Used car test drive checklist: what to check on the road

Why it matters

The test drive is where problems on an inspection list become obvious. Some vibration, noise or pulling issues only show up at highway speed, so a slow lap around the block can miss exactly what you need to find. Brakes, suspension and steering all give their warnings through what you hear and feel.

What to listen and feel for

• A humming or growling noise that changes with speed and often gets louder when turning, a classic sign of a wearing wheel bearing
• Clunking or knocking over bumps, often worn bushings, sway bar links or a loose component
• Vibration or shimmy in the steering wheel, often tire balance, but it can involve suspension or steering wear
• Pulling to one side, which can be alignment, tire pressure or a suspension component
• A looseness or wandering feeling at speed, often worn tie rod ends
• Under braking: a consistent squeal, grinding, a pulsing pedal, a soft or spongy pedal, or a pull to one side
• A dashboard warning light that stays on

Step by step

1. Ask to start the car from cold yourself. If the seller already has it running, ask to shut it off and restart it cold later.
2. With the ignition on, check that the dashboard warning lights briefly come on and then go off.
3. Drive at low speed first, then at highway speed if possible, and note any vibration, pulling or unusual noise.
4. Listen while accelerating, braking and turning, on smooth road and over bumps.
5. Test the brakes firmly in a safe, controlled area, and note any pulling, grinding or a soft, spongy pedal.
6. Try the air conditioning, heater, infotainment and backup camera, and every other feature you would actually use.
7. Write down what you noticed and exactly when it happened, so a mechanic can check it.

Walk away, or get it checked?

• Grinding or a metal-on-metal sound under braking: pad material is likely gone. Get it checked immediately.
• A soft or spongy brake pedal: can indicate air or moisture in the fluid. Get it checked immediately.
• A pulsing pedal in normal braking: usually uneven rotor thickness. Get it checked soon.
• A clunk when turning, with looseness in the steering: can point to a ball joint. Have it inspected right away.
• Noise or vibration on the test drive: not an automatic deal-breaker, but get a mechanic's opinion.
• Diesel, the fan runs harder with a faint hot smell and no warning: a particulate filter regeneration, which is completely normal.
• Diesel, a warning light that stays on: not normal, so ask about it.
• Electric car test driven on a mild day: range on a cold day will be noticeably lower, so ask what the car does in winter.

What people get wrong

Not test driving at both low and highway speeds. Some vibration, noise or pulling issues only show up at highway speed. Rushing because the seller says other buyers are interested is the other one: a legitimate seller won't object to you taking a reasonable amount of time.

When to get a professional inspection

Any car you are seriously considering is worth a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic, not one recommended only by the seller. Many serious issues aren't visible without a lift and the right tools, and a noise or vibration you noticed on the test drive is exactly what to ask them to look at.

Read next

• Car shakes while driving: what is causing it
• Car pulls to one side: how to find the cause
• Soft or spongy brake pedal: why it is urgent

This page is general information and does not replace a professional assessment. Symbols, codes and behaviour vary between makes. Always check the handbook for your own car.