The test drive is one of the MOST important parts of car selection. It's that exhilarating moment when you get behind the wheel and imagine your daily commute unfolding on the road ahead. But there's often an elephant in the room, and that's the ever-present salesperson who's ready to ride shotgun with you.

When it comes to testing driving a car, whether you're a solo driver or have a full-seated family, there are a few key things you need to keep in mind.

Before we get started, I want to share an insider exclusive resource with you. If you've ever felt overwhelmed when stepping into a dealership, my Car Buying Course is designed to ease those nerves and stride into that dealership with all the confidence. It even comes with a 100% money-back guarantee. You can check it out here.

Now, let's explore how to get the most out of your test ride, car seats and all!

The Real-World Road Test

Hitting the pavement in a new car is like a first date – you want to experience all the potential scenarios to make sure you're compatible for the long haul.

So, it's important to test the car on roads and in situations that mirror your daily life. Are you cruising highways to commute? Then merge onto that freeway and push the speedometer past 60 mph to get a feel for the engine's hum and the cabin's noise insulation.

More of an exclusive side streets driver? Navigate through those tight streets and check the handling, responsiveness, and ease of parking. And don't forget those winding back roads if you're often dodging potholes or turning on tight curves.

This time should be spent navigating every aspect of your family’s daily commute to ensure it can keep up accordingly.

Tech Check on the Go

Today's cars come loaded with all the latest and greatest tech you can imagine. And if you've done your research (which I'm sure you have), you already know which gadgets top your list. So its time to see them in action.

Fancy that Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)? Now's your chance to test the car's reflexes. How smoothly does it adjust to the ebb and flow of traffic? Really interested in Heads-Up Display? Change lanes back and forth(safely, of course), and watch those sensors in action. Need Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for those Disney station jam sessions? Sync your phone and take command of the infotainment system like you would in your own vehicle. This tip is a big one for test-driving a car (especially when it comes time to practice installing car seats.)

Having the right salesperson by your side can actually be a huge help. They're your live encyclopedia, ready to demonstrate and explain each feature. Ask questions, even the ones you think are too 'basic' – it's better to know now than wonder when you go home.

Car Seat Compatibility Check

You might be fantasizing over those first row details or latest tech, but if you don't use this tip to test drive your car when you have to install car seats, then you're in for a headache when you bring it home. So it's time to play musical chairs and bring your car seats to the dealership.

While this seems like a hassle, I cannot recommend doing this more. I always advise giving your salesperson a head’s up you’re trying to see if your car seats fit, but this is a common aspect of the test drive process and is not a nuisance whatsoever.

Take your time! Get those car seats in and wrestle them into place just like you would in your vehicle. If you're planning for more little ones, bring different sizes to ensure they fit, whether rear or forward-facing.

Think about the room left for passengers, the ease of getting to the third row if there is one, the trunk space for a stroller, and lastly, the ease of buckling up.

The Final Lap – Making Your Decision

If everything feels right – the drive, the features, the fit for your family – then you might just be ready to head inside and talk numbers. But if there's even a whisper of doubt, remember, there's no rush.

Before you shake hands or walk away, consider taking a breather. It's amazing what a little space can do for clarity. Mull it over during a quiet drive in your current car, or discuss it over dinner with the family.

If the car you test-drove today fits into those future plans, then fantastic!

But if you're still uncertain, or you want to make sure you're making the savviest choice possible, don't forget to check out my Car Buying Course. It's there to guide you through the car-buying journey, ensuring you drive off the lot not just with any car, but with the perfect car for you and your family.

Do you have any test driving tips you recommend? Let me know in the comments! And to keep up with the car buying tips, check out my recent posts:

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