How to Test Drive a Car in Canada: Walk Away With a Decision
How to Test Drive a Car in Canada: Walk Away With a Decision
Posted on January 22, 2024
Buying a vehicle is a big decision, and knowing how to test drive a car in Ontario can help you make a confident, informed choice. Whether you’re shopping for a new or used car, the test drive is your best opportunity to evaluate everything from performance and comfort to visibility and features.
This guide breaks down what to expect, what to look for, and how to get the most out of your test drive experience.
Why the Test Drive Matters
Learning how to test drive a car properly can save you from future headaches. A vehicle may look great online or on the lot, but only a test drive can reveal how it truly handles, sounds, and feels on the road.
Ontario’s varied driving conditions—from busy Toronto streets to rural highways—make it even more important to test how a car performs in real-world scenarios.
Step 1: Do Your Homework
Before you even step onto a dealership lot, it’s a good idea to narrow down your options. Make a shortlist of vehicles based on your needs, budget, fuel efficiency, insurance costs in Ontario, and any must-have features. Once you've got a few in mind, you’re ready to explore how to test drive a car effectively.
Step 2: Book the Test Drive in Advance
Most dealerships in Ontario recommend booking your test drive appointment ahead of time. This gives them a chance to prepare the car for you and ensures it’s available when you arrive. Some dealers may even let you schedule multiple test drives on the same day to compare vehicles back-to-back.
Step 3: What to Bring
Bring your Ontario driver’s licence—it’s required to test drive a car. You may also want to bring a notepad or use your phone to jot down thoughts right after each drive. If you have kids or drive with passengers frequently, consider bringing them along to see how the car suits your lifestyle.
Step 4: Exterior and Interior Inspection
Before hitting the road, take time to inspect the car. Walk around the exterior and look for any damage (especially on used vehicles). Inside, check the seat comfort, visibility, infotainment system, and trunk space. Understanding how to test drive a car also means assessing how intuitive and practical the vehicle feels for your daily use.
Step 5: Test Driving in Real Conditions
When you ask how to test drive a car, the key is to simulate your regular driving as much as possible. Don’t just take a spin around the block. Try to include city streets, highways, and even some stop-and-go traffic if you can. Listen for strange sounds, pay attention to how the brakes respond, and test the steering at various speeds.
Make sure to evaluate:
- Acceleration and braking
- Noise levels (especially on the highway)
- Turning radius and maneuverability
- Blind spots and mirror visibility
- Tech features and ease of use
Step 6: Ask Questions
Ontario dealerships are accustomed to shoppers who are doing their research. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about warranty coverage, fuel economy, service history (for used cars), or anything that stood out during the test drive. A transparent discussion helps reinforce what you learned during the test.
Step 7: Take Your Time
One of the biggest mistakes shoppers make when learning how to test drive a car is rushing the process. Take your time and don’t feel pressured to decide on the spot. Go home, reflect on the drive, and compare notes from any other vehicles you’ve tested.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how to test drive a car in Ontario is about more than just taking a quick loop. It’s your chance to make sure the vehicle suits your life, feels comfortable, and performs well in real conditions. With a little preparation and a clear plan, your test drive can be the most valuable part of the car-buying process.
Remember: the right car isn’t just the one that looks good—it’s the one that feels right when you’re behind the wheel.
If you're ready for a car loan in Southern Ontario, we'd love to help! Simply fill in the form below to get started.
Car Loan Pre-Approval