How to Make the Most of a Test-Drive

Your test-drive is the chance to get to know the car that you get behind the wheel of. Use a test-drive to confirm that you like the size and handling of the make and model. In the case of a used Toyota, you also want to use the time to confirm that the auto is in good condition.

Follow these tips to make the most of your next test-drive at Nucar Toyota of North Kingstown.

Ask for the Engine to Be Cold

In addition to the driving itself, a test-drive also includes an inspection of certain parts of the car. Some of those can only be accurately inspected if the engine is cold, so it is smart to request that the Toyota start with a stone-cold engine. In other words, you will likely need the car to have been sitting for an hour or so.

This is important because a warm engine can conceal issues that are more obvious when starting up the car. Potential issues include sounds like knocks or rattles, or smoke from the tailpipes. Having the engine cool also lets you check the oil levels if you want.

Look Under the Hood

As mentioned, before you start the test-drive itself, you want to look at a few parts of the Toyota, including under the hood. Take a minute to check all of the fluid levels that are easily accessible. Filling them to the proper levels is an easy maintenance task, so if they aren’t at the right level, who knows what else the owner neglected.

After examining under the hood, ask the seller to start the engine while you listen carefully. Listen for odd sounds.

Test All the Seats

Even if you rarely take anyone else with you in your Toyota, it is still smart to confirm that all of the seats are comfortable, or at least tolerable. You never know when your plans will change.

If you regularly have passengers with you, this is even more important. If you are a parent, you may even want to bring your (older) kids with you and have them confirm the backseat is comfortable.

Check the Electronics

Once you get in the car but before you hit the road, test out all of the electronics in the Toyota. Connect your smartphone via USB, Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, or the other system in the car that you would be using. Check the various onboard controls and lights.

Drive Over Various Surfaces and Maneuver a Lot

When it comes time for the actual test-drive, you want to be sure you truly test your Toyota. This means that you ideally want to take the car over a less-than-stellar road to see how it does. You also want to try some tight turns, whether on the road or in a parking lot. If the car has advanced safety features, like blind-spot monitoring, test them as well.

Test-Drive and Buy With Confidence at Nucar Toyota of North Kingstown

At Nucar Toyota of North Kingstown in North Kingstown, RI, you can count on our used cars being reliable and in good shape. Contact us to arrange a test-drive and find your dream car.