Jul 13, 2025
Test Driving

Shopping for a used INFINITI is an exciting way to find a luxury vehicle that fits your lifestyle without the new car price tag. But before you fall for the sleek body or smart features, there’s one step you should never skip—the test drive. This quick yet important part of the buying process gives you real insight into how the car performs and how you feel behind the wheel. It’s also your chance to make sure everything works the way it should.

Summer is a great time for car shopping in Queens. The weather is agreeable, the roads are dry, and the conditions are just right for a test drive. A warm day gives you the perfect chance to see how well the air conditioning cools the space and how comfortable the cabin feels. Whether you’re looking for an upgrade for your daily work commute or planning weekend getaways, the test drive can make all the difference in choosing the right INFINITI.

Preparing For The Test Drive

A successful test drive starts with prep work. Instead of jumping into the first vehicle that catches your eye, take a little time to line up the right options and get familiar with your top picks. Different INFINITI models offer different driving experiences—some are sleek and sporty, others are spacious and built for comfort. You’ll want to pick models that match your lifestyle and daily needs.

Here are some things to do before stepping foot in the dealership:

1. Research INFINITI models you’re most interested in. If a model stands out, note its strengths and common features. Are you drawn to performance or interior comfort?

2. Make a checklist of what you want to test. Include the AC, steering, braking, parking features, tech systems like touchscreens or Apple CarPlay, and even seat comfort or third-row access if it applies.

3. Bring a friend or family member if possible. A second person can help you spot things you might miss or give helpful feedback after the drive.

4. Plan a route that includes local streets and highways. This gives you the full picture—how it performs in traffic and when merging onto faster roads.

5. Call ahead to INFINITI City of Queens and schedule the appointment. That way, the team can get the vehicle ready and respect your time.

Say you’re eyeing an INFINITI QX60. Before you test drive, you check its reported mileage, note any past owners, and write down specific features you want to check—like how the second-row seats fold or whether the parking sensors pick up surrounding movement clearly. That kind of preparation makes sure your time spent behind the wheel is focused and helpful.

Planning helps make sure you’re focusing on practical features and how the vehicle feels, and not just getting swept up by appearance. A little prep gets you closer to a car you’ll really enjoy day to day.

During the Test Drive

Once you’re in the car, the real evaluation begins. This is your chance to learn what the vehicle feels like to drive, from how it handles turns to how well it absorbs bumps in the road. Pay attention to things like how smooth the ride is, how the brakes respond, and if there’s any unusual noise coming from the engine or suspension.

Test as many features as you can while you drive. Adjust the climate controls to see how fast the AC kicks in. Try the speakers and phone pairing to check the audio quality and ease of use. Engage the safety features—test the backup camera, see if the blind spot monitors flash when expected, and check parking assistance if it’s equipped.

Use multiple types of roads during the drive. Start with city streets where you can stop and go. Then, head to a highway and accelerate smoothly. Do tight turns where safe, park in various spaces, and check how well visibility holds up in different scenarios.

Use the whole test drive to imagine your life with this car. Would it be comfortable for long drives? Is it the quiet, smooth ride you hoped for? The goal is to think beyond the flashy design and look at how usable the car really is for you.

Post-Test Drive Evaluation

Once the drive is over, don’t rush the next step. Instead, take a few minutes to think. Did the car match your expectations? Were the features you looked forward to actually useful? Go over your notes if you made any. Even quick reminders about noise level, screen placement, or seat comfort will help later on.

This is a good time to ask the team at INFINITI City of Queens about the car’s background. You can ask about the maintenance history, what past owners used it for, and whether any replacements or fixes were done recently.

If you want even more confidence before buying, consider scheduling a pre-purchase inspection from a local trusted mechanic. It might highlight something not visible during the drive and protect you from surprises down the road.

Small but meaningful observations gathered now will help you look at your options clearly when it’s time to decide.

Making Your Decision

Now that you’ve taken the car out and gathered your thoughts, you’re in a better position to make a choice. Compare how this INFINITI held up to any others you’ve driven. Remember to balance how it drives with how much it costs and what it brings to the table.

Does the car feel like a good deal based on the price and mileage? Are the features something you’ll use often? If you’re between two models, line up your notes and go with the one that best fits your priorities. Think through both your needs now and what could matter in the next few years.

Committing to a car isn’t just about loving it during the test drive. You want to know it meets both immediate and long-term driving needs without compromise. If you’ve followed your prep, paid attention on the road, and covered your post-drive checklist, you’re setting yourself up for a smart, satisfying purchase.

What Happens Next? Enjoy the Ride

Test driving is more than just getting a feel for the steering wheel. It’s how you make sure a car matches how you live every day. Whether you’re driving solo, carpooling, or taking weekend trips out of town, the vehicle has to measure up in every category that matters to you.

INFINITI City of Queens takes every step possible to make your experience smooth, clear, and supportive. With quality used vehicles, helpful staff, and a process that respects your time and needs, you’ll enter your purchase fully prepared.

Driving away happy starts with doing your homework, asking good questions, and being honest about what fits your life. With a little time spent getting it right, you’ll feel good every time you hit the road.

When you’re ready to explore your options and begin your hunt for INFINITI used cars, head over to INFINITI City of Queens to see a wide array of choices available. With their expert guidance and selection, finding the perfect vehicle that suits your lifestyle is a cinch.