How to Test Drive a New Car

Are you in the market for a new set of wheels? Before you sign on the dotted line, it's crucial to take that potential new ride for a spin first. 

From knowing what to take, how to get comfortable, and where to go, our comprehensive guide on how to test drive a new car like a pro has everything you need to know. So buckle up as we take you on a journey of making the most informed decision possible!

Key Takeaways:

• Prepare a checklist of features to examine
• Plan your route to include various driving conditions
• Pay attention to comfort, visibility, and ease of controls
• Test all tech features and connectivity options
• Assess the car's performance, handling, and braking
• Don't rush - take your time to get a real feel for the vehicle
• Take a friend or family member along for an additional perspective

Why a Test Drive is Crucial

Let’s face it, brochures and online reviews can only tell you so much about a car. In comparison, a test drive gives you first-hand experience of how the car performs in real-world conditions.

It may be that you'll be spending a lot of time in your new car so you of course want to ensure you're comfortable with the seating, visibility, and overall ergonomics. For example, even the feel of the steering wheel can make a huge difference to the driving experience. 

Each car can handle very differently, so it’s important to check if the way the car drives is your cup of tea. Test driving allows you to assess acceleration, braking, and handling to ensure they meet your expectations.

New cars now come with a host of features and technologies, so you won’t want to be left in the dark ages. A test drive lets you interact with these systems first-hand to see if they're intuitive and useful for you.

Ensuring the car is fit for your lifestyle is another big tick in the box. Does the car fit in your garage? Is it easy to park in tight spaces? Can it handle your daily commute? A test drive helps answer these practical questions too.

By thoroughly testing a car before you purchase it means you’re less likely to experience regrets or surprises after buying.

Preparing for Your Test Drive

Before you head to the dealership, it's important to know what documents you'll need for a test drive. Typically, you'll need to take:

• A valid driver's licence - this is the most important item!
• Proof of insurance - While many dealerships have insurance that covers test drives, some may ask for proof of your own insurance.
• Proof of identity - A passport or other form of ID may be required in addition to your driver's licence.
• Proof of address - A recent utility bill or bank statement might be necessary if your driving licence doesn't show your current address.

Remember, requirements can vary between dealerships, so it's a good idea to call ahead and confirm what you'll need to bring. Having these documents ready will help ensure a smooth and hassle-free test drive experience without having to rebook. 

10 Tips for a Top Test Drive

Going for a test drive is so much more than jumping in the car and turning on the ignition. Using the time wisely to make the most of your experience will put you in the best position to come to a decision on whether or not the car is for you. 

To help, we’ve shared our top 10 test drive tips so you can feel more like Max Verstappen and less like Mr Bean! 

Tip 1: Do Your Homework

Before you even step foot in a dealership, research the models of cars you're interested in. Get to know their specs, standard features, and options so that the sales advisor can get a better idea of what you’re looking for. This knowledge will also help you focus on what's important during your test drive.

Tip 2: Plan Your Route

You don't need to just stick to the dealership's suggested route. Instead, plan a journey that includes various driving conditions to make the most of your experience. Such as:

• City streets for stop-and-go traffic
• Dual carriageways or motorways for higher speeds
• Hills or winding roads to test handling
• Rough roads to check the suspension 

Most test drives last about 15-30 minutes but you can request a longer stint if necessary, or book a second test drive if an extended session isn’t possible.  

Tip 3: Get Comfortable

Take your time adjusting the seat, steering wheel, and mirrors. You want to be as comfortable as possible while having optimal visibility. Can you easily reach all controls? Is there enough headroom and legroom? Don’t feel pressured to rush this stage of the test drive before you head out on the road. 

Tip 4: Tech Check

Modern cars come packed with technology - sometimes too much tech! Test out the infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and any advanced driver assistance features. Are they intuitive and easy to use? If you’re unsure, ask questions before heading out on the test drive as you won’t want to be distracted fiddling with dials and buttons during the journey. 

Tip 5 - Performance Matters

Pay attention to how the car accelerates, brakes, and handles. Is there enough power for merging onto faster roads? How does it feel when cornering? Is the ride smooth? A vehicle’s handling can really vary from car to car, so what suits one driver may not suit the next. 

Tip 6 - Listen Carefully

Don’t be tempted to get distracted by the radio or engage in lots of conversation if you’re accompanied on the test drive. We recommend you turn off the radio and listen to the engine instead. Is it louder than you'd like? Are there any unusual noises? Also, check for wind or road noise at higher speeds - it could prove a deciding factor. 

Tip 7 - Parking Prowess

Find a car park and test the car's manoeuvrability. After all, you will be doing a lot of parking when you own the car! How easy is it to park? Do the parking sensors or cameras work well? Is the size convenient for where you park on a daily basis? 

Tip 8 - Bring a Friend

A second opinion can be invaluable which is why we recommend taking a friend or family member along for the drive. They might notice things you miss, especially if you're excited about the prospect of a new car.

Tip 9 - Take Your Time

Try not to feel rushed. A car is a significant investment, and you should feel completely comfortable with your choice. Test drives are the best opportunity to not only know what you want from a car but also what you don’t want. Make the most of your time and if in doubt, book a second test drive. 

Tip 10 - Test the Practicalities

Consider how the car fits into your daily life and just how practical it is (or isn’t!). Check if your regular items fit in the boot, if child seats can be easily installed (if needed), and how easy it is to get in and out of the car. 

If you have specific needs like bike racks or towing capabilities, ask to test these features too. This practical assessment ensures the car not only drives well but also suits your lifestyle and daily driving habits.

Frequently Asked Questions

We hope our guide to test-driving a new car has given you a better idea of how to make the most of your experience. As a vehicle finance broker, we often get asked questions relating to test drives, so we have shared our answers to the most common FAQs, below: 

Q: How long should a test drive last?

A: Aim for at least 30 minutes, but longer is better if possible. Some dealerships even offer extended test drives over several days, so it’s worth enquiring about this option.

Q: Should I test drive more than one car?

A: Absolutely! Test driving multiple cars allows you to compare and contrast, helping you make the best decision for you and your needs.

Q: Can I test drive a car without buying?

A: Yes, dealerships expect many test drives to not result in immediate sales. It's part of the car-buying process so never feel pressured into purchasing a vehicle afterwards.

Q: Should I test drive at different times of the day?

A: If possible, yes. This allows you to experience the car in different lighting conditions and traffic situations.

Q: Is it okay to test the car's limits during a test drive?

A: While you should get a feel for the car's performance, remember to drive safely and within legal limits. Discuss with the salesperson if you want to test specific performance aspects first.

Financing Your New Car with Octane Finance

Now that you're equipped with the knowledge to test drive like a pro, you might be ready to make that dream car a reality. That's where Octane Finance comes in. As a leading broker of car finance in the UK, we're here to help you navigate the financial aspect of your purchase.

Whether you're looking for a Personal Contract Purchase (PCP), Hire Purchase (HP) or a Lease Purchase (LP) deal, our team of experts can guide you through the process. We work with a panel of trusted lenders to find the best solution for your needs.

With Octane Finance, you can:

• Get quick decisions on car finance applications
• Benefit from competitive rates
• Enjoy a smooth, hassle-free process
• Receive personalised service from our dedicated team

Remember, a great test drive paired with smart financing is the key to car bliss. Happy driving!