Test driving a vehicle isn’t quite like it used to be. With lots of new tech features in automobiles today, finding the right car for you can be difficult. One thing you’ll always want to do before purchasing a vehicle is test driving. Even with lots of modern conveniences, test driving can give you a view of whether or not a particular car is the right one for you.
Here at Poquet, we get lots of questions about first-time buyers and especially, test driving. We break down what to look for before your drive, during your drive, and our four tips for test driving with us!
Before you get behind the wheel for your test drive, check the exterior and interior of the vehicle. Look for color or paint damage. Rust, discoloration, and scratches to the paint are something to look for when checking the exterior. Inside the car, look at leg room, both as the driver and the passenger. See if you need extra space for a child seat or extra cargo. If applicable, also check measurements to ensure the vehicle will fit into a garage.
Check out our luxury inventory to find a vehicle to test drive.
During your test drive, you’ll want to look at a few different things like acceleration, braking, steering, how the car handles, the visibility, and the quietness of the vehicle. Plus, don't forget to check out the tech features and your overall comfort.
How a vehicle accelerates can be scary, especially when you need to move, fast. Bring the car on a freeway or highway to see how quickly you can accelerate when you need it most. Drive up a steep hill to experience how the engine handles in different terrain.
Breaking is an integral part of a test drive. You’ll want to pay attention to how the vehicle breaks, is it quick, too touchy? You should test how the response of the brakes to a soft touch and a hard touch. Breaking should be smooth, progressive, and give you confidence on the road.
When driving, steering should be easy to control through your turns. If your steering feels darty or slow when maneuvering the car, you might want to look at another vehicle. Making sure the car responds well will show you how it handles on the road. Check the tracks of the steering wheel to see if it needs continual corrections or if it drives straight. A vehicle with quality response time can be a factor in avoiding an accident on the road.
A big thing to look for while driving is visibility. What are your blind spots, can you see the road clearly or are there any blockers? You’re going to want to check your side-mirrors, your rear-view mirror, any potential blind spots, and if you can see over anything on your dashboard.
Furthermore, listen while you’re driving. You can hear if it’s a quiet ride or if there is something that might be interfering with a smooth ride. Hear how loud the engine is when you’re accelerating. It’s okay to turn off the radio and listen to the vehicle while driving.
With so many tech features these days, don’t forget to check the tech during your test drive! See if you can connect easily to Bluetooth, or how the radio sounds when connected to a device. Look for any gauge or dash lights that are out. Give the horn a honk too, so you know where it is if you need it (and that it makes noise). If there is a heads-up display, see if you’re comfortable with that while driving. As there have been so many advances in technology and cars, it’s always a good idea to check the tech before buying.
Finally, the biggest thing to look for when test driving is your comfortability! You want your ride to be comfortable to get into and out of, as well as, fit your hands and arms, butt, knees, and feet well. If you’re not comfortable while driving, why even purchase that vehicle?
Ready for a test drive, but don’t have a vehicle on your mind? We offer hybrid and electric cars, cars with over 30 MPG, and plenty of new arrivals you’ll love to get behind the wheel to test drive!
Once your test drive is over, you'll want to think about if this choice is the one for you! If it is, take a look at our financing options, and we'll get you off the lot in a fantastic vehicle. If it's not, we will work with you further to find the perfect option for you and your lifestyle.
There are lots of things you’ll want to be on the lookout for when it comes to test driving a vehicle. Beyond what to check out before and during your ride, we’ve gathered a list of four tips for you.
Stop by Poquet Auto, and we’ll get you into an enjoyable, luxury vehicle. Schedule a test drive, and you’ll be one step closer to owning the car of your dreams!