UsedCars.biz: test drive checklist

Use this UsedCars.biz handy checklist when you are test driving a used car. If some of the items below seem too "picky" for you, skip them: but remember that little annoyances today can grow into huge disturbances tommorow.

Driveability

_____Acceleration should be smooth (not necessarily rapid).

_____Pinging may indicate a needed tune-up or may be poor fuel. Some pinging under hard acceleration may be normal.

_____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.

Suspension

_____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.

Brakes

_____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.

Comfort equipment

_____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.

If the car seems good

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

_____Inspected according to the UsedCars.biz Used Car Inspection Checklist.

_____Attempt to contact previous owner(s).

   --thanks to ASC Fort Gordon