How to arrange a test drive

Buying a car, whether new or used, is a major purchase for most people and requires careful consideration. You should never buy a new car without first arranging a test drive and whilst this is normally easy to arrange you shouldn’t turn up without some preparation. If you are buying a secondhand car from a private seller or car dealership you should also arrange a test drive. Buying a secondhand car from a car ‘supermarket’ or auction often works out cheaper, but you will not be able to take a test drive.

Instructions

• 1

  Decide which car you want to buy. If you don’t have specific cars in mind make a list of your criteria and be realistic. How much can you afford to pay? How often will you be using the car? Do you often carry passengers and if so how many? Is anyone in your family especially tall or has mobility problems? Try to take them along for the test drive so they can try the front and back seats for comfort. Do you often carry a lot of luggage or use equipment that might be hard to fit in some car boots? Golf, ski and camping equipment all take up room. Measure your equipment before the test drive to check it will fit in easily.

• 2

  Compile a list of suitable vehicles and research the nearest dealerships. Most car dealers will arrange a test drive for you after a simple phone call or you can fill in a test drive request form online. They will get in touch with you with available test drive dates. Try to organise the test drive for a weekday when the dealership is quieter and you can spend more time with the salesman to ask questions.

• 3

  If testing more than one car arrange test drives close together to get a better comparison. It is harder to remember how cars compare if you leave several days or weeks between tests. Make a note of all the things you like and dislike about each car as you test them and compare notes before you make your final decision as to which car to buy.

• 4

  Test the car on the roads you most frequently use. For example, if you mainly drive on motorways take it on the nearest motorway and test if it is smooth, comfortable or sporty enough for your needs. Check it will fit easily into your garage or parking space.

• 5

  Calculate the fuel, tax, service and insurance costs. You may be able to afford the initial asking price but consider whether excessive insurance and fuel costs will make it too expensive to run.

• 6

  Take along a copy of your driving license and check for insurance liability in the unlikely event of an accident whilst the car is in your possession. Negotiate a long test drive. The car dealership will likely try to resist, but you should insist: ultimately they want to make a sale. Occasionally a car manufacturer will arrange promotional extended test drives of 24 hours or a weekend. Check the motoring press for details or ask your dealer if there are any promotions coming up. These happen most frequently during the peak, spring new car buying period.