It's Time for a Test Drive - Test Drive New and Used Vehicles

A new (or new-to-you) car, truck or SUV is a big purchase. It’s likely one of the more expensive decisions you’ll make in your lifetime. To ensure you get the best bang for your buck, a test drive of any vehicle, new or pre-owned is needed. From form to comfort, dashboard layout to power, aesthetic and tech, there are a lot of different vehicle features that can shape your driving experience. This guide will help you learn how to test drive a car so you know how to get the most for your time and your money as well as help you make an informed buying decision whether you’re buying new or used.

Test driving a new vehicle is more about the needs, desires, and feel of the vehicle than worrying about the lifetime of the parts and mechanics. A new car it will automatically be covered by a warranty from the manufacturer, so you do not need to worry as much about any of those mechanical or manufacture issues or defects costing you more money after you buy it. Buying new also gives you more choice with make or model, giving you time and options to explore your favourite manufacturer. This means not only can you try different models, but different trims and features of the same model.

All this choice also means that it can be daunting to think of all the different vehicles you have to test drive, but it can be short and simple with some preparation. Here are some tips for test driving a new vehicle:

Read reviews, try out build and price tools, and learn as much as you can to narrow down the vehicles you want down to a few choices. You can do this online through our dealership or by searching directly through the manufacturer, you can also speak with a representative in-house to learn more about the vehicle that will suit you best.  Doing your research upfront will save both time and energy and help you avoid testing more vehicles than you need to. Doing research will also allow you to explore new features and technology that’s just reaching the market.

Before you get behind the wheel, do a walk around the perimeter and consider not just how things look, but also how this car, truck, or SUV will fit into your daily life. Consider size, storage, accessibility. How do even seemingly unimportant features such as door handles, the height of the vehicle etc. fit into the needs of passengers as well as yourself. Once you’re all set to go on a test drive, make sure to do a visual inspection interior of the vehicle as well. Feel out the space and layout of the driver’s seat and inspect your storage options throughout.  Once you’re comfortable it’s time to take it out for a ride. Don’t forget to also check these features while driving!

Don’t be shy to ask questions at the dealership. The important “must know” information should be questions around warranty, financial support, expectations and what to expect out of the daily wear and tear. Bring a friend with you who knows the needs and wants you’re looking for and have them remind you to focus on the important things and not just focus on the shiny things.

All of the considerations above are still important when test driving a used vehicle but there a few more things that need to be added to the check-list  — mainly, they will have wear and tear and do not always come with any warranty. If this is a major concern of yours, certified pre-owned vehicles can give you the comfort of a warranty.

When thinking about a pre-owned vehicle, you should be more diligent about checking of listening for issues and damage but a reputable dealership such as ours can help you find the perfect and safe vehicle.  

Used vehicles come with a past. Most of the time, it’s nothing more than some kilometres and some light wear on the interior. Other times, it can be more serious. That’s why vehicles should always have thorough CarProof and Equifax histories. Each report will give you a robust look at the vehicle's past. Any accidents of concern will be noted here and you can buy a vehicle that is not only safe for you, but for everyone around you. With roughly 30% of vehicles on the road have sustained some type of accident, this is a checkpoint you don’t want to skip.

Most dealerships will provide these reports, no questions asked. If you choose a private seller or wind up speaking to someone who is reluctant to supply this information, it’s best to look elsewhere. They will also usually disclose various mechanical issues the vehicle might have before you go on the test drive, and fix the issue before you buy it. Finding someone you can trust is important throughout this process - speak with a representative and make sure you feel assured.

Ready to go for a test drive? Take the above information into consideration and you’re well on your way to a high quality, safe, and above all luxuriously new vehicle. When you’re ready to get behind the wheel, contact our team and schedule a test drive!