Manufacturer test drive comparison

Car dealers often insist on joining you for a running sales pitch during the ride. Other dealers understand the importance of a test drive when preparing to make such a large financial investment and allow for a longer, more comprehensive experience.

Find out how different car manufacturers offer test drives and everything you should ask or do during the experience.

How do car manufacturer's test drives compare?

Conduct your own manufacturer test drive comparison with this handy table.

What to think about before you test drive a car

Read reviews and create a hit list

If you go to a car dealership without an idea of the type of car you want, it could be overwhelming. So start by narrowing it down to 1-3 models. Some questions that may help you include:

• How do you expect to use your new car?
• Will it be for short commutes or longer drives?
• Is it going to be your main car or a second car?
• Do you want a compact car or an SUV?
• Are you interested in an EV or any other specific features?

You can also check out Finder's car reviews, based on real test drives. These reviews could help you save time by combining the findings of several automotive journalists into one easy-to-browse article. We also give each vehicle an aggregate Finder score to help you decide.

Check out your local car dealerships

After creating a list of cars to test drive, contact your local dealership or go online to find out:

1. What cars are available that match your preferred trim and specifications
2. When you can take a test drive

If salespeople know you're interested in seriously buying a car, they should jump at the chance to offer you a test drive.

How to book a test drive

Dealerships have different requirements when it comes to booking a test drive. Some dealerships will offer test drives for walk-ins, while other dealerships will only allow test drives that have been scheduled in advance.

Most manufacturers now have online booking forms where you can request a test drive. But usually, the request will be sent to a dealership that's close to your location and has the requested vehicle available for a test. See the table above to compare manufacturer test drive requirements and find out how each manufacturer schedules test drive bookings.

Ask for a loan for 24 hours

It's hard to what a car will be like long-term if you've only driven it for a few kilometres. Having a car sales representative as a co-driver can also be distracting.

To avoid this problem, see if you can secure a longer test drive. You may even be able to borrow a car for the weekend.

With no salesperson in the passenger seat, you can spend time feeling out all the little nuances of the vehicle without pressure or disturbance.

You'll also get the chance to see how well the car fits into your normal daily travels.

For example, does the steering lock make navigating your workplace underground car park a hassle? Does the engine have to work hard to maintain speed on motorways? Having a loan car for longer lets you discover all these foibles.

What to do on your test drive

• Make sure you're in control

  Remember that you are the one spending the money, and you are the one who will be spending a significant proportion of your life driving the car. Try not to let the salesperson control the transaction or the test drive.

• Test drive more than one car

  Aim to test drive several cars in one day, even models that you are not keen on purchasing. Comparing the test drive experience of one car to another will give you much better idea of the real car experience than evaluating one car on its own.

• Try as many features as possible

  Some features may be extremely well designed while others might be difficult to locate or use. So, use the test drive to check different features. Operate the lights and wipers and, if there's one installed, try the voice control system. Note how easy it is to use the features and whether you like their layout. This way, you can make an objective decision on whether the car is to your liking.

• Listen to the car

  Listen for any rattles, squeaks or other sounds that could be a sign that something is wrong, especially for used cars. Even on brand new cars, there could be squeaks from the interior plastics rubbing against each other. Also, listen to the general noise level in the cabin. At high speeds, is there a drone from a lack of soundproofing? Can you hear passengers talking?

• Bring your family or someone with you

  If you will regularly have other people in the car, such as your partner or children, bring them to the test drive. Ask them about the comfort of the car and the ease of getting in and out. It can be difficult to assess backseat comfort from the driver's seat, so having other people sit there can help you find out how comfortable it is in regards to cushioning, legroom, airflow and any other features, such as infotainment systems.

• Check the ease of getting in and out

  If you will be carrying elderly people, people with disabilities or anyone who has problems moving around, either bring them to the test drive with you or take the time to assess the car from their point of view, particularly regarding the ease of getting in and out of the car.

• Test a baby seat or booster seat

  If you'll be installing a baby seat or booster seat, bring the seat with you. Take the time to fit the seat into the car to see how easily they can be installed and how well they fit. Assess the height of the seat once it's installed and imagine lifting a baby or toddler in and out several times. Is this a good height for you and them?

• Check the storage

  Think about how much storage you'll need and physically check the spaces in the car. If you regularly carry large items like bulky sports equipment, bring it with you to make sure it fits. If you're buying a small car, think about your regular shopping and ensure you'll have plenty of storage room in the boot.

• Check the brakes

  One of the most important elements of safety is the brakes. The dealer may not like this, but it's vitally important to test the brakes before committing to purchasing the vehicle. Navigate to a quiet street or the back area of a parking facility, drive at regular speed, then imagine a cyclist or child has just appeared in front of your car and quickly apply the brakes. Did the car stop swiftly and securely, making you feel safe?

• Go on a freeway

  Drive to your nearest freeway or motorway on-ramp and enter the roadway. Notice how quickly the car can get up to the speed limit. Did the car feel like it was struggling or was the acceleration process effortless?

Remember: It's OK to walk away after a test drive. It can be a high-pressure experience, run by experienced salespeople who know how to make buyers feel a certain way. But it is important to remember that you have a right to test drive the car and to decide whether or not you buy it.

Frequently asked questions

• How can I test how the car handles at night?

  Most dealerships are only open during daytime working hours, but you'll likely spend a significant amount of time in your car at night. You have the right to ask to revisit the dealership at night to see how the car handles in the dark and to experience the interior and lights. If the dealer won't allow this, choose another dealership that will.

• Do I have to pay to take a test drive?

  Generally, you will not have to pay in order to test drive a vehicle. However some manufacturers may charge a fee or offer specialised experiences that you will have to pay for. These are detailed in the table above. If possible, it's always a good idea to contact the manufacturer or dealer directly to see if there will be any costs associated with the test drive.

• Do I need to use the dealership's finance provider?

  No, you do not. The car salesperson may whisk you into their finance office as part of the sales process, but you are under no obligation to use their preferred finance provider. Take the time to compare car loans to make sure you get the best deal.

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