Take Test Drives like a Pro

what to ask during a test drive

Do you find yourself unsure of what to look for or ask when you take a test drive? Hoping that a natural feeling of “this is the right car” will enter your mind at some point during the drive? While that method is not always incorrect, it can make the experience more concrete to go in with a plan. If you find yourself wondering what to ask during a test drive, we hope to lend a hand. We’ll give you a few tips and ideas that will make the car shopping process a little less uncertain.

You’ve narrowed your choices down to a handful and you brought your insurance information. You are ready to get into a new car and see how it drives. Here’s what to look for:

1) Drive what you’re going to buy

While it might be impossible to drive the exact car that you are considering purchasing, test driving a turbo charged version when you are going to buy the base model is a mistake. The two might drive completely differently.

2) How do you fit inside?

Get a feel for how your body sits inside the vehicle. With the seat adjusted, are you able to see the instrument panel well? How about stop lights? Check your blind spot. You’ll notice that the car feels different because you aren’t used to driving in it, but any awkward feelings outside of that should be a red flag. You want a car that feels like it fits.

3) Test everyday actions

Sure, the car might go from 0-60 in 5 seconds, but can it parallel park easily? Can it accelerate smoothly on the on-ramp? Can you see what you are doing when you are parking and pulling into tight places? Take a moment to test the turn radius. Does your vehicle come with a rear-view camera? All of these things are very important when considering any vehicle.

With these tips, test driving should be a little easier. We want you to find the right car to fit your lifestyle. Any car is a big investment! If you are interested in taking any of the vehicles in our large inventory for a test drive, contact us or sign up for an appointment online. As always, our professional team is here to answer all of your questions.

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