It’s unlikely you’ll be able to test drive the actual new car you’re buying, but you should be able to drive a similar version.• Ask the dealer to arrange a drive in a car that’s as close as possible to the one you’re looking to buy; sometimes you may need to drive several cars to sample the bodystyle, engine and gearbox separately• A test drive needn’t be five minutes ’round the block – ask to borrow a car for an evening or a weekend so you can get familiar with it, without the pressure of a salesperson in the passenger seat• Make sure you can get comfortable behind the wheel, are satisfied with the way the car drives and you have sufficient visibility• If you regularly carry passengers or luggage, load up the car to see how it copes