How long should a test drive take?
Expect the test drive to last between 15 and 30 minutes, including the salesperson’s time behind the wheel. Be prepared for the salesperson to ask if you’re ready to buy when you return to the dealership after the test drive.
Do dealerships let you test drive?
Most car dealerships will allow you to take a short drive in any of their cars. A test drive will enable you to imagine yourself as the owner of that particular car. Test driving works to the advantage of both the customer and the dealership. There are several things to keep in mind when you are test driving cars.
How do you test drive a car before you buy it?
Tips For The Test Drive
- Do your homework.
- Schedule an appointment with the car dealer.
- Make a list of the cars and features, and check the various consumer websites for the most recent car reviews.
- Pick a day solely for test driving.
- Make a checklist.
- Bring a buddy and your stuff.
- Comfort is key.
How do I test drive a used truck?
Do A Pre-Drive Inspection Before Your Test Drive Open up that engine compartment to see what’s providing the pickup to the truck. If there’s a strong odor, that could be a bad sign. Pull the oil and transmission dipsticks to inspect for dirty fluid. Peek at fan belts, hoses, etc., for cracks.
Can you test drive alone?
You can ask to test drive without the salesperson along: While some dealerships will require the presence of the salesperson in the car with you, many will permit you to do the drive on your own.
What happens on a test drive?
Normally, someone from the dealership will accompany you on your test drive, and you may find that they have a pre-determined route that they’ll take you on. You may be able to take an alternative route if you ask, but you’ll normally find that you’ll be driving around the local area for 30-60 minutes.
Do they run your credit to test drive a car?
Try to check your credit before a test drive. Some salespeople say they’re required to run a credit report before you test-drive a car. This isn’t true. “Never let them run your credit until you’re ready to buy a specific car,” Weintraub advises.
What do I need for a test drive?
Requirements to test drive a car may vary by dealership and state, but typically you’ll just need to have a valid driver’s license on-hand to take it for a spin. Our advice to avoid any insurance issues? Be mindful that you’re handling the vehicle with extra care and caution.
Should I buy used or new truck?
It’s not only about saving money on initial costs and features when it comes to buying a pre-owned truck. You will be making a smarter investment. Depreciation happens no matter if you buy old or new. However, when you buy a brand-new truck, that depreciation is going to hit a lot harder than if you buy used.
When should I buy a used truck?
Additionally, according to TrueCar, October is the best month of the year for buying certain kinds of models, including pickup trucks and small cars. May through September are the other months that bring relatively better discounts. The least discounted months to buy a car are January through April.
Who is responsible during a test drive?
If you are responsible for a car accident during a test drive, the dealership can try to hold you liable. Generally speaking, in these cases, your own car insurance policy would kick and pay for a test drive crash just as it would be if you got into an accident when driving a rental car.
What’s the best way to test drive a used car?
One of the most important steps when you buy a used car is taking a test drive. It doesn’t matter whether you’re buying from a private party, an independent used car dealer, or even a certified used car from a franchised new car dealership; a thorough test drive is where you find out if the vehicle is right for you.
When is the best time to test drive a car?
It’s best to do your test drive during the day, so you can better see any flaws in the vehicle. The test drive should start with a thorough inspection of the pre-owned vehicle’s exterior. Look at the body panels to see if the color matches from panel to panel.
What happens when you test drive a new car?
You can bet that once the test drive ends, the hard-sell process will begin. Your salesperson is counting on you being jazzed from driving a new car and ready to seal the deal. But this isn’t the ideal time to start negotiating, especially if you still have other cars to test-drive.
Why do dealers ask for your license before a test drive?
Before a test drive, the salesperson might ask for your car keys and/or your driver’s license “as security.” Then, when you return and want to leave without buying, the car keys or the license will go missing. “We don’t see it that much anymore,” Sutton told us, referring to abusive dealer tactics.