How to make the most of your test drive

Purchasing a car is a big commitment. Your new vehicle will be a massive part of your life, taking you to and from appointments, work, school, and other important locations. Before riding into the sunset with a brand-new car, most buyers want to familiarize themselves with its features, quirks, and drive style. Test drives are usually short-lived, but they can reveal a lot about a vehicle's outstanding qualities and shortcomings. To maximize the knowledge gained from your next test drive, we've listed a few steps to make the experience as illuminating as possible.

Test out funky features 

In the modern era, every car seems to be decked out with its own suite of unique capabilities. Whether it's a sunroof, heated seats, or night vision technology, newer car models make drivers feel like they're living in the future. While out on a test drive, ask what features make the car you're driving special. Test out these features to see how they function so you aren't surprised when something is slower or less advanced than expected. This tip is especially relevant if the car has attributes you're not accustomed to. A test drive is an excellent opportunity to see if a feature is worth your money or if you think it's a waste. Some features may seem trivial to you but essential to others. Use your test drive to see what matters to you so you know what qualities to look for as you continue shopping.

Take stock of your space 

Do you have a large, bustling family, or do you live alone? Lifestyle differences like this will determine which car is the best choice because the amount of space you require will be different. When you're on a test drive, review your surroundings and note how much space the vehicle affords. If the backseat looks cramped, it might not be a great pick for someone with kids. Better yet, ask if you can bring your family along. By taking the test drive with those who will most frequently be in your car, you'll better understand how comfortable day-to-day driving will be. By considering a car's size, you'll avoid feelings of claustrophobia once you've made a purchase. 

Compare car choices 

The first car you test isn't always the best option. When you arrive at a dealership, comparing multiple cars is an effective strategy to finding one that fits. If you wind up on more than one test drive, keep careful note of how the various vehicles stack up against each other. Is one car bigger than the others? Does a particular car offer a feature you just can't live without? These differences, whether big or small, will be the factors that determine which car you drive home in. When giving yourself many options, you should also take multiple insightful test drives.

Consider your comfort 

If you've always been behind the wheel of a small sedan, taking on a bulky minivan might be pretty intimidating. When you're on a test drive, stop to think about whether you feel genuinely comfortable operating the car you're trying out. If it feels too big, or you can't fathom mastering all of its features, this could be a sign that you should find something more familiar. Test drives are the time to decide whether you'd feel safe, comfortable, and confident driving a potential vehicle. 

Ride through typical terrain 

If highway driving is a rarity in your daily life, then test driving down the highway won't tell you much about the car you're considering. Whenever possible, it's most helpful to ride your potential vehicle in the kind of areas you most often frequent. This might mean suburban streets, fast-food drive-throughs, or heavily trafficked school zones. Just check with the dealership beforehand to see if they have any test drive guidelines. 

Take a test drive with Transwest 

At Transwest, we offer a wide range of cars and trucks. We also understand the value of a solid test drive and are happy to let you take our vehicles for a spin. Browse our online selection today, or stop by a Transwest location for the full experience.