Used car test drive and inspection checklist.
What to look at, listen for and ask about before you say yes. Print it, or pull it up on your phone at the lot.
The short answer.
Look the car over in daylight before you drive it, start it from cold, then drive it on the kinds of roads you use every day, including the highway. Listen for noises, feel how it brakes, steers and shifts, and check for warning lights and leaks when you get back.
Give yourself time, read the history report first, and do not be shy about asking questions or bringing a mechanic. A good seller will not mind. The lists below are the ones we would hand a friend.
Before you turn the key.
Walk around it, open everything, and look underneath.
- Panels line up and paint matches from every angle
- No rust bubbles on wheel arches, doors or underneath
- Tires have even wear and matching brands
- Glass is free of chips and cracks
- Lights, signals and brake lights all work
- No musty smell, damp carpet or silt under the seats
- Seats, belts, windows and locks all work
- Oil looks clean, with no leaks under the engine
- Spare, jack and both keys are there
- Service records or a maintenance sticker, if any
On the drive.
Take it somewhere real, not just around the block.
- Starts easily from cold, with no smoke
- No warning lights stay on after start
- A/C blows cold fast: it matters down here
- Smooth, quick shifts, no slipping or clunks
- Steering tracks straight, no shake at speed
- Brakes feel firm, no pulling or grinding
- Quiet on bumps, with no rattles or knocks
- Pulls well merging onto I-10 or US-98
- Reverse camera and sensors work, if fitted
- Radio, phone pairing and chargers work
After you park it.
Three things to do before you decide.
Look
Check under the car for fresh drips, and look at the dash for any light that came on.
Compare
Match what you saw to the AutoCheck report and the listing.
Ask
Raise anything you noticed. Buyers in our reviews have had issues put right before they bought.
Buyers who checked it over.
Word for word, from Google and Facebook. Notice how often a careful look paid off.
I highly recommend purchasing from Fred and Ben. We bought a 2018 Escalade from them. Fred was not high pressure and allowed my wife and I all the time needed to complete our inspection and test drive. When I asked if he needed to accompany us on the test drive, he jokingly responded, “My mom told me not to ride with strangers,” and insisted we go without him. During our test drive, I noticed a few miscellaneous interior pieces were missing and brought it up to Fred. He informed me to purchase the items and he would refund me for them. Ben and I were able to negotiate a reasonable amount on my trade-in and the purchasing process was quick and easy. Upon getting more familiar with the vehicle, I discovered the windshield wipers were at the end of their lifespan and the vehicle was due for an oil change only a few hundred miles after purchase. I purchased the wipers and oil and completed the necessary maintenance myself. Once I informed Fred of this, he immediately refunded me the full amount without hesitation.
We can recommend this dealership to anyone seeking a positive and stress-free used car buying experience. Fred Moore transformed our dire situation into an opportunity to help someone in need find a car. He didn’t pressure us and allowed our mechanic to inspect the car before we made a purchase.
Can't say anything bad about this place. The guy didn't try pressuring us about anything. After the test drive we noticed cracked window, balding tires and dent when someone crushed the back bumper. The guy worked on us with the price right away. We went in for paperwork and was in and out in less than 15 minutes. Great customer service guys!
Test drive questions.
How long should a test drive be?
Long enough to drive it on side streets, bumpy roads and the highway, usually more than a quick lap of the block. Take the time you need.
Can I have my own mechanic inspect the car?
Ask us when you set up your visit. Buyers in our reviews have had an independent mechanic look the car over before they bought.
Do I have to take a salesperson along?
Ask when you arrive. One buyer in our reviews was told to go on without anyone riding along.
What if I find a problem on the drive?
Say so. It may be something that can be fixed or explained, and it is better to know before you buy than after. It is also fine to walk away.
Should I bring someone with me?
Yes, if you can. A second set of eyes and ears catches things, and it helps to talk it over. Our what to bring list covers the rest.
Bring the checklist. We’ll bring the keys.
Call 251-625-2131 to set up a test drive, and take all the time you need.