Tips on How to Get the Most out of Your Test Drive

Whether you plan on purchasing a brand new car or a used one, let’s face it; cars are expensive. You should test drive it thoroughly before making your final decision. What should you look for during the test drive process and how do you know if the vehicle is right for you?



Check out these tips to get the most out of your next test drive!

Tip #1: Research





You should have a good idea of what type of vehicle you are looking for before heading to the dealerships. Are you in the market for a small car, large SUV or truck? Is there any must have features that you cannot live without? Are you looking at new or used? What kind of space is required? Do you have kids in car seats? Do you have a budget to work with? These are all important questions that you should ask yourself and perform some research on.



Tip #2: Get a feel for it



Before driving the car you should get a good feel for it. Sit in the passenger seat, the back seat, check the truck space to see if it will work with your needs. Is the car easy to get in and out of? Does it feel comfortable while in the driver’s seat? Can you see yourself driving this car daily? How is your visibility; are there any blind spots? Getting a good feel for the car before you drive it is never a bad idea. If you use child seats, bring them with you and try installing them. Getting a good feel for the car now will make your decision easier in the end and provide you with reassurance that you have made the ‘correct’ decision!



Tip #3: Drive it

Now comes the fun part; the test drive. Take a seat in the driver’s seat and adjust your mirrors, steering wheel, seating position and any other items before setting out on your test drive. Sample different roads like back roads, highways, city streets and practice parking in a parking lot. As you are driving, test the steering, brakes, and all the features you use like the stereo, climate controls, navigation system, blind spot and other safety monitors, etc. Also take the time to check your blind spots and ensure you will be comfortable in the car.

Tip #4: Test out the key features



Most newer cars nowadays come with cool features like a back up camera. This is different and new to many consumers so it is not a bad idea to practice using it. After you get back from your test drive try reverse parking into a spot if the car you are testing comes with a back up camera. Another feature that seems to be more and more common is Bluetooth. Pair your phone and test out the compatibility and functionality of the Bluetooth system as well to ensure you will not run into any issues which may become annoying down the road.



Tip #5: Drive a few cars to compare

Every car is different. Sometimes it is good to test drive a couple to really compare which one will fit your needs and feels the best for you. Test driving is a fun part of the car buying experience so take your time, ask lots of questions and test drive a few cars to compare.

Tip #6: Bring a friend for a second opinion



Bringing your friend along can help you make your decision. Ask for their opinion during and after the test drive or have them sit in the back seat to see how it is as a passenger. At the end of the day it is your decision but having a friend help may not be a bad idea.

If you are a resident living in Ottawa, come see us at Luxe Auto Lounge for your next test drive. 

Luxe Auto Lounge offers only the finest premium pre-owned vehicles on the market. With a keen eye for detail, potential vehicles are first thoroughly researched and inspected prior to being selected for our inventory. From there, all vehicles are 'Luxe Certified' where they are put through a set of rigorous inspections, before finally being offered to clients for viewing. Simply put, we would not offer vehicles for sale that we would not purchase ourselves - and we stand behind all vehicles that we do sell.



Written by: Ryan Richard

Used Car Manager at Luxe Auto Lounge
1671 Vimont Court, Unit 101

Orleans, ON
613-830-5676

Our goal is to become your go-to source for anything and everything automotive!

Please follow us on social media @LuxeAutoLounge on Facebook & Instagram and follow me Ryan @yourcarguyryan on Facebook & Instagram.