Test Driving a Used Car at a Dealership: What Should I Do? - A Guide for 2025
Table of Contents
- Test Driving a Used Car at a Dealership: What Should I Do? - A Guide for 2025
- 1: Preparing for a Test Drive
- 2. Inspect the Car’s Exterior and Interior
- 3. Adjust Seats, Mirrors, and Car Controls for Comfort
- 4. Testing the Vehicle’s Performance
- 5. Inspect and Test the Car’s Features
- 6. Checking Comfort and Cabin Noise During a Test Drive
- 7. Evaluating Visibility and Blind Spots
- 8. Ask Questions and Get the Answers You Need
- FAQ
Test Driving a Used Car at a Dealership: What Should I Do? - A Guide for 2025
Taking a test drive is one of the most important steps when buying a used car. It gives you the chance to evaluate the vehicle’s condition, performance, and comfort to ensure it meets your needs. More than just a quick spin, a test drive provides crucial insights that can guide your purchasing decision. By spending a few minutes behind the wheel, you gain valuable insights that help you make a smart, informed decision. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to test drive a used car at a dealership, plus the key steps every buyer should follow to ensure they get the right vehicle at the right price.
1: Preparing for a Test Drive
Before you set foot in the dealership, take some time to prepare for your test drive. Start by researching the exact make, model, and year of the vehicle you’re considering. Look into its features, common issues, and average market value so you know what to expect. This preparation not only boosts your confidence but also helps you spot potential concerns during the test drive and ask smart, informed questions that can guide your purchase decision.
2. Inspect the Car’s Exterior and Interior
Before your test drive, it’s smart to inspect the vehicle inside and out. Walk around the car to look for signs of damage, rust spots, or uneven paint, which could indicate poor maintenance or a previous accident. Inside, pay attention to the condition of the seats, dashboard, and control panels. Try every button, switch, and feature to confirm they function properly. This quick but thorough check will give you peace of mind and help you spot potential issues before you buy.
3. Adjust Seats, Mirrors, and Car Controls for Comfort
Comfort and visibility are key to a successful test drive. Start by adjusting your seat height, distance from the pedals, and steering wheel angle until everything feels natural. Next, position your side and rearview mirrors for optimal visibility. Take a minute to locate and test essential controls, including headlights, wipers, turn signals, and climate settings, so you can operate them without distraction once you’re on the road.
4. Testing the Vehicle’s Performance
One of the most important car-buying test drive tips is to try the vehicle in a variety of conditions. Start with slower city streets to check its pickup, braking power, and steering responsiveness. Notice how the engine sounds under different loads and how the transmission shifts between gears. Whenever possible, merge onto the highway to see how it handles at higher speeds. This is the best way to ensure the car feels safe, steady, and comfortable before you commit.
5. Inspect and Test the Car’s Features
When test-driving a used car, don’t just focus on how it drives; take the time to go through the test drive checklist for interior and tech features. Try the air conditioning and heating to ensure they work properly in all settings. Test the audio system, navigation (if equipped), power windows, locks, and mirrors. If the vehicle has unique features—like heated seats or a backup camera—verify they function as intended. Any issues you spot should be mentioned to the salesperson before making a decision.
6. Checking Comfort and Cabin Noise During a Test Drive
When you test drive a used car, comfort matters just as much as performance. Pay attention to how the seats feel—are they supportive for longer trips? Check the ergonomics, including seat adjustments and control placement, to ensure the car fits you well. As you drive, listen for unusual cabin noise, such as loud wind or road sounds, which can be signs of poor insulation or potential mechanical issues. A quiet, comfortable cabin will make daily commutes and road trips far more enjoyable.
7. Evaluating Visibility and Blind Spots
A safe car starts with good driver visibility. From the driver’s seat, check that you can easily see the road, traffic signals, and surrounding vehicles. Review the placement and size of the rearview and side mirrors, and test any blind-spot monitoring features if the vehicle has them. Reduced blind spots mean fewer surprises on the road, making your driving experience safer and more comfortable.
8. Ask Questions and Get the Answers You Need
While test-driving a used car, take the opportunity to discuss the vehicle’s past and present with your salesperson. Ask about its service history, any past accidents or repairs, and bring up any concerns that pop up during the drive. A reputable used car dealership values transparency and will gladly share information to help you feel secure in your purchase decision. The more you ask, the better you’ll understand whether the car is truly the right fit for you.
FAQ
1. How long is an ideal test drive?
A 20–30 minute test drive lets you experience the vehicle in a variety of driving situations, helping you get a true sense of its performance and comfort.
2. Can I have the car inspected during the test drive?
It depends on the dealership. While some allow you to visit a mechanic during your test drive, many prefer a separate inspection appointment before purchase.
3. Should I drive more than one vehicle before deciding?
Yes—driving multiple cars back-to-back is one of the best ways to compare handling, features, and comfort before making a final decision.
4. What should I look for on the road?
Evaluate how the car accelerates, brakes, and steers. Test every control, listen for unusual noises, and ensure you have good visibility in all directions.
5. Can I negotiate based on my test drive?
Definitely. If the drive reveals any problems, you can use those findings to negotiate a fair price or request that the dealership fix them.
Finding the perfect used car in Colorado Springs is easier than ever with McCloskey Motors. Renowned among used car dealers in Colorado Springs, we’ve won the National Independent Quality Dealer of the Year Award and are two-time winners of the Colorado Independent Quality Dealer of the Year Award. McCloskey Motors is also the ONLY used car dealership to ever win the Excellence in Customer Service Award from the Better Business Bureau, and we’ve been voted #1 Used Car Dealer and Military-friendly Car Dealer for the last 7 years in a row!
We offer a diverse collection of used cars, trucks, and SUVs, each representing the best in value and reliability. From family-friendly used SUVs to efficient commuters, our selection of used cars for sale in Colorado Springs is designed to cater to various lifestyles and budgets. We carry a wide selection of AWD and 4×4 vehicles so you can conquer Colorado’s ever-changing weather with ease. Visit McCloskey Motors today and discover why we are the go-to destination for discerning car buyers seeking the best used vehicles in the Colorado Springs area.
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