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Tips for Test Driving a Used Vehicle in Ankeny

We all know that purchasing a vehicle is a huge investment, even if it is used.  Considering this, it is very important that you are satisfied with the vehicle.  While inspecting the vehicle and deciding if you like the looks of it is key, test driving it is just as important. You must get a feel of how it performs, accelerates, and handles.  You must make sure the seats are comfortable for you and adjustable for your driving position.  While many may view a test drive as a short cruise around the block, a thorough test drive includes driving in a variety of conditions; on the highway, in stop-and-go traffic, up steep hills, and on bumpy terrain. Before you hit the road it is very important to see how the car fits you.  Adjust the seat to your preferred driving position; then check the relationship between the pedals, seat, steering wheel and shifter. The seats must be at your comfort level.  Remember you are going to be stuck with this used car for a while, this is important.  If adults are going to be in the back seat on a regular basis, make sure there is reasonable space.  Look for any blind spots that you cannot compensate for by using your mirrors.

The key to a successful test drive is to try to put yourself in real life situations.  Drive in as many conditions as you can think of. When idling, the engine should be smooth and quiet.  After putting the car in neutral, press the gas pedal to see if the engine responds without hesitation. When you press down on the brake pedal it should feel firm.  As the engine warms up, listen for any strange noises. Test out the shifting on the used car.  If the used car is manual, there should be no grinding sound from the transmission when you select gears.  If it is automatic, the transmission should engage immediately and the gears shifting should be quick and barely noticeable.  Once you hit highway speeds of 60 mph or higher, notice if the steering wheel shakes or vibrates.  Vibration in the steering wheel can mean anything from an unbalanced tire to a loose steering rack.  Next drive on a flat, smooth road and briefly lift your hands from the wheel.  This is to check alignment; the car should track straight and without vibration. Also listen to the wind in tire noise in the cabin, make sure it is something you can live with. Brakes are an obvious safety feature that must work properly.  Try some hard stops, making sure there are no vehicles behind you.  Get a feel of how the vehicle accelerates. Is the 0-60 response time satisfactory to you? Accelerate hard on an empty road. The car should respond immediately. Back off and hit the gas again. There should be no hesitation or smoke from the car.  A steep hill is perfect to check the engine's power, and there should not be a significant loss in power, or it could indicate a need for an overhaul.  A very important factor in test driving a vehicle and used car shopping in general is to not become to emotionally attached to it.  When performing a test drive you need to be able to focus on giving the vehicle a true evaluation.  Don't let your mind trick you into thinking that something that is uncomfortable will be fine, or that a strange noise will go away. 

The City of Ankeny, Iowa

 Ankeny, located in Polk County Iowa, was founded by John Ankeny in 1874 and was incorporated on February 28, 1903. A railroad link from Des Moines through Ankeny to Ames was completed in 1874 and passenger service established in 1880. The 2008 estimate of 42,287 makes Ankeny the third-largest city in Polk County, behind Des Moines and West Des Moines. Consdering the fact that Ankeny's numeric population gain of 15,170 between 2000 and 2008 ranked first among Iowa cities shows that this town is growing and expanding its resources.  Once a mostly residential town, Ankeny has recently seen growth of several "big box" retailers along Delaware Avenue near Interstate 35.  Along with these super stores there are a number of large car dealerships right off of I-35 and Oralabor Road.

Ankeny is part of the Des Moines?West Des Moines Metropolitan Statistical Area and is home to the main campus of Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC). Ankeny schools are consistently ranked among the best in Iowa. The city offers numerous opportunities to achieve a fulfilling lifestyle in Central Iowa. Residential areas, both new and well established, are clean, safe and family-friendly. Top-rated schools and secondary educational institutions are educating the workforce of tomorrow. Ankeny is close by to many attractions. Water sports at Saylorville Lake and hiking and biking trails are just minutes away from anywhere in the community. As part of a growing and dynamic metro area, the city is also only a short drive from Des Moines-area destinations such as Blank Park Zoo, the Science Center of Iowa, and downtown events such as the nationally renowned Des Moines Arts Festival and farmers market.