Apr 24, 2025
Driving PEXELS

Test Drive Your Next Vehicle with the Thelen Auto Group

A test drive session is the best way to learn everything you need to know about a prospective vehicle purchase. You get to feel how the powertrain responds to your driving style, as well as feel how the interior caters to your comfort and entertainment needs. At the Thelen Auto Group family of dealerships in Bay City, MI, we always encourage our customers to take a test drive of any vehicle they are looking to purchase. We also want to share with you some tips to make the most of your test drive appointment. See why Michigan drivers choose Thelen for their preowned vehicle shopping. 

Six Test Driving Tips to Elevate Your Experience

  • Research in Advance – Going into a test drive of a prospective vehicle unprepared is not an ideal way to fully experience the process. We recommend that if you know which vehicle you are scheduling a test drive to fully view its online inventory page. This will provide you with details such as the powertrain, drivetrain, and any interior amenities that you might desire. 
  • Thoroughly Inspect the Exterior & Interior of the Vehicle – While we make sure that every vehicle we sell is in as pristine a condition as possible for you, it is recommended to take the time before you start your test drive to take a good look at the vehicle both inside and out. This way, you know exactly what you are purchasing if you decide to make the vehicle yours.
  • Bring Your Everyday Items to See How They Fit Inside the Vehicle – You don’t want to purchase a quality pre-owned vehicle and discover that you can’t fit your child’s car seat or any other everyday items that you need to have with you. Whether it is a stroller, sporting equipment, or other items you regularly plan on having in the vehicle, bring them along to see if and how they fit. The fewer surprises you have, the more confident you’ll be that you’re purchasing the right option for your family. 
  • Drive How You Regularly Do During the Appointment – To get the most accurate representation of how the vehicle you are test-driving will feel during your everyday travels across Central Michigan, we suggest doing everything that you would normally do with your current cruiser. This means accelerating, braking, and steering as you would. By doing so, you ensure you get the full extent of how the vehicle will operate for you when you start driving it around town or the highway.  Of course, always obey all traffic laws during your vehicle test drive.
  • Ask Questions During Your Test Drive – While you are behind the wheel of your prospective vehicle during the appointment, you might have a few questions about a certain feature in the vehicle, such as the infotainment system or the climate control system. The representative accompanying you on your test drive will be happy to answer any additional questions you have while on the road. Our mission to keep you informed is why test driving with Thelen is a preferable choice in mid-Michigan. 
  • Drive All of the Vehicles You’re Considering on the Same Day – That way, you can compare them more easily. Drive them over different types of road surfaces and in various driving conditions. Plan your own driving route in advance.

(Photo Credit: PEXELS)