My test drive on the beast when I first bought it involved me loading it up with the things I intended to carry in the boot. The salesman gave me some funny looks at first but then he deemed I must be a serious prospect as I'm taking nothing to chance. Originally I was going to go for the Saab 9-3 convertible but with the powered roof the boot space was just too small.
I took it down the dual carriageway and onto a stretch of the M11 motorway to see how it performed. Only when I was completely satisfied did I take the car and the salesman back to the showroom.
If you need to allow for a possible wheelchair Obi Waynne, then make sure it WILL go in the back and don't assume this. Will it stay in place while driving around or will you need to strap it in. Does the boot space have luggage hooks or will these have to be retro fitted.
Also ask for examples of customers servicing costs on the model and year of car you are thinking of buying.
Are there any repair surprises due near the current mileage of the car and if so what are they?
Are those surprises a known issue and will they be covered by the manufacturers warranty?
Submit the model of car that you hope to buy into Which magazine to ascertain any possible reliabilty issues!
Look into Glasses or Parkers car buying guides for resale values and levels of depreciation.
That about covers it from me, but I am sure there will be loads of pointers from the TC chaps to absorb before you go to the showroom on Saturday.
Good luck