A Practical Used-Car Test Drive Checklist

Give yourself at least 20 minutes, and take the test drive seriously. The goal is to find what is wrong while the car is still the seller's problem.

Before you turn the key

• Confirm the seller has insurance or you do. Many private sellers expect you to show your license.
• Adjust the seat and mirrors and make sure you can see well.
• Ask that the car has not been run for a while, so you can hear a cold start.

Cold start

• Listen for grinding, ticking that does not fade, or a long crank before it fires.
• Look at the exhaust. Blue smoke suggests oil burning. White clouds that do not clear may mean coolant. Black smoke suggests running too rich.
• Watch the dash lights. They should come on, then go out.

Slow speeds

• In a parking lot, turn the wheel fully each way and listen for clicking or groaning.
• Brake gently at low speed. Pulling to one side or a pulsing pedal is a sign of trouble.
• Check reverse as well as drive.

Street driving

• The car should accelerate smoothly. Hesitation, surging or rough idling are red flags.
• Automatic transmissions should shift without bangs or slips. Manuals should have a clutch that engages in a normal part of the pedal travel and does not slip.
• Drive over a rough patch. Clunks suggest worn suspension.
• On a quiet straight road, let go of the wheel for a moment (only when it is safe). A car that drifts hard to one side may need alignment or have bigger problems.

Freeway

Take it on a freeway on-ramp if you can. Full-throttle acceleration, steady speed at 65 and a hard-ish stop are what to look for. Listen for wind noise, wheel vibration and engine strain. Some problems only appear at speed.

Check the extras

• Run the A/C and heater at every fan speed.
• Try every window, lock and light.
• Check that cruise control works, if it has it.

After the drive

Park, leave the engine running, and look for leaks or smoke. Check the temperature gauge. Shut it off, then pop the hood and see if anything smells burnt or looks wet.

If you like the car, take it to a mechanic for an inspection before you commit.