Every car is equipped with a unique set of amenities and functions. Even if two vehicles share the same platform or engine or both, there would certainly be differences in terms of external and internal properties. Knowing and understanding the most important characteristics of the vehicles is the first step. Take it with you before you buy, and a test drive is the best way to do it. For the test drive, it is important that the main user of the car is present at a dealer.

Irrespective of how virtually advanced the world becomes, nothing will ever be able to beat the real ‘feel’ of a car. Here are various ways to ensure that car buyer can gain the most from test drives:

A car is useful not only for commuting to and from work but also for recreational purposes. For those planning to spend most of their weekend camping, having a properly sized trunk is important, as is the vehicle's ability to negotiate uneven roads. In other words, a 4x4 or a normal utility vehicle with a lot of ground clearance would be helpful. Likewise, those who need to carry equipment for photography or golfing will need a large trunk.

Individual buyers must be aware of whether their cars are being used for daily office commutes while being stuck in traffic, or on vacation trips, or for any other purposes. Therefore, buyers must drive through replicated road conditions as per their routine commutes to gain the most from their test drives. Test drive vehicles should be driven by owners in the same way in which they drive every day.

Before you take a test drive, research the models to determine your preferences. It is important not to get in completely blind before taking a test drive. Buyers must decide for themselves about certain model preferences. You can drive more than one vehicle and at times you will be surprised by what you like best.

Make sure everyone in the vehicle is comfortable - park the car at some point during the test drive and sit in each of the passenger seats to make sure they are comfortable and have plenty of head and legroom, a key difference. For a two-door vehicle, sit in the back seat to see how easy it is to access. To see the comfort of children, it is a good idea to lie down in the back seat and make its suitability for napping.

To ensure that the salesperson can give undivided attention, it would be best to book an appointment in advance. Appointments can either be booked online or over the phone.

It is important to gather adequate information about the car during and after the test drive. Most buyers would want to know everything before making the all-important purchase. Taking notes about different aspects of the car would be ideal here.

An extra person, like a relative or friend, may be able to offer more insights on the backseat as drivers move ahead.