When you’re shopping for a vehicle, one of the most important parts of the process is the test drive. To make the most of your test drive, we’ve put together this helpful guide to ensure that you get your ideal vehicle when you visit us at Downtown AutoGroup.
Comfort and convenience
As soon as you get inside the cabin of a vehicle, first take notice of the seat comfort. Take your time to adjust the seat in a variety of ways. Move the bottom cushion from front to back and be sure to see how the backrest reclines. Don’t forget to check the lumbar support if the vehicle you’re test driving has that option! If the seats are heated or ventilated, test out those features to see how they feel.
In addition to the seats, consider testing the following comfort features:
- Adjust the steering wheel position and turn on the heating element, if equipped.
- Run the HVAC system on both cool and warm settings. See how long it takes for either to work.
- Turn all the overhead/ambient lights on and off.
- If the vehicle has sunshades on the back windows, don’t forget to put those down to see how effective they are.
- Test the back seats for comfort, too, if your passengers aren’t with you during the test drive.
Outside of comfort, you should check the vehicle’s convenience features as well. This includes the instrument cluster behind the steering wheel. Is it easy to read and understand? Test the infotainment system for ease of use, too. Check the audio system and see how the speakers sound on a variety of volume levels. If the vehicle is equipped with a wireless phone charger, test it.
Lifestyle and utility
Most vehicles come with similar interior comfort and convenience features. However, there are some models that offer very specific interior and exterior features to suit various lifestyles. If you’re going to be using your vehicle for daily commutes, be sure that you have everything you need (like a comfortable ride/suspension, connectivity, and charging).
On the other hand, if you want a rough-and-tough vehicle to explore Ontario and beyond, look out for the following features:
- Roof rack rails
- Splash or mud guards
- All-terrain tires
- High ground clearance
- All-wheel drive with multiple drive modes
- Tie down hooks
- Onboard power source
Certain SUVs like the Subaru Ascent and Toyota 4Runner are ideal options for adventurous families because they offer a ton of room along with these off-road features. But if it’s just you or you and a partner, you can consider smaller models like the Jeep® Wrangler of Ford Bronco Sport that put more focus on exploring.
Vehicle Condition
Of course, whenever you’re shopping for a pre-owned vehicle, its condition is at top of mind. The last thing you want is a vehicle that breaks down as soon as you get home or has secret issues that you were not made aware of. Thankfully, our team at Downtown AutoGroup does rigorous inspections of all vehicles before they are available for purchase. That means you’re always getting a high-quality vehicle at an affordable price. If you do decide to go elsewhere for your used vehicle, you should check for the following during your test drive: signs of wear and tear, engine problems like stalling, rattling noises, and unsettling vibrations.
Test drive with us today
Here at Downtown AutoGroup in Toronto, Ontario, we have a huge selection of used vehicle to choose from. Our inventory includes efficient cars, family-friendly SUVs, luxury vehicles, and large-and-in-charge trucks that get the job done. Contact our team or come visit us to learn more and set up a test drive!