Buying a new car should feel exciting. But for nearly half of buyers, it quickly turns into regret. According to a 2022 study by LendingTree, around 39% of car buyers regret their purchase, with many saying they simply didn’t test drive the car the right way. That short 10-minute loop around the dealership? It’s not cutting it.
In a TikTok from @tomislavmikula, he breaks down the most common test drive mistakes, and how to avoid them. If you’re even thinking about buying a car this year, these tips could save you thousands and years of frustration.
1. Take the Test Drive on Your Route
Dealerships often have a standard test drive route that avoids rough roads, steep hills, or stop-and-go traffic. That’s not an accident—it’s designed to make every car feel smooth and easy. The fix? Tell the dealer you want to drive your normal commute. Whether that’s the highway, a winding back road, or near your kid’s school, test the car where it matters to you. If the dealer says no, that’s a red flag.
@tomislavmikula How to Actually Test Drive a Car at a Dealership #carbuyingtips #dealership #carbuying #newcar #delivrd ♬ original sound – Delivrd
2. Bring Your “Real Life” Stuff With You
It might sound silly, but it’s genius: bring your golf clubs, your stroller, or your car seat and try them out. See how they fit, how easily you can lift them in, and if you still have space for groceries. It’s way easier to find out now than six months in, when you’re wedging a jogging stroller into the back like a game of Tetris.
3. Forget the Fancy Screens: Check the Everyday Features
It’s easy to get distracted by huge infotainment displays or fancy self-parking features. But those aren’t what you’ll use daily. Instead, focus on heated seats, climate controls, mirror adjusters, phone connection (like Apple CarPlay), and even how the cupholders feel. If something feels awkward or buried in menus, it’s going to bug you for the life of the car.
Bonus Tip: Rent Before You Buy
If you’re serious about a model, try renting it for a weekend. It’ll give you the chance to live with the car: parking it, loading it, driving it to work. Many regrets come from small, daily annoyances that only show up after a few days. A rental test run helps you spot those before it’s too late.