How to kick tires like an expert
By Michelle Warren • Bankrate.com

There's nothing quite as thrilling, or intimidating, as buying a new, or new-to-you, vehicle. It's easy to get caught up in the sales pitch and focus on details, such as make, model, colour and price, but one of the fundamental steps in the purchase process is the test drive. It's key to determining if the vehicle lives up to its promises.

As a result, don't settle for a spin around the block. Aim to simulate your normal driving conditions as much as possible and assess the vehicle on a number of terrains. Don't be shy -- this is your one and only chance to see what the vehicle is made of. Gun it, slam on the brakes, climb a steep grade; if you don't do it now, you may regret it later.

While you might be eager to put the pedal to the metal, keep in mind that much of the test drive actually takes place before you climb behind the wheel. Follow these tips and, you'll be on your way to making an informed decision.

Be prepared
Before visiting the dealership, do your homework and get a good understanding of what the vehicle is capable of, as well as a handle on all the bells and whistles. Read the online reviews, check out the buying guides and be aware of the vehicle's weaknesses, as well as its strengths. If, for example, you read that a model is prone to alignment issues, you'll know what to watch for.

Exterior evaluation
Carefully scrutinize the vehicle from every angle. If it's a new car, it should be spotless. Used vehicles are likely to have few nicks and scratches, but nobody wants to buy a car with major rust or issues resulting from an accident. Ensure the paint colour matches exactly on each panel and look for bumpy areas, which may indicate paint-covered rust or damages that have been repaired with significant amounts of Bondo -- a magnet is also a good testing tool. Are the panels aligned? If not, the vehicle may have been in an accident. Test the shocks by pushing down heavily on the corners of the car -- they're shot if they bounce up and down several times. Faults can be either a reason to give a vehicle a pass or used as a bargaining tool.

Under the hood
Even if you're not a mechanic, you can easily assess the condition of belts and hoses, determine if the oil is dirty, whether the battery is cracked and the overall cleanliness of the engine -- check for rust or leaking fluids.

Room for everyone and everything
Open and close all of the doors several times. The same goes for the trunk and hood. Also, if you plan on starting, or growing, your family, make sure the backseat will accommodate a car seat or two.

While you're not going to bring along your camping gear to see if it fits in the trunk, you want to make sure the vehicle fits your lifestyle. Will it comfortably house a few sets of golf clubs or accommodate your mountain bike? While you're back there, lift the carpet and check for rust.

Tires tired?
When buying a used car, inspect the tires closely for signs of wear and tear. Insert a penny between the treads to evaluate whether the tires are worn evenly from one side to the other -- if not, it may indicate the car is out of alignment or has been in an accident.