15 Tips for Test Driving a Car

Test driving is the most important step in the process of buying a new car. This is the only true way to determine whether the vehicle you're eyeing is right for you. Just because the car sounds great on paper doesn't mean it will handle in a way that's comfortable to you. Before the test driving process even begins, you'll need to ensure you're covered with an affordable car insurance policy.

Fortunately, a local independent insurance agent can help you find the right auto insurance before you schedule that test drive. They'll help you get equipped with all the coverage necessary for your next vehicle. Until then, the following tips on how to test drive a car can help you make the most of your shopping experience.

Part One: Preparing for the Test Drive

Don't put too much stock in what others have to say about the comfort, design, or ride of a particular vehicle. Experience it for yourself and form your own opinions. 

When you visit showrooms to look at new cars, do so with the expectation that you may be taking one or two test drives while you're there. You don't want to let proven sales techniques influence you to purchase a car that's not ultimately right for you, which can lead to expensive regret later. If you're aware of these techniques ahead of time, you can prepare yourself properly so the salesperson doesn't deceive you.

1. Bring copies of your driver's license and proof of insurance: The salesperson will ask to hold onto your driver's license and insurance information while you take the car out for a test drive. While the information is important for them to have before they hand you the keys to their vehicle, they don't need to be in possession of the actual license. A sketchy sales technique is when they “misplace” it or take a while to retrieve it when you return. This forces you to stay in the showroom for an extended period of time, during which the salesperson will continue to do a hard sell. By giving them a photocopy instead, you have the freedom to leave immediately after your test drive.
2. Don't agree to a trade-in right away: Invariably, when you express an interest in a new car, the salesperson will ask if you'll be trading in your old vehicle. Even if you intend to do so, simply say that you haven't yet made up your mind, or, even better, say that the vehicle you'll be trading isn't the one you arrived in. If they know that you plan to trade in your car, they will offer to do an evaluation on it while you go on the test drive. This arms them with more information for a hard sell, and it also delays your exit from the dealership, as they'll still have your car keys. Take the time to decide which vehicle you want to buy first, then bring in your old car for an evaluation on the next visit.
3. You can ask to test drive without the salesperson: While some dealerships require the presence of the salesperson in the car with you, many permit you to test drive new cars on your own. A few even allow you to keep the car overnight so you can see how it fits in your garage as well as get a better feel for it. If the salesperson must come along for the ride, insist on driving on a number of different roadways and driving conditions, not just a smooth, predetermined route.

Insisting that you test drive a vehicle on different roads can help you get a better feel for how the car handles and responds to different elements and conditions. Aim for a route that utilizes not only highways but city streets, rough pavement, and gravel roads, too. Also, try to find roads that will allow you to test how the car handles sharp curves and steep hills.

Part Two: What to Do Before the Test Drive

Before starting your test drive, allow the salesperson to demonstrate the car’s features and capabilities. This typically lasts about 10 to 15 minutes. Feel free to ask a lot of questions and take notes if necessary. When you're ready to start test driving, prepare by taking the following steps and noting the car's ease and performance.

1. Enter the vehicle: Ask yourself the following questions: Is this car easy to get into? Did you bump your head while entering? Do you have to maneuver your body to climb in? Is this something you can see yourself doing every time you have to get into your new car?
2. Adjust the seat: Note the variety of seat adjustments. Take the time to adjust the seat until it's in your ideal position, and don't worry about how long it takes. If you can't find an ideal seat adjustment, this probably isn't the right vehicle for you. Ask yourself the following questions: Do you have adequate visibility over the steering wheel? Do you have enough headroom? Do you have adequate lower back and lumbar support? Are you comfortable? Would you be comfortable on a long drive?
3. Adjust the mirrors: Ask yourself the following questions: How easy are the side mirrors to adjust? Do you have large blind spots? If so, does the car feature a blind-spot detection system, and how does it work? Could you use this feature easily on any given day?
4. Find the controls: Know where the turn signal, windshield wiper, and headlight controls are before you start driving. Naturally, every car will have a different dashboard layout. Ask yourself the following questions: How do you feel about the layout of this particular car? Is it something you love or can at least live with, or will it be a nuisance if you buy the vehicle?

Taking the time to get the feel of a vehicle can help you avoid buyer's remorse down the road. Even if a salesperson seems pushy, remind yourself that a vehicle is a large financial investment, and you deserve to take all the time necessary to get a proper feel for something you're committing to buy.

Part Three: What to Pay Attention to During the Test Drive

While you're on a test drive, pay attention to several things. If you have a friend or family member with you, you can ask them to take notes of your observations while you drive. That way, if you test drive several vehicles, you can distinguish between them later when doing a final assessment. Here are some useful tips for what to pay attention to when test-driving a car.

1. How the ride feels: Note the ease of steering. If the steering feels too heavy, it may become bothersome if you do a lot of city driving. Similarly, some people find that steering that's too light makes it difficult to control the car properly. Also, pay attention to the smoothness of the ride. Try driving over railroad tracks and along bumpy roads to get the best idea of how the car handles.
2. Brake sensitivity: Naturally, brakes are a critical component of any car. Ask yourself the following questions: How do the brakes feel? Are they too sensitive, or not sensitive enough? Can you stop quickly, or is there a long braking distance? Do the brakes grab too hard and make smooth stops difficult? Do you feel comfortable with the vehicle’s ability to stop?
3. The transmission: If the car has a manual transmission, ask yourself questions such as: How heavy is the clutch? Is it easy to shift gears? Is it difficult to discern between first and third gear while shifting? If the vehicle has an automatic transmission, note how smoothly it upshifts and downshifts, particularly on hills.
4. Visibility: Be sure you can see adequately in all directions, particularly out of the rear window. Note any blind spots. Many new cars have wide trim around the windows, which can make it difficult to see a large portion to your left and your right. Consider a few possible scenarios. If you were at a stoplight and someone started crossing the street in front of your vehicle, would you be able to see the person approaching?
5. Maneuverability: Ask yourself the following questions: Is the car easy to maneuver around curves and tight turns? Does it accelerate well to allow for easy merges onto the highway? How easy is the car to park? Does it fit well in parking places? Is parallel parking easy? Does the front end sit low enough to scrape on parking curbs? Is a three-point turn possible in limited-space situations?
6. Cabin noise: With the vehicle’s sound system off, listen for cabin noise. Ask yourself the following questions: Can you hear the tires on the roadway? Is the engine noisy? When on the freeway, do you have to raise your voice significantly to carry on a conversation?
7. Climate control system: Check out the climate control system. Ask yourself the following questions: Is the fan powerful enough? Are the vents sufficient in number and placement? Are the controls easy to use? Does the vehicle have a passenger climate control feature, and is this important to you?
8. Electronic amenities: If the car is equipped with special amenities such as a navigation system or rear-view camera, try them out. Note if you find them satisfactory or lacking in function.

The test drive is when you really find out how a vehicle fits you and if it can provide the functionality you need on different kinds of drives. Knowing what to look for ahead of time can help you maximize your test-driving experience and walk away armed with all the information you need to make an informed decision about which vehicle to buy.

Part Four: What to Do After the Test Drive

Even if you loved everything about the car you just test-drove, don't let the dealership coerce you into buying right away. It's a good idea to test drive at least three vehicles and keep your options open. 

If your salesperson offers you a great deal, write their offer on the back of their business card and let them know you'll be in touch if you decide to go with that vehicle. If you think you want to buy the car, ask yourself these questions about what may influence future owning expenses:

1. What is included in the vehicle warranty?
2. What is the recommended vehicle maintenance schedule?
3. What does the dealership charge for basic services?

Once you have all the information you need about several cars you've test-driven, consider each one before deciding which one to purchase. If you're still undecided, you can always ask to take a vehicle on a second test drive.

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Next Stop: Finding the Right Car Insurance for Your New Car

When you've decided to take the leap from test driving to purchasing, make sure to find the car insurance coverage you need to legally use the roads in your state. Usually, liability insurance is the minimum required coverage in most states. However, your state may require you to have several additional types of coverage.

A local independent insurance agent can help you compare quotes before you take the plunge, so you can even test what's right for you in the insurance market. Your agent knows what kind of car insurance is required where you live, so they'll help you find a policy that includes all the coverage you need at the best rate. They can shop and compare quotes for you from multiple carriers in your area.

FAQs About Test Driving a New Car