How to Make The Most of Out Your Test Drive

Car dealerships often offer a test drive for their new or pre-owned vehicles before a customer purchases them. Test drives are too important to pass up as they can help you make up your mind on the car you are interested in and make sure it is comfortable and includes all the features you are looking for.

A test drive can be the most exciting part of purchasing a new car, so if you already have one scheduled or will schedule one soon, here are some tips for you to make the most of it.
 

How to Make The Most of Out Your Test Drive

1. Make a checklist of things you prioritize

A checklist can help you narrow down the most important things you are looking for in your new car. As everyone has different needs, it is best that you know what you need and has all the requirements you want to be laid down on a piece of paper so you do not forget anything.
 

2. Bring a friend

Two brains are better than one, and a second opinion is always a good idea. So it is recommended that you bring a friend or a family member with you to your test drive, as they might notice things only the passenger can experience.
 

3. Plan your route

Another tip is to plan your route, so you know where you are going on your test drive. You should consider which kind of road you want to drive on, a highway? Smooth or rough streets? Somewhere you can accelerate and decelerate comfortable with no traffic?

Some dealerships may offer you route recommendations, so do not be shy to ask for advice.
 

4. Inspect the car

Whether it's a new or a pre-owned car, you should inspect it inside out. Examine its exterior and interior details like its cargo space, mirrors, windows, buttons, and more.
 

5. Test its in-car features

You should also test all the in-car features as you are driving to see how accessible they are and if anything is not working properly. Refer to your checklist of features and requirements, so you do not miss a thing.
 

6. Drive as you normally would

Since you are buying a car for your everyday life, you should drive the way you normally do. Take the roads you normally take, test the breaks, the steering, and the suspension.
 

7. Park the car

Many test drivers forget to park the car in their test drives. Parking the car can help you get a good perspective of its length, width, and any blind spots.
 

8. Ask questions

Do not be too shy to ask whatever question comes to your mind about the car, whether it's about its fuel consumption, warranty coverage, or anything. Your dealership should answer any question you ask to help you make a smart decision.
 

Best Car Dealership Recommendations

1. Carvana

Carvana is our number one car dealership recommendation. Simply because it offers a great online shopping service and sells over 25,000 certified pre-owned vehicles, in addition, Carvana will help you finance your car no matter your credit score.

Carvana allows you to lend up to $85,000 with a maximum loan term of 72 months. Prequalification validity lasts for 45 days. When you purchase your new car, Carvana will have it delivered to your doorstep the next day.

2. DriveTime

DriveTime is our second dealership recommendation. It offers a variety of great services, such as a 5-day money-back guarantee and a 30-day 1,500-mile mile warranty on all its vehicles. DriveTime is one of the most trusted dealerships in the U.S, and it also opened a sister company SilverRock Group that sells auto insurance, vehicle service contracts, and extended warranties.

With DriveTime, you get to shop through over 11,000 cars from its 130 dealership locations. It also offers great benefits, some of which are:

• Money-back guarantee
• Basic warranty
• DriveCare program
• Powertrain coverage
• GAP coverage

3. CarMax

For our third recommendation, we present you with CarMax. CarMax has been delivering automotive services since 1993 and will also help you finance the car of your dreams through its own finance division.

CarMax offers over 50,000 pre-owned vehicles to browse through, and all of them come with a 7-day money-back guarantee and exchange policy. You are also not obligated to go through with your purchase process at any point if you change your mind, as the dealership follows a 'no-haggle' policy.