Car Test Drive Checklist: What to Check Before You Buy
Just like you know it’s better to go grocery shopping with a list, so too should you when you’re in the market for a new car. A new car test drive checklist is really quite important, because it’s easy to be overwhelmed with all the fuss — and the obvious comparison to the car you arrived there in.
This doesn’t mean to say your current mode of transport is dilapidated, but the comparisons to the car you’ve been in and a brand-new model will be obvious.
That’s why a vehicle test drive check list helps you keep a clear head about the experience.
Tips On Preparing For A Test Drive
- Don’t waste your own — or the dealership’s time. If the car doesn’t meet your needs, thank them for the effort and leave.
- Do your vehicle test drive during daytime hours. This gives you the best visibility of the model which would look different under night lights (no matter how bright).
- Conduct your vehicle test drive by taking both streets and freeways, as much as you can. Where possible, choose your own routes that offer a mix of road surfaces — from city streets to winding suburban roads, hills and freeways — all best suited to truly test ride quality.
- Is the car powerful enough for everyday use? Test it merging onto a highway, passing and in city driving.
- Does running the air conditioner result in unacceptable power loss?
- Your test drive checklist should include giving yourself enough time. Don’t be rushed. And a dealership salesman who rushes you is probably trying to get you to overlook things.
If you can…
A great tip is to rent a model of the car that you’re looking to buy. Take it for a weekend where — whether you’re doing family events and weekend shopping, or going out of town — you’ll get a great perspective on living with the car and find out if it really works for you.
What to Check While Driving
1. Is the car comfortable?
Pay attention to:
- Seat comfort
- Driving position
- Steering-wheel position
- Visibility
- Noise levels
- Ride quality
- Passenger comfort
Don’t just drive for five minutes. Spend enough time in the car to understand whether you could comfortably spend an hour or more behind the wheel.
2. How does the car accelerate?
Test acceleration in conditions that reflect your normal driving.
Consider whether the vehicle has enough power for:
- Pulling away from intersections
- Joining highways
- Overtaking
- Driving uphill
- Carrying passengers and luggage
3. How does the car handle?
Drive on different road surfaces where possible.
Pay attention to:
- Steering response
- Cornering
- Body movement
- Stability
- Suspension
- Overall confidence behind the wheel
4. How does the car brake?
Test braking progressively and safely.
Consider:
- How quickly the vehicle responds
- Whether braking feels smooth
- Whether the vehicle remains stable
- How the brakes feel in stop-start traffic
5. How much road and wind noise can you hear?
Turn the audio system off for part of the test drive.
Listen for:
- Engine noise
- Tyre noise
- Wind noise
- Suspension noise
- Unusual rattles or vibrations
This is particularly important because an impressive showroom can mask noises that become obvious on the road.
Tips For Conducting An Effective New-Car Evaluation
Can I test drive a new car?
Even though it’s new and shiny, and you’ve been counting down the days to when you collect your brand-new car, it’s still important to have a new car test drive checklist for when you collect it. Just as you did a thorough “dress rehearsal” during the browsing-to-buying phase, you should expect a walk-through of the new model you’re picking up.
Why do I need to test drive a new car?
You don’t want to leave the showroom and realise on your joyride home that an indicator doesn’t work, the wheels aren’t balanced or the aircon gas wasn’t filled. It’s rare that a new car off the production line should have any of these issues, but unforeseen glitches happen.
Test the Technology and Controls
Don’t spend the entire test drive figuring out the infotainment system.
Before or during the drive, check:
- Infotainment screen
- Apple CarPlay / Android Auto, where available
- Navigation
- Bluetooth connectivity
- USB ports
- Audio controls
- Steering-wheel controls
- Driver information display
- Reversing camera
- Parking sensors
- Driver assistance features
Also ask the salesperson to demonstrate any technology you don’t understand.
Test the Car for Your Real Life
This is where Subaru can make the article more useful than a generic automotive checklist.
A vehicle can feel fantastic on a 10-minute dealership loop but still be wrong for your lifestyle.
Ask yourself:
If you have a family:
- Can child seats fit comfortably?
- Is there enough rear-seat space?
- Can you comfortably load the boot?
- Are the doors wide enough for passengers?
- Is getting children in and out easy?
If you commute:
- Is the driving position comfortable?
- Is visibility good in traffic?
- Is the car easy to manoeuvre?
- Is the ride comfortable on poor roads?
- Does the fuel economy suit your driving?
If you travel frequently:
- Is there enough luggage space?
- Is the cabin comfortable for long journeys?
- Does the car feel stable at highway speeds?
- Is there enough power for overtaking?
- Are the seats comfortable after extended driving?
If you enjoy outdoor adventures:
- How does it handle uneven roads?
- Is the ground clearance suitable?
- Is the cargo area practical?
- Does the drivetrain provide the capability you need?
Frequently Asked Questions About Test Driving a Car
What should I check when test driving a car?
Check the vehicle’s comfort, driving position, visibility, acceleration, braking, steering, handling, ride quality, technology, noise levels and practicality. You should also test the vehicle on different roads where possible.
How long should a car test drive be?
There is no universal minimum length, but you should allow enough time to properly assess the vehicle rather than taking a short drive around the dealership. If possible, ask whether a longer or second test drive can be arranged.
What questions should I ask when test driving a car?
Ask about the vehicle’s standard features, safety technology, service intervals, warranty, maintenance plans, fuel consumption, optional equipment and anything else that could affect ownership costs or suitability.
Can I test drive a car before buying it?
Yes. A test drive is an important part of evaluating whether a vehicle is right for you. Contact your local dealership to arrange a test drive before making your purchasing decision.
Should I test drive a car with my family?
If the vehicle is intended for family use, absolutely. Bringing the people who will regularly travel in the vehicle allows you to assess passenger space, comfort, access and practicality.
With 4 incredible models on offer from Subaru, we’re ready to work through your new car test drive checklist six times over — if you’re keen.
All our dealerships across the country are equipped to help you find the Subaru of your dreams. Book your test drive today, call us on +27 11 608 0116 or email info@subaru.co.za and a skilled member of our team will be happy to assist you.
