Test Drive Checklist

Questions for the Owner

1. How long have you owned the car?

2. Why are you selling it?

3. Does everything work/any problems?

4. Any service records, what have you done since owning the car?

5. What did you use the car for?

6. How many miles did you put on it when you owned it?

7. What car are you looking to get now? Why?

Things to Bring

OBDII Scanner

Magnet

Flashlight

Paper Towel

Pen

From your Research

Value of the Car (trade-in value):

Engine (start cold, let warm up, go for a ride)

Before Startup

Hood Pops Open Easily?

Hood Support/Struts Work?

Frame (Straight, No Kinks)?

Clean vs Dirty (Was the engine detailed)?

Inspect for Leaks? (oil, coolant, tranny)

Any Damage/New Parts?

Oil Level and Oil (no metal, not frothy)?

Oil Cap (no froth under cap)?

Check Coolant (make sure it's not hot when you check)?

Inspect Hoses, Belts, Battery Posts, Wires, etc.?

Cold Startup

Any Strange Noises/Smoke? (ticking, grinding, etc)

Does It Take Too Long to Start?

Does the Motor Move a Lot (Bad Motor Mounts)?

Check Under Oil Cap (Strong Pulses/Smoke)?

Idle (does the idle drop and smooth out)?

Check Exhaust for Smoke Upon Startup?

Warm Startup

Any Strange Noises/Smoke? (ticking, grinding, etc)

Does It Take Too Long to Start?

Check Under Oil Cap (Strong Pulses/Smoke/Froth)?

Idle (does the idle drop and smoothout)?

Bubbling in Radiator Reservoir? (Blown Head Gasket)

Check Exhaust for Smoke Upon Startup?

Interior

Seats

Seats: Front and Rear

Damage, Rips, Tears, Stains, Smell

Solid/No Movement

Adjust Properly (Forward, Back, Tilt)

Carpet

Carpet: Front, Rear, and Trunk

Check Under Carpets (Rust, Water)

Floor Mats?

Stains, Holes, Cuts, Smell, Dampness

Trunk

Spare (Holds Air, Not Rusty)

Jack with Lug Wrench

Spare Tire Carrier Round (No Indents)

Lug Nut Key (Locking Lug-Nuts)

Water Marks, Damp Carpet?

Vehicle Options

Power Windows (Roll Up/Down, Scratches)

Window Tint (Bubbles, Legal)

Power Mirrors (Heat and Movement)

Power Locks (All Doors Lock/Unlock)

Radio (AM/FM/Clock Set Right, Speakers Work)

AC/Heat (All Settings, All Vents)

Navigation (Make Sure It Locates)

Sunroof (Opens/Closes, No Leaks)

Rear View Mirror (Auto-Dim)

Parking Sensors (Beep in Reverse)

Lights (Glove Box, Map, Dashboard, etc)

Emergency Brake Holds Car in Neutral

Heated Seats

Headliner:

Sagging?

Water Damage, Burns, Damage

Wear and Tear:

Gas/Brake Pedal

Steering Wheel

Shift Knob

Seats/Carpet

Exterior

Lights

High/Low Beams

Front Running Lights

Front Fog Lights

Front Turn Signals

Brake Running Lights

Pressed Brake Lights (3rdBrake Light)

Rear Turn Signals

Rear Fog Lights

Bodywork

Panel Gaps

Paint Seams on Edge of Panels

Bondo (Magnet and Tapping Methods)

Tires

Turn Lock to Lock

Inspect Tread-Wear

Inspect Camber/Toe Angle

Test Drive

Acceleration Test: smooth, no knocks or hesitation

Regular Acceleration

Hard Acceleration

Turning Test

Stationary - Turn Lock to Lock (Noise/Feel)

Moving - Turn 360 (Noise/Feel Both Ways)

Turn Back and Forth in Motion to Sway Car (Controlled, Squeaks, Knocks)

Hard Turn While Moving (Controlled, Squeaks, Knocks)

Brake Test: -smooth, no pulls, no noises, no vibrations

Regular Braking

Hard Braking (Try to Activate ABS)

ABS Light on Dash?

Noise/Pulling?

Highway: stop and go, bumps, turns, slower

RPM (Top Gear/Overdrive)

Smooth/Controlled/Comfortable/Solid

Noises (Thuds, Squeaks, Whines)

Downshift at Cruising Speed

Cruise Control

City: stop and go, bumps, turns, slower

Noises (Thuds, Squeaks, Whines)

Vibrations

Does the Car Feel Good to Drive?

Shifting (Smooth, Crisp, No Slipping)

Scan Engine after Test Drive

Checklist information review:

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