With tax season underway and refunds starting to roll in, many shoppers may consider larger purchases, including vehicles. If you’re planning to buy a car with the help of your tax refund, it’s important to approach the process strategically. Do your research and due diligence before making a decision. This means reviewing the vehicle history report and taking a thorough test drive.
We’ve created a test-drive checklist to help you know exactly what to look for when shopping for a new or used car, make an informed decision, and get the most value for your money — or your refund. With the right preparation and knowledge, you’ll be ready to walk into a dealership with confidence and drive away satisfied with your purchase.
Test Drive Essentials
Test-drive essentials
Shop smarter: what to bring — and what to evaluate
A solid test drive is more than a quick loop. Use this checklist to stay organized before you drive, while you’re on the road, and after you park.
To download, click print and then save as PDF.
Before you go
What to Bring to a Test Drive
Along with your test-drive checklist, bring these with you:
- Driver’s license — You’ll typically need a valid license before the dealership can hand you the keys.
- Smartphone and cord — Use your phone to check Bluetooth pairing and smartphone integration.
- Notepad — Capture quick notes so you can compare vehicles later without relying on memory.
- Game face — Stay focused and keep the visit moving, especially if you’re shopping multiple dealerships.
- Friend — A trusted passenger can catch small details you miss and try a different seat during the drive.
What to evaluate
What to Look for When Test-Driving a Car
Walk Around the Exterior
- General appearance — Scan for wheel rash, tire sidewall damage, tread condition, and any scratches, chips, or dents.
- Entering — Open every door and sit in the front and rear. For SUVs, test second-row and third-row access too.
- Under the hood — Locate basics you may check over time, such as washer fluid, the oil dipstick, and the battery.
- Inside the cargo area — Evaluate lift-over height and usable space. If seats fold, confirm whether they lie flat and locate the spare or jack.
Inspect the Interior
- Front seats — Dial in a comfortable driving position and adjust the seat belt to match your height.
- Rear seats — Check comfort and legroom, and test any split/fold or slide functions if equipped.
- Storage — Look for practical cup holders and cubbies, and see if the glove box fits more than the manual.
- Connectivity — Count USB and power ports, note their locations, and test phone pairing and integration.
- Infotainment — Ask for a quick walkthrough, then test audio with radio or your phone to judge ease of use.
- Climate control — Try heating and cooling functions and confirm controls are easy to understand.
- Interior lighting — Check brightness and settings to make sure the cabin lighting suits your preference.
- Other features — Operate windows, buttons, and knobs to confirm they feel smooth and are placed conveniently.
On the road
What to Look for on a Test Drive
If you can’t drive the exact vehicle you found online, choose one that’s as close as possible, matching trim, engine, and key features.
During the drive: key checks
- Visibility — Check forward views, mirrors, and side sightlines, and note any blind spots from pillars or headrests.
- Noise — With the audio off, listen for wind and road noise at different speeds.
- Powertrain — Pay attention to acceleration, shift quality, and how smoothly the powertrain responds when you ask for speed.
- Braking — Notice brake response and pedal feel during both gentle slowdowns and firmer stops.
- Handling — Evaluate steering response and stability through turns or on a curvy stretch of road.
- Ride — Drive over rough or uneven pavement to judge daily comfort for you and your passengers.
Before leaving, take one last look at your test-drive notes and think about how the vehicle fits into your daily life. Don’t just think about how the vehicle felt during a short drive or how it looked. A test drive is your chance to confirm comfort, reliability, visibility, tech, and performance in actual driving conditions. Make sure you feel confident before using your income tax refund toward your next vehicle purchase.
