After inspecting the exterior & the interior of the vehicle thoroughly, it is time to road test the vehicle. Get inside and adjust the seat and the mirrors. You want to be comfortable because you don’t want anything distracting your attention from how the vehicle drives.
After you’ve made the necessary adjustments, it is time for the test drive. Once again, having someone with you who knows about automobiles is recommended. As always, be sure that you war your seat belt.
Be aware that engine performance will change when the engine warms up. If possible, start the car in a cold condition.
A Word About Diesel Vehicles
Some older diesel-powered vehicles can be very noisy and may not have a lot of power. Some diesel engines also emit a distinct odor. In addition, in can be difficult to find diesel fuel. Nevertheless, many people find that the durability and operation of diesel vehicles outweigh these minor inconveniences.
Spend Time With the Vehicle
Spend time getting a good feel for the vehicle you are interested in. The longer you drive the vehicle, the better. You will notice more things. So when you find the vehicle of your choice, give it as much time on the road in as many different driving conditions as possible.
While you are test-driving the vehicle, keep the following questions and suggestions in mind. Keep the checklist with you so you can refer to it.
Starting the car
Upon starting the engine, notice how long the engine cranks before starting. Listen for any unusual sounds upon turning the key. Does the starter sound like it is grinding? Do you hear the whistling or squealing sound of loose belts?
Does the engine idle smoothly? Do you feel the steering wheel vibrating an unusual amount?
Try shutting off and starting the engine several times during the road test to see how well the vehicle starts.
Push down the brake pedal. Is it firm? If it sinks, to the floor or has to be pumped, there could be a problem.
Check for exhaust smoke from the rear of the vehicle. Make sure engine is at operating temperature. Hold the engine idle at 3000 RPMs (if the car is equipped with a tachometer). Light-blue smoke can mean oil burning, black can mean a rich fuel mixture, and white smoke can mean coolant is burning somewhere. Check periodically during the road test. Any one of these could signify a serious problem.
Noises, gauges, “feel”
After you start driving, make sure that the speedometer, the odometer, and the tachometer are working. Make sure that other gauges are working, including the temperature, fuel, and oil pressure. Again, all vehicles and warning lights are different, so refer to the owner’s manual if you need to.
Check that the turn signals cancel after turns and that the horn works no matter what position the steering wheel is in.
Check for wind noises at higher speeds from the window seal, top, and so on.
Be aware of all noises that you are not used to hearing or cannot identify. Make a note of them and ask the seller about them. Tell your technician too, if you get to that step.
Make sure that there is enough head room and that you can see over the steering wheel easily.
Are the gas, brake, and clutch pedals comfortable for your feet?
Transmission, clutch
On vehicles with standard transmission, push down on the clutch to determine ease of operation. If it is too stiff, there could be a clutch or a clutch cable problem.
While releasing the clutch from a stop in gear, feel for any signs of chattering or vibrating. If you are concerned about the clutch slipping, it is best to have your service technician check this.
With an automatic transmission, shift back and forth from park to reverse. At a stop position, listen for clunking and see if there is any slippage or jerking. Slippage usually implies that major repairs are needed.
For this step, find a nice quiet road or a big empty parking lot. With a standard shift, check how easy it is to shift gears both up and down. Listen for any gear noises or grinding. The gear shifter should feel somewhat firm, not really looses. With an automatic transmission, shift into lower gears. If equipped with Tiptronics, test that as well. Look for signs of slipping or a delay is shifting. Check for a clunking noise when shifting from neutral to reverse or drive. This could indicate a problem.
If the vehicle is equipped with four-wheel drive or overdrive, check too see that they are functioning correctly.
Brakes and steering
Try a hard stop to test how the brakes perform. Notice how hard you have to push the brake pedal. Does the car pull to the left or right when you brake? Do you feel safe and in control?
Does the steering wheel vibrate at any time? Make a note on any “looseness” in the steering wheel.
Does the vehicle go straight or does it tend to pull left or right when you let go of the steering wheel? Sometimes road conditions can cause problems. Keep this in mind at all speeds during the road test. Also, while braking, out-of-true drums or rotors will cause the steering wheel to shake.
Again, be aware of how the brakes feel at all times. If it takes a lot of effort to slow the vehicle down, it is likely something wrong.
Road Testing under Various Conditions
Road-test the vehicle under as many different conditions as possible to get a good feel for what you might be buying.
Find a place to parallel park. Some vehicles are difficult to parallel park.
While in a parking lot, see how sharp the car turns. You might find that some vehicles need much more room to turn. In front-wheel drive vehicles, listen for clunking or clacking noises during hard turns from a start. These could be early signs of failing C-V joint. (C-V joints – constant velocity bearings – are found at both ends of each drive shaft.)
Take the vehicle out on the freeway and test the cruise control. Also, take note of how good the visibility is. Some vehicles have blind spots that make driving difficult and dangerous.
When accelerating onto the freeway, is the power adequate enough to make you fell comfortable and safe?
Driving over rough roads or railroad tracks is a good way to check the suspension. Is the ride over such surfaces hard or soft? Are there any unusual noises? Is it unusually bouncy?
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