Test drive tips

[obi_waynne]

Any tips for people taking cars out for a test drive?

Here's mine.
Try all the gears
Do some hard left and right cornering
Accelerate and brake hard on a few occasions

Listen carefully to the engine and exhaust and look for signs of smoke on warm up or when booting it hard.

 

[TCJBOLDIE]

Test clutch by putting it in 3rd with handbrake on then trying to drive if the motor stalls all good if the motor doesn't then it needs a new clutch PROVIDED the handbrake works properly.

IF it is a FWD drive in a figure 8 to hear if the CV joints are quiet IF you hear clicking them they need replacing. This is also good for checking wheel bearings as well.

Check tyres for wear as edge feathering,uneven wear are indicators of poor alignment and/ or worn linkages/ball joints etc.

Check underbody for damage and oil leaks.

 

[Lunchmoney]

Check engine bay is cold (seller hasn't already warmed it up).
Make sure the seller is happy for you to drive it hard. If they balk at the idea ask why?

 

[Lunchmoney]

Make sure you are insured