A test drive is your best chance to find out whether a car suits you before you commit a large sum of money. Unfortunately, many test drives are a quick spin around a few blocks with a salesperson talking throughout. With a little planning, you can learn far more.
Prepare before you visit
- Shortlist two or three cars and test drive them close together so comparisons are fresh.
- Request the exact variant and transmission you plan to buy, as engines and features differ.
- Book an appointment and ask for a longer drive, including different road types.
- Bring your driving licence and the family members who will regularly use the car.
Start before you turn the key
Spend a few minutes inside the stationary car. Adjust the seat and steering to your ideal position and check whether you can reach all controls comfortably.
- Visibility: check blind spots, rear window size and whether pillars obstruct your view at junctions.
- Seat comfort: look for good thigh and lumbar support.
- Controls: test the infotainment, climate controls and steering buttons. Are they intuitive?
- Rear seats: sit behind your own driving position and check knee room, headroom and comfort for three people.
- Boot: check space and loading height with your usual luggage in mind.
Drive in real conditions
Try to include the kinds of roads you drive on every day.
- City traffic: notice how smooth the car feels in stop-start conditions, how light the clutch or brakes are, and how the automatic gearbox responds.
- Broken roads and speed breakers: assess ride comfort and ground clearance.
- Open roads: check acceleration for overtaking, stability at higher speeds and noise from the engine, tyres and wind.
- Tight turns and parking: test the turning radius, steering effort and parking sensors or cameras.
Pay attention to the details
- Listen for rattles, squeaks or unusual noises.
- Test brakes with a firm but safe stop where conditions allow.
- Run the AC and see how quickly it cools the cabin, including rear vents if available.
- Try connecting your phone to check smartphone integration.
Include your family
If others will use the car, let them sit in the back during the drive, and if they will drive it, let them drive too. A car that suits one driver perfectly may be uncomfortable for another.
Ignore the sales pitch while driving
Politely ask the salesperson to save questions until after the drive so you can concentrate. Make notes immediately afterwards while impressions are fresh. Do not let a special offer or time pressure rush you into deciding on the spot.
For electric and hybrid cars
Get a feel for regenerative braking settings and one-pedal driving if offered. Ask about the charging options, the displayed range and how the car behaves as the battery level drops.
Compare fairly
After driving each shortlisted car, score them on comfort, visibility, performance, practicality, features and overall feel. Combine this with research on running costs, safety ratings and service network to make a balanced decision.
Ask the right questions afterwards
After the drive, ask about waiting periods, service intervals, warranty terms, the cost of common parts and the nearest service centres. Request the on-road price breakdown in writing, including insurance and accessories, so you can compare offers on equal terms.
Test drive a used car differently
When the car is pre-owned, the test drive doubles as an inspection. Start the engine from cold if possible, watch for smoke from the exhaust, check that every warning light turns off after start-up and listen for knocks over bumps. Try all the gears, the AC, windows and lights, and follow it with an independent mechanic's inspection before you agree on a price.
Wrapping up
Prepare a shortlist, check the cabin thoroughly before setting off, drive on roads you know, listen and observe, involve your family and take notes. A well-planned test drive can save you from years with the wrong car.
