5 Things You Should Never Overlook During a Test Drive

5 Things You Should Never Overlook During a Test Drive Buying a car is an emotional experience. It’s easy to get distracted by that "new car smell" or a high-end sound system and forget to check the things that actually matter for your daily commute.

Before you sign on the dotted line, make sure you put your potential new ride through these five essential tests:

1. The "Real World" Cargo Test Does the trunk look big? Sure. But will it fit your life? If you have a specific stroller, set of golf clubs, or a massive cooler you use every weekend, bring it with you. A dealership that cares about your satisfaction won't mind you seeing if your gear fits.

2. Check the "Tech Ergonomics" Don't just see if the Bluetooth works. While parked, try to change the radio station, adjust the climate control, and set a GPS destination.

Accessibility: Is the screen easy to reach without leaning?

Intuition: Are the menus simple, or do they require five clicks just to turn on the heated seats?

3. Test Every "Mode" Most modern vehicles come with different driving modes (Eco, Sport, Comfort). Don't stay in "Normal" the whole time. Switch to Sport to see how the car merges onto the highway, and use Eco to see if the throttle response feels too sluggish for your liking.

4. The Parallel Park Challenge Visibility is everything. Don't just drive in a straight line; take the car to a tight parking lot.

How big are the blind spots?

Is the backup camera clear or grainy?

Does the car feel "bulky" when navigating tight corners?

5. Silence the Radio We love a good sound system, too, but for at least five minutes of your drive, turn the music off. Listen for wind noise at high speeds, transmission whines, or cabin rattles. You want to know exactly how quiet (or loud) your morning commute will be.

Pro Tip: Always test drive the car on roads similar to your daily route. If you drive on the highway every day, don't just circle the block at 25 mph!