How to Make the Most of a Test Drive (And Walk Away with a Prize)

A test drive is one of the most underused tools in the car-buying process. Most people spend more time researching a new television than they do actually driving a vehicle before they buy it. But a test drive, done well, can tell you more about a car in 20 minutes than hours of online research ever could.

And this July at Kunes Auto Group of Morrison, there's an extra reason to get behind the wheel — take any vehicle for a spin and you'll pick a complimentary gift from our Prize Tree as part of our Christmas in July: Test Drive & Pick a Prize event.

Here's how to make the most of that drive.

A little preparation goes a long way. Before you head to the dealership, think about what actually matters to you in a vehicle. Not just the specs — but your real, day-to-day life.

• Do you haul anything regularly? Kids, gear, equipment?
• How much of your driving is highway vs. city?
• Do you care more about fuel efficiency or power?
• What's your must-have tech or comfort feature?

Having even a loose sense of your priorities helps you stay focused during the drive instead of getting distracted by features that look great in the showroom but won't matter to you six months in.

Once you're in the driver's seat, try to evaluate the vehicle across a few key areas:

Visibility and comfort. How does the seating position feel? Can you see clearly out of all mirrors? Do the controls feel intuitive, or are you hunting for things?

Acceleration and braking. Get the vehicle up to highway speed if possible. Does it feel confident? How does it handle when you brake?

Ride quality. Pay attention to how the vehicle handles bumps, turns, and uneven pavement. Some people want a smooth, cushioned ride. Others prefer something more responsive. Neither is wrong — but you'll want to know which camp you're in.

Noise levels. Wind noise, road noise, and engine noise all become part of your daily experience. Take note of how quiet — or not — the cabin feels.

Cargo and storage. If you have the chance, open the trunk, check the back seat space, and look at the storage compartments. Does it fit your life?

Your sales team is there to help, not just to close a deal. Ask anything that comes to mind during or after the drive. How does this model compare to others on the lot? What does the warranty cover? What are the most common things buyers in similar situations tend to choose?

A good test drive is a conversation, not just a transaction.

It's easy to feel like you're taking up too much time, but a test drive is one of the most important steps in finding the right vehicle. Take the route that actually reflects your driving habits. If you mostly drive on the highway, get on the highway. If you navigate a lot of tight parking, find a lot. The more real-world the test, the more useful the information.

Once you're back at Kunes Auto Group of Morrison after your drive, head to the Prize Tree and pick your complimentary gift. This July, the tree is stocked with:

• Apple AirPods (2nd Gen)
• JBL Go 3 Bluetooth Speaker
• Blackstone Tabletop Griddle
• Igloo 60qt Cooler
• Masterbuilt Electric Smoker
• Levoit Air Purifier
• Stanley Quencher Tumblers (set of 2)
• Fire Pit Table
• Bucket Golf Game
• 4K Vjianger Camera
• Plus: Fire Stick, Grill Bot, Oil Change Certificates, and more

Prizes are available while supplies last, first come first served — so don't wait until the last week of the month.

Stop by Kunes Auto Group of Morrison anytime in July. No appointment needed, no purchase necessary — just bring your valid driver's license, be 21 or older, and come ready to find your next favorite vehicle.

Christmas in July: Test Drive & Pick a Prize runs July 1 – 31. Prizes available while supplies last. Must be 21+ with a valid driver's license. One prize per person, per day. No purchase necessary.