Used Car Test Drive Checklist: What to Do Before, During, and After

A test drive is your best chance to confirm a used car drives the way it should—and to uncover issues that can affect safety, reliability, and the price you’re willing to pay. Don’t treat it like a quick lap around the block. Use the time to evaluate how the vehicle behaves at different speeds, on different road surfaces, and during common driving scenarios.

Below is a practical checklist you can follow before driving, while driving, and after you park.

Before Driving

Before you move the car even one meter, take a few minutes to get comfortable and do a quick “cockpit check.” Small issues inside the cabin can signal poor maintenance, previous damage, or sloppy repairs.

Quick cabin setup

Adjust the seat, steering wheel, and mirrors until you can reach the pedals comfortably and see clearly.
Confirm the seatbelts latch, retract, and adjust smoothly.
Test visibility (rear window, blind spots, mirror alignment). Poor visibility can be a dealbreaker for daily driving.

Ask the seller to walk you through safety features

Confirm how many airbags the vehicle is equipped with and where they are located.
Ask about active safety systems (ABS, stability control, blind-spot monitoring, lane assist), if available.
Check that warning indicators on the dash illuminate at startup and then clear normally.

Start-up and idle checks

Start the car and listen at idle: it should sound steady, not rough or irregular.
Lightly tap the accelerator and listen for clicking, coughing, or hesitation.
Test key comfort controls quickly: air conditioning/heat, fan speeds, and basic infotainment.

Tip: If something feels “off” before driving, you’ll almost always feel it more once you’re on the road.

While Driving

Test-driving
A proper test drive should include different speeds and road types—not just neighborhood streets. Aim for at least 10–15 minutes, and ideally include:

Stop-and-go traffic
A stretch of steady cruising (higher speed if safe and legal)
A few turns, a gentle hill, and some uneven pavement

Transmission and shifting

Automatic: shifts should be smooth and timely (no harsh clunks, slipping, or delayed engagement).
Manual: the clutch should engage smoothly, without slipping, chatter, or excessive stiffness.
Listen for whining, clunking, or grinding during shifts—these can be expensive repairs.

Braking performance

Brakes should feel firm and consistent.
The vehicle should stop straight, without pulling left or right.
Notice any vibration, squealing, or grinding when braking.

Steering and tracking

On a straight, safe road, confirm the car tracks straight (no drifting).
Excessive steering wheel vibration can point to wheel balance issues, bent rims, or alignment problems.
Test turning response: steering should be predictable and not feel loose or overly heavy.

Suspension and ride quality

Drive over a few bumps and listen for rattles or squeaks.
A knocking sound over bumps or sharp turns can indicate worn suspension components (e.g., ball joints).

Cruise control and driver assists (if equipped)

Confirm cruise control engages and disengages properly when you brake.
If the car has driver-assist features, verify they operate normally and don’t show persistent error messages.

Take notes

Write down anything you notice—no matter how minor. You’ll make a better decision when you can compare observations calmly after the drive.

After Driving

Don’t shut the engine off immediately. Leave it running briefly and do a final walk-around inspection while the vehicle is warm.

Under the hood

Open the hood and look for smoke, strong odors, or fluid spray.
Check for obvious wet spots or fresh residue around hoses, reservoirs, and engine components.

Look for leaks

Bend down and inspect under the front and center of the car.
Check the pavement for fresh drips or spots.

Quick wheel/tire check

Visually inspect tires for uneven wear.
If safe, gently push/pull a front wheel to check for obvious looseness (excess movement can indicate suspension or bearing issues).

If You’re Still Unsure: Get an Independent Inspection

If you’re not confident after the test drive, the smartest next step is a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic. Most honest sellers will allow this. Resistance or excuses can be a red flag.

Final Reminder

Buying a used car is a major decision. Take your time, insist on a thorough test drive, and don’t let pressure push you into a purchase before you’re confident the vehicle is safe and suitable for your needs.

How To Test Drive A Used Car