St. Cloud Toyota’s Top Tips for Making the Most of Your Test Drive

Before you've hit the dealership, you've probably spent some time thinking about what's important for your next car. Are you looking for excellent mileage? Something that's just plain fun to drive? Something that hauls all your camping equipment or your kids' sports gear comfortably?

It really gets real when you grab the keys for a test drive. We chatted with Rick Knettel, one of St. Cloud Toyota's top salespeople, about what to expect from the test drive. Here are the top tips:

1) Do your homework or just show up. Car shopping is a bit of a choose-your-own-adventure experience. You can browse available cars online and schedule a test drive in advance, or you can just show up at the dealership and get started with a salesperson. It's really about your personal preferences.

2) Familiarize yourself with all the bells and whistles. When you have a prospect picked out, let Rick or another salesperson explain the key technology upgrades as you get comfortable in the seat. Do you feel like the controls and infotainment system are intuitive and easy to read? If you're curious about a specific feature, now's a great time to ask for details.

3) Get a feel for how the vehicle handles. Listen for abnormal noises, rattles, and other potential red flags, but also consider whether you're comfortable maneuvering and parking the vehicle. Consider steering, braking, acceleration, road noise, and your overall visibility.

4) Think about all your stuff. It's not weird to bring a stroller, car seat, or other equipment with you to make sure the important stuff fits comfortably. Ditto for your favorite beverage cup and chargers. Will all the little cubbies and storage areas fit your lifestyle? Is the seat comfortable enough for road trips?

5) Bring a friend and test-drive more than one car. It's tempting to compare the car you're test-driving to your current vehicle, but you should focus on comparing your prospects only. If you bring a friend or significant other, they can share their impressions, too.

If you're shopping for a vehicle and ready to take the next step, be sure to check out stcloudtoyota.com or visit 418 2nd St S, Waite Park MN 56387. Rick or one of his colleagues would love to help you!