What to Look for When Test Driving a Car: A Comprehensive Guide | Sandicliffe

What to Look for When Test Driving a Car 

After selecting the make and model of the car you wish to purchase, a crucial step for most in the buying process is to take it for a test drive.

However, during a test drive, it's easy to overlook or miss certain aspects of the car that may prove to be bothersome or impractical to you once you own it. A brief test drive in an unfamiliar car, with a salesperson beside you, may not fully represent the experience of a daily commute or a long trip with your family so it is important to be prepared before you venture out.

While test-driving a car, it's essential to remember your requirements and assess if the vehicle fulfils them. Verify if the model you're testing has all the necessary features you're looking for and if they are available as standard options. 

At Sandicliffe we want you to get the most from your test drives, as buying a car is typically the second most significant financial commitment in a person's lifetime, so it's vital to feel satisfied with your purchase. We don't feel obligated to buy the car simply because you took it for a test drive - the purpose of the test drive is to help you make an informed decision.

Our test drive guide can help you avoid any potential issues.

Comfort 

The first thing to consider is comfort. Take some time to adjust the seat and the steering wheel to your preferred position. Check if the car has enough legroom, headroom, and shoulder room. Also, pay attention to the seat's comfort level, especially if you'll be driving for long periods.

Is it spacious enough?

You might think you can concentrate better on the car on your own, but if you're purchasing a family car, it's worthwhile to bring everyone along. After all, it's not just you who'll be using the car, and other family members may notice practical aspects that you may overlook on your own.

Test the boot space 

It's not very practical to purchase a car that can't accommodate your lifestyle needs such as golf clubs, pushchairs, pets or bicycles. Just relying on the stated load space capacity may not give you the full picture, as different manufacturers may have inconsistent methods of measurement. Therefore, if possible, bring along an item that you typically carry to test out the boot space. 

Features

Make sure to check the car's features and options during the test drive. Does it have the features you're looking for? For instance, if you're looking for a car with a reverse camera, make sure to check if it works as expected. If you're interested in the car's entertainment system, test it out and see if it meets your expectations.

Handling and performance

Try to get a feel for the car's handling and performance during the test drive. See how the car accelerates and brakes. Check how it handles corners and turns. You should also pay attention to the car's suspension and how it handles bumps and uneven roads.

Map out a good test route 

As test-driving veterans, our sales team will be able to suggest a few well-thought-out routes for you to take, but it may be beneficial for you to plan a route that more accurately represents the type of driving you'll be doing. It's important to find a route that includes a variety of road types, to ensure the car is the right fit for you and your driving lifestyle.

Visibility

Check the car's visibility during the test drive. Can you see well enough out of the windows and mirrors? Are there any blind spots that could cause problems when driving? As all cars come in different shapes and sizes it’s always helpful to get used to the shape and visibility of your new car before deciding to make your purchase.

Parking and manoeuvring

Take the car for a spin in a car park or other confined space to get a sense of how easy it is to park and manoeuvre the vehicle in tight spaces. This will help you determine if the car is suitable for your needs in terms of parking and manoeuvrability.

How to plug it in if it's a PHEV/Electric

If you are looking to purchase an EV it is important to check out the charging information and maybe even test out connecting to a charger on your test drive. Whether it is your first EV or not it is beneficial to ensure you are comfortable with how to charge the vehicle and our sales team will always be happy to go through this with you.

Safety

Finally, make sure to check the car's safety features. Does it have airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control? Are these features up to your standards of what you are expecting from your new car? You may be used to certain features such as brake assist or lane-keeping assistance and if this is a priority for you, you will want to check they work to your preference. 

Test Driving at Sandicliffe

In conclusion, a test drive is a vital step in the car-buying process. By paying attention to these factors, you can make an informed decision when purchasing your next vehicle.

At Sandicliffe we offer extended test drives enabling you to really get a feel for how your potential new car will fit into your life.

Have you seen a new or used car you would like to test drive? Get in touch today!