How to make the most of a test drive

If you’ve ever bought a car, you’ll know how instrumental a test drive is to the decision-making process. Love at first sight is definitely a factor in finding the right vehicle for you, but in terms of practicality and how it fits into your lifestyle, there really is nothing better than a test drive to get the two of you acquainted. 

Your test drive is make or break time for the car you’ve decided to try, and there are some ways in which you can make the most of this opportunity. Here are our top test drive tips… 

Make yourself comfortable 

In order to get a real feel for the car, make any adjustments necessary to get the driving position to how you would normally have it. That may mean moving the seat backwards, forwards or up and down, adjusting the steering wheel, and ensuring you can see clearly in both the exterior and interior mirrors. 

Pick your route carefully 

Ideally, your test drive route should reflect the type of driving the car will be getting to grips with on a daily basis if it becomes yours. If you regularly commute within a city, then some around-town driving is in order. If you travel further afield, test its performance on a dual carriageway, or a motorway if you can. 

How does it handle? 

It can be easy to get carried away with the excitement of a new car on a test drive, but whether it truly is the right car for you will depend on the handling and the way it responds when you need it to. The ease with which it handles situations such as manoeuvres and inclines should tell you a lot about whether you’re well suited to the vehicle, so don’t be frightened to put it through its paces. 

Test the tech 

With many cars coming with cool features these days, from safety technology to infotainment, your test drive is an opportunity to explore it further. Ask the person looking after you at the dealership to explain how it works, and how it’s likely to be able to help you while you’re on the road. 

Ask all the questions 

Whilst the test drive is an opportunity to familiarise yourself with the car itself, it’s also the time to ask any questions you may have about the vehicle, and about the process of purchasing it should you choose to do so. From fuel economy to safety ratings, your salesperson will be armed with all the information, so come prepared with all your questions so that they can help you make a decision from their answers.