Tips when test driving a car

Whether you’re looking at a new or used car, you won’t know if it’s right for you until you get behind the wheel. Here are some tips you can take on board before you hit the road.

Why it’s important to test drive a car

• It helps you determine if the car is comfortable and fits your needs.
• It allows you to assess the car’s performance and technology features.
• You gain real-world experience of its handlings and capabilities.
• It can offer a direct comparison to other models, helping you make an informed decision.

Before the test drive

Check the interiors and modifications

When inspecting a car, make sure the interior and features match your needs and lifestyle. Can the car easily accommodate things like a baby capsule, tent or surfboards? If you’re buying second-hand, this is where you can see if the photos and description match reality.

Test the technology

If the car has modern features like Bluetooth^® connectivity or touch screens, check if they’re in working order. Also, test the car's automated features, such as powered windows and side mirrors.

Sit in all the seats

This can help you gauge their condition and determine how many people can comfortably fit into the car. Also, try out all the seatbelts and make sure they’re working properly.

Check the air conditioner

You probably don’t realise how valuable an air conditioner or heater is until you need it. So, check that it’s working smoothly.

Consider insurance

If you’re testing a car from a dealership, you can ask them any questions about insurance prior to the test drive.

If you’re testing a used car from a private seller, ask about their insurance before driving.

During the test drive

Consider a longer drive

You may not be able get a good idea of a car if you simply take it for a quick spin. You may be able to arrange to have a longer test drive where you can test various scenarios, such as the following:

• Drive on roads where you’ll travel at higher speeds – like highways.
• Take it around smaller residential streets and see how it handles at low speeds.
• Take it to a shopping centre car park and do a few parking exercises. 

Notice the steering

Take note of whether the car pulls to one side or you feel any vibration in the steering wheel as this may indicate that the car needs further checks from a qualified mechanic.

Do a brake check

The quality of a car's brakes can tell a lot about its health. Generally, you shouldn’t need to press down on the brake pedal too hard, and the car should stop smoothly without vibrating.

Try all gears (for manual drivers)

Purists may argue that driving a car manually offers a more engaged and immersive driving experience. If you prefer a manual car, try out as many gears as you can on the test drive to see if they change smoothly. 

Listen for rattling noises

Try to find a quiet stretch of road and turn the radio off when driving. Make a note of any rattling, especially as you drive over bumps and while turning. Rattling may indicate suspension issues, among other things.

Test the windscreen wipers

Make sure they’re working and the wiper blades haven’t deteriorated. The last thing you want is for them to malfunction during a heavy rainstorm.

Read more:

• How to negotiate buying a car
• Estimating the cost of car insurance before you buy your car
• Purchasing a new car

Insurance is issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 trading as Suncorp Insurance. Read the Product Disclosure Statement before purchasing this insurance. The Target Market Determination is also available. 

The information is intended to be of general nature only. Subject to any rights you may have under any law, we do not accept any legal responsibility for any loss or damage, including loss of business or profits or any other indirect loss, incurred as a result of reliance upon the information- please make your own enquiries.