How to Test Drive a Used Car

A test drive is your best opportunity to find out if a used car is worth buying. It is not just about seeing if you like the way it drives. It is a chance to inspect the car's mechanical health. Here is what you should do on every test drive.

Start with the Engine Cold

Ideally, the car should be cold when you arrive. A warm engine can hide starting issues. Turn the key and listen to how the engine fires up. It should start immediately without excessive cranking. Listen for any rattling, knocking, or tapping noises that disappear after a few seconds. These could indicate timing chain tensioner issues or low oil pressure.

Listen to the Engine

Once the engine is idling, listen from inside the car with the radio off and windows up. You should hear a steady, smooth idle with no misfiring. Rev the engine gently and listen for any hesitation or flat spots. Check that the engine returns to idle smoothly without hunting. Blue smoke from the exhaust when you rev it means burning oil. White smoke on a warm engine suggests a head gasket problem.

Test the Gearbox

Drive the car and go through all the gears. Manual gearboxes should select each gear smoothly without crunching. Particularly test second and third gears, which tend to wear first. Make sure reverse engages easily and does not grind. For automatic gearboxes, accelerate gently and firmly to check the gear changes are smooth. Any jerking or hesitation is a bad sign.

Check the Clutch

Find a safe uphill section of road and pull away. The clutch should grab positively without slipping. If the engine revs increase but the car does not accelerate, the clutch is slipping and will need replacement. Also check the biting point is not too high, which indicates clutch wear.

Test the Brakes

At low speed, apply the brakes gently and feel for any grabbing or pulling to one side. At higher speed, brake firmly and check for vibration through the pedal or steering wheel. Warped brake discs cause vibration and will need replacement. Listen for any squealing or grinding noises.

Feel the Suspension

Drive over some uneven road surfaces and listen for knocking from the suspension. Worn drop links and anti-roll bar bushes are common on older cars. The car should not bounce excessively after a bump, which would indicate worn shock absorbers. On a straight, flat road, the car should track straight without you needing to correct the steering.

Check Everything Electrical

During the test drive, turn on the air conditioning, heater, radio, and all lights. Make sure everything works. Check that the air conditioning blows cold and the heater blows hot. Test the electric windows, mirrors, and any other powered features. Electrical faults can be annoying and expensive to diagnose.

After the test drive, check for any fluid leaks under the car. If the car has passed your test drive, you can move forward with confidence. If you need parts for the car you buy, TRD Moters at Unit 15, Lilleshall Grange, Newport TF10 9HL can supply them. Call 07721 551617.