Test Drives Are Dead. Why Test Owning is Taking Over…
By CanadaDrives
The traditional car-buying experience almost always involves a test drive. When going to a dealership lot, you will circle around a car you’re interested in until a salesperson inevitably pops out of nowhere to ask: “wanna give ‘er a spin?”
Sometimes the salesperson tags along for the test drive, talking your ear off about the car’s features while you’re just trying to figure how to adjust your seat.
But how much can you really get out of those fleeting test drive experiences? Is it enough to properly inform your buying decision?
Let’s discuss the merits of the conventional test drive versus an alternative that is growing in popularity in the ever-evolving auto industry.
The trouble with test drives
The test drive is supposed to be a very important part of the buying decision, and yet, more than 70% of the 1,172 blog visitors surveyed say that conventional test drives do not divulge enough information.
It’s true. With conventional test driving, you don’t get enough time in the car to get a truly informed experience. You drive around for 15-20 minutes; most of which you spend trying to figure out where everything is, and before you find your groove, it’s time to head back to the lot. The experience simply doesn’t reveal enough for such an important decision that you’ll have to live with for years.
Take 7 days to decide vs. 20 minutes
It may not be as familiar as a test drive, but the term ‘test own’ is trending up in auto industry vernacular. It essentially means you can buy a car on the guarantee that you can return it for any reason should you not be happy with the purchase. In other words, you can get your money back or exchange – no questions asked.
It’s hardly any different from the normal return policy you find at most online retail stores like Amazon, it’s just taken the auto industry a longer time to adopt it. Why should a car be an exception to the rule?
Test owning is growing in popularity because it gives you so much more time to experience the car and decide if it’s right for you. You can take it on highways, cruise around the city, load it up with gear to test storage, or play with the entertainment console using your favourite apps – all things you would likely not be able to do with a 20-minute test drive.
The test-own period offers a powerful apples-to-apples comparison with your old car. Contrasted with the typically unfamiliar route taken on a test drive, the test-own period fits right into your daily life. Now you can take the car to work, to the gym, to the grocery store, to collect the kids from school—all your usual, everyday routes!
During a test-own period, you can also perform checks on the engine or bring it to your mechanic for a professional inspection for that extra peace of mind. These options give you a greater buyer perspective, and they simply wouldn’t be available during a brief test drive.
Test Drive vs. Test Own
Here’s a quick comparison of how much more informed you can get with a test own versus a test drive with regards to driving, exterior, interior, and under-the-hood checks.
| Test Drive(20 minutes) | Test Own(7 days) | |
| Drive | Typically cold startup onlyDrive it on non-typical routesDrive in the city or highwayGet introduced to the driver-assist tech | Multiple cold & warm startupsDrive it to work, to the gym, etc.Drive in the city and highwayGet comfortable using all of the driver-assist tech |
| Test Drive(20 minutes) | Test Own(7 days) | |
| Int. | Get a first impression of seat comfort in 20 minutesTry to guess if there is enough cargo space with a quick eye testGet a quick introduction to the infotainment systemScan carpets and upholstery for stains or damage | Revise your opinion on seat comfort after days of drivingTry out the cargo space; load up with groceries, gym gear & moreEnsure that the infotainment system meets ALL your daily needsExamine front, rear, and trunk carpets and upholstery for stains, damage, dampness, bad odours, etc |
| Test Drive(20 minutes) | Test Own(7 days) | |
| Ext. | Quick scan of the exterior for dents, scratches & rust Scan the tires for signs of wear | Detailed examination for dents, scratches & rust Inspect the tires for signs of wear and alignment issues. Check for bulges, bumps, and tread separation |
| Test Drive(20 minutes) | Test Own(7 days) | |
| Under the Hood | Quick look for rust, leaks, frayed cables or belts Ask about the vehicle’s fuel efficiency rating | Check all components carefully for hidden rust, leaks, frayed cables or belts Get firsthand experience of the vehicle’s fuel consumptionTake it to a mechanic for a professional inspection |
New vs pre-owned
It’s important to know that test owning is usually not an option for brand new cars, as those first kilometres on the odometer are usually the most valuable.
And, if you’re considering buying a used car from a private seller, it makes sense that the test own option will not be available to you. It’s hard to envision a private seller giving you a week to try out their car with the option to bring it back.
If you’re interested in test owning your next car, look for pre-owned vehicles available from dealerships and online retailers. Some will even be able to deliver the vehicle to your doorstep and pick it up if you change your mind.