{"id":2755,"date":"2022-05-02T21:49:25","date_gmt":"2022-05-03T02:49:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/going-places.thegeneral.com\/what-to-look-for-when-test-driving-a-car\/"},"modified":"2025-08-27T12:52:03","modified_gmt":"2025-08-27T17:52:03","slug":"what-to-look-for-when-test-driving-a-car","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thegeneral.com\/going-places\/blog\/car-and-driving-basics\/what-to-look-for-when-test-driving-a-car\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Look for When Test Driving a Car"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Test driving is one of the most important parts of <\/span><\/span>buying a new car<\/span><\/span><\/a>. While researching online is a great first step, you won\u2019t know how you truly feel about a prospective car until you <\/span><\/span>visit the dealership<\/span><\/span><\/a>. If your scheduled test drive window is short and you\u2019re not sure what to prioritize, having a mental or physical list can help you stay focused. Read on to learn everything you should look for during a test drive and how to make the most of your first ride. <\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Make the Most of Your Test Drive<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We recommend doing a little research beforehand so you can focus on what really matters\u2014the feel of the car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before the Test Drive<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Do your research. Read some consumer and expert reviews on the cars you\u2019re interested in and compile a list of the ones you want to try.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Save time with an appointment. Make an appointment ahead of time so the vehicles you want to test drive are ready when you arrive. Car dealerships have limited space and can\u2019t always display their entire inventory, so some vehicles are left on distant satellite or overflow lots. Calling ahead gives the dealer plenty of time to retrieve the car and drive it from the overflow lot or showroom if necessary. In addition, trying each car in succession is the best way to get a fair comparison, so try to fit all your test drives into one day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Separate the test drive from your purchase date. Experts recommend taking a test drive and finalizing your purchase on different days to give yourself time to consider your options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ask a buddy to go with you. If you\u2019re easily swayed by salespeople, it helps to bring a friend or relative to keep you accountable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the Test Drive<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pay attention to these points during the big day so you don\u2019t neglect any aspect of the car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n