Used Car Test Drive Check List

 When Test Driving a Used Car Here Are Things to Pay Attention To:

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Driveability

  • _____Acceleration should be smooth
    Pinging may indicate a needed tune-up or may be poor fuel.

  • _____Blue smoke indicates burning oil.

  • _____There should be no delay between engine speed and speed of the car. If there is a delay, car may have transmission problems.

  • _____If car has a manual transmission, clutch should engage smoothly and should not slip.

  • _____When safe, take hand from wheel. Car should not pull to one side. It's okay to drift slowly to the right due to crown of road.

  • _____In a parking lot, make a few slow, tight turns in each direction. Turn radio and everything else that makes noise off and roll windows down. Listen carefully for any noise coming from front wheels that might indicate CV joint problems. CV joints are expensive to replace and a bad one can be dangerous!

  • _____Remember to check for "dog-tracking". The inspection checklist tells how.

  • _____After a quick stop, car should not rock back and forth repeatedly. If it does, car may need new struts or shocks.

    Make both slow and hard stops.

  • _____Car should not pull to one side under braking.

  • _____A spongy or low pedal may indicate leaks or other problems.

  • _____Squeaking may indicate need for new pads or may be caused by glazed-over pads.

  • _____If car shudders under braking, it probably needs new, expensive brake rotors.
  • _____Check air conditioning for proper operation. A/C repairs and refills aren't cheap anymore!

  • _____Make sure heater and fan work properly. Drive car long enough for engine for warm up.

  • _____Check operation of defrosters.

  • _____Make sure all power options work.

    Inspected by mechanic.

    If car passed your inspection, take it to an independent mechanic for a more complete inspection.

  • _____Inspected according to our Used Car Inspection Checklist.  

  • _____Attempt to contact previous owner.

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  • Make sure the clutch, if so equipped, doesn't slip or make any noise. 
    To check it put the car in 3rd or 4th gear, slow down to about 10MPH to 15MPH and floor it!  If the clutch is slipping, instead of accelerating steadily, the motor will rev up almost like it's in neutral.  If it does this you need a new clutch!

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  • Make sure the exhaust isn't pumping out black or blue smoke or making excessive noise.
    If it is the car needs serious motor work, or in the case of a noisy exhaust, it needs part or all of the exhaust system replaced!
  • Make sure the emergency brake holds on a hill, and releases easily without sticking.
    If it doesn't the rear brake shoes are suspect for adjustment or replacement.
  • Make sure the car doesn't pull, wander or shake.
    This could indicate an alignment problem, a suspension problem and or a tire problem!

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  • Make sure the brakes stop smoothly without pulsating, squeaking or grinding.   Also, make sure the brake pedal isn't too low.  If any of these conditions exist, the car needs brake work!
  • Accelerate going up a hill to determine engine strength and smoothness.
    If the car doesn't seem to have enough power or smoothness under this condition, it could indicate the need for a tune up, more serious motor problems or even a transmission problem!
  • Pay attention to how the automatic transmission shifts.
    You want firm shifts and no unusual noises.  If the motor seems to rev up between shifts, or if you notice any hesitation the transmission probably needs work!

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  • Check the air conditioning for cold air, and heater/defroster for warm air.
  • Listen for rattles and squeaks.
    If you hear very many of them the car is getting worn out and old!
  • Take a look at the tires.
    Ask how much tred is left on the tires. New tires treds are measured in 32nd and most start with 11/32. Make sure they are worn even across and are of the same brand.

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Used Car Test Drive Check List