How to test drive a car
Test drives offer a good opportunity to decide whether a potential purchase is the right car for you. Here’s how to make the most of your time behind the wheel...
No matter whether you’re planning on buying a new or used car, taking it for a test drive is one of the best ways to make sure you’re spending your money wisely. A 20-minute spin can tell you a surprising amount about the car you’re considering, including how well it accelerates, how user-friendly the technology is, if the seats are supportive enough for long trips, and whether you’re happy with the all-round visibility.
Following our guide can help you to get the most out of your test drive. Here, we’ll discuss exactly what to do when arranging for a test drive, the sort of roads to take, and the key areas to look out for to prevent issues in the long run.
Which car should I test?
Before heading to your local dealer for a test drive, have a specific version of your desired model in mind and always try to take a test drive in a car that's the same specification. Driving the same car with a different engine or trim level can give a false impression of the car you'll end up with.
If the exact model isn't available, make it a priority to find one with the right engine and gearbox because these are the two most important elements that could affect how much you enjoy driving the car.
For more information on models with the right engine and trim level for you, make sure you check its What Car? review, so you know exactly what you’ll be getting. If you’re undecided over which trim level to get, check our impressions of the driving style and see what standard equipment is fitted. It’s also worth bearing in mind what option ‘packs’ are available, along with how much they cost on top of the retail price.
Some car dealers like to put customers into more powerful and higher-spec versions of cars in an attempt to 'up-sell' them into a more expensive car. If your dealer tries this, don't be afraid to ask for a drive in the version of the car you are interested in buying. You could also ask for a test drive at another dealership.
How should I prepare for the test drive?
When it comes to driving the car, you'll probably only get 20 minutes on the roads near the dealership and you might be accompanied by the salesperson.
If you are taking a test drive with a member of the dealership, you might want to bring another adult along so they can keep the salesperson chatting while you concentrate on driving. In addition to making you feel less like you're being watched by the salesperson, your companion will also be able to comment on the car from a passenger's point of view.
In many cases, you’ll be able to choose exactly where you drive the car, so having a route in mind can really help you understand what the model is like. When planning a route, try to utilise roads you know so that you can concentrate on the car rather than finding your way around.
The best routes for test drives include a mix of slower, rougher roads – allowing you to test the ride quality – and at least a minute or two on a dual carriageway or motorway, which can help you check the performance and road manners. The same also applies if you’re interested in buying a used car being sold privately.
What should I check during a test drive?
The main thing to check when testing any type of car is whether or not you like how it drives. A test drive is a good opportunity to see how manoeuvrable your desired car is in tight parking spaces, whether it has enough overtaking power on the motorway and how it rides over imperfections in the roads.
If you're test-driving a used car, listen out for any rattles when starting the engine and when idling. Strange noises when travelling over potholes and speedbumps can be a sign that there’s an issue with the suspension, whereas judders in the steering wheel could suggest steering problems. Also check that the car changes up and down through the gears smoothly, and goes into reverse easily and without any crunches or knocks. If the car in question is an automatic with paddles behind the wheel or a manual mode, make sure this works.
To make sure you can detect any signs of a potential fault, don’t be afraid to ask the salesperson to be quiet for periods of the test drive. A member of staff who seems overly chatty or keen to turn the radio on at full volume may be trying to disguise unusual noises the car isn’t meant to have.
If you're not mechanically-minded, you might want to take along a friend who is, or have the car inspected by an expert to give you confidence before you buy. Many motoring services offer pre-purchase inspections, in which a qualified mechanic will be called out to inspect a wide range of components. Pre-purchase inspections often cost upwards of £100, but the professional should have a good knowledge of what to look out for on that particular model, meaning it could prevent you from buying a car that requires eye-watering repairs.
What Car? Says…
What Car? content editor, Jack Mortimer, says, “test driving a car may seem like an overwhelming process, but it’s a great way to see whether you get on with a new or used model before you sign on the dotted line. It does require a little planning, though.
“To prevent taking to the roads in whatever the dealer wants to sell you – rather than the model you actually want to buy – create a list of everything you need out of a new car. Should it have plenty of room for rear passengers? Do you want it to turn on a sixpence and fit into any parking space? Must it have lavish levels of standard tech?
“Once you’ve determined which model fits your requirements, find a dealership that has one you can test and don’t let any eager salespeople dissuade you. Plan a short route which takes in a variety of road types to see how you get on with the car and, particularly if you’re buying secondhand, be observant of any unusual bumps and noises that could result in expensive issues.”
