What to Look for During a Test Drive

Booking a test drive of a car is often the most exciting part of the whole buying experience. It’s your first opportunity to get behind the wheel of a new car and it’s also a chance to see if the driving experience matches up to what you’re after.

But there are some things to think about when booking a test drive of a used car, too. Here at Carsa, we’ve got a broad number of cars - and they’re all available to test drive - but before you get comfortable in the driver’s seat, consider some of these factors to make your decision easier.

Can I get comfortable?

The ability to get comfortable in a car is paramount. So, before you even start the engine, think about how easy it is to get into your ideal driving position. Cars have varying levels of seating adjustability and, as a result, how easy it is to get comfortable might vary between vehicles. Adjust the seat and, if the car during your test drive has it equipped, adjust the steering wheel too.

Some cars may have electrically-assisted seat adjustment - and some have electric steering wheel adjustment, too - so have a play around with these features to make sure that they’re right for you. Consider how comfortable the seats themselves are, too; are they causing any discomfort? If so, that car might not be right for you and you could be better served trying a different model. Comfort is definitely one of the things you need to tick in your test drive checklist.

Are the controls within easy reach?

Once you’re in a comfortable seating position, see how easy it is to use all of the car’s major controls. Try out the heating and ventilation controls, and maybe see how easy it is to reach the vehicle’s main screen (if it has one).

Remember to try this as part of your test drive checklist too, as being able to quickly access certain settings when you’re behind the wheel is essential. If you find it a bit tricky to navigate certain controls, then try a different vehicle.

Is there enough performance?

There are cars of all shapes and sizes here at Carsa, with varying levels of performance brought on through different engine sizes. This is an area which is well worth thinking long and hard about. Consider the type of driving you’re doing most often. For instance, if you’re mainly travelling around town, then a smaller-engined car might offer more than enough performance while delivering low running costs.

However, if you frequently do longer journeys - or spend a lot of time driving on the motorway - then something with a little more ‘oomph’ might be a better option. Remember to consider that larger engined cars are often more expensive to insure and maintain, so do some research before you purchase.

Am I happy parking it?

It isn’t just high-speed driving that you’ll need to consider during a test drive of a used car. Parking is an everyday occurrence and, if you’re not happy positioning your new car at low speeds, then you’re unlikely to feel too confident when behind the wheel.

So if you can, try parking any car you’re considering in a space that you might usually use. If your new car has parking sensors and cameras this provides a good opportunity to test drive them out, too. Check out if you’re happy with the size of the wing mirrors and consider any blind spots which might present themselves during the parking process.

Is the ride quality okay?

Here in the UK we have to deal with pothole-littered roads up and down the country. As a result, a car’s suspension can take a beating and, in sportier models, you might not get the most comfortable ride quality.

Naturally, if you’re in the market for a sportier model then it’s likely that you’ll already be accepting of a firmer ride. But if comfort is what you’re after then softer suspension is a must-have and, during the test drive, this is something that you’ll be able to check out. Of course, don’t ‘aim’ for potholes as it could cause lasting damage to the test drive car, but it could be worth seeking out some rougher sections of road to test drive the comfort levels of any vehicle’s suspension.

Book Your Test Drive Today with Carsa!

Here at Carsa we’ve got cars you can test drive to check whether they fit all needs and requirements. So check out our current range to find some just right for you. If you have any questions, then feel free to get in touch with a member of the team and they’ll be able to help.