The 10 Smartest Questions to Ask on a Test Drive
- sararglassman
- Oct 27, 2025
- 3 min read
Don’t just take it for a spin—use these questions to spot dealbreakers and confirm you’ve found “the one.”
A good test drive is part road trip, part interview. You’re not here to be sold; you’re here to collect evidence.
Bring this list, slow it down, and make the car prove itself.
“Can I drive the exact car I’d be buying?”
Why it matters: Drive the exact car you’d buy — not the “similar” one they offer. Kelley Blue Book notes that even small differences in trim or tires can change how a car feels. Trim, tires, mileage, and options change how a car feels (and sounds). This is especially the case for EVs, where range can vary by model and wheel type.
How to use it: If they only have a “similar” model to drive, note every difference or wait for the right unit.
“What routes can we take—highway, stop-and-go, and a rougher street?”
Why it matters: Cars behave differently at 25 vs. 65 mph.
How to use it: Ask for a loop with turns, merging, a quick brake test, and a patch of imperfect pavement.
EV tip: Try a mix of hills and flat stretches to see how regenerative (regen) braking behaves and how quickly the range adjusts.
“Can we start from a cold engine?”
Why it matters: Cold starts reveal hard shifts, belt squeals, and battery issues.
How to use it: If it’s already warm, pop the hood after the drive and listen at idle. For gas cars, listen for rattles or squeals. For EVs, check the state of charge at start and end; note how fast the percentage drops with A/C or heat on.
“What’s the real-world miles-per-gallon (MPG) or miles-per-charge (MPC) you’re seeing from customers?”
Why it matters: Window stickers are lab numbers.
How to use it: Ask what real-world mpg or miles-per-charge customers are getting. Trusted Choice points out that EPA estimates are ideal-condition numbers; dealership insights show what drivers actually see.
“How does this trim differ from the one above and below—feature by feature?”
Why it matters: Packages hide paywalls.
How to use it: Identify must-haves (safety, heated seats, battery size) vs. nice-to-haves so you don’t overbuy.
“Show me all the driver-assist settings—can I customize or turn them off?”
Why it matters: Alerts that can’t be tuned become daily annoyances.
How to use it: When testing driver-assist tech, follow Consumer Reports’ advice: adjust lane-keep and adaptive-cruise sensitivity yourself to see if the system fits your driving style.
EV note: Try adaptive cruise or “coast” modes—some EVs blend these with regenerative braking.
“Can I pair my phone and try CarPlay/Android Auto right now?”
Why it matters: Infotainment friction = long-term regret.
How to use it: Test navigation prompts, calls, and your go-to music app. For EVs, check how the brand's charging app integrates—some are seamless, others glitchy.
“What’s the out-the-door cost you’re targeting on this VIN?”
Why it matters: Keeps the conversation grounded in one vehicle and one number.
How to use it: Ask for price, taxes, fees, and add-ons in writing. Photograph the worksheet.
“If I come back tomorrow, what changes—price, incentives, availability?”
Why it matters: Pressure tactics often hinge on fake deadlines.
How to use it: Note actual incentive end dates and inventory realities; walk away if you feel rushed.
“What does service look like—loaners, first-year maintenance, and warranty claims?”
Why it matters: The relationship continues after the sale.
How to use it: Ask about appointment lead times, loaner policy, and who handles recalls. For EVs, confirm battery warranty terms and how software updates are handled.
TEST DRIVE CHECKLIST (bring this with)
• Drive the exact VIN you’d buy
• Route: city + highway + rough road + parking
• Cold start (if possible)
• Pair phone; test CarPlay/AA + cameras + sensors
• Adjust driver-assist settings
• Confirm trim/package must-haves
• Get an out-the-door number in writing
• Ask service/warranty/loaner details
• Take photos of tires, cargo area, seats, window sticker
• Sleep on it—no same-day commitments
Electric or Hybrid? Here’s What to Add to Your Test Drive:
• Try one-pedal driving in traffic and parking lots.
• Watch how regen braking feels — smooth or grabby?
• Check charging speed, DC fast charge killowat (kW) rate.
• Look at the range estimator before and after your route.
• Note whether the climate control slashes your miles.
