Test Drive Your New Honda Like a Pro!

It’s a new year. You feel ready to become a better you. You may feel ready to experience something new. That feeling of knowing you drive a 10+-year-old car. Why not start with a new or new to you Honda from Mungenast St. Louis Honda.

Then it hits….

The impending decision of which Honda you want when you start shopping. Is your dream car the 2022 Honda Passport or a like new 2019 Honda Civic? This is the initial question most people start with when they start the vehicle buying process. Then comes the process of looking online. After scrolling for what feels like hours on the Mungenast St. Louis Honda website and finding the perfect car with all the features you want comes the inevitable test drive. Now, whether you’re thinking of purchasing a new or used Honda we want to help make sure you’ll love it! Here are some tips and tricks to make sure you are getting the Honda of your dreams!

BEFORE YOU GO:

1. Do your homework This was most likely done when you were originally searching for the right Honda for you.

Think about how long your daily commute is. Take a peek at how many miles per gallon the Honda gets and how many miles the odometer already has.

2. Make a List Read in depth about the Honda you’re interested in.

Look at all the features, the millage, the miles per gallon, etc.… Make a list of pros and cons about the Honda you like and compare them to help make your decision easier

3. Pick A Date for a Test Drive

This may seem obvious. Picking a specific date to test drive the Honda of interest, it can be easier to hold yourself accountable this way. Make a couple of appointments for each of the vehicles you want to test drive that way it is easier to compare. We make scheduling a test drive easy with our online scheduler!

THE TEST DRIVE:

1. Take a walk around the Honda

• Examine the vehicle’s body for dents, cracks, and rust. Check the windshield for nicks and cracks.
• Check the tires for remaining tread life and signs of uneven wear. The latter can indicate poor alignment.
• Try out the turn signals and brake lights.

2.  Start the Honda and let it idle for a few moments.

• Make sure the engine runs strong and listen for any troubling noises, such as rattling, clicking, or whining.
• Turn the radio on. Do the same with the heater and air-conditioning to make sure they are operating properly.
• Make sure to check the dashboard for any warning lights that may be on. Verify that all gauges work properly.

3. Drive the car on a street with stop-and-go traffic

• Notice how the brakes feel when you come to a complete stop. Do they feel jumpy, sticky or lose?
• How does the car handle potholes and rough roads? Drive slowly and listen for rattles or knocks, which can indicate steering issues.
• What about 90-degree turns? The car should navigate them smoothly and effortlessly. Resistance or pulling can be a sign of power steering or suspension problems.

The Next Step:

Assuming your test drive goes well, the next step in purchasing a Honda is to talk with our Mungenast St. Louis Honda service technician to learn about any specifics that align with the Honda of interest. We understand that buying a new Honda takes time. Our friendly staff will be here to help once you’ve made your decision! The Mungenast St. Louis Honda team is happy to answer any questions in the meantime! So come on in and test drive your new Honda today!