How do test drives work

How is the driving position? Can you see out easily? Is the engine noisy? Check a buying guide for a used car and write a list of questions before you head out. In the interests of getting as much information about the car as possible, take your time. If you want longer with the car, however, just ask. Some franchised dealerships even run extended test drive offers from time-to-time where you can have the car for 24 or 48 hours to get better acquainted.

Your car needs to be big enough to comfortably carry all the things and people you need it to. If you regularly carry bulky cargo like a pushchair or golf clubs, take it along and see how it fits in the boot. Familiarise yourself with the important controls - lights, indicators, gearbox but also check how easy the minor controls are to locate and use.

Once again, you need to make some allowances. Think about the steering. Is it light enough for you to turn easily at low speeds and does it have enough weight to make you feel confident when positioning the car on faster roads? If the car is an automatic, does it shift promptly on your throttle inputs and can you comfortably reach the steering wheel paddle shifters? How well does it cope with potholes, large undulations and sharp changes in direction? Remember that performance will take a tumble if you regularly carry 4 people and loads of luggage and this can mean working the engine harder to maintain progress.

You might feel a little reluctant to do so under the watchful eyes of the salesperson but remember to rev the engine to the top of its rev range to see what it sounds like and, if the route allows, check engine, wind and tyre noise at motorway speeds - you want to be comfortable on long trips. You should still give it a comprehensive inspection of your own looking for damaged bodywork or wheels outside and scuffed trim or bad smells inside, such discoveries can help you negotiate the price down.

Check the mileage showing on the odometer and ask yourself if the condition of the car tallies with the displayed mileage. If you have any doubts, you can check the mileage of the car at its previous MOTs on the UK government website. This will give a better idea of whether anything is amiss. You should also press all the buttons and flick all the switches to make sure that everything works as intended.

Then, on the test drive itself keep a close eye out for any dashboard warning lights that might flag a malfunction. Check to see whether the car is warm when you start it as dealers often warm-up older cars that have trouble cold starting before customers come to take a drive.

If the engine is warm, ask about it. Their response will tell you how trustworthy they are - a denial is a sign that they aren't telling you the whole truth and should be avoided. On the road, pay particular attention to the way the clutch and brakes feel.

The engine should accelerate smoothly with not unexpected or undue noise and not too much exhaust output. Manual gearboxes too, can begin to feel tired after extensive use so check how easily the car slots into every gear - including reverse. The steering should turn the car smartly when you begin to move the wheel and any unusual clunks or squeaks from the suspension should definitely be investigated before you part with any cash.

Indeed, the salesperson is there to help so ask as many questions as you can to clear up any uncertainty. Make sure you spend a good deal of time checking the gadgets and features of the car. Advanced in-car technology is a wonderful thing, but it can be expensive to fix if it goes wrong.

Does the air-conditioning blow cold? Try pairing your phone to the car, or have the navigation on for a portion of the test drive. Asking for a second test drive is also perfectly reasonable. The seller will be grateful for your custom if you decide to purchase a vehicle from them. Taking possession of and driving away in the right car is the pleasurable bit, and conducting a thorough test drive should help ensure you make the correct choice.

Check out our useful guide to the 20 car buying secrets that dealers don't want you to know and everything you need to know about the V5C logbook. Towing with an electric car, hybrid or plug-in hybrid - what's the capacity and can you tow a caravan? Skip to header Skip to main content Skip to footer. Tips and advice Home Tips and advice. Am I insured? Is it big enough? Driving the vehicle Make sure the car accelerates smoothly and brakes effectively with precision, and continue to listen out for strange noises or vibrations.

The electrics Make sure you spend a good deal of time checking the gadgets and features of the car. Most Popular. What is a DSG gearbox? Should I buy one? Car buying 3 Nov Tips and advice 4 Nov Top 10 best luxury cars Bring a friend or family member along with you to the dealership.

This person can be an extra eye to help you spot any red flags throughout the process. They can also take notes for you during the test drive and provide a little extra comfort. Come up with a list of wants and needs for your next car. Detail which inside features you require and bring a checklist with you to review on your drive to see how well that vehicle measures up. You want to try out the vehicle in different environments such as stop and go traffic, highway driving and smooth and bumpy road conditions to see how the car reacts to each surface.

As you navigate through the route, check for any strange noises or uncomfortable vibrations. Get in and out of the car a few times — is the entrance uncomfortably high or low?

Can you reach the radio, temperature, seat and mirror controls without having to lean forward? Do the pedals and seat adjustments suit you? Try accelerating, decelerating, passing and merging. Does it accelerate fast enough for you? Does the vehicle upshift and downshift smoothly and at the correct time? Is the steering wheel comfortable for you?