The Test Drive: Why It’s a Must-Do

Are you on the hunt for a new set of wheels? Finding the perfect vehicle takes time, energy, and plenty of research. While watching videos and reading reviews about different vehicles is helpful, nothing compares to getting behind the wheel. 

The test drive is one of the most important parts of the car-buying process. It’s your opportunity to evaluate a vehicle’s performance and features and determine whether it meets your needs and expectations.

You can make the most of your test drive by taking full advantage of your chance to inspect the vehicle and spending plenty of time behind the wheel before you buy. Follow these tips to maximize your test drive and find the perfect car for your needs.

Setting Rules Before Your Test Drive

Getting behind the wheel of a car you’ve been eyeing for some time is exciting, and it’s an important part of the car-buying journey. However, you must set some rules before you head out. 

From the minute you request to test drive a vehicle, the dealership will do everything possible to get you to buy that day. Here are a few tips to prepare yourself to ensure you don’t make an impulse purchase:

• Consider bringing a friend or family member along whose purpose is to ensure you leave the dealership and take a little time to process your buying decision.

• Become pre-approved by the credit union first in case you do decide to buy that day. That way, your financing is already secured, and you know you won’t go over budget. Your pre-approval also gives you the upper hand in dealer negotiations and prevents costly dealer add-ons.

Arranging Your Test Drive 

If you know which type of vehicle you want to test drive, search for local dealers who have it on-site. You should be able to search via the dealer’s website or give them a call to see if the vehicle is available.  

• Don’t limit yourself to just driving your top choice. If you’re deciding between a few different vehicles, request a test drive for each one you’re seriously considering. This step allows you to compare each car equally and make a more informed decision. 

• Make sure you get to test drive the exact makes and models you’re interested in. Don’t settle for the “next closest thing.” If the dealership you’re visiting doesn’t have the exact vehicle you want to drive, ask to come back another time when it is available or see if another nearby dealership has it available.

Dealerships often say the model you want is unavailable and have you test drive the top model instead. They do this so you fall in love with certain features that are only available on the more expensive model. It’s a tactic to get you to spend more than you originally planned.

• Schedule at least 30 minutes for your test drive to allow adequate time to perform a sufficient examination. 

• An ideal test drive includes a variety of terrains and speeds. Plan your driving route ahead of time, and make sure you include main roads, backroads, parking lots, and highways.

Before You Hit the Road

When the salesperson hands you the keys, it can be tempting to jump right behind the wheel and go. But take your time familiarizing yourself with the vehicle’s layout and available features before you get on the road. 

Check the Seats 

Check the spaciousness of the passenger seats and cargo area. Will you regularly have passengers in the backseat? Sit in the rear seats to make sure they’ll have sufficient legroom. 

Check how easy it is to adjust the seats. Slide them forward and backward to see how much extra room you can make available. Put the back seats down and see how much additional rear storage space it creates. 

If you regularly have children who are in car seats riding with you, consider bringing the car seats on the test drive to ensure they fit correctly and securely. 

Bring any other essential items you typically carry in your car to ensure they fit easily, such as backpacks, briefcases, tote bags, etc. 

Test the Features

Before putting it in drive, take plenty of time to adjust your seats and mirrors. 

Experiment with the various controls and make sure they’re easy to use. With newer models today, many features are performed on touchscreens instead of traditional knobs. So, you want to ensure you know where everything is before hitting the gas.

Test out Bluetooth connectivity, navigation systems, and other built-in features. 

During the Test Drive

The test drive is your opportunity to get a firsthand feel for how the vehicle performs and make sure it runs smoothly. This step is especially important when purchasing a pre-owned vehicle.

• Turn off the radio so you can properly listen to the car. Make a note of any concerning sounds you hear. 

• Take note of how the vehicle performs while maneuvering, including accelerating, braking, turning, going around tight corners, parking, and reversing. 

• Test how easy it is to park the vehicle in parking spots. Practice parking and backing in.

• Pay special attention to the transmission, shocks, brakes, and alignment. If you aren’t quite sure what to look for or listen for, invite someone more knowledgeable to ride along with you. 

• Make sure you feel comfortable navigating the vehicle and performing all essential driving functions. Pay attention to visibility, positioning, and seat comfort while driving.

• Include a variety of terrains and speeds to get a comprehensive feel for how it drives. 

After Your Test Drive

Once you return to the dealership, ask yourself: Can I see myself driving this car? Is it suitable for my day-to-day needs? Is it missing any of my must-have features? 

If you’re satisfied with the test drive and interested in buying, consider arranging a pre-purchase inspection to address any concerns and ensure all aspects are in proper running order. 

Remember that a thorough test drive is the best way to avoid buyer’s remorse. Don’t hesitate to ask for more time behind the wheel if needed! You can always schedule an additional test drive if you’d prefer to sleep on it and try again. 

If you are still undecided about the car after conducting a test drive, you don’t have to make any moves until you’re sure about your decision. Don’t let yourself feel pressured into buying if you aren’t ready yet. It’s perfectly okay and encouraged to walk away and give yourself time to think things over! 

We’re Here to Help!

A successful test drive is a defining factor in finding your next vehicle and ensuring it’s the right one for you. By following these tips for a thorough test drive, you can make the most of your experience and drive away in the car of your dreams. 

When you’re ready to buy your next car, we’re here to guide you through the entire car-buying process. If you’d like to learn more about our low rate, hassle-free auto loans or become pre-approved, we’re ready to help. Please stop by any of our convenient branch locations or call us at 248-322-9800 extension 5 to speak with a team member today.

 

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