What Happens During a Test Drive?
A test drive is one of the most important parts of shopping for a vehicle.
Pictures can show you what a car looks like. Specifications can tell you about horsepower, fuel economy, cargo capacity and technology.
But neither can tell you exactly how that vehicle feels to you when you're behind the wheel.
I'm Marisol Your Car Girl, a sales representative at Findlay Nissan Henderson. Whether you're buying your first vehicle or replacing one you've driven for years, I encourage you to use your test drive to do more than simply drive around the block.
This is your opportunity to see whether the vehicle actually fits you, your passengers and your everyday life.
Ready to start looking? Visit Shop Vehicles and then Schedule a Test Drive With Marisol.
What Is a Test Drive?
A test drive gives you an opportunity to experience a vehicle before deciding whether it's the right choice for you.
You'll have a chance to sit in the driver's seat, familiarize yourself with the controls and drive the vehicle.
The goal isn't simply to determine whether you can drive it.
You're trying to determine whether you actually want to live with it.
Do I Need an Appointment for a Test Drive?
You can contact the dealership about current availability, but scheduling ahead can be especially helpful when you're interested in a particular vehicle.
Inventory can change.
If you're making a special trip to Findlay Nissan Henderson, use Schedule an Appointment With Marisol.
You can tell Marisol which vehicle you're interested in before you arrive.
What Should I Bring for a Test Drive?
Requirements can vary depending on the dealership and circumstances, but you'll generally want to have your valid driver's license available.
If you're planning to do more than test drive and may be ready to purchase, bring the information you may need for the next stage of the process as well.
Read What Do I Need to Bring to a Dealership?.
If you're preparing to purchase, also read What Documents Do I Need to Buy a Car in Nevada?.
Before You Start Driving
Don't immediately start the vehicle and pull away.
Spend a few minutes sitting in it first.
Adjust the driver's seat.
Adjust the steering wheel if applicable.
Check the mirrors.
Look around the cabin.
See how naturally the controls fall within reach.
Ask yourself whether you feel comfortable.
Check the Driver's Seat
You're potentially going to spend hundreds or thousands of hours in this seat.
Make sure it works for you.
Consider:
- Seat comfort
- Legroom
- Headroom
- Driving position
- Seat adjustment range
- Steering-wheel position
- Armrest placement
- Pedal position
A seat that feels slightly uncomfortable during a short test drive may not become more comfortable during a long commute.
Check Your Visibility
Sit in your normal driving position and look around.
Can you see clearly through the windshield?
How is your rear visibility?
Check the side mirrors.
Pay attention to areas where visibility feels limited.
If the vehicle includes cameras, parking sensors or other driver-assistance features, ask how they operate.
Learn the Basic Controls
Before pulling away, locate the controls you'll use frequently.
That may include:
- Gear selector
- Turn signals
- Headlights
- Windshield wipers
- Climate controls
- Infotainment system
- Parking brake
- Drive modes
- Camera controls
- Driver-assistance settings
You don't have to learn every feature during a test drive.
You do want to see whether the controls feel understandable and convenient.
Listen When the Vehicle Starts
Pay attention when the vehicle starts and while it's idling.
If you're driving a pre-owned vehicle, you may be particularly interested in unusual sounds or vibrations.
Don't drown everything out with music immediately.
Give yourself an opportunity to hear the vehicle.
How Does the Vehicle Accelerate?
When you're safely on the road, notice how the vehicle responds when you accelerate.
Does the response feel comfortable and predictable to you?
Think about your normal driving.
If you regularly merge onto Las Vegas freeways, acceleration may matter differently to you than it does to someone whose driving is primarily on neighborhood streets.
How Does It Brake?
Pay attention to how the brakes feel during normal stops.
Does braking feel smooth?
Does the pedal response feel natural to you?
You don't need to perform aggressive braking to learn something about the vehicle.
Normal driving can tell you quite a bit.
How Does the Steering Feel?
Notice how the vehicle responds when turning and changing direction.
Different vehicles can have noticeably different steering characteristics.
You're not looking for one universally “correct” feeling.
You're deciding whether you like the way the vehicle responds.
Pay Attention to Ride Comfort
Las Vegas and Henderson roads can give you opportunities to experience different road surfaces.
Notice how the vehicle handles bumps and uneven pavement.
Think about whether the ride feels comfortable enough for your normal driving.
Listen to Cabin Noise
Once you're moving, listen.
How much road noise do you hear?
What about wind?
Engine noise?
Different buyers have different preferences.
Some people want a very quiet cabin. Others care less about cabin noise and prioritize other features.
Test the Air Conditioning
This one matters in Las Vegas.
Don't assume you'll figure it out later.
Turn on the climate system and see how the controls work.
If the vehicle has rear climate vents or multiple climate zones and those features matter to you, check them.
Test the Technology You Actually Use
You don't need to test every menu on the screen.
Focus on technology you'll use regularly.
Depending on the vehicle, that might include:
- Touchscreen
- Bluetooth
- Smartphone integration
- Navigation
- Backup camera
- Parking cameras
- Audio system
- USB connections
- Charging ports
- Steering-wheel controls
Ask Marisol to explain features you don't recognize.
Check the Back Seat
Even if you're the primary driver, don't ignore the rest of the vehicle.
Sit in the back.
If you regularly carry adults, children or car seats, consider whether there's enough room.
Look at:
- Legroom
- Headroom
- Door opening
- Seat comfort
- Climate vents
- Charging ports
- Cupholders
- Storage
Check the Cargo Area
Open the trunk or cargo area.
Don't just look at the published cargo-volume number.
Look at the actual shape and opening.
Ask yourself whether your normal belongings will fit.
That could mean groceries, luggage, work equipment, sports gear, strollers or whatever you regularly carry.
Bring Your Real Life Into the Decision
This is where a good test drive becomes much more useful.
Don't evaluate the vehicle as though you're buying it for someone else.
Think about your actual life.
Do you have children?
A long commute?
Clients?
Pets?
Lots of equipment?
Frequent road trips?
Limited parking?
The right vehicle should make sense for the way you live.
Should I Test Drive More Than One Vehicle?
Absolutely, especially if you're undecided.
Driving two vehicles back-to-back can reveal differences that aren't obvious from specifications.
You may discover that the vehicle you originally preferred online isn't the one you prefer once you're behind the wheel.
That's useful information.
Should I Test Drive New and Used Cars?
If you're considering both, yes.
A test drive can help you compare more than price.
You can compare comfort, features, condition, technology and driving experience.
Read New vs. Used Car: What Should I Consider? before your visit.
What Should I Check on a Pre-Owned Vehicle?
When test-driving a pre-owned vehicle, pay particular attention to the individual vehicle's condition.
Consider:
- Interior condition
- Exterior condition
- Mileage
- Tires
- Controls
- Warning lights
- Unusual sounds
- Unusual vibrations
- Technology
- Air conditioning
- How it drives
Ask questions about vehicle history information when available.
Don't Forget Parking
A vehicle can feel wonderful cruising down the road and completely different when you're trying to park it.
If possible, see how comfortable you feel maneuvering at lower speeds.
Pay attention to turning radius, visibility and any available parking cameras or sensors.
If you'll regularly park in garages or tight spaces, this can matter quite a bit.
What Questions Should I Ask During a Test Drive?
This is a good time to ask questions about the vehicle.
You might ask:
- What trim level is this?
- Which features are included?
- What safety features does it have?
- What warranty coverage applies?
- Are there other versions I should compare?
- What colors are available?
- Is there another vehicle with different equipment?
- What should I know about this particular vehicle?
There are no bonus points for staying quiet.
Ask.
What Happens After the Test Drive?
You don't have to make a decision the second you park.
Take a moment and think about what you just experienced.
Ask yourself:
Was I comfortable?
Did I like how it drove?
Does it have the space I need?
Do I understand the features?
Does this vehicle fit my budget?
Would I be happy driving it every day?
Those questions matter more than whether the vehicle looked impressive sitting on the lot.
What If I Love the Vehicle?
If you decide you'd like to move forward, the next steps depend on your transaction.
That could include discussing the purchase, financing if applicable, insurance, a down payment or a trade-in.
If you're preparing to buy, read What Documents Do I Need to Buy a Car in Nevada?.
What If I Don't Like the Vehicle?
That's okay.
A test drive did its job.
Discovering that a vehicle isn't right for you before you buy it is useful.
Tell Marisol what you didn't like.
Maybe the seat felt too small.
Maybe you need more cargo space.
Maybe you want different technology.
Maybe you want a smoother ride.
That information can help narrow down the next vehicle you try.
First-Time Car Buyer?
If you've never done a dealership test drive before, there's no reason to feel like you should already know the process.
Read the First-Time Car Buyer Checklist before your visit.
It walks through the process from budgeting and vehicle selection to documents and dealership preparation.
Have a Trade-In?
If you're bringing your current vehicle while shopping for the next one, start at Trade-In.
Then read What Should I Bring When Trading In My Car?.
If you still owe money on the vehicle, read How Does Trading In a Car With a Loan Work?.
Shopping From Outside Nevada?
If you live outside Nevada and are traveling to Henderson specifically to see a vehicle, scheduling becomes even more important.
Start with Out-of-State Buyers.
Then read Can I Buy a Car in Nevada If I Live in Another State?.
Confirm the vehicle and appointment before making travel plans.
Need a Ride to the Dealership?
If transportation is keeping you from coming to Findlay Nissan Henderson, visit Get a Ride.
Complimentary transportation to and/or from the dealership may be available when needed. Submit your request in advance so availability can be confirmed.
Schedule Your Test Drive With Marisol
Marisol Your Car Girl is a sales representative at Findlay Nissan Henderson.
Findlay Nissan Henderson
295 Auto Mall Dr
Henderson, NV 89014
Start with Shop Vehicles.
Then Schedule an Appointment With Marisol.
Se habla español.
Frequently Asked Questions About Test Drives
Do I need a driver's license to test drive a car?
Dealership requirements apply, and you should be prepared to provide a valid driver's license before driving a dealership vehicle.
How long is a test drive?
The length can vary depending on the dealership, vehicle and circumstances. The important thing is to use the available time to evaluate the vehicle rather than simply driving it.
Can I test drive more than one car?
Depending on vehicle availability and dealership arrangements, you may be able to compare multiple vehicles. Let Marisol know which vehicles you're considering.
Should I test the air conditioning?
In Las Vegas? Definitely. Make sure the climate system and controls meet your needs.
Should I test drive a car even if I already know which model I want?
A test drive can still be valuable because specifications don't tell you exactly how the vehicle will feel to you.
Can I schedule my test drive before arriving?
Yes. Use Schedule With Marisol.
Ready to Get Behind the Wheel?
Start by finding vehicles that interest you.
Then reserve time with Marisol.
Have a current vehicle?
Need transportation?
Have questions?
Contact Marisol or text 909-565-0776.
Continue with Car Buying Resources for more guides from Marisol Your Car Girl.
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