What to Look for on a New Toyota Test Drive

Ready to hit the open road? Know you want to buy a quality car at an affordable price? Then you’ll likely want to check out your local Toyota dealership, like Beaverton Toyota.

But with so many models to choose from, how do you know which one is the right one? It’s best to take your preferred Toyota for a test drive before driving it off the lot for good. Here are some tips on what to look for during your new Toyota test drive.

Comfort Is Key

As you get behind the wheel, think about how comfortable you feel in the driver’s seat. Does driving the vehicle come naturally? Are the seats designed in such a way that you settle in easily, or are you constantly having to reposition yourself? Does the interior of the car feel spacious?

Also, be careful to note any distracting noises or other causes of concern that may take away from your overall driving experience. A good way to start is to get behind the wheel, turn on the engine, and just sit in the lot for a few minutes while the car is idling. Take note of any strange sounds you hear.

When you’re done with that, check to make sure the heat and AC work the way you like and that there’s good sound coming from the radio. Do a visual inspection of both the interior and exterior of the vehicle, making sure everything appears to be in good working condition and that the vehicle is absent of any cosmetic flaws. Once you’re finished, you’re ready to take your new Toyota out on the open road.

Knowledge Is Power

As you take the car out for a spin, check how well the car maneuvers and whether it’s easy to control. The best way to test maneuverability is to drive the vehicle at varying speeds over different road surfaces and in an array of traffic conditions.

Handling

During the test drive, pay close attention to the vehicle’s steering and handling, particularly when you turn. You shouldn’t have to do a lot of work to maneuver around a sharp curve for instance.

Likewise, you shouldn’t feel like the vehicle is taking a turn so quickly that you’re losing control and swerving. Steering and handling are some of the most important factors you can pay attention to during your new Toyota test drive since how well you’re able to steer the vehicle could help you avoid an accident by allowing you to make quick and easy adjustments.

While you may not usually seek out traffic on your everyday commute, now’s the time to head for some of the busy main roads and really put the vehicle to the test. As you approach stop signs and traffic lights, take note of the brakes. How well do they work? Are they responsive, or do you really need to lay on them to get them to perform?

If possible, see how the vehicle responds to uneven surfaces, such as railroad tracks and potholes. Can you feel a jolt when you’re going over them or does the vehicle do a good job of absorbing impact?

Highway Driving

Once you feel like you have a good handle on the vehicle, head toward the highway. As you merge onto the freeway, take note of the vehicle’s acceleration. If the engine has to go into overdrive to get you up to highway speeds, it could be a warning sign that this isn’t your vehicle.

When you’re on the highway, listen for any noise coming from the engine and the tires. Does the vehicle seem to be running smoothly or are you hearing disruptive sounds and strange noises? Consider the vehicle’s visibility as well. How large is the rear blind spot? Is there a backup camera, lane assistance, or other safety features that make operating the vehicle easier? Does the vehicle come equipped with Toyota Safety Sense? It’s standard on new Toyotas, but if you’re shopping for Certified Used Toyotas, it’s important to know what you’re working with.

It’s About More Than the Drive

During the test drive, take advantage of the salesperson in the seat next to you. Ask questions about fuel economy, for instance, and whether the vehicle requires premium gas. Inquire about the warranty and maintenance—what’s covered with your new Toyota purchase? At Beaverton Toyota, all new and Certified Used vehicles come standard with Toyota CLEAR Care, with warranty coverage and CLEAR Rewards with service visits and more.

Remember to test drive several vehicles for comparison purposes and take detailed notes after each one. Regardless of how excited you are after taking your new Toyota out for a test drive, be sure to sleep on it before making any final decisions. Ideally, you’ll be with your car for years, maybe even decades, to come. So it’s worth waiting an extra 24 hours before deciding if it’s the one.

You’re in the Driver’s Seat

Remember that you’re in the driver’s seat and you’re the one who is ultimately in control of your new car purchase. You should never feel pressured driving off the lot. Instead, you should be absolutely confident in the decision you’re making. Finding the right ride should fuel satisfaction and fulfillment, not buyer’s remorse.

At Beaverton Toyota, we drive that point home with the CLEAR Purchase Experience. You’re the one in control and you have the power to decide which vehicle is the right one for you. Think of us as a guide who’s simply along for the ride. We can answer any questions you may have to help steer you in the right direction, but ultimately, we understand that the decision is yours and yours alone.

If you would like to go for a new Toyota test drive where you’re the one in the driver’s seat, both literally and figuratively, stop by Beaverton Toyota. We recognize that you’re the one driving this purchase, not us, but we’re happy to ride shotgun. We’d love to have a front-row seat when you find the Toyota of your dreams and drive it off our lot for good.

Tags: Highway Driving, New Toyota, Road Handling, Test Drive
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