Car negotiation tips

The Test Drive As A Weapon?

How to negotiate the best car deal!
May 25, 2025•4 min read

"The best car deals are like green lights—rare, but worth the wait."

- Chase | Dad joke style quote enthusiast | Not very good at it...

Week 2 - How to Test Drive a Car Like a Pro (And Not Get Played)

Hey Deal Guard Nation!

Ready for your second weekly car buying tactic?

We’re about to dive into one of the most overlooked parts of the car deal negotiation process: The Test Drive.

Most folks just hop in, take a few turns around the block, say, "feels good," and that’s it. Huge mistake.

This week, you’re gonna learn how to use the test drive as a secret weapon in your negotiation plan.

Let’s roll.

Tactic #2: Test Drive the Right Way (And Use It to Negotiate)

Why This Matters

The test drive is your moment to do three key things:

  1. Evaluate if the car is ACTUALLY right for you.

  2. Gather info that helps you in negotiation.

  3. Control the interaction with the salesperson.

Let’s break that down.

Step-by-Step: How to Test Drive Like a Car Deal Ninja

Step 1: Schedule Ahead

Don’t just show up. Call ahead and say:

"Hi, I’d like to schedule a test drive for a [year/make/model] at [specific time]. I’m doing research and not ready to buy today."

This does 2 things:

  • It sets expectations, so they don’t pressure you.

  • It gives you more control over the situation.

Step 2: Bring a Checklist

Yep, like a grocery list but for your test drive. Here’s what to include:

  • Visibility from the driver’s seat

  • Blind spots

  • Parking ease

  • Comfort of seat & leg room

  • Acceleration & braking

  • How it handles curves & bumps

  • Noise inside the cabin

  • Tech: Bluetooth, cameras, Apple CarPlay, etc.

Write this down and bring it in your notes app or on paper.

Step 3: Drive More Than Just Around the Block

Ask for at least 15-20 minutes.
Include:

  • Highway driving

  • City traffic

  • Stop-and-go

  • Tight turns

This gives you real feel for how it’ll drive in your day-to-day life. If they won’t let you take that time, that’s a red flag.

Step 4: Ask Questions, But Don’t Show Excitement

Ask smart questions like:

  • "Is this the exact car that’s for sale, or is it a demo?"

  • "Do you know if this car was a loaner or rental before?"

  • "Has this one ever been returned from a lease or had warranty work?"

BUT—don’t say stuff like:

"Oh wow, I LOVE this! It’s perfect!"

If they know you’re emotionally sold, they’ll stop trying to offer you a deal.

Step 5: Take Notes Right After

As soon as you get back in your own car, or while sitting in the lot, take 2-3 minutes and write down everything you noticed. This keeps you from forgetting and also helps you compare cars later.

Step 6: Don’t Buy the Same Day

Unless it’s a smoking deal and you’ve already done all your homework (Week 1), just say:

"Thanks so much. I have two more cars I want to test drive before I make a decision."

Even if that’s not true. Saying this gives you:

  • Time to breathe

  • Power in negotiation

  • A backup if they try high-pressure stuff

Power Tip: Use What You Found to Negotiate

Let’s say during the test drive you notice:

  • The brakes feel off

  • One tire’s worn

  • Apple CarPlay glitches

These are bargaining chips.

Say this when you return:

"Hey, I noticed the tire tread is low and CarPlay froze during the drive. If I’m interested, would that be something we can factor into the final price?"

This makes it clear you’re not just a casual buyer—you’re someone who knows how to spot real issues.

Concierge Tip: Let Us Handle It

Don’t want to play games at the dealership? That’s what a car deal concierge service is for.
We’ll:

  • Pre-screen test vehicles for you

  • Set up pressure-free appointments

  • Show you what issues to look for

  • Handle all the back-and-forth

Our job is to shield your deal and protect your time, money, and peace of mind.

What to Avoid

  • Never say you love the car

  • Don’t skip driving on the freeway

  • Don’t rush—take the time you need

  • Don’t assume the car’s in perfect shape

Recap

Here’s your test drive checklist:

  1. Schedule it with a clear boundary: “Not ready to buy today.”

  2. Bring a checklist to focus your mind.

  3. Drive it how YOU would use it daily.

  4. Take notes and don’t rush to buy.

  5. Use your findings to negotiate the price.

Boom. That’s how you test drive like a pro.

Next week we’ll tackle the trade-in. Spoiler: you’re probably doing it wrong (but not for long).

See you then!

Chase Jordan

—

Want help setting up test drives and negotiating like a boss?
Let us do the heavy lifting. Our concierge car buying service saves you hours of stress and thousands in bad deals. Your time is valuable—let’s protect it together. Go to GETDEALGUARD.COM TO LEARN MORE

#carnegotiationtips #cardealconcierge #cardealhelp #testdrivechecklist #carbuyingstrategy #week2

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