want: Bluetooth, touchscreen, backup camera, navigation, etc.?

After your test drive, you may have an opportunity to talk with the salesperson about the car. If you’ve done your research and are ready to buy, you should be well equipped for this conversation. You can also pass on a conversation right away so that you can compare your notes and prepare to make the sale.