Thursday, September 22, 2011

How To Evaluate Car Reviews

A decade ago a car buyer might have seen an ad or a car they liked on the road and start visiting car dealer premises. Today they're more likely to do online research before they shop car dealerships. It's so easy. They mostly make car comparisons or read car reviews.

The difference is a car salesperson would ask you questions to lead you to the right car for you. Today you ask those questions of yourself or are guided by the topics in a car review. The salesman might ask:
  •  about your present car and what you like about it - that's your start state.
  • They would ask you what your car was used for, who drives it and what you carry.
  • They'd also ask the types of roads you used and your annual mileage.
So it's not a bad idea to write the answers down as your starting point.

When the salesperson led you to a car they would explain the cars features. I used to talk about performance, versatility, comfort, economy and safety before we got down to talking about price. Surveys reveal the most important factors are the car fits your lifestyle - versatility, and it being affordable - economy and price. Safety was the next most important factor before performance and comfort was never mentioned.

To judge a car ask what the car holds itself out to be or promises. A city car promises little more than low costs and easy parking. Crossover cars promise more space but are not necessarily as good for economy, safety and performance as you might expect. A general rule is the larger the car the greater a buyers' expectations. The question is, do they deliver? You're the judge, not the pundit in print.

It's worth noting your findings for space, economy, safety and performance.

You should NEVER accept advice about comfort. The writer does not have your shoulders, back, hips, knees etc. I'm not talking old people. Young people can be very tall and vulnerable to discomfort. My experience is if an owner has any dissatisfaction from their old car the culprit is mostly comfort. The solution is to take a long test drive or better still ask for a loan or hire car.

I say all this but it doesn't mean you're going to like the look of the thing which again is your taste

Regards
Ralph

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