Map Out a Driving Route: Don’t drive haphazardly and don’t let the owner direct the trip. Google Maps and Mapquest can help you out. Make the test route a mixture of local streets, highways, and a big empty parking lot. A long highway on-ramp is a good place for testing a vehicle’s acceleration. Also, pack a notepad or recorder. They help you remember what you liked and disliked. Plus it can remind you what you want your mechanic to inspect.
Don’t bring the family along: They’ll be too distracting. Do bring along a spouse or partner who is sharing in the decision-making process. If you have young kids, bring along car seats or booster seats to check their fit. Just don’t bring the kids. You need to devote 100% of your attention to the test drive.
Make It Last: Negotiate how long the test drive can be. Shoot for at least a half-hour. It’s unlikely the owner will let you fly solo, but it’s worth a shot. Also, ask for all the records of the car, including the owner’s guide and maintenance records, and make sure the basic tire changing tools are still with the vehicle.
