I have previously bought quite a few new from the manufacturer cars having never driven them.. usually either personally owned new release waiting list cars, 4x4 workhorses that i have at least sat in at a main dealer where their ability is a known, or company cars, again that I have sat in at a dealer where I only needed to keep them for 12 months so not too bothered if they do not meet expectations as I can get rid / use them as family pool cars . That said.. anything 2nd hand and my own money I always drive the actual car I am thinking of buying. This is mainly to satisfy that need to know that it is is comfortable, (if a type I have never driven), drives tight, does not feel like it has been ragged from new and hammered, that the interior is not all rattling and that I feel happy it is a good one..... comfort factor I guess. For any 2nd hand car I have always driven them first then if happy had them checked.