What Should You Check on a Used Car Test Drive?

On a used car test drive, check how the car starts cold, how it brakes, steers, and shifts, whether it makes any odd noises, and whether every feature works. Plan on at least 20 to 30 minutes, on a mix of city streets and highway. A test drive can't replace an inspection, but it's the fastest way to find out whether you can live with the car.

How should you prepare for a used car test drive?

A little prep makes the drive more useful.

• Ask for the car to be cold when you arrive. A warm engine can hide hard starts and rough idling.
• Bring your driver's license and proof of insurance. Most dealers require both.
• Read the vehicle history report first so you know what to look for. Our guide on checking a used car's history covers how.
• Turn the radio off. You're listening as much as driving.

What should you check before you start driving?

• Walk around the car. Look for uneven gaps between panels, mismatched paint, and uneven tire wear.
• Check under the hood. Look for visible leaks, cracked belts, and fluid that looks dark or low.
• Start the engine. It should fire right up and settle into a steady idle. Watch the dashboard: warning lights should come on briefly, then go out.
• Test the controls while parked. Try the windows, locks, mirrors, seat adjustments, air conditioning, heat, and infotainment screen.

What should you check while you drive?

Drive the car the way you'd drive it every day.

• Acceleration. Power should build smoothly. Hesitation, surging, or a rough feel can point to engine or fuel problems.
• Transmission. Shifts should be smooth and quiet. Harsh jerks, slipping, or long delays between gears are red flags.
• Brakes. Find a safe, empty stretch and brake firmly. The car should stop straight, without pulling, grinding, squealing, or a pulsing pedal.
• Steering and alignment. On a straight road, the car should track straight with light pressure on the wheel. A steering wheel that shakes at highway speed can mean tire or suspension trouble.
• Suspension. Drive over a few bumps. Clunks, rattles, or excessive bouncing suggest worn parts.
• Noises and smells. Listen for humming, whining, or knocking. Notice any burning or sweet smells.
• Highway speeds. Merge onto a highway if you can. Check passing power, wind noise, and stability.

What should you test after the drive?

Park, leave the engine running for a minute, and look under the car for fresh drips. Check the temperature gauge, then shut the car off and restart it. A car that's hard to restart when warm is worth a second look. Take a minute to back into a parking space too, since it tests the camera, sensors, and your visibility.

What can a test drive not tell you?

A test drive shows how the car feels, not what's wrong underneath. Frame damage, a failing component that hasn't acted up yet, and flood or accident repairs often don't show up in 20 minutes. That's what a mechanic is for. See our post on whether to get a pre-purchase inspection before you sign.

How does a test drive work when you buy a car online?

Many online buyers can't test drive before they commit, so the return window does that job. With a return period, you drive the car for several days in your real routine: your commute, your hills, your parking spot. Use the checklist above on day one, and have a mechanic look at it during the window. Details vary by dealer, so confirm the return terms in writing before you sign. You can read how the full process works on our buying a car online in Utah page, and browse used cars on Keysy to start looking.

FAQ

How long should a used car test drive be? Aim for 20 to 30 minutes, including some city driving and some highway driving.

Can I take a used car to my own mechanic during a test drive? Many dealers allow it, or allow an inspection before purchase. Ask before you go.

Should I test drive a car more than once? If you're serious, a second drive at a different time of day, or with the engine fully cold, can reveal things the first one missed.

What if the car has a warning light on? Ask what it means before going further. A warning light that stays on is a reason to pause, get it diagnosed, or walk away.

Do I need insurance to test drive? Dealers usually carry coverage for test drives but typically ask to see your license. Ask the dealer about their policy.