Thinking of buying a new car? When you’re making a significant investment, sometimes a one-hour time slot isn’t long enough to get a true feel for the car. Important decisions take time!
If you like to try before you buy, you’ll be pleased to hear that it’s usually possible to enjoy an extended test drive. The time will vary according to the dealership and vehicle type, but you could be offered up to 48 hours – like with KIA’s new incentive – to test it out.
We’ve explained everything you should know about extended test drives below.
Asking for an extended test drive
There are several reasons why you might need to test a car for longer than just an hour.
Not all makes and models of vehicle are available for an extended test, though. You should also bear in mind that the dealer might need more notice before you book. There might also be limits and stipulations concerning:
- The mileage you can cover
- How much fuel you should use
- Whether you need to refuel the car
- The penalty points on your licence
- The driver’s age and experience
- Pets and children in the car
Whether it’s making sure your family likes it or seeing how it looks on your driveway, every preference is valid – and worth checking! If you’re serious about getting one, it’s worth knowing how to ask the dealership.
Why book an extended test drive?
If you’ve got the option available, it’s certainly worth considering a longer test drive. Just remember that you might need to sort out car insurance for one day if the dealership cannot provide third-party cover on your behalf.
Buying a new or used car can be a long-term commitment for you and your family, so it’s worth taking your time to choose what’s right. It could be beneficial because:
- You’ll have more time to try out everything in the car
- You can try different routes and roads
- You won’t be rushed into a decision
What to think about before you book
There are some drawbacks too. If you’re on a tight schedule or you have other commitments during working hours, extended test drives might not be available or make the right choice for you and your family. Possible drawbacks include:
- Limited choice of available makes and models
- Extra costs for insurance and fuel
- Added confusion or delays for indecisive drivers
It’s a lot of responsibility to take and borrow a brand-new vehicle that doesn’t belong to you. Furthermore, if you had your heart set on a certain model, you might have to compromise if it’s not available for a longer test drive.
And even if you start testing your favourite model for a day or two, you might start to overthink the details. So, if you’ve found the right model and you’d like to go ahead with the extended test drive, just focus on the basics.
Think style, durability, and comfort. Your car should meet your practical needs without presenting major issues – but it doesn’t need to be perfect!
