A test drive is one of the most important parts of buying a used car, but many buyers don't make the most of it.
A quick lap around the block can tell you whether the car moves, stops and turns. What it doesn't necessarily tell you is whether you'll enjoy living with it every day.
If you're looking for your next used car in Redlands, your test drive should reflect the type of driving you'll actually be doing once the vehicle is yours.
From the school run and daily commute to weekend trips and longer drives around South East Queensland, here's how to make your next test drive much more useful.
Don't rush to start the engine as soon as you're handed the keys.
Spend a few minutes getting comfortable first.
Adjust the seat, steering wheel and mirrors. Check your visibility through the windscreen and around the vehicle. Look at where the main controls are positioned and see whether everything feels intuitive.
If you're going to drive the car regularly, small frustrations can become surprisingly annoying over time.
Can you comfortably reach the infotainment controls? Is there somewhere convenient for your phone? Can you see clearly when reversing? Does the driving position feel natural?
These things might seem minor in the dealership, but you'll notice them every day once you own the car.
If most of your driving involves commuting, your test drive should give you an idea of how the vehicle behaves in normal traffic.
Pay attention to how smoothly it accelerates from a stop, how the transmission responds and whether the steering feels comfortable at lower speeds.
Ride comfort matters too, particularly if you're spending a significant amount of time in the car each week.
A vehicle that looks impressive in photos might not be the one you want to sit in during peak-hour traffic five days a week.
Parking isn't the most exciting part of a test drive, but it might be one of the most useful.
If you're moving from a hatchback into an SUV, ute or larger family vehicle, the difference in size can take some getting used to.
Try reversing into a parking space and pay attention to visibility.
If the vehicle has parking sensors, a reversing camera or other parking technology, this is also your opportunity to see how useful those features actually are.
A bigger vehicle might give you the space you want, but make sure you're comfortable manoeuvring it before committing.
A test drive isn't only about how the vehicle feels. Listen to it as well.
Turn the stereo down for at least part of the drive and pay attention to any unusual noises.
Listen when accelerating, braking, turning and travelling over uneven surfaces.
Used vehicles will naturally differ depending on their age, kilometres and design, but unfamiliar knocking, grinding, squealing or excessive vibration is worth asking about.
If something doesn't feel or sound right, don't be afraid to raise it with the dealership.
You don't need to perform an emergency stop, but you should get a feel for how the brakes respond during normal driving.
Does the pedal feel consistent? Does the vehicle stop smoothly? Does it remain straight under braking?
The goal is to understand how the car responds and whether you feel confident controlling it.
This is particularly important when you're changing from a smaller vehicle to something significantly larger or heavier.
A family vehicle needs to work for more than just the person sitting behind the wheel.
Before buying, look at the rear seats and imagine your normal routine.
If you use child seats, consider how easily they'll fit and how accessible the rear doors are. If you've got older children or teenagers, check whether they'll have enough legroom.
Then open the boot.
Will it fit the pram, groceries, school bags, sporting equipment or luggage you regularly carry?
Boot capacity figures can be useful when comparing vehicles online, but physically seeing the space can give you a much better idea of whether it will work for your family.
If you're considering a ute or SUV, think carefully about why you want the additional capability.
Will you be towing? Carrying tools? Heading away camping? Transporting equipment? Or do you simply want additional passenger and cargo space?
Your answer should influence what you pay attention to.
A tradie may care more about carrying capacity and storage, while a family buyer may prioritise rear-seat comfort and safety features. Someone planning regular road trips might place more importance on highway comfort and fuel consumption.
Make sure the individual vehicle's specifications are suitable for what you intend to do with it, particularly if towing or payload is important.
Modern used cars can come with a huge range of technology, but a feature is only valuable if it's useful to you.
Connect your phone if possible. Try the reversing camera. Check the air conditioning. Explore the infotainment system and see whether the controls make sense.
If the vehicle has features such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring or different driving modes, ask how they operate.
Don't simply accept a long equipment list as proof that one car is better than another.
Focus on the features that will make your own driving easier, safer or more comfortable.
One of the best ways to understand what you like is to drive more than one vehicle.
You may begin your search convinced you want a particular make or model, only to discover that another option feels more comfortable or better suited to your needs.
That's one of the advantages of shopping used. Your budget can potentially give you access to different manufacturers, model years, body styles and specifications.
Keep an open mind and compare the complete package rather than choosing purely because of the badge on the bonnet.
Finding a car you love is exciting, particularly when you've been searching for a while.
But try not to let that excitement turn a five-minute drive into an immediate decision.
Take your time. Check the vehicle's condition, ask questions, consider its history and think about whether the price and ongoing ownership costs fit comfortably within your budget.
Most importantly, ask yourself whether you can genuinely picture the vehicle fitting into your everyday life.
A good test drive isn't about seeing how quickly you can get back to the dealership. It's your opportunity to find out whether a vehicle feels right for the way you actually drive.
Whether you're searching for a practical everyday car, family SUV, ute or something completely different, take the time to compare your options and experience the vehicle from behind the wheel.
Explore Redlands City Autos and see what's available for your next test drive.
The right car shouldn't just look good in the yard. It should make sense once you're out on the road.