Test Drive a Pre-Owned Vehicle in Roanoke, VA

Why Test Drive a Pre-Owned Vehicle


When you're shopping for a pre-owned vehicle, confidence doesn’t just come from reading a list of features – it comes from getting behind the wheel. You need to know how the vehicle feels, how it drives, and whether it fits your day-to-day life. That’s why at Berglund Used Car Super Center in Roanoke, VA, we always recommend taking a test drive before making any final decision.

There’s a lot more to a test drive than seeing how a vehicle handles a turn or accelerates at a green light. When you stop by, our team will walk you through what to look for during your drive, how to get the most out of the experience, and why this step is key to making a confident, informed purchase. Whether you’re in the market for a used SUV, pickup, or gas-sipping commuter car, a test drive can show you things no online listing ever will.

What a Test Drive Can Tell You that Listings Can’t

Reading online vehicle descriptions and reviews is helpful to some extent, but they can only go so far. A test drive puts those measurements and stats into action, giving you real-time feedback.

Here’s what you can learn behind the wheel:

  • How the vehicle actually handles.
  • If the seats and driving position are comfortable.
  • Whether visibility meets your needs.
  • How responsive the brakes and steering feel.
  • If the ride is smooth or too firm for your taste.
  • How easily you can use tech features and controls.

No matter how detailed the listing is, only a test drive can answer the question: “Can I see myself driving this every day?”

Comfort Matters: How the Interior Fits Your Life

When you purchase your next vehicle, you’re buying a place where you’ll spend hours each week – possibly more time than in your living room. During a test drive, it’s important to pay attention to how the interior fits your daily routine:

  • Is there enough head and legroom?
  • Are the seats supportive for longer drives?
  • Can you easily adjust mirrors, steering wheel, and seat height?
  • Are the infotainment and climate controls within reach and easy to use?

Get a True Sense of Performance

Even if you're not well-versed in engine specs, you'll notice how a vehicle performs when you’re behind the wheel. That’s where the test drive really shines.

During your test drive, we recommend focusing on:

  • Acceleration: Does the vehicle respond quickly when you press the gas?
  • Braking: Are the brakes firm and smooth, or do they feel soft or jumpy?
  • Steering and Handling: Does the vehicle track straight? Is the steering tight or loose?
  • Noise Levels: Can you hear the road or engine more than you’d like?
  • Ride Quality: Is it comfortable over bumps and rough pavement?

Our sales team will let you take the time you need so you’re not rushed – and you’ll get a chance to drive on city streets, curves, and maybe even the highway.

Test the Features You Actually Care About

One of the most underrated reasons to test drive a used vehicle? It helps you identify any red flags before they become your problem.

Keep your ears open for:

  • Strange Rattles or Clunks
  • Delayed Shifting in Automatic Transmissions
  • Vibrations at Certain Speeds
  • Warning Lights on the Dash

At Berglund Used Car Super Center, every vehicle we sell undergoes a detailed quality check by our technicians, but your test drive is your personal inspection. Don’t be afraid to ask questions – we’re here to make sure you feel good about your purchase.

Test the Features You Actually Care About

It’s one thing to read that a vehicle has Apple CarPlay® or a backup camera. It’s another thing to see how well those features actually work for you.

During your drive, we’ll walk you through how to:

  • Pair your phone via connected services.
  • Adjust navigation or audio settings.
  • Test safety systems like blind spot monitors or parking sensors.
  • Check if the backup camera gives a clear view.
  • Try out seat heaters, remote start, or dual-zone climate control.

Visit Berglund Used Car Super Center in Roanoke, VA

Ready to find out how a vehicle really drives? Schedule your used car test drive in Roanoke, VA, today at Berglund Used Car Super Center. We’ve helped drivers all across southwest Virginia find the right pre-owned vehicle with no guesswork and no pressure.

Whether you’re searching for a used Toyota SUV, a Ford F-150, or a dependable commuter car, taking a test drive is the smartest way to know if it’s the right fit.

Stop by our lot, give us a call, or book your test drive online – your next vehicle is waiting.

Disclaimer: This content was drafted with AI assistance for initial drafting, reviewed by a subject-matter expert for accuracy, and edited by our team of writers and editors.