Test drive tips - A guide to getting the most out of your next test drive

View printer friendly version

Tip #1: Do as much research as possible in advance of the test drive.

First of all, you need to do some research before you even get near the car lot. Online sites like CanadianDriver.com, Cars.com, and ConsumerReports.org list the pros and cons of each vehicle, and also publish New Car Buyer Guides.  CanadianDriver.com includes a loan and lease calculator so you can estimate monthly payments http://www.canadiandriver.com/tools/loan.htm.  For pricing and option information, use the complimentary Car Builder tool on www.bestpriceexpress.ca to build or compare any make or model.  Sites like these will save you time and will help narrow down your choices.

In addition to the usual questions about cost, fuel efficiency and warranty, don’t forget to check things like whether the vehicle will fit in your garage or how much your insurance will be on the new vehicle.

Tip #2: Schedule at least 30 minutes for each test drive.

It's tempting to get a test drive out of the way on a lunch break, but it's not a great idea. Take your test drive when you have plenty of time to get all the information you need. And, if possible, plan a route ahead of time that is similar to your daily drive.

Tip #3: If anyone other than yourself will be driving or riding in the car regularly, make sure that they test drive the car with you.

If you have a partner, children or other people / pets that ride with you, bring them along to make sure they're comfortable and safe. If you have children, try your child seats in the vehicle to check that they fit and are easy to load.

Tip #4: Drive the exact model you are interested in.

Call ahead and ask the sales department if they have the exact model you are interested in, with your desired color and interior, on their lot. Tell them that you are interested in arranging a test drive for that vehicle. Test-driving the model you want with a different engine and interior will defeat the purpose of the drive. Ideally, you want to test the exact car you're interested in.

Tip #5: Acquaint yourself with the vehicle before starting the engine.

A large part of test-driving a car is done before you even turn the key. Take time to familiarize yourself with the vehicle's interior functions before you start driving. Go over the comfort and convenience features, including the steering and seat positions, mirrors, climate control settings, and stereo controls. This is also a good time to ask the salesperson questions because when you're behind the wheel, you'll want to focus on the driving experience. For a pre-test drive checklist, click here.

Tip #6: Take a test drive checklist with you to help keep yourself on track.

Taking a test drive can be both exciting and overwhelming. And, because most people don't test drive vehicles very often it's important to be prepared. Aggressive sales people, short test drives and quick decisions can result in you purchasing a vehicle that ends up being a costly mistake. To make sure you stay on track, click here to print out a test drive checklist you can take with you.

Tip #7: Take control of the test drive.

Do not allow a pushy salesperson to rush the test drive. If you don't feel comfortable request another salesperson or visit a different dealership. Before you head out on the test drive, explain to the salesperson that you will be taking your time.

Tip #8: Do not be afraid to really put the car through its paces.

Do not be afraid to put the car through its paces. You will regret it later if you realize that the car does not really have as much power as you had hoped for, is not comfortable on multiple road types, shifts or handles poorly, or does not brake as well as advertised.

Tip #9: Test-Drive a few different vehicles.

Even if you think you're sure about which car to buy, you should aim to test drive at least two or three different cars to get a feel for what you like and what you don't. This will help you get a broader sense of what else is available in the market and may reveal things about your first choice you had overlooked. And, who knows? You might like more than one car. If so, you will be in a stronger bargaining position when it comes time to buy since you can let the price be the deciding factor.

Tip #10: Never purchase on the spot.

Consumer Car Buyer Advocates including Consumer Reports (www.consumerreports.org) recommend that you never buy immediately after a test drive.  After the drive, most salespeople will almost certainly try to hustle you into an office to start the buying process. But this is not a good time to start the negotiating process, especially if you have other cars to test drive.

Make it clear to the salesperson up front that you will not be buying that day; that you simply want to take a test drive; and you will be test driving other vehicles over the coming weeks.

Remember, the salesperson’s goal is to excite you about the car so you will "buy today".  Do not let the new car smell and emotions of a good drive make you more impulsive than you normally would be.  Considering you’ll be spending tens of thousands of dollars, you’ll want to sleep on it to make sure you choose a car that fits your budget and serves your needs for the coming years.

Happy car shopping!

read more articles »