What to Expect from a Toyota Test Drive Experience
Hint: You'll learn a lot and have fun, too!
One of the most exciting steps in your new Toyota is also one of the most important. Test-driving the vehicles you’re considering is lots of fun, and it’s a hands-on way to make sure the car you’ve been dreaming about is a great fit for you. A test drive also gives you some one-on-one time with your salesperson to ask questions about the vehicle you’re interested in. It’s also a good time to ask any questions you have about whether to buy or lease. We’ve created a quiz on the subject to help you understand buying and leasing options. Buying a new car is a big deal, so take the time to make sure your vehicle is just right for you. After all, you and your Toyota will be together for years!
Prepare for your test drive
A good test drive starts with doing plenty of research well before your arrival at the dealership. By the time you’re ready to give your top choices a whirl, you should have a pretty good idea of what you’re looking for in a new car. A good place to start your new-car journey is this guide to choosing the right Toyota for you. It factors in important things like your commute, how much space you need, lifestyle considerations, location and budget. Asking your friends and family about their car choices, likes and dislikes is another good way to gather some information.
When you’ve decided which models are your top test-drive priorities, reach out to your dealership online or by phone to schedule an appointment in advance. By planning ahead, you’ll let the team at the dealership know which models you're most interested in driving. That way, if those models are in stock, the sales team can make sure they're fueled up and looking their best, and that you'll have a sales representative dedicated to you and your needs.
Scheduling same-day, back-to-back test drives for each of the Toyotas you’re considering also allows you to easily make comparisons.
Be sure to bring the documents you’ll need. Most dealerships just require a valid driver’s license. Here’s a helpful article from Capital One Auto Navigator, outlining what you'll need to bring in most cases. It’s common practice for the dealer to make a copy of your driver’s license and ask for your phone number for their records.
You may also want to consider bringing along a friend or family member to offer a second opinion, take notes and ask questions. It can be hard for one person to remember everything in the excitement of a test drive, and a trusted second opinion can be valuable.
Expect a warm greeting from the team at your local Toyota dealership. Your sales associate should introduce you to the vehicles you’ve come to try, explaining their features and answering your preliminary questions. Walk around the exterior of the car. Check it out thoroughly, evaluating its general appearance inside and out. Do the same for the interior. Here is a great check list of exactly what to look for.
As you learn more about the vehicle you’re test driving, think about your current vehicle. What do you like about it, and what would you change? Does the new car meet the mark? Consumer Reports recommends you think about the following: performance, comfort, features, fuel economy, controls and idiosyncrasies. For example, does the seat adjust for maximum comfort on long trips? Do the cup holders hold drinks securely? Which tech features are missing in your current vehicle? Make a list of your must-haves and bring it to your visit so you make sure your new car hits the mark.
Once you’re behind the wheel, take a moment to get situated and take stock before you hit the gas. Be sure to evaluate the vehicle thoroughly. In this helpful article, Car and Driver suggests the following: Notice how well the main controls are laid out and how they feel. Is the steering wheel easy to turn and comfortable to grip? Are the gauges and display screens well-placed and easily readable? Does your phone sync up smoothly with the vehicle’s technology? Check that the heat and air work quickly and effectively.
Hop in the driver’s seat and be ready to evaluate the vehicle’s behavior on the road. When you’re ready to take the car for a spin, try to mimic your daily driving conditions as much as possible. If you normally use a car seat for the kids, for example, bring it with you to see how well it fits. If your daily route is mostly highway driving, request that your test drive be mostly highway driving as well. According to Chase.com, four areas to pay close attention to are:
Brakes and acceleration. Is the vehicle responsive to your style of driving? Brakes and acceleration are key to safety and driving experience. If you feel you have to adjust your natural driving style, take note.
Steering and handling. Like braking and acceleration, a car’s handling and steering should feel natural and comfortable. Is the vehicle easy to maneuver around turns? Is it easy to park?
Cabin and driver’s seat. Since this is where you’ll spend most of your time in the car, it’s important that the driver’s seat is comfortable and supportive. Getting in and out of the car should be easy, and the dashboard data should be clearly visible and readable.
Tech features. Every new Toyota model comes with a state-of-the-art infotainment system on a range of different sized touchscreen displays. Whether you choose a base-model RAV4 or a Tacoma with all the bells and whistles, you’ll enjoy the same connectivity and convenience of the cutting-edge Toyota App which comes with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Back at the dealership, take some time to offer your feedback and ask any questions that came up during the drive. This is a good time to ask about warranties, financing options, maintenance plans like Vehicle Service Agreements, Prepaid Maintenance Plans and Tire & Wheel Protection. Your salesperson will take this time to explain the variety of convenient financing options we offer and can also help you understand how credit works. They may even send you a follow-up email or call you to make sure all of your questions have been answered.
Sounds exciting, doesn’t it? Scheduling a test drive is a fun way to learn all about the Toyota you’ve been dreaming about. It’s kind of like a meet and greet. Your friends at your local Toyota Dealership and here at Toyota Financial Services (TFS) can’t wait to meet you and make your car-buying journey smooth and informative!
Schedule your test drive today!
Additional resources:
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After you’ve done your research, schedule an exciting, informative test drive at your local Toyota dealership.