How To Test Drive A New Car

Buying a new car is a big investment and a test drive is a great opportunity to decide if a car is right for you.

By this stage you’ve probably narrowed down your shortlist, checked out the manufacturer’s website and read dozens of car reviews online. But nothing beats getting behind the wheel and experiencing it for yourself.

The test drive helps you judge how the car feels and performs on the road and decide if it suits your needs and lifestyle.

At Chill, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide on how to test drive a new car with some top tips on what to look out for and how to get the most out of it.

Schedule Your Test Drive

It’s a good idea to schedule your test drive in advance so that the car you're interested in is available and ready to drive. Many dealers offer a facility to book a test drive online through a website, but you could call instead.

Ask for the specific model and trim you’re interested in buying, but bear in mind it may not be in stock.

Inspect The Car

It’s the day of the test drive and you’ve arrived at the dealership in your best driving shoes. Check that the car provided is what you asked for. If the exact model is not available, the salesperson can explain what the differences might be to the car you intend to buy e.g. manual vs automatic transmission, engine/battery size, differences in equipment, etc.

Before getting behind the wheel, take a few minutes to inspect the car:

• Exterior: Check for any dents, scratches or inconsistencies in the paint work, even on a new car. Look at the alignment of doors and body panels to make sure the car has a good finish.
• Tyres: Look at the tyres to check they are in good condition and properly inflated.
• Interior: Sit in all the seats. Check the comfort, quality, headroom and legroom. If you have child seats, ask can you check to see if they will fit well. Open the boot and check it’s sufficient for buggies, golf clubs, dog crates, etc. Is a spare wheel or tyre repair kit included?

Treat this as your chance to spot any potential red flags or simply decide if you like the design and features.

Familiarise Yourself With The Controls

Once inside the car, take a few moments to acquaint yourself with the dashboard, gear selector, infotainment system, climate controls, wipers and indicators. Are they easy to find and use?

Adjust the seat, mirrors and steering wheel to your liking. Is it easy to get comfortable behind the wheel? Does the car have Bluetooth/Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and is it easy to connect your phone? Ask the salesperson to walk you through any new tech features you’re not familiar with.

Take A Varied Test Drive

You may have limited time with the car but aim if you can for a test drive of at least 20–30 minutes to give yourself enough time to notice how the car behaves and what you like/dislike. The salesperson may or may not accompany you on the test drive.

If possible, drive it on a route that includes:

• Town/city driving: Check how it handles stop-start traffic, tight spaces and speed bumps.
• Motorways: Assess its acceleration power, noise levels, lane stability and features like cruise control or lane assist.
• Hills: Notice how the engine and gearbox cope with inclines—does it struggle or feel capable?
• Rural roads: Test the suspension and comfort on bumpy, uneven country roads. Sharp bends can help you judge the steering and how well the car corners.

Focus On The Driving Experience

During the drive, pay attention to:

• Comfort & Ride Quality: Does it feel comfortable and absorb bumps well?
• Steering & Handling: Is the steering precise and does the car feel stable when cornering?
• Transmission: Is it smooth moving through the gears (manual or automatic)?
• Braking: Is it smooth and responsive?
• Acceleration: Does it have enough power for confident overtaking and joining motorways?
• Noise: Is the cabin quiet? Are there rattles, wind noise or loud engine sounds?
• Technology: Do the driver assistance features work smoothly?
• Efficiency: Resetting the trip computer may give an indication of how efficient the car is during your test drive.

If you are testing a few different cars before you make a decision, keep notes so you can compare cars later.

Ask Questions

Use this opportunity to ask the sales staff about the warranty, maintenance or service packages. Make sure you're clear on what comes as standard on the car and what is extra.

Our Final Thought

Test driving a car is a key part of the car-buying process. When you’re prepared and know what to look for, it can be very enjoyable and help you quickly decide if you’ve found the right car.

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