A test drive is one of the most important steps in buying a car, allowing you to experience the vehicle’s feel, handling, and features first-hand. By knowing what to look for and having a clear checklist in mind, you can make the most of your test drive and ensure the car is a good fit for your needs. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to test drive a car so you can drive away with confidence.
1. Do Your Research
Before heading to the dealership, research the car models you’re interested in. Look at specs, features, and reviews to create a shortlist of must-have features and a rough idea of what you’ll be checking for during the drive. Consider practical needs like seating, storage, and safety features, especially if it’s for family use.
2. Inspect the Car’s Exterior
When you arrive at the dealership, start by examining the car’s exterior. Check for any dents, scratches, or uneven paint. Look closely at the tyres, ensuring they’re in good condition and evenly worn, and examine the windows, mirrors, and lights to confirm they’re all functioning properly. Note anything that stands out, and ask questions if needed.
3. Check the Interior
Next, take time to evaluate the car’s interior. Sit in both the driver and passenger seats to get a feel for comfort, space, and visibility. Test the following:
- Seat Adjustments and Comfort: Ensure the seats are comfortable and adjustable enough to fit your driving position.
- Controls: Check that controls for features like the radio, climate system, and infotainment are easily accessible and intuitive to use.
- Storage Spaces: Assess available storage compartments to see if they fit your needs.
- Interior Materials: Touch the materials used for the seats, dashboard, and door panels to ensure they meet your standards for quality.
4. Start the Engine and Listen
Start the car and listen carefully to the engine. It should start smoothly without any rattling or unusual noises. Let the car idle for a moment to check if any warning lights come on and to get a sense of the car’s idle sound and vibration level. Ask about any noises or warning lights that seem unusual.
5. Test Visibility
Check your visibility from the driver’s seat. Ensure you have a clear line of sight through the rearview and side mirrors. Consider potential blind spots and test mirror adjustments to ensure maximum visibility, especially if you’ll be driving in crowded areas.
6. Assess Comfort and Driving Position
Adjust the seat, steering wheel, and mirrors until you feel comfortable. Pay attention to lumbar support and any adjustability features, especially if you’ll be spending long hours driving. Ensure you can reach all pedals and controls comfortably.
7. Take It on Different Roads
Once you’re ready to drive, ask the salesperson if you can try different types of roads to get a feel for the car’s versatility. Try to include a mix of:
- Get a feel for the car’s handling at lower speeds, ease of parking, and turning radius.
- Test acceleration and braking at higher speeds to see how smoothly the car transitions.
- If possible, include some bends or small hills to assess the car’s grip, power, and handling.
8. Test Braking, Acceleration, and Handling
While driving, pay attention to how the car handles braking, accelerating, and cornering:
- The brakes should be responsive without feeling too sensitive or spongy. Try braking at different speeds to get a sense of how the car responds.
- Test how the car accelerates from a stop and at different speeds, especially when merging onto highways.
- Observe how the car handles corners and bumps, especially on rough roads, to ensure it’s comfortable and responsive.
9. Check the Technology Features
If the car has technology and infotainment features, test them during your drive. Connect your phone, test the sound system, use the navigation if available, and try out any other key tech features like adaptive cruise control or blind-spot monitoring. Make sure everything works as expected and is easy to use without distracting from driving.
10. Consider the Overall Feel
Finally, take a moment to assess the car as a whole. Consider factors like comfort, performance, and convenience. Does it meet your expectations and needs? This is a good time to go over your checklist and confirm whether the car ticks all the boxes.
11. Ask Questions and Request a Second Drive
After the test drive, ask the salesperson any questions about features you may not have fully tested. If you’re still unsure, don’t hesitate to ask for another drive to test any features you may have missed the first time.
Book a Test Drive with Subaru Today!
Ready to start test-driving? Book a test drive at Perth’s best Subaru dealership today to experience first-hand the safety, comfort, and versatility Subaru vehicles have to offer. Visit City Subaru to explore family-friendly Subaru models like the Forester, Outback, and Crosstrek, and find the perfect fit for your lifestyle!
