The best practices for test driving your next family car
Choosing the right family car is an important decision, and the test drive is a crucial part of the process.
It’s your chance to assess how well the car fits your family’s needs, from comfort and space to safety and drivability. To make the most of your test drive, it’s essential to go in prepared. Here are the best practices for test driving your next family car.
Note: Baby and Car can help you secure your next brand new family car with our trusted partners. Find out more here. We also offer car seat purchase and installation services, click here.
Genesis GV70
Do your homework before the test drive
Before heading to the dealership, research potential models that fit your family’s requirements.
Consider factors like seating capacity, boot space, fuel efficiency, and safety features. Read family-focused car reviews to narrow down your options and make a checklist of must-haves and nice-to-haves.
The overwhelm and pressure of a dealership can sway your opinion in the heat of the moment, the more confident you are with that you’re looking for the less likely you’re going to fall victim to making an emotional decision that is going to affect you in the long run.
Bring the whole family along
A family car needs to work for everyone, so it’s a good idea to involve your family in the test drive.
Now I know what you’re thinking that’s going to be chaos and installing all the car seats from one car to another is going to take ages BUT some dealerships will let you take a vehicle overnight or two.
This is perfect to test your specific car seats with your new family car, find its limitations in your day to life and work out are the kids going to be able to get in and out comfortably in everyday situations not just at the dealership. This ensures the car accommodates your everyday needs, from school runs to road trips.
Test the car seats
If you have young children, test how well your car seats fit in the vehicle. Check for ISOFIX points, top tether locations, and how easy it is to install and remove car seats. Don’t forget to see if there’s enough legroom for adults in the front when the car seat is in place.
I see this so often when parents overlook the car seat configuration in their previous car to their new one. It’s important to make sure you check how is access to the third row if I have car seats installed? Do I need to remove my pram every time my child needs to access the third row? Is there enough space for my pram and bags if we are constantly using the third row.
You can find all the car reviews on Baby and Car will check for this but it’s best to ensure for you individual used case it’s right for you.
Note: Baby and Car can help you secure your next brand new family car with our trusted partners. Find out more here. We also offer car seat purchase and installation services, click here.
Mazda CX-90 7 seater SUV
Assess the boot space
Boot space is critical for families. During your test drive, measure how much room the boot offers for prams, groceries, sports equipment, and more. If possible, bring along a pram or other items you regularly transport to see how they fit.
What you also want to check is if you’re preparing for a newborn, that the height of the boot is going to be comfortable after giving birth. You’re going to be accessing the boot for a pram almost every time you use the car and if the boot lip is too high in the first few weeks after birth this limits what you can and can’t do unassisted.
Drive on different roads
Make sure to test the car on a variety of roads, including city streets, highways, and winding roads.
This will give you a sense of how the car handles different driving conditions. Pay attention to how smooth the ride is, how quiet the cabin feels, and whether it’s easy to manoeuvre in tight spaces.
Test the technology
Modern family cars come with advanced technology to make life easier.
During the test drive, try out features like the infotainment system, navigation, parking sensors, and rearview cameras. If the car has smartphone connectivity, such as Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, ensure it works seamlessly with your devices.
Check visibility and safety features
Good visibility is crucial for safe driving, especially when parking or navigating busy streets.
Make sure the car provides a clear view from the driver’s seat. Test features like blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control to see how they enhance your driving experience.
If you’re looking for additional safety tips, it might be worth considering a vehicle with a 360-degree view camera and parking sensors at the front and back.
It’s also good to check out the ANCAP safety rating.
Evaluate comfort and space
Family cars need to be comfortable for both short trips and long drives.
Pay attention to the quality of the seats, the legroom in each row, and whether the cabin has sufficient storage options for your belongings. If the car has a third row, check how easy it is to access and how much space it provides.
Things like a cooler box in the centre console, additional USB ports are also nice to haves.
Note: Baby and Car can help you secure your next brand new family car with our trusted partners. Find out more here. We also offer car seat purchase and installation services, click here.
Take your time
Don’t rush the test drive. Spend enough time exploring all aspects of the car, from its handling to its interior features.
Ask the salesperson questions about the car’s maintenance, warranty, and fuel economy to get a complete picture of its suitability for your family.
If you need more time with the car, ask for one extended test drive where you may be able to have the vehicle for longer than the standard 30-minute route.
Follow up with comparisons
After the test drive, compare the car to other models you’re considering.
Reflect on how well it met your family’s needs and whether it felt comfortable and practical. If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to schedule a second test drive if you need it.
If more than one person will be driving the car make sure both drivers have had an equal chance at testing it out and compare their experiences with yours.
The verdict
A thorough test drive is one of the best ways to determine if a car is the right fit for your family.
By following these best practices, you’ll feel confident in your choice and ensure your next family car meets all your needs.
Note: Baby and Car can help you secure your next brand new family car with our trusted partners. Find out more here. We also offer car seat purchase and installation services, click here.
