- A test drive is the best chance to see how a vehicle of your choice can measure up to expectations.
- During test drive, you will get to experience and evaluate the following:
- Ride Comfort
- Power and performance
- Steering, handling and braking
- Interior features
- Quietness
- Front, side and rear visibility
- A test drive is a common part of buying a vehicle since this experience can guide you in your decisions when purchasing.
- 1. Research:
- Before visiting a dealership, make sure you have enough information about your referred vehicle before you go for a test drive.
- 2. Time and Schedule:
- Schedule a test drive on your most convenient date. Be sure you have plenty of time to do the test drive.
- 3. Bring along a Passenger:
- A driver’s perspective is different from a passenger’s. It is best to have a companion with you when you do a test drive.
- 4. Ask Questions:
- Feel free to ask questions to your assigned Sales Executive. It is best to throw in questions when the Sales Executive is behind the wheel first for you to focus on your driving experience when it is your turn to drive.
- 5. Interior/Exterior Inspection:
- Check the vehicle and examine it from different angles. Check the style, design, color and the paint job if it suits you well. Also inspect the interior style of the vehicle. Sit in the front and rear seats to determine if passengers will be comfortable. Test all interior features to see how easy they are to use.
- 6. Test for Comfort:
- When at the driver’s seat, personally make all necessary adjustments on the seat, headrest, mirrors, steering wheel, and seat belt according to your preference for comfort and safety. Make sure you are able to easily access the radio and air-conditioning controls, the center console, and the gear shifter. Do these before you step on the gas pedal.
- 7. Test on Different Roads:
- As most dealerships set up a route for a test drive, ask your Sales Executive if this include winding roads, highway, city streets, uphill, on a rough road and traffic situations. This will enable you to test the vehicle’s performance on all road conditions (as much as possible).
- 8. Test for Performance:
- Drive normally. Feel how the vehicle responds when accelerating, braking softly or forcibly, and maneuvering steep curves.
- 9. Listen to Noise:
- Pay attention to any noise outside the vehicle or from the engine, and vibrations, squeaks or rattling sounds that you may hear.
- 10. Take a Second Test:
- Having another test drive on your vehicle of choice is alright. Oftentimes, we tend to miss some things during our first test drive.