Why Most Test Drives Are Too Short
The average test drive lasts 10-15 minutes on a route chosen by the salesperson. This tells you almost nothing.
Before You Start
- Adjust everything: seat, mirrors, steering wheel. If you can't get comfortable in 2 minutes, you never will.
- Pair your phone: test Bluetooth and CarPlay/Android Auto.
- Check visibility: look over both shoulders. Some cars have terrible rear visibility.
City Driving
- Low-speed ride quality: how does it handle potholes?
- Steering feel at parking speeds: too heavy or light?
- Cabin noise at city speeds: listen for wind, tire roar, engine drone.
- AC and heat: crank both to max.
Highway Driving
- Acceleration at highway speeds: passing power matters more than 0-60.
- Cruising noise at highway speeds: can you hold a conversation?
- Adaptive cruise and lane-keeping: test if equipped - these vary enormously.
- Seat comfort after 20 minutes: thigh support? Lumbar?