Why You Should Test Drive Before You Buy A Car

Are you planning to buy your first vehicle? If you have a make and model in mind, for example, a 2022 Subaru Impreza, do your research and read reviews. These initial steps will help you make an informed decision about this substantial investment. Complement your newfound car knowledge with the experience of driving it. Test drives exist for a reason. If you use a Subaru test-drive car, you must understand why test-driving is important.

Test drives will give you, the buyer, a first-hand experience of driving the car of your choice before finalising the purchase. It also helps dealerships better understand their customer’s requirements. Road testing your potential vehicle will also give you an idea about its performance. You can’t learn vehicle performance by just reading about the car’s specifications online.

Understanding the importance of test-driving your chosen make and model is just half of the process. You should also know how to do it right and what factors to observe. We’ll give you a quick guide below.

Factors to Observe When Using a Test Drive Car

If you want to have a productive and insightful test drive experience, make sure to look at the following factors.

Pay attention to the visuals.

When you get in the test drive car for the first time, don’t be in a hurry to run the engine and drive off. Pay attention to the visual elements first. Check the exteriors and the interiors. Does the design align with your personal style? Look at the dashboard’s layout and design. Is the dashboard user-friendly and easy to read and operate?

Trust your sense of touch.

Pay attention to your sense of touch during a test drive. Touch will help you know if the car fits your expectations, specifically the level of comfort it offers. Observe the feel of the steering pressure, check the pedal controls, try the consoles, test the buttons, and feel your dashboard. Are these controls where you want them to be? Are they accessible and convenient to use?

Take your time to listen.

Sound can give you plenty of information about the vehicle’s performance and quality. Pay close attention to opening and shutting car doors, starting your engine, changing gears, accelerating, and braking. Take your time to listen for possible issues.

Even if these sounds don’t indicate any issues, consider your preference. This subtle element can surprisingly affect how you experience your vehicle, especially during long drives.

Stay true to your driving style.

Aside from trusting your senses, stay true to your driving style. Some makes and models are fit for beginners. Others are ideal for seasoned drivers. There are vehicles for everyday use and models for hauling, cruising, racing, and rough-road driving. Be specific about your needs and let your dealership guide you in making the right decision.

For example, Subaru dealerships in New Zealand provide Subaru test drives of car models that fit varying driving styles and needs. They will let you select up to three models from their complete gas and hybrid vehicle list: Subaru Outback, Impreza, Forester, WRX, WRX GT Wagon, and XV test cars.