| ng a BMW is a little bit like learning all over again. | | | | To test drive a BMW, first do the obvious |
| By that I don’t mean that they are | | | | – book in at your local forecourt for a |
| completely wildly different to every other car on | | | | time, or walk in a try your luck to see if they can |
| the market – just that to me their drive | | | | take you out in it there and then. As long as you |
| and balance is a deliciously different experience to | | | | are testing a new or used car from a dealership |
| the other more generic cars on the market. I find | | | | you should be insured, but always check your |
| that German cars in particular are worth paying | | | | insurance if testing a private car – after all, |
| extra for, as they drive beautifully whilst still | | | | the regulations for buying and selling in their |
| retaining that attitude and drive that they are so | | | | market are pretty much nonexistent. They will |
| renowned for. | | | | also want to see your licence in order to drive it |
| Of course, knowing that you personally like BMWs | | | | – so make sure you have it on you or it |
| doesn’t help you much in the car buying | | | | will be a wasted trip! |
| process. Sure, it may suggest an area of the | | | | When you get in the BMW and start driving, you |
| market to start looking in, but it doesn’t | | | | have to pay attention to plenty of things – |
| make it any clearer whether you would be best | | | | especially so if you are trying out a used BMW |
| suited to a smart little hatchback or a huge SUV. | | | | not a new one. Pay attention to the breaks and |
| Would you prefer a convertible or a saloon? What | | | | suspension, noting any bumps and clonking noises, |
| sized wheels do you want, how much pull do you | | | | as well as how easily it changes gear. Any little |
| need. These, unfortunately, are the things that | | | | annoying things you notice could reveal some |
| are inspired by your passion, but have to be | | | | terribly problems underneath, so don’t |
| followed up with plain old fashioned research. | | | | ignore them so as not to make a fuss. |
| Part of that research needs to be taking a few | | | | BMWs feel different to other cars, in my humble |
| cars out for a test drive. This shouldn’t be | | | | opinion, so make sure to test out a few just to |
| reserved for your favourite model – you | | | | make sure you have a frame of reference. Here |
| should take a selection out of differing brands so | | | | you want to be paying attention to personal likes |
| that you know exactly when thing to look out for | | | | and preferences – do you like light |
| and just what sort of car you prefer. This is the | | | | steering, or do you prefer a more determined |
| same whether you intend on buying a new or a | | | | wiggle? Either way could make a difference to |
| used BMW – all cars need to be tested | | | | whether you love your new car – or hate |
| regardless of whether they are fresh off the | | | | it! |
| production line! | | | | |