I Love My Honda - Issue 1

BEFORE YOU BUY IT, DRIVE IT.

What to look for in a test-drive The proof of the ride is in the drive. Forget what your friends told you or what you’ve read, a brand new car is one of the biggest investments you will ever make so it must meet not just your pocket, but also your needs. As Edmunds.com explains, there are several factors you must consider during that all-important test drive. These include road tests and new car ratings. Case in point; the Honda Accord has made Car and Driver’s Top 10 Best Cars list for a record 28th consecutive year! So did the Honda Fit for 7 years in a row. Impressive isn’t it? But don’t just take the experts’ word for it; test-drive them yourself. Although, we reckon you won’t disagree.

The salesperson may tell you to drive along a predetermined route, using a series of right-hand turns that lead back to the dealership. This is not necessarily the best way for you to evaluate the car. Tell the salesperson what kind of test-drive you want (within reason) and you’ll probably get it.

What is the best way to test-drive a car to determine if it is right for you? First, you need to do some preliminary research before you even go near the car dealership.

Also, consider the price of the car and how you will finance it. Then, and only then, is it time to go for a testdrive and see if the car you have chosen on paper is the best all-around choice for you. Once you are on the car lot, begin by simply sitting in the car and asking yourself if it is a good fit. It’s a little like trying on clothes. People come in different sizes and shapes, including tall, short and portly; and they have different tastes in what they want.

Once you are driving, evaluate these specific points: • Acceleration and passing acceleration: Does the car downshift quickly and smoothly?

• Engine and road noise: How does the car sound when you strongly accelerate? Is there a lot of noise from the tyres?

• Hill-climbing power: Does the vehicle downshift quickly?

• Braking: How does the pedal feel? Do the brakes “grab”

Once you get settled, ask yourself a few questions to help you define your feelings about the car: • Is it easy to get in and out of the car without stooping or banging your head?

• Is there enough head, hip and legroom? Remember to sit in the backseat, too.

• Is the driving position comfortable? Do you sit too low or high in the car? Can you tilt or telescope the steering wheel for a better fit?

• Is the seat comfortable? Is it easily adjustable? Is there a lumbar support adjustment?

• Are the gauges and controls easy to read and use?

• How is the visibility? Check the rear-view mirror and the side mirrors and look for potential blind spots.

• Does your body type match the pedal positions? If not, are the pedals adjustable?

Before you start driving, adjust the seat, the seatbelt and the mirrors. Turn off the radio so you can hear the engine and concentrate on the driving experience.

Basically, your test-drive should match your driving requirements. If you regularly drive into the mountains, find a hill and see how the car climbs. If you have a highway commute, get on a freeway and see how the car accelerates into traffic and performs at higher speeds.

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suddenly?

Steering and handling: Is the vehicle responsive? Can you feel the road through the steering wheel?

Suspension: Is it stiff or soft? Does the vehicle ride comfortably on a rough road?

Seat comfort and ergonomics: Are the seats adjustable? Can you reach all the controls easily?

During the test-drive, the salesperson may point out features about the car or ask how you like it. No matter how much you love the car, remain noncommittal and stay focused on learning all you need to know from the testdrive. When you’re back at the dealership, remember to

check the trunk space or cargo area. Is the vehicle easy to load? Is there a pass-through in the trunk opening for long items? If you’ll be using the car for family duty, install any child safety seats you usually use to make sure they are compatible. Also, recheck anything else you might have noticed on the test-drive. Remember that little things you spot now could be major annoyances later, so don’t discount any of your reactions.

If you are shopping at night, remember that the vehicle’s colour can look very different under streetlights. You might want to come back during daylight hours before you make a final decision.

At the end of the test-drive, the salesperson will probably invite you into the dealership to begin negotiations. If you have other cars you are considering, drive them first before beginning the deal-making process. Thank the salesperson, take a business card, leave and then drive the other cars you are considering. If you wind up liking more than one car, you will be in a stronger bargaining position.

If you do a bit of research first, you’ll be fully in control of your testdrive. Then the test-drive will likely answer your remaining questions and help you buy the car that’s right for you.

As stated in the beginning, this is a big move. Take your time. A Saturday is a great day for a really good testdrive, which is why ATL Automotive introduced Test Drive Saturdays at all its locations last year. There’s little traffic and no lunch time rush to get back to the desk, so why not make an event of it?

Introducing the 2014

HONDA CITY

IT ALL ADDS UP + The Brand You Trust + The Space You Need + The Efficiency You Want + The Safety You Depend On + The Resale Value You Get =

Speaking of test-drives, the all-new Honda City is coming to your City soon. Stay tuned, because you don’t want to miss it. Now in its fourth generation, the 2014 City is redesigned with a sportier look and distinctive side lines, looks bigger and sits well on the ground. Life in the City just got even better!

HONDA ACCORD #1 Selling mid-size sedan + Car and Driver Top 10 Best + 2L i-VEC engine + Cruise Control + Econ Button + ABS + EBD + IIHS Top Safety Pick + i-MID Screen

$40,263

Full Duty Monthly

$51,895

20% Duty Monthly

$55,715

Full Duty Monthly

$70,275

20% Duty Monthly

$34,770

Full Duty Monthly

$43,492

HONDA CR-V 20% Duty Monthly

$69,454

Full Duty Monthly

$90,169

HONDA CIVIC 1.6L i-VTEC engine + Econ Button + 42MPG + IIHS Top Safety Pick + Brake Assist + ABS + EBD + USB & iPod Connectivity

20% Duty Monthly

Real Time 4-Wheel Drive + 2L i-VTEC engine + Dual Zone AC + IIHS Top Safety Pick + Brake Assist + ABS + EBD + i-MID Screen + Eco-Assist + Immobilizer + Ace Body Structure

HONDA FIT 20% Duty Monthly

$45,842

Full Duty Monthly

$52,689

Class leading trunk space + 1.4L i-VTEC engine + 40MPG + ACE Body Structure + ABS + EBD + Immobilizer + MP3 capability + Car and Driver Top 10 Best

On-site financing now available

Monthly payments are based on lowest bank rates. Conditions apply.

Stick with the

Monday - Friday 8am - 6pm • Saturday 9am - 3pm

47-49 Hagley Park Road, Kingston, Telephone: 960-8431/960-8448-50, Fax: 929-9691 Units 1-3 Bogue City Centre, Montego Bay, Telephone: 979-0020-3, Fax 979-0027 www.honda-jamaica.com