When you’re buying a car — whether it’s a new car or a second-hand car — taking a test drive is a crucial step in the process. It’s your chance to experience the car beyond its brochure and online reviews. You’ll get to see how the car handles, feel the driving position, and check for potential issues that aren’t always obvious at first glance. But how do you make the most of this opportunity?
This guide will show you how to properly test drive a car — with top tips on what to check, how to prepare, and what to ask your dealer. If you’re ready to find the perfect vehicle, check out our new car buying service to explore a range of options.
Why Test Driving a Car is Essential
When it comes to test drives, it’s not just about taking the car around the block. It’s about making sure the car you’re buying suits you best in terms of comfort, performance, and features.
- Experience the Car Firsthand: Getting behind the wheel lets you feel how the car accelerates, brakes, and steers in real-world conditions.
- Check Comfort and Visibility: You’ll get to adjust the seat and mirrors to see how the driving position feels. This ensures you have good visibility of blind spots, wipers, and key controls.
- Spot Potential Issues: You can listen for unusual sounds like a clunk, check the tyre noise on different road surfaces, and see how the car reacts to potholes, bumps, and changes in direction.
- Try Out Gadgets and Features: Check to see if the infotainment system, parking sensors, blind-spot monitors, and driver-assist features work as expected.
If you skip this step, you risk buying a car that might not suit your lifestyle. That’s why it’s crucial to take your time, drive on different roads, and experience the car in various conditions.
What to Do Before the Test Drive
Before you start the car, there are several things you’ll need to do to ensure a smooth experience.
Do Your Research
If you’re looking for a new car or a second-hand car, it’s smart to research different models online. Read reviews, compare specifications, and narrow down the cars you’re interested in. Check for features like infotainment systems, blind-spot monitors, and the overall driving position.
Schedule a Test Drive at the Dealership
Dealers might be busy, so it’s best to book an appointment. This ensures the car you’re interested in is ready and available. Car dealers will often prepare a test drive route that includes a variety of road surfaces so you can see how the car performs.
Bring Essentials
- Driver’s licence: You’ll need this to legally drive the car.
- Comfortable clothes and shoes: You want to feel relaxed while driving.
- A notepad or phone: Jot down notes about how the car drives, how comfortable it is, and any potential issues.
- Consider bringing a friend or family member: They can offer a second opinion and spot things you might miss.
What to Check Before You Start Driving
Before you hit the road, take the time to check these key areas.
Exterior Inspection
- Tyres: Check tyre tread depth, tyre noise, and any signs of damage.
- Bonnet and Bodywork: Look for scratches, dents, or paint differences that could reveal prior damage.
- Lights & Indicators: Test the headlights, indicators, brake lights, and wipers to ensure everything works.
Interior Inspection
- Seats & Mirrors: Get comfortable by adjusting the seat and mirrors. Ensure the driving position feels natural and you can see out of the rear window.
- Dashboard & Infotainment: Test the infotainment system and try pairing your phone to see how smoothly it works.
- Glove Box & Storage: Make sure it opens and closes properly and check for space to store essential items.
How to Test Drive a Car (Step-by-Step Guide)
Now that you’re in the driver’s seat, it’s time to take the car on the road.
Start the Car
Listen for any unusual sounds. Does the engine start smoothly, or is there a delay? Pay attention to rattles, clunks, or loud noises as the car idles.
Get Comfortable and Adjust the Driving Position
Adjust the seat and mirrors until you feel in control. This is also a chance to check seat comfort, legroom, and visibility. Make sure you can reach the clutch, brake, and throttle comfortably.
Drive the Car at Low Speeds
Start slow to test the car’s low-speed handling. Practice reversing, parallel parking, and manoeuvring in tight spots. Check how the steering wheel feels — is it light enough to handle easily?
Acceleration & Braking
Drive the car on a straight road to test acceleration. You’ll want to check for a smooth, steady increase in speed. Then, use the brakes to see if they feel firm and responsive. If the car pulls to one side, it could be a sign of brake or alignment issues.
Handle Different Roads
The best test drive route includes a mix of road surfaces. Drive on:
- Motorways: Check for wind noise, high-speed stability, and ease of overtaking.
- Suburban Streets: See how the car handles lower speeds and tighter turns.
- Rough Roads & Potholes: This lets you check the suspension and listen for clunks or unusual sounds.
Test Gadgets & Technology
- Infotainment System: Check if the screen is easy to navigate and whether it responds quickly.
- Blind-Spot Monitors & Parking Sensors: These assistive features should alert you when needed.
- Try Out Gadgets: Test Bluetooth, climate control, and cruise control features.
If you want access to a wide range of new cars, consider using a car buying service that allows you to browse, book, and buy without hassle.
What to Do After the Test Drive
Once you’re done driving, don’t rush the decision. It’s a good idea to review current industry insights like those shared in 2024 Australian New-Car Sales: What’s Driving the Market So Far? to ensure you’re making an informed choice.
Review Your Notes
Write down what you liked and didn’t like about the car. Did the steering wheel feel too heavy? Was the acceleration smooth? Did you experience any tyre noise, clunks, or rattles?
Ask Questions
Let the salesperson know if you noticed any issues. If you’re unsure about something, now is the time to get clarity.
Check the Car’s Service History
If it’s a second-hand car, check the service history. See if there were any prior repairs, and make sure all the paperwork is in order.
Take Your Time
Don’t feel pressured to make a decision immediately. If you’re buying a car, it’s important to be confident in your choice. If you’re still unsure, take out temporary insurance and arrange for a longer test drive.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During a Test Drive
Even experienced buyers make mistakes. Here’s what not to do:
- Don’t rush it: Take as long as you need to drive the car in different conditions.
- Don’t focus on looks alone: A car can look great but drive poorly.
- Don’t ignore noises: Clicking, rattling, or clunks could be signs of deeper issues.
- Don’t forget to check the tech: Ensure infotainment, blind-spot monitors, and wipers all function correctly.
Final Thoughts
Taking a test drive is one of the most important steps in buying a new car or second-hand car. It gives you a chance to experience the car, check for issues, and see how the car fits your lifestyle. Take your time to drive the car on different roads and make sure you feel comfortable behind the wheel.
If you’re ready to book a test drive and browse new cars for sale, head over to the car buying page. You’ll love the experience of finding your next new ride.
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