Why is a Test Drive Important When Car Shopping?

Whether you plan to lease or finance a vehicle, test driving a car is important when you’re car shopping.

1. Performance:

One of the more important reasons for test driving a car is to experience its performance. You can try different trim levels of a vehicle if they have two different engines, or you find out if you prefer a turbo engine. 

Pay attention to how the vehicle accelerates and brakes, how it drives on side streets and highways, and how it handles different road conditions. Also, take note of the steering and if the wheels drift right or left when you let go. If they go, the vehicle might need a tire rotation.

Be sure to ask about the drivetrain to figure out if front-wheel drive (FWD), rear-wheel drive (RWD), all-wheel drive (AWD), or four-wheel drive (4WD) is the best option for you.

2. Noises or concerns:

Another one of the most important reasons to test drive a vehicle before purchasing is to see if any concerns come up while driving. 

You may notice a strange noise or have to push harder than expected in the brakes. The windshield wipers may leave streaks when you test them, or the tires may look like the tread has worn down. 

Pay attention to anything that seems unusual and be sure to ask about it during or after the test drive. 

3. Comfort and space:

You want to enjoy the ride each time you drive, and a test drive allows you to experience the comfort level of the vehicle firsthand. While on the test drive, consider how it feels to sit in the seat, and how adjustable the seat and steering wheel are. 

Also, consider the space of the cabin. Do you have enough legroom and headroom or do you feel cramped? Is there enough space for passengers to sit comfortably? Do you need room for a car seat? 

For storage, cargo space can be challenging to visualize in cubic feet, so seeing the space in person helps you figure out if there’s enough room.

4. Features:

Both new and used vehicles offer a variety of safety, comfort, convenience, and technology features. Standard and available features depend on whether it’s a new or used car and the trim level. 

Before taking a test drive, examine the vehicle inside and out and make sure everything is working properly:

• Power or manual locks and windows
• Trunk release
• Gas release
• Tires
• Seating material condition
• Mirror adjustments
• Infotainment system
• Bluetooth, if available
• USB ports, if available
• Radio and audio
• Phone connectivity to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto

Test sound features before or after the test drive, so you can drive without distraction. This also makes it easier to hear any questionable noises or beeps so you can ask the Sales Advocate about them.

During your test drive, test the following:

• Windshield wipers
• Heating and air conditioning
• Heated seats, if available
• Brakes and accelerator 
• Rearview camera, if available 

This will tell you if the infotainment system is user friendly, if the safety features respond quickly, and how the vehicle handles to ensure it’s all a good fit for your needs and preferences.