Testing driving. It’s just getting out there and taking a car for a spin, right? Well, not if you're going to get the best value from it. The golden rule is to take your time and not get flustered.
There’s nothing quite like sitting behind the wheel of a car you might actually own. The seat hugs you just right, the dash is glowing, and, for a few moments, the road ahead feels full of promise for you and your brand new set of wheels. But before you fall in love too quickly, remember this: a test drive is your one shot to figure out if the car is really worth it.
That’s right. Get ready. Here’s how to test drive like a boss.
Come in prepared
Walking into a dealership without a clue is like rocking up to a job interview with no idea who you’re meeting. Do a little homework. Know what model you're looking at, what features it offers, and how it stacks up against similar cars. Also, read up on independent reviews by well-regarded reviewers (not some random with a selfie stick). This helps you ask smarter questions and avoid being dazzled by the wrong things.
For instance, when you're test driving a second-hand car, doing a bit of groundwork matters. You're not just checking out how it drives; you're looking at its history, condition, and how it’s been treated. With detailed listings and specs like the kind we provide at easyauto123, you can walk in already knowing what to look out for. That way, the test drive becomes about confirming your gut feel, not uncovering surprises hiding in the trunk or, even worse, the gearbox.
Ask for what you need
A test drive shouldn’t be a polite lap around the block. If you want to see how it handles at higher speeds, ask to take it on the freeway. Got a narrow driveway or tight garage at home? Make sure you try some parking manoeuvres.
Sales teams should be ready to accommodate genuine questions and requests. If they’re not, that’s a red flag right there. Always remember, you’re not here to make life difficult for some poor car salesperson, but you’re not here to impress anyone, either. You're here to make sure this car works for you.
Don’t just drive it. Feel it.
It’s easy to get caught up in the leather seats or fancy touchscreens. But this is where you need to switch on your senses. How does the car feel when you take off from a stop? Is it smooth or sluggish? Is the steering tight or floaty?
Listen closely. Rattles, vibrations or odd noises might not mean something’s broken, but they can tell you how the car’s been treated or maintained. Touch everything. Check the controls. Look at how intuitive the layout is. Ask yourself whether you'd still be happy with it six months down the track. There is no better time to do this sort of thing than when you’re test driving, so keep your senses on alert, even if it means zoning out that chatty salesperson riding shotgun.
Picture your real life
That moment when you pull into a driveway and imagine the car as yours? A lovely warm feeling in the stomach, right? Lean into it. Load the boot, fold the seats, and check where your kids would sit or how the dog would fit. This is more than just a vehicle. It's about how this car fits into your daily routine.
If you’ve narrowed down your options online, bring those comparisons with you. Having the facts on hand helps you focus on how the car feels, not just how it looks.
Take your time
A good dealership will give you space to think. Take the car for a second drive if you need to. Sit in the seat for a few minutes after the drive and let it all sink in. Don’t rush into a decision just because someone’s dangling a deal in front of you.
Test driving like a boss means staying in control, trusting your instincts, and being prepared to walk away if something doesn’t feel right.
The final word
Anyone can go for a spin. But if you want to make a smart choice, test driving like a boss means asking the right questions, listening to your gut, and remembering this is your investment. Not theirs. Happy travels!
Find your next car and book a test drive today at easyauto123
