Buying a car can be overwhelming and it can be hard to tell if you are making the right purchase or not. Many people think reading reports and reviews as well as watching videos will give them all the information they need to buy a car. There is something to be said about driving the car yourself and feeling it accelerate with your hands on the wheel. You can’t give that feeling to readers of a blog, which is why we are happy to take you on a Kia test drive. Test driving is an important part of buying a car, and Mission Viejo Kia encourages you to test drive any vehicle you’re interested in.

•   Prior to the test drive, it's advisable to conduct some research on the car. Check for any recurring issues reported by other drivers, as these might be aspects worth scrutinizing during your evaluation. Familiarize yourself with the car's features to assess whether they align with your specific needs.

•   Additionally, delve into the brand's reputation and reliability. In this regard, Kia stands out as a dependable car brand, boasting a commendable 4 out of 5 reliability rating and securing the 3rd position overall for reliability among 32 brands.

•   Explore alternative vehicle options. Testing a car becomes more meaningful when you have other models to compare it against, and you can test drive more than one Kia if you wish! This comprehensive approach ensures a more informed and discerning decision during the test drive.

When test driving any car, Check for:

• Inspect Under Floor Mats: Examine beneath the floor mats for any signs of water damage or rust that may be concealed.
• Evaluate Tire Tread: Be mindful of balding tires, as they may require imminent replacement. Assessing tire condition helps avoid unexpected expenses in the near future.
• Test Door, Hood, and Trunk Operations: Ensure smooth operation of all doors, including those often overlooked, such as rear doors and the functionality of the hood and trunk latches.
• Verify Key Fob Functionality: Check that all buttons on the key fob are operational to avoid any inconvenience later on.
• Assess Window Performance: Test the windows to guarantee they roll up and down seamlessly.
• Confirm Power Door Locks: Verify the effectiveness and security of the door locks to guarantee a safe and functional locking mechanism.
• Check for Wear on Moving Parts: Inspect moving components, such as the suspension and belts, for signs of wear that may lead to issues shortly after purchasing the car.
• Evaluate Storage Features: Assess the practicality of storage solutions, including cup holders, storage cubbies, smartphone compartments, and glove box capacity. Ensure there is adequate space for keys, change, and other essential items beyond the owner's manual and a tire-pressure gauge.

Test driving a Kia or any other car is not meant to be a stressful experience. When you are in the car you should feel comfortable and safe. The features should accommodate your needs and work properly. The test drive provides a real-world opportunity to determine if a car fits your performance, space, comfort, convenience, and utility needs. Call us at 949-787-2169 to set up a Kia Test drive right here at Mission Viejo Kia! Our staff loves to make the buying process all about you!