I will be buying a new car at the end of the year or in the early months of next year at the very latest. I’m between the Honda Pilot, Subaru Ascent, and Hyundai Palisade based on my research and what I’m looking for. Most likely looking for the top trim in whatever I get. The issue obviously is I want to test drive all three before making a decision. What is the best way to approach the dealers with this understanding? Should I schedule an appointment? Walk in and explain when asked? Test drive later in the year? I would like to test drive now to get a feel for all three and then do some more research on the one I want before making the purchase later this year.

In my mind it would seem logical for a dealer to want to show me the car as I could be a potential buyer, but I know the weight of sales in the moment is heavy as well. I just don’t want someone to pull the “well why not today?” line and I don’t want either of us to be frustrated.