Once you’ve decided on the car you want, taking a car for a test drive is your chance to see how it feels behind the wheel.
So, we’ve put together our top tips for taking a test drive to help you know what to expect and get the most out of the test drive experience.
If you haven’t already, check out our Used Car Checklist for our top tips when buying your next car.
What do I need to do before a test drive?
Be sure to plan your visit, preparation is key when you’re taking a test drive. Car dealers will need some sort of identification before you can sit behind the wheel: a valid UK or EU driving licence is a must but you may need to bring other forms of identification along as well.
If you haven’t got a valid driving licence, at Cargiant we can arrange for one of our sales experts to drive the car on your behalf. You will be able to sit alongside whilst they discuss with you everything from the feel of the drive to the car’s road handling.
Let the car dealership know if you have any special requirements before you turn up for your test drive. If you want to bring extra passengers or any four legged friends, most car dealerships will be fine with this as long you let them know in advance.
How to test drive a new car?
Once you get to the dealership, you should have in mind the sort of car and how many cars you wish to test drive. This will give you better focus on prospective cars and help you when comparing different models.
The test drive is your opportunity to see if the car is the right one for you. You want to know if the seats are comfortable and sufficient in size, if the rear seats fold or if additional passengers obstruct your rear view.
Another reason you should consider bringing someone with you on a test drive is you can also benefit from having an extra pair of eyes to help you with anything you might overlook. It’s also great to hear another person’s perspective, especially from the passenger’s point of view.
How can I book a test drive online?
At Cargiant, we make it easy for you, once you find the car you wish to take on a test drive, you choose a time and date that suits.
All you need to do is provide a few details and we will confirm your test drive booking via text and email. We will also send you important details like what you need to bring and how to get to the test drive.
But do bear in mind that all cars remain on sale, so if you’ve found one you like then it’s best to get in quick so you don’t miss out.
What can I expect on a test drive?
A test drive is designed to give you an idea of what it will be like to drive the car once it’s yours. The average driver spends more time now than ever behind the wheel so be sure to get acquainted with the car whilst you’re in it.
Take your time and get the most from the test drive, try to avoid booking during peak times or rush hour – after all, you don’t want to be stuck in traffic for the majority of the test drive.
At Cargiant, our test drive route gives you time to get a good feel of the car, whilst also avoiding traffic that could make the test drive unpleasant.
On the test drive you will most likely be accompanied by someone from the dealership who will be able to answer any questions you might have, so be sure make the most of this time to find everything out about the car. Don’t be embarrassed to ask to be shown where a particular function is or how a feature in the vehicle works.
Where to test drive a car?
The best place to test drive a car will be at a dealership where there are plenty of experts to help you make an informed decision. It’s important to have a good balance of support from expert staff but also the freedom to explore and get acquainted with the car you want at your own terms.
When it comes to comparing similar specs or models, Cargiant puts you in the best position to see what else is out there. You literally have thousands of cars to compare and you might even find yourself considering a car you have not come across before.
If you’d like to find out what we have to offer before you visit Cargiant, you can easily search online. You can search up to 10,000 vehicles in stock and taking one for a test drive is just a few clicks away.