How to Test Drive a Used Car Like a Pro (Without Feeling Awkward)

You know that weird moment when you’re handed the keys to a car you’ve never driven before, and the salesperson’s watching like a hawk? Yeah. That’s your test drive. And if you’re not quite sure what you’re supposed to be doing besides just... well, driving, don’t worry. You’re definitely not alone. At Dace Motor Company, we’ve been around the block more times than a 2009 Ford Fiesta on a Saturday night. After helping thousands of folks from Stockport, Manchester, and all over the North West find their next car, we’ve seen just about every kind of test drive imaginable - from the confident to the completely clueless. And that’s totally okay. This guide is your go-to for what to actually look, listen, and feel for during a used car test drive - no mechanical knowledge required. You don’t need to know how to rebuild an engine. You just need to know what feels right and what doesn’t.

First Things First: Take Your Time

Here’s the thing: a test drive isn’t a race. It’s not about being polite or trying to get it over with. You’re about to spend real money on this car - maybe finance it, maybe pay cash, whatever works for you - but this thing’s going to be part of your daily life. Think school runs, wet Monday mornings on the M60, late-night drive-thrus, and weekend trips to the Trafford Centre. So take your time. Make sure it feels right.

Before You Even Get in the Car

Before the wheels even move, give the car a good once-over. You don’t need to be an expert. Just look at it like you would anything else you’re thinking about buying. Is the body clean? Any weird dents or scrapes? Are the tyres looking worn? If they’re balder than your uncle Pete, that’s a flag. Inside, check the seat adjustments, the steering wheel position, the mirrors. Does everything move how it should? And here’s a simple one: smell the car. No really. If it smells like damp or old socks, that might mean there’s been water damage or leaks. You don’t want that.

Starting It Up

Alright, keys in. Or button pressed. However it starts - listen. Does it start smoothly? Or is there a bit of coughing and sputtering? That’s a clue. Engine noises matter. It should sound steady, not like a lawnmower having a tantrum. Listen out for clicks, knocks, or any sound that makes you go, “Hmm, that doesn’t sound right.” Check the dash - are there any warning lights? If the dashboard lights up like Blackpool Illuminations, ask why. The team at Dace always makes sure warning lights are sorted before any car goes up for sale, but hey, you’re allowed to double-check.

What to Do Once You’re Moving

This is where most people go wrong - they just drive around the block, smile politely, and bring it back. Don’t do that. You need to try a few different kinds of driving if you can.

Town driving: Try it on a few side streets. How does it feel at low speeds? Is it smooth? Is the steering light enough for tight turns and parking? Stop-start traffic is part of life around Stockport, so you want to make sure the car isn’t jerky or awkward when crawling along.

Open road: Ask if you can get it on a faster road - dual carriageway if possible. Pick up a bit of speed (within the limit, of course). How’s the acceleration? Does it feel like it’s got enough pull when you need it?

Braking: Test the brakes. Not like an emergency stop or anything dramatic - just slow down from different speeds and feel how it responds. Is it smooth? Does it pull to one side? Any squeaking or grinding? That’s not good.

Check the Gearbox

Manual or automatic, you want to feel how the gears shift. In a manual, the clutch shouldn’t feel too heavy or too light. It should bite smoothly. In an auto, it should shift gears without lurching or dragging. If it hesitates or judders, say something. It’s not rude - it’s smart.

Listen While You Drive

Turn the radio off for a bit. Just listen to the car. Any rattles, squeaks, or buzzing? They might seem small, but they can be a sign something’s loose or not quite right. And once you hear them, trust us, they’ll drive you mad later on.

Feel Everything

Sounds weird, but feel how the car responds to you. Does the steering feel tight and in control, or floaty like you're rowing a boat? Does it glide over bumps or make you feel every tiny pothole on Manchester Road? And don’t ignore your gut. If something feels off - even if you can’t explain it - it’s worth bringing it up. You don’t need a reason to walk away from a car that doesn’t feel right. There are hundreds of other options out there. We’ve got over 600 cars across our four locations, so odds are we’ve got one that’ll feel perfect.

Try Parking It

Seriously. This gets overlooked way too much. But think about how much time you spend squeezing into tight spots in town, reversing into your driveway, or doing 73-point turns in tiny car parks. Try parallel parking it. Reverse into a space. See if you can get in and out comfortably. If you’re likely to be parking outside your house on a tight Stockport street, this part really matters.

Ask Questions – Loads of Them

Don’t hold back. You’re allowed to ask whatever you want. Like:

“When was the last service?”

“Has it had any accidents?”

“Can I see the paperwork?”

“What’s included in the warranty?”

At Dace Motor Company, we’re completely transparent. All our used cars are HPI checked, have a free 3-month in-house warranty, and we’re more than happy to show you the service history. No dodgy dealer games here.

It’s Not a First Date — You Don’t Have to Be Polite

So many people don’t want to “offend” the dealer by pointing out issues or walking away. But you’re not committing to anything yet. It’s not rude to say it’s not the right fit. In fact, it’s smart. You’re the one making the investment here. And if you're test driving at one of our showrooms - Greg Street in Reddish, Buxton Road, Manchester Road, or Eccles - we’ll always give you space to think and answer your questions honestly. No pressure. Just help when you want it.

One More Thing: Bring a Mate

If you’re not super confident or just want a second opinion, bring someone with you. Could be your partner, your best mate, your brother who "knows cars" even though he probably doesn’t. Doesn’t matter. A second set of eyes - and ears - never hurts.

And If You’re Planning to Finance

Let us help with that too. We've got in-house finance managers at each of our locations who’ve been doing this for decades. We’ll help find a package that fits what you can afford — with a soft credit search that won’t leave a mark. You’ll know your options without any nasty surprises.

A test drive is your moment to see if the car fits you— not just the other way around. It’s not about knowing every technical detail or being able to spot a worn-out cambelt with your eyes shut. It’s about how it feels to sit in that seat and drive that car. So take it for a proper spin. Ask your questions. Trust your gut. And don’t settle. And if you ever want help, advice, or just someone who won’t talk to you like you’re supposed to know what a timing chain is - come see us at Dace Motor Company. We’re here 7 days a week, and we’ve been doing this long enough to know how to make it easy. You don’t have to be a car expert to make a good choice. You just have to test drive like a pro.