Buying a car is one of the biggest financial decisions, so it makes sense to try before you buy. Test driving a car is a crucial part of your research and it shouldn’t be rushed. Take your time and make sure the car is safe, in an acceptable condition, includes all your must-haves and is right for your budget and everyday use. Ensure you ask plenty of questions to make sure you’re getting all the information you need to make an informed choice on your car purchase.
Here are some of our tips to getting the most out of your time with your potential new car.
How Do I Go About Booking a Test Drive?
It is a good idea to book ahead for your test drive. While you can just show up, this way you know the car or cars will be ready to go for when you get there. Most dealerships have an online booking form on their website; some even take bookings through their Facebook page, or alternatively drop the sales manager a text or give them a call. Suzuki has an easy to use form for booking a test drive at any of their dealers too.
Give yourself plenty of time so you can make a well-considered decision and take each car for at least a 30 minute test drive, ideally one after the other without hopping into your car in between. This allows you to compare the experience while it is fresh in your mind.
Dealerships will only let you take the last car of your test drive out half an hour before closing time, so plan your time accordingly otherwise you may be turned away.
If you have been looking at a used car that you discovered online, and are serious about purchasing it, then ring the dealership to ensure it has not been sold before going in for the test drive.
If possible, go to the dealership for your test drive at an off-peak traffic time. This will allow you to get around your planned test drive route easily and get up to speed on the motorway or open roads.
What Should I Bring to My Test Drive?
A valid driver’s license. Your dealership will take a copy of your license to ensure you are qualified to drive, are covered under their insurance, and have a record of your test drive
You may opt to bring someone with you for a second opinion but remember that the car is being purchased to meet your requirements, not necessarily to meet their taste in vehicles.
The regular items you carry. Remember to bring along the essentials you carry in your car, such as car seats, pushchairs, golf trundlers, and even your favourite travel mug.
Your mobile phone. While it is definitely not allowed while you are driving, it is important for taking notes of the highlights and lowlights after each drive and snapping photos of the exterior and interior. Once you have been behind the wheel of two or more cars, the features and things you liked can tend to blend into one, so it is good to have a record to refer back to.
What Should I Expect Once I Arrive To Test Drive a Car?
Head to the main office and let a staff member know what you are looking at test driving or have arrived for your test drive.
You will need to fill in some paperwork, and hand over your driver’s license for the staff member to take a copy of.
The staff member will ensure there is a license plate on the car, and will either bring the car you are interested in up to the office or will give you the key and tell you where the car is.
A good dealership will give you a specifications sheet, and will run you through the features of the car while you test drive the car. They will also allow time after the test drive to answer any questions you may have.
Set aside at least 15 minutes before and after the driving section so you don’t end up feeling rushed.
Can I Test Drive The Car Alone?
The dealership may allow you to test drive cars alone (and with your person that you brought along) however be prepared that some will have a policy that a member of their staff accompany you.
If you want a member of staff to go with you so you can ask questions, check in with the dealership. Sometimes you may have to book an appointment depending on how busy they are.
What Should I Look For Before I Go On My Test Drive?
Before taking the car onto the road, take the time to walk around the vehicle and review the exterior and interior.
For a Used Car you should check the following:
- Exterior dings and scratches on the body of the car
- Wear and tear in the interior and on the upholstery
- The ground beneath where the car was parked – has anything been leaking?
- Look under the hood for rust, leaks, or anything that may look out of place
For Used and New Cars, add the following checks:
- Do you have clear visibility around the vehicle for ease of parking and safe driving.
- Driving position. Do you have a comfortable driving position with adjustment in seat and steering wheel height to make you comfortable. Also, that all the controls you regularly use are obvious and easy to access.
- Passenger room. Do you often carry passengers that you want to be comfortable? If so, sit in the back and see if there is enough room.
- Safety features. Check the ANCAP safety rating and features such as airbags, seatbelts and braking systems.
- Boot space. Make sure the boot has the space to fit any particular equipment you need to carry and is easy to reach when opening and closing.
- Features and Accessories. What’s important to your personal use – smartphone connectivity, reversing and parking camera, extra cup holders, roof racks, or a tow bar?
- Ask your dealer to run you through what features the car has that makes it unique.
How To Get The Most Out of My Test Drive
Before you begin your test drive make sure you adjust the car to your driving preferences and check you can read all of the gauges. Get comfortable by setting the steering wheel, seat, seatbelt height, and mirrors to the right driving position for you. Clear your mind of all the stuff you think you should be doing or have forgotten to do and focus on the experience about to happen.
Plan a route
Plan yourself a minimum of 30 minutes route to get the most out of your drive. Pick roads that you are familiar with and often travel, with the aim to replicate what the typical use of your vehicle would be. This could be a combination of quieter suburban streets, a highway or motorway where you can get up to speed legally, and/or a gravelly or steep driveway. Also include a location to park, 3 point turn and reverse the car.
The dealership will most often have a suggested route you can take if you don’t have a planned route in mind or you are from out of town and aren’t familiar with the roads.
Sometimes the dealership will allow you to take the car home overnight so you can test it on the familiar roads around your workplace and home.
It's Time to Drive
This is your opportunity to put your potential new ride to the test so remember to:
- Drive the way you normally do
- Drive on a variety of roads and traffic conditions
- Test the control and handling by accelerating, braking and cornering
- Change lanes, reverse, park, and turn in tight spots to check for any blind spots or size issues
- Try out the features like the Sat Nav, infotainment system, air conditioning, etc
- For used cars listen out for any odd rattles, take notice of any pulling to one side and that all the electronics and features work as advertised
Anything that constantly irritates you now is likely to continue to bother you when you own it. Take the time and do as many test drives as you need to find out what you do and don’t like. From there you can be confident that you are making the right decision.
What happens after my test drive?
Once you have finished your test drive, the dealer will most likely ask you how it went. Be honest. They cannot help you find what you are looking for, if you don’t provide constructive feedback.
Take the opportunity to ask more questions about the vehicle or how it compares to the other vehicles in the range. You may also want to know a bit more about the buying process, such as the details of the warranty, service plans or accessories that are available. Your local dealership is there to help you find out what is important to you in your next car.
Look through The Complete Guide to Buying a New Car for more information on purchasing a new car.
