Heading to the dealership? Here’s a checklist of things you should look out for when test driving your car.

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So you’ve got the funds to purchase a car! You’ve done your research, you’ve narrowed it down to your top choices, now there’s one thing left — take them out for a test drive.

Whether it’s a new car or a used car, there’s certain things you’ll want to take note of, so here’s our handy guide on how to test drive a car.

Know what car(s) you want

This goes without saying. Sure, you can walk into a dealership and go off based on a feeling, but you will be going in somewhat less prepared to battle any sales tactics put on you. Knowing what cars you want from the exact model to the trim gives you the ability to conduct thorough research. 

Find out what current owners think, pull up a review on CarBuyer Singapore and check out what we think, and watch videos to see how the car looks and operates. Doing proper research will also help you familiarise yourself with the functions of the car, making you that little bit more prepared for your test drive.

Note the mileage, owners, previous accidents, fuel economy, service history 

If you’re purchasing a used car, it’s important to take note of the mileage on the car, how many owners it’s had, if it’s been in any accidents before, and the current fuel efficiency. 

While a lower mileage might seem appealing and a higher mileage might pose a problem when time comes to sell it again, service history is also an important factor. A low mileage car with no service history versus a higher mileage car with all its service visits checked off might give you greater ease of mind with regards to the condition of the car. 

Knowing the car’s accident history also makes you privy to what might cause you issues down the line, and how much you could stand to make if you decide to sell it off in the future. 

An older car might also not have the best fuel efficiency as when it first rolled off the production line, which means more frequent visits to the gas station, and more money out of your wallet.

Arrive at the dealership prepared

When you head down to the dealership on the day of your drive, make sure you’re prepared. Bring someone you trust with you for a second perspective, and to ward off any up-selling that might be done by the sales team. 

If you can, drive the cars you’ve shortlisted back to back to have the comparisons fresh in your mind.

If you can manage to wrangle it, see if you can take the car home for a night or at least test drive it for a second time at night. A car may feel one way in the day and vastly different at night, and different settings will give you the opportunity to fully experience the car as it is. 

Be thorough in your checks before driving off

Do a thorough walk around of the car before heading off. Inspect the exterior for any cosmetic damage or issues if you’re buying second hand. 

Feel for yourself how easy it is to get in and out of the driver’s seat, and if it’s comfortable enough.

Examine the finish in the interior, if it’s to a quality you’re satisfied with and can live with daily. Note the storage space as well, if it has the space for your daily necessities like your keys, phone, and maybe a cup of coffee. Are the compartments strategically placed or do you see them getting in your way eventually?

This is also where your second perspective in the form of someone you trust comes in handy. Get their first reaction to entering the car as a passenger. Is the rear convenient to enter and exit from? Is it spacious enough? If children will be riding in the car, bring them too to see how they like the car. Is it easy to install a baby seat?

If you’re anticipating carrying lots of cargo, is the luggage space adequate? Do the seats fold easily for more space? If you’re purchasing a convertible, how much space does the top take up when it’s down?

Before driving off

If you thought that was a lot to take note of before even setting off, you’ll be delighted to know there’s more! 

Now this should probably come at point #3, but see if you can take a route adequate enough to properly experience the car in different conditions. A route set by the salesperson might put you through the nice roads, but you’ll also want to see how the car does when merging on expressways, driving through corners, making U-turns, and braking. 

If mobile phone connectivity is important, test that before heading off. If there’s a wireless charging pad, does it get in the way? If it’s wired connectivity, will the sight of wires annoy you in the long run? 

Make a mental note of how easy the primary controls are to operate, and if they’re within reach. Set the seat to your desired position and see if things like the pedals, the gear shifter, and the steering wheel are comfortable and within reach. 

Does the volume suddenly swell if your finger accidentally grazes against capacitive touch buttons on the steering wheel? Is it a hassle to toggle functions from the steering wheel or are they idiot-proof?

Be aware of what safety and driver assist systems are in place in the car as well before going in. And during the drive, see how easy it is to activate them. 

One common annoyance in newer cars tends to be the placement of the air conditioning vents. If it matters to you, note if they’re pumping air to your hands and face only or are they adjustable enough to actually cool other areas.

The actual drive

If you’re testing a used car, listen closely for any rattling noises that the engine may produce. Feel how smoothly the gears shift as well in different driving conditions, and if braking is smooth or effortful. How noisy it gets in the cabin at high speeds is worth noting as well, along with how much wind and tyre noise seeps in. You don’t want to be shouting at your passengers on the highways.

Newer cars with different driving modes may have configurable steering settings, but if not, pay attention to the steering, whether it’s too heavy or light for your liking, and if it can be adjusted in any way. 

On your drive, take note of the visibility. Is the windscreen expansive enough and what is visibility like through your rearview mirror? Is the A-pillar a hindrance or is visibility perfect? Noting where the potential blindspots are will be very important as well, because it’s not something that can be fixed.

This also goes without saying — but make sure the lights and sensors are all working. From signalling to high beams to automatic headlights, you wouldn’t wanna be caught like a deer in headlights…or lack thereof. 

Note the suspension as well as it goes over humps and bumps in the road — you don’t wanna have your passengers stumbling out on the verge of throwing up,

Finally, make sure you experience parking the test car. Is it too big for multi-storey car parks? Is it too low and at risk of scraping the kerb? And most importantly, are you able to exit the car in a tight space?

Make your decision

This last step is more an addendum to sum up the last six, rather than an actual step. Once you’ve come to a decision on the car you want, be sure to go through with the salesperson and the dealership what the terms of warranty are as well. Get well-acquainted with what’s covered, and as tempting as it may be to ride the high and make the purchase the same day, try to refrain from that.

Take a few days to mull your experience over, and compare the various cars you’ve tested. Make a checklist for each car so you have something tangible to compare your experience with. Include your must-haves and would-like-to-haves so you don’t run the risk of compromising your needs with a pushy sales tactic.

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