5 Questions to Ask During a Test Drive

Questions to Ask While Test-Driving a Cadillac

Test-driving a new vehicle is arguably one of the most enjoyable aspects of the car-buying process, and it’s also the most essential. Not only is it the opportune time to measure how comfortable you feel driving the car and to familiarize yourself with its basic operation and accessories, it’s your chance to see how it handles on the road.

Before committing to your new Cadillac, use your time in the driver’s seat to ensure you’ve selected the best model for your lifestyle needs and financial goals by asking these questions.

What safety features are included?

To start, take the car through all the paces, including highway driving, to test how it steers, accelerates and brakes, and to check turning radius. Safety options such as lane assist, backup cameras and a driving position memory system are commonplace in vehicles today. However, advances in safety technology have expanded what “safe driving” can encompass.

Some features to inquire about include Super Cruise (the first true, hands-free driving assistance technology), automatic emergency braking, front collision and rear traffic alerts, automatic headlight adjustment, safety alert seats and rear parking assistance. Some vehicles also include a “rear seat alert” to remind the driver to check the back seat for occupants before exiting.

Does this Cadillac fit my lifestyle?

Will you be using your Cadillac for a daily commute, longer road trips or just around town? Will the vehicle accommodate any pets, children, hobbies or cargo you plan on carrying? Do you need towing capacity, rear- or front-wheel drive, or a turbo-charged engine? It may be worth your time to test more than one model or trim style to ensure the best fit for your lifestyle.

Ask the salesperson about the vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Traffic and highway miles per gallon, PSI tire recommendations and stop-start systems to limit idling are all topics for discussion. If you know your annual mileage needs, you can discuss lease versus finance options for the vehicle. You may find that switching to an EV will offer additional opportunities to reduce expenses, including gasoline costs and ongoing maintenance, as well as offering the ease and time savings of charging at home.

Is this vehicle compatible with the Smart Driver program?

Cadillac Smart Driver works with the myCadillac Mobile App to create monthly reports based on driver behavior. By collecting driving data like average speed, miles driven and fuel economy, the program can increase driver awareness and safety. This information can also help calculate potential savings, such as insurance discounts or the cost-benefit of switching to an EV. This connected service offering is available free of charge on eligible vehicles.

What warranties and protection products are available?

Do you have questions about roadside assistance, your first maintenance visit, courtesy transportation options and included warranties? The test drive is a good time to begin conversations on the included coverages and additional protection plans available for your Cadillac. You can protect your new investment with extra offerings like gap coverage, tire and wheel protection, or prepaid maintenance designed around your particular needs.

What services are available for Cadillac with OnStar?

For additional peace of mind, you may also consider adding an OnStar plan. Your dealer can answer questions you have about remote vehicle access, in-vehicle Wi-Fi hot spots, emergency services, roadside or stolen vehicle assistance, and other available offerings. You may also be eligible for personalized rates from OnStar Insurance Services, which uses in-vehicle technology to reward safe driving.

Getting answers to these five questions during a test drive can take the mystery out of financing or leasing your next Cadillac. After you’ve completed your test drive and are ready to purchase, save time at the dealership by prequalifying now.

By Jessica Llanes, Cadillac Financial

Jessica Llanes is an off-road adventurer, EV enthusiast and bon vivant raised in New Orleans. When she’s not traveling, she enjoys sharing a homecooked meal with friends, curling up with an Agatha Christie novel, or binge-watching classic episodes of Top Gear (or Top Chef).