At Volkswagen of Daphne, we offer test drives to ensure our customers buy the car that meets all of their expectations.
Whether you’re looking for the best car for a graduate, a family car for commutes and road trips, or an off-road beast that’s adventure-ready, we have the right car for you to take for a test drive. But first, we have created a guide that offers helpful tips on how to test drive a car and get the most out of the experience.
Keep reading for some suggestions on how to prepare for this exciting appointment.
Do Some Homework Before Coming In
We are always happy to answer any questions our customers have about our inventory of new and pre-owned Volkswagens, but if you’re planning a test drive, it’s a good idea to do some research ahead of time. Knowing what we have in our inventory and narrowing down the selection to a few specific models will make the test drive process go even smoother.
Check Out the Handling
The second item on our test drive checklist focuses on how the car feels during the drive. When out on the road, pay close attention to how the vehicle handles. Does it grip the road during turns? Is it easy to steer? Does it brake easily? To get a good feel for how the car handles, we encourage our customers to take a test drive that lasts longer than a couple of spins around the block. It’s important to take the car around some turns, make a number of stops and starts, pull into a tight parking space, and perform other maneuvers that will show off the way the car handles.
Take Note of the Comfort
Drivers can spend a lot of time in their cars driving in the Daphne area and beyond, so we want them to feel as comfortable as possible while behind the wheel. During the test drive, you should learn how to adjust the seats and, if applicable, the steering wheel. If the seat feels too far back, too high, or too low, make adjustments until it feels just right. Take note of things like how the headrest feels, if it’s easy to get in and out of the vehicle, and how comfortable the back seats are for passengers.
Ask About Technology
Volkswagens are equipped with some pretty impressive technology, with some features coming standard and others available in custom packages. Before the test drives, consider what tech features are most important to you and make a list of what you’d like your ideal VW to have. This can include a wide variety of safety features, Wi-Fi, satellite radio, and more.
Have a List of Questions Ready
In addition to jotting down a wish list of technology features, knowing what to look for during a test drive includes creating a list of questions to ask about the vehicle you’re taking for a test drive.
Suggested questions include:
For all vehicles:
- How many airbags does the car have, and where are they located?
- How many people does the vehicle accommodate?
- How much room is in the trunk or cargo area?
- What additional safety features does the car have?
- What are my financing options?
- What is the estimated gas mileage?
For pre-owned vehicles:
- Has it ever been in an accident?
- How many miles are on the car?
- Is this a certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle?
We Are Here to Help!
Taking a car for a test drive should be an exciting experience. After all, you might be driving your new, or new-to-you, Volkswagen. Keep our VW test drive tips handy to make the process positive and stress-free. If you’re ready to schedule a test drive at Volkswagen of Daphne, in Daphne, AL, contact us to set up your appointment or schedule it online.From taking a Volkswagen for a spin or learning about financing options, our friendly and knowledgeable team is here to welcome you and guide you through the process of finding the right car for you.
FAQ
Research a few VW models ahead of time and make a list of features you want. This helps you focus during the appointment and choose the right vehicle faster.
Check how the vehicle handles turns, braking, steering response, parking ease, acceleration, and visibility from the driver’s seat.
Adjust the seat, steering wheel, and mirrors. Take note of headrest comfort, ease of entry and exit, and rear-seat space for passengers.
Try the infotainment system, smartphone integration, safety features, and any optional tech such as Wi-Fi, navigation, or premium audio.
Ask about safety ratings, cargo space, fuel economy, financing options, and—if used—vehicle history, mileage, and CPO availability.
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