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Four Things to Do When Test Driving a Car

Key Takeaways

  • Don’t let the car salesperson rush you through a test drive.
  • If you’re serious about buying, don’t just drive around the block. Insist on a longer test drive.
  • Ask the salesperson about any driver assistance technology that the car may have.

You should never buy a car without first taking it for a test drive. If you are new to the car buying game, you may not know what to watch out for during a test drive. Here are four things to pay attention to when you test drive any vehicle.

1) Test all of the features 

how to test drive a car - test all of the features

A modern car is loaded with screens, knobs, and buttons. You may not need them most of the time, but you should be confident that they will work if and when you do need them. Before you begin your test drive, try out all of the various tools and accessories in the vehicle, such as windshield wipers, seat adjustments, mirror adjustments, window controls, radio controls, and even the sound system. 

If the car salesman tries to rush you, kindly let them know that you will need some time to review everything, and that when you are done, you will seek them out for your test drive. If everything works well, it’s a good sign; if not, you’ve got a list of things to review with them. Remember, you are likely buying the car as-is, so discovering that the defroster motor doesn’t work, after the fact, may cost you.

2) Don’t stick to predetermined routes

how to test drive a car - drive like you normally do

When you are out on a test drive, the sales associate who rides along may try to persuade you to do a quick drive around the block before heading back to the lot. However, this route most likely won’t allow you to gain a complete understanding of the car’s performance. The best way to do so is to test drive it on an unplanned route that includes both highway and city driving. This will allow you to get a better understanding of how the vehicle accelerates, how the brakes perform, and the ease with which it turns in tight corners. Drive the car the way you would drive it everyday.

3) Connect your smartphone

how to test drive a car - connect your phone

Smartphone connectivity has become one of the top features that potential car buyers look for. Not all cars have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The ease with which you can connect your phone to the vehicle can vary quite a bit from one car to the next. Depending on the car you are in, you may be able to connect your smartphone with a simple touch, or you may have to navigate through menus to accomplish the task. Test the smartphone connectivity as a part of the test drive. There’s nothing more frustrating than not being able to listen to your music when you get a new car.

One important note: don’t forget to unpair your phone when you’re done!

4) Understand the new tech

how to test drive a car

If you are upgrading your car, you may encounter a host of new tech features that weren’t there in your previous vehicle. These may include adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and even more advanced tech like Autopilot. Take the time to understand them and test them out before you make your purchasing decision.

Don’t rush through the test drive

Test driving a car is one of the most important steps in the car-buying process. By taking the time to test all the features, choosing a diverse driving route, connecting your smartphone, and understanding the new technology, you can make a more informed decision and avoid surprises later on. Remember, you’re not just test driving for a quick feel; you’re assessing how well the car fits your daily needs. The more thorough you are, the better chance you have of finding the right vehicle for you.

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Last updated Oct 9, 2024

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