8 Test Drive Tips

The importance of test driving a vehicle before purchasing cannot be understated. Leases typically last between 2 and 3 years and drivers can stick with a purchase for upwards of 10 years. For this reason among others, you don't want to make the mistake of forgoing a test drive and realizing you don't like the way the seat feels after your first long journey.

Even if it seems like the perfect fit from what you read online, you can't be sure until you tinker with the technology, listen to the engine, or, most importantly, feel what it's like behind the wheel.

Anyone can drive a car and have an opinion, but an informative and smooth test drive experience requires some planning and effort.

Our Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC Dealership wants our customers to be as informed as possible before making a purchase, so we've compiled 8 tips to help you if you decide to test drive.

How Do I Test Drive A Car?

1. Make A List of What You Want In A Vehicle - If a vehicle lacks or oversteps in aspects you definitely do or don't want, respectively, you know not to test it. Although this requires time to research, you will ultimately save time when the time comes to decide whether to test drive.
2. Schedule A Test Drive for The Vehicle You Like - Want to save even more time or test as many vehicles as possible? Schedule a test drive so you won't have to be at the dealership any longer than you need to. If you're interested in more than one vehicle, make appointments for those as well. You'll have the best perspective after driving all of them on the same day.
3. Make Sure The Vehicle Is The Right Size For You - For some, it must have the appropriate dimensions for their parking spot. Take measurements and compare them to your current car, whether it was parked on the street, in your driveway, or in your garage.
4. Test The Vehicle For Your Lifestyle - The car should fit everything you regularly bring along with you on your travels. Whether it be a friend, a car seat, or equipment, see if it will sit comfortably in your test vehicle.
5. Pay Attention To Things You Like and Don't Like - A good test driver should take note of every aspect that matters, even the little things. For example, if you had to exert yourself to get into the seat of a high-suspension truck or thought the steering wheel buttons were non intuitive, that might be a cause for concern.
6. Ask Yourself The Right Questions - Of course, you should also reflect on your expectations during the drive. Some questions you might want to ask yourself could include: Is it quiet enough? Does the wheel respond the way I want it to? Does the brake have enough feedback?
7. Put Yourself in Common and Uncommon Driving Areas - You never know what situations you could get into during everyday driving. See how long it takes the vehicle to reach highway speeds, whether it can make it up a steep hill without working too hard, and how it reacts when you stop short.
8. Take Your Time Test Driving The Vehicle - One of the features you noticed during your final test drive might have really resonated with you, but the first car overall suited you better. Giving yourself at least a day to reflect on your experience will reduce the effect of emotions preventing you from making the best decision.

Schedule A Test Drive At Our Yuba City Area Chevrolet Buick GMC Dealership

Now that you know how to test drive, you need a test subject! Our Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC dealership near Yuba City invites you to view our new and used inventories. Once you're ready to test drive, contact us.