Whether they’re your favorite part of car shopping or you dread them like the SATs, test drives are a crucial step in buying a used car. CarGurus can help you block out the distractions and really get to know your potential purchase.
5 Things to Do When Test Driving a Used Car
Why Test Drive a Car?
Get Comfortable Before a Test Drive
Test Drive it Like You Own It
Things to Consider After a Test Drive
Why Test Drive a Car?
For many, the prospect of test-driving one car after another (after another) with a salesperson pitching you on every feature doesn't make for a delightful Sunday afternoon. So it’s no surprise that some shoppers would opt to forgo the test drive altogether—anything to get in and out of the dealership more quickly, right?
Skipping the test drive, however, would be a terrible mistake. All cars drive a little differently, whether it be the steering, the response of the throttle, or the way weight shifts through turns. Other annoyances, like uncomfortable blind spots or a poor turning radius, are challenging to identify from an eye test alone; getting behind the wheel for a few miles is the only way to pick up on these. Whether you’re buying from a car dealership or a private seller, test drives let you identify these problems and mechanical issues in real-world driving scenarios.
Anyone who’s read our 5 Steps to Buying a Used Car can tell you that having multiple options is the first step to scoring a great deal. While test-driving multiple cars back-to-back can be tiring, doing so benefits you twofold: You’ll gain an edge when it comes time to negotiate, and driving multiple cars will help you more effectively measure the performance and capabilities of each. While it can definitely make for a long day, try to test the majority of your cars back-to-back, so the pertinent information will be fresh in your mind.
There’s no need to go it alone, either. Bring a friend to help keep the salesperson occupied while you focus on learning the car’s controls, who can also point out little quirks that you might miss otherwise, and who can properly test out the rear legroom while you enjoy the driver’s seat. Of course, your friend’s job is only to assist. You’re the one making the decision, so don’t let them pressure you into making a hasty purchase.
Get Comfortable Before a Test Drive
Before you even head out to the car—nay, before you even head out to the dealership—you should make sure a salesperson at the dealership is expecting you. Calling ahead to schedule an appointment with a salesperson may be the most advantageous, yet least practiced, part of the car buying process a shopper can take. Call ahead, and the salesperson will make sure the car you’re interested in is sitting out front, gassed-up, and ready to roll. Walk into the showroom unannounced, and you’ll have to wait for an employee to run and fetch it from the bowels of the dealer’s lot.
Once you’ve gotten in, you may be tempted to turn the key and get moving. But take some time to get comfortable first. Practice getting in and out a few times; that low-slung roadster looks great, but breaking your back just to get into the driver’s seat will grow old quickly. Adjust the mirrors and steering wheel, move the seat to a comfortable position, take a peek over your left shoulder to check for blind spots, and do a careful audit of the vehicle’s cupholders. These details may seem trivial at first, but you’ll be living with this car for quite a while, and little annoyances add up over time.
Don’t stop with the physical comforts, either. Take the infotainment system and any connectivity features for their own test drive. Play with the controls, adjust the radio, try pairing your phone via Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto or use the Wi-Fi, if possible, and definitely let the air conditioning run for a bit. Non-functioning climate control is a common problem area on used cars and, regardless of what the seller tells you, it’s almost never a cheap, quick fix.
Some vehicle types may require additional, specific checks. If you’re buying a pickup truck, see how easy it is to open and close the tailgate, or reach into the bed. If you’re buying a rig for towing that has extended towing mirrors, make sure they actually allow you to see past a trailer from your driving position. If you’re looking at a three-row SUV or minivan for the family, try folding or removing the rear seats, or installing a child seat.
Test Drive it Like You Own It
Now that you’re comfortable, turn the stereo off and start the car. At this stage of the game, it’s important to avoid distractions and focus solely on driving the car. The dealer may have a predetermined route for your test drive, but you should feel free to ask to drive your own route if that one doesn’t cover all driving conditions. As well as enjoying some stop-and-go traffic, be sure to get your potential purchase up to speed on a highway—will you be able to merge easily onto a highway, or are you likely to find 18-wheelers bearing down on you as soon as you try to join traffic? While you’re at highway speeds, listen for excessive road noise.
When you’re off the highway, pay close attention to how the car handles. Do the wheels begin to turn as soon as you start turning the wheel, or is there a little play in the steering? When you turn into a curve, do you feel a lot of body roll, or is the vehicle nice and smooth through the entire bend? Try to take the car on some rough roads, and listen for any upsetting squeaks or groans from the chassis as you do so. Finally, head to a parking lot to see whether your potential new vehicle is easy to park.
Many folks are tempted to wring out cars a little too hard on a test drive (we get it—it’s the same reason we’re hesitant to buy former rental cars). Test the car’s acceleration and hit the brakes nice and hard, but also keep in mind that you don’t own the car, and everyone will be happier if you treat it with respect. If you’re going to mash the accelerator or stomp on the brakes, be sure you let the salesperson know ahead of time.
Things to Consider After a Test Drive
Once you’ve completed your test drive, let the dealer know what you liked and didn’t like about the car, and make sure they know you’re looking at a few other models, too. It can be very tempting to start talking numbers as soon as you've finished your test drive, but keep in mind that you'll be in a better position to negotiate if the car salesperson knows you're looking elsewhere, too. Jot down some notes when you get out of the car, and let the salesperson know you’re going to look at some other vehicles and think things over.
In addition to test driving any other shortlisted vehicles, take this time to further research the car you’ve already driven, looking at warranty coverage, a vehicle history report, and anticipated maintenance costs. Consider your experience with the car dealer as well; perhaps another dealer providing a more positive experience will have a similar car in stock. When it does come time to negotiate, you can use the valuable information you’ve gleaned from your test drives to set you on the right track to a great purchase.
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