Tips on How to Test Drive a New Car Without Buying It

Test driving a new car can be exciting. Everything works perfectly, you have nowhere in particular to be and you get to experience the feel of a vehicle that is alien to you. Salesmen may push you to buy a car from the moment you walk into a dealership, no matter if you're ready to make your decision. Stand firm about what you're looking for in a test drive experience. Investing in a new car is a long-term financial decision and not one you should allow yourself to be pressured into because of a test drive.

Be Honest

Tell the salesman you are only looking to test drive a car. Explain that you aren't going to make any purchasing decisions right away because it's a big investment. Tell him that you want to experience the feeling of the car so you can know whether it's right for you before you research the car for purchase. Explain upfront that you're going to leave without purchasing a car, but that you'd appreciate any information he can give you about the car and you are grateful for the time he's spending with you.

Set an End Time

After you get into the car, tell the saleswoman you need to be gone from the dealership by a time that is approximately 35 minutes after the test drive. Your test drive shouldn't last longer than a half hour because that would be inconvenient for the saleswoman. When you get back to the dealership, thank her for her time, then point at your watch and explain that you need to leave immediately, but you'll contact them if you decide you're interested.

Call Ahead

Call a dealership and explain that you want to test drive a car without being pressured to purchase one. Ask if they can provide that service for you. If they can, ask them the best time to come in. Explain that you'd like to come in when they aren't busy. That way, you can spend time with a salesman who isn't focused on making an immediate commission.