6 Questions to Ask During a Test Drive

Test-driving a car: What to look for before you buy

I've spent a lot of time on the road and driven everything from a sporty convertible coupe to a 1-ton pickup. These drastically different vehicles have taught me what to look for before committing to something new. The next time you’re ready to test-drive a new car, ask yourself the following questions.

Does it fit my needs?

If you’re like me, you’ve seen ads for the all-electric Cadillac Escalade IQ, and it’s the electric vehicle you’ve always wanted. However, with three young kids, several pets and a mortgage, my household budget is more in line with the Chevrolet Blazer EV. Either way, it’s important to consider factors like budget and lifestyle. Will you be using your vehicle for a daily commute, longer road trips or just around town? Will the vehicle accommodate any pets, children, hobbies or cargo you plan on carrying? Do you need towing capacity, rear- or front-wheel drive, or a turbocharged engine? It may be worth your time to test more than one model or trim style to ensure the best fit.

Is it intuitive?

One of the most confusing things about driving a new car is figuring out how to adjust the settings and controls. Not knowing how to complete a simple task can quickly turn into a stressful situation. While you can always consult the owner’s manual, now is the time to test and ask for a demo.

Vehicles are becoming more advanced every year, packed with cutting-edge interfaces and AI-powered assistance. But with all the innovation, simplicity matters. During your test drive, think about how seamless it is to adjust climate control, navigate the infotainment system and use features like adaptive cruise control.

Features like voice assistants, head-up displays or gesture controls (common in newer GM models) should be intuitive, not confusing. If you’re still not catching on after a demo or have doubts about some of the tech, it might not be the car for you.

How does it perform?

One of the most exciting parts of test-driving a car is getting the chance to try out an upgrade from what you currently have. When you get out on the road, take the car through all the paces, including highway driving, hills and tight turns. Pay attention to how it steers, shifts gears, accelerates and brakes, as well as its turning radius. If you’re test-driving an electric vehicle, test how the regenerative braking feels.

Think about your commute and the route you’ll most often take in your new car and ask yourself if it’s suitable. Fuel efficiency has never been more important, so don’t forget to ask the salesperson about how the new vehicle performs when it comes to that, too. You may even find that switching to an electric vehicle will offer more opportunities to reduce expenses, including gasoline costs and ongoing maintenance.

Is there visibility?

How well you can see out of a vehicle is paramount to your safety. When you settle in to take your first spin in a potential new ride, ask the salesperson to show you how to adjust your mirrors and check your blind spots.

Many vehicles now include features like surround-view cameras, lane-keeping assist and advanced blind-spot monitoring that can enhance safety and confidence. With newer GM models, displays like augmented reality navigation alerts in the windshield can change how you "see" the road in real time. But take note if any lack of visibility feels unsettling; safety technology is no replacement for your ability to monitor your surroundings.

Is it easy to park?

Parking starts and ends every journey in your car. Having a vehicle that’s easy to park will save you a lot of future frustration, so take into consideration the parking situation where you work and live. If your apartment has a garage that’s difficult to navigate, you might not want the largest Chevrolet truck on the lot. During your test drive, test the car in different scenarios, like parallel parking or navigating narrow garages. If you feel anxious during parking, features like automatic parking or front/rear sensors — frequently available in GM vehicles — can make all the difference.

Answering these five questions can take the mystery out of what you should look for in a test drive; however, you may still need to find out how much car you can afford. If you’ve completed your test drive and you’re ready to buy, arrive prepared with our car-buying checklist, then check out our current offers.

By Kelly Schaefer Hill, GM Financial

Soccer mom, corgi enthusiast, virtual learning teacher’s assistant, Kelly Schaefer Hill wears a lot of hats, but one thing she can’t stay away from is data and fun facts. When she’s not writing a post to answer your questions, she’s hanging with her family.