Do I Need To Test Drive Every Car Even If It's The Exact Make And Model Each Time?

[Treacle71]

For example, I like the little Toyota Aygo cars and I've had one of two test drives in them, but never bought one. Now I've seen one I like in another colour at a proper Toyota dealer, but do I need to test drive it even though I've test driven other Aygo's? Should I just buy it outright?

[jno]

you can't guarantee they all perform identically, so yes, I'd try before I buy

[bhg481]

I agree with jno; I wouldn't dream of buying a car without driving it.

[davebro3]

Only to make sure everything works, there's no "funny" noises or lots of smoke & the brakes & steering are OK. So yes - drive it.

Saying that I didn't test drive my current car or even a similar model before I bought it but it's been great & still going well 6 years on!

[davebro3]

it's a Toyota BTW.

[Hymie]

If it’s more than 2 years old and you’re buying from a dealer, I’d ask them to MOT it as part of the deal (unless it doesn’t need an MOT within the next 10 months) – that way you won’t have an expensive MOT failure to worry about for some time.

 

As part of the test drive ensure you perform a 3-point turn - while driving remove your hands from the steering wheel to check that it continues in a straight line, and while holding the steering wheel gently apply the brakes hard to check that it does not pull to one side.

[andy-hughes]

To add to the above - a casual drive because you vaguely think you might like a car. Is very different from driving it and thinking about it being yours for a long time. 

You need to think about driving it day in and day out, and be sure you are comfortable with it.

If so, fine, if not, try another car. Even if it's the same make and model.

[Treacle71]

Is that good or bad, davebro3?

[brainiac]

I'd definitely drive it, and ask for a new MoT

[theshedman]

We had a Ford Focus and that was really a comfortable car to drive but when we went for newer version of the same one we found that it was very low to get in and out of.  We ended up getting a different car a Ford C Max which is a Focus really but much higher and easier to use.