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If you’re thinking of purchasing a new car, a test drive is a must. Whether the car is new or used, it’s an important part of thoroughly testing a vehicle and making sure you really want to buy the car. You’re spending a lot of money on it, so you should do the most you can to ensure that you feel comfortable and enjoy driving it.
Always remember that a test drive is not a commitment to buy. Salesmen or private sellers may put pressure on you to make a purchase, but you should be honest and upfront with any concerns you have and be prepared to walk away if you are not totally happy.
If you’re thinking of purchasing a new car, a test drive is a must. Whether the car is new or used, it’s an important part of thoroughly testing a vehicle and making sure you really want to buy the car. You’re spending a lot of money on it, so you should do the most you can to ensure that you feel comfortable and enjoy driving it.
Always remember that a test drive is not a commitment to buy. Salesmen or private sellers may put pressure on you to make a purchase, but you should be honest and upfront with any concerns you have and be prepared to walk away if you are not totally happy.
Most test drives can be booked online for a time of the day that suits you on the dealer’s website. However, if you’re looking for a specific model or buying from a private seller, it may be best to ring up to ensure you get exactly what you’re after.
For dealerships, most of the time it won’t be possible to fit in a test drive at short notice (although it’s worth a try!), but private sellers may be more inclined to be flexible.
Most test drives can be booked online for a time of the day that suits you on the dealer’s website. However, if you’re looking for a specific model or buying from a private seller, it may be best to ring up to ensure you get exactly what you’re after.
For dealerships, most of the time it won’t be possible to fit in a test drive at short notice (although it’s worth a try!), but private sellers may be more inclined to be flexible.
When selecting which car or van you’d like to test drive, be aware that the dealer will likely try to get you to test drive a more expensive version of the vehicle, so they can try to convince you to spend more. If you have your exact specifications (and budget) in mind, make sure you ask to test drive the exact version of the car you are after.
When selecting which car or van you’d like to test drive, be aware that the dealer will likely try to get you to test drive a more expensive version of the vehicle, so they can try to convince you to spend more. If you have your exact specifications (and budget) in mind, make sure you ask to test drive the exact version of the car you are after.
If you are buying from a dealership, you won’t need insurance to drive the car. This is because when you take the car out, you are covered by the dealership’s policy.
If you are buying from a dealership, you won’t need insurance to drive the car. This is because when you take the car out, you are covered by the dealership’s policy.
It’s not always possible, but try to drive uphill, as how a car pulls uphill can be very revealing. Try to get a feel for how the car might handle in an emergency by using plenty of hard braking where you can.
The test drive is also a chance to really think about your personal preferences. Does the car feel comfortable? Do you like the look and feel of the inside? Can you get into and out of the car easily? Will you be able to fit all the kids (and dog) in the back? If you’re looking for a van, will it fit in any equipment you need to store in it? Does the vehicle have enough power to comfortably carry heavy machinery you may use?
Always remember: even if you think your mind is 100% made up – try a similar car or van for comparison. This will either confirm your first choice, or you may be surprised by the different experience.
For more information about car checks, visit our new car checks page.
It’s not always possible, but try to drive uphill, as how a car pulls uphill can be very revealing. Try to get a feel for how the car might handle in an emergency by using plenty of hard braking where you can.
The test drive is also a chance to really think about your personal preferences. Does the car feel comfortable? Do you like the look and feel of the inside? Can you get into and out of the car easily? Will you be able to fit all the kids (and dog) in the back? If you’re looking for a van, will it fit in any equipment you need to store in it? Does the vehicle have enough power to comfortably carry heavy machinery you may use?
Always remember: even if you think your mind is 100% made up – try a similar car or van for comparison. This will either confirm your first choice, or you may be surprised by the different experience.
For more information about car checks, visit our new car checks page.
A brand-new car is a significant investment and you only have a short space of time to decide whether the car you’re viewing is right for you, so it is important to check everything carefully before agreeing to buy.
When you test drive a brand-new car, you know the car will drive correctly so it’s the small details you need to look out for to decide whether the car suits your driving style. Be sure to keep an eye out for things that are wrong mechanically or don’t feel right when driving.
Here’s a handy checklist you can refer to before or during the new car test drive:
A brand-new car is a significant investment and you only have a short space of time to decide whether the car you’re viewing is right for you, so it is important to check everything carefully before agreeing to buy.
When you test drive a brand-new car, you know the car will drive correctly so it’s the small details you need to look out for to decide whether the car suits your driving style. Be sure to keep an eye out for things that are wrong mechanically or don’t feel right when driving.
Here’s a handy checklist you can refer to before or during the new car test drive:
When test driving a used car, you must be aware that it is an entirely different scenario than test driving a new car. Some of the same tips will apply, but above all, you must make sure the car is in a decent condition.
It’s very important that you look over the car – both inside and out – to make sure that it is in an acceptable condition. This includes looking over the body itself, as well as under the bonnet, in the boot and in the cabin.
When you first start the car, make sure you listen for anything out of the ordinary. Any knocks from the engine can be a sign of costly engine repairs. Another tip is to look for any blue smoke coming from the exhaust as this could be a sign of an oil leak.
When you’re driving, be aware of any strange noises – especially any coming from the suspension when you go over bumps. These can be varied depending upon the issue and can come in the form of knocks, squeaks, rattles or rusty scraping. Also check that the car stays in a straight line when you are driving, without pulling to either side.
It is incredibly important that if you have any questions or concerns that you bring them up with the used car salesman immediately and before you part with any money.
Here’s a handy checklist you can refer to before the used car test drive:
When test driving a used car, you must be aware that it is an entirely different scenario than test driving a new car. Some of the same tips will apply, but above all, you must make sure the car is in a decent condition.
It’s very important that you look over the car – both inside and out – to make sure that it is in an acceptable condition. This includes looking over the body itself, as well as under the bonnet, in the boot and in the cabin.
When you first start the car, make sure you listen for anything out of the ordinary. Any knocks from the engine can be a sign of costly engine repairs. Another tip is to look for any blue smoke coming from the exhaust as this could be a sign of an oil leak.
When you’re driving, be aware of any strange noises – especially any coming from the suspension when you go over bumps. These can be varied depending upon the issue and can come in the form of knocks, squeaks, rattles or rusty scraping. Also check that the car stays in a straight line when you are driving, without pulling to either side.
It is incredibly important that if you have any questions or concerns that you bring them up with the used car salesman immediately and before you part with any money.
Here’s a handy checklist you can refer to before the used car test drive:
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Moneybarn is a member of the Finance and Leasing Association, the official trade organisation of the motor finance industry. The FLA promotes best practice in the motor finance industry for lending and leasing to consumers and businesses.
Moneybarn is the trading style of Moneybarn No. 1 Limited, a company registered in England and Wales with company number 04496573, and Moneybarn Limited, a company registered in England and Wales with company number 02766324. The registered address for these companies is: Athena House, Bedford Road, Petersfield, Hampshire, GU32 3LJ.
Moneybarn’s VAT registration number is 180 5559 52.
Moneybarn Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Financial Services reference No. 702781)
Moneybarn No. 1 Limited  is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Financial Services reference No. 702780)
