Print these pages out and take them with you when test driving a used car. Remember, you’re trying to ID potential problems – not fix them. Solutions are best left to your mechanic at the mandatory inspection before purchase.
Before The Test Drive
- Map out a route that mixes local streets, highways and a big parking lot
- Leave the family at home
- Bring your spouse or partner or whomever is sharing the ownership and driving.
- Do bring car seats or booster seats to see if they fit
- Negotiate the length of the test drive. Plan at least 30 minutes.
- Ask for maintenance records.
- Make sure the vehicle has a spare and the tools to change a flat.
While the Car Is in Park
- Walk around the car and inspect the tires to see if they are properly inflated.
- Look for chips in the windshield or excessive body wear.
- Pop the trunk to see if it meets your storage needs
- Examine the trunk for leaks.
- Open the backseat to check out the passthrough to the trunk.
- Take down any air fresheners that might mask scents.
Before Heading Out
- Get a feel for how easy it is to sit down and get out
- See how easy it is to open and close doors
- Test the steering wheel adjustments.
- Make sure the seat adjusts to your comfort.
- Adjust all the controls and see how easy they are to understand and use.
- Check the mirrors to make sure they are easily adjustable.
- Test the A/C and heat at their maximum levels.
- If so equipped, check HVAC systems in the rear, too.
- Check all vents.
- See how easily the car shifts among the different gears.
- Start the car and see how much effort is needed to turn the key and remove it when shutting off the car.
- Make sure the owner has a spare set of keys.
