Get the Most Out of Your Test Drive

While there are some obvious things to look for on a test drive, there are some things that might be less apparent.   

Read our Informed guide to getting the most out of your test drive..... 

If you’re comparing a wide range of cars, try to test-drive them back to back. It’s hard to gauge how one car compares with the last if you drive them too far apart.

Avoid weekends - particularly if you’re looking at a popular car from a dealership. Test-drive mid-week when the dealership and the roads are quiet.

Give the car an extended test drive  - i.e. at least a half-an-hour.

Make sure you cover a variety of different road types. If you can, try town, country roads, motorways and A roads to get a feel for how the car handles.

If you have a bad back or suffer health issues, make sure you can easily get in and out of the car, and sit comfortably for a period of time.

If the car is to be used as a family vehicle, make sure they all fit in the car, can easily get in and out, and check if storage space is sufficient .

If you have hobbies, dogs or any unusual requirements, make sure the car meets all your needs.

Your test drive checklist

Make sure you're happy with the following:

Steering
Gear change
Acceleration and brakes
Overall size
Ride comfort and noise
Seat adjustability
All-round legroom
Boot and storage space
Visibility
Entertainment systems (radio, CD, DVD etc)

Have Your Say

Do YOU have any tips to get the most out of a test drive?  Is there something you feel you should have done but didn't?  Why not share your story with us?  Click here to visit our forums  or why not post a quick comment below.....