Top Things to Check When Test Driving a Used Car
"Test drives come with free dad jokes—ask for yours!"
- Chase Jordan | Car deal dad joke writer | Not very good at it...
Top Things to Check When Test Driving a Used Car
🛞 Test Driving a Used Car? Don’t Just Take It for a Spin.
A test drive isn’t just about seeing if the car “feels good.”
It’s your chance to check for problems, comfort, and deal breakers before spending thousands.
Let’s walk through what to look for—step by step—so you don’t miss anything.
Used cars right now are a touch too high for my liking but deals can still be found and inspected!
✅ Step 1: Walk Around the Car First
Before turning the key, do a full circle and check:
✅ Tires – Even wear? Bald spots? Uneven tread = alignment issues.
✅ Body – Dents, scratches, paint differences (could be signs of past damage).
✅ Windows & lights – Any cracks? Fogging? Broken bulbs?
✅ Underneath – Any puddles or leaks? Big red flag.
📸 Snap photos of anything that seems off—you’ll thank yourself later.
✅ Step 2: Check the Inside
Once you get in the car:
✅ Smell – Mold? Smoke? Overpowering air freshener? Could be hiding damage.
✅ Seats – Are they torn or sagging? Especially the driver's seat.
✅ Electronics – Test the windows, locks, mirrors, radio, and touchscreen.
✅ Dashboard – Make sure all warning lights go off after starting.
🎧 Turn off the radio—you need to listen to the car, not music. Sure listen a little up front for sound issues but move on once checked.
✅ Step 3: Drive It Like You Own It
You want to test this car like it’s yours:
✅ Start-Up – Does it start smoothly? Any weird noises?
✅ Steering – Is it responsive? Does the car pull left or right?
✅ Braking – Any squeaks, vibrations, or delays?
✅ Acceleration – Does the car respond when you hit the gas?
✅ Suspension – Does it handle bumps like a champ or a trampoline?
Try driving:
On side streets
On the highway
In stop-and-go traffic
Through curves and turns
🚨 Don’t let the salesperson distract you. Focus on the drive. This is your money and your deal!
✅ Step 4: Ask These Questions After the Drive
“Has the car been in any accidents?”
“Are service records available?”
“Any warranties still active?”
“Is the title clean?”
🧠 If you feel any hesitation from the seller, that’s a clue. Keep digging.
❌ Red Flags to Watch For
Burning smells or strange sounds
Warning lights that stay on
Bouncy ride = bad shocks
Hesitation during braking or acceleration
Any attempt to rush the test drive
Mold. Cars from Florida are often brought north to sell but were in 4 feet of water 90 days ago.
🛠️ Want Someone Else to Handle the Test Drive?
You’re not alone.
Not everyone wants to analyze tire tread and suspension response—and that’s where Deal Guard comes in.
We’re a done-for-you car buying service. That means we:
Vet the vehicles
Test drive and inspect them with your assistance
Ask all the hard questions
Make sure you’re not buying a lemon
👉 Let Deal Guard be your expert car buying consultant.
✅ Final Recap: Test Drive Checklist
Inspect the outside
Check inside for smells and signs of wear
Test all features and electronics
Drive in different conditions
Ask follow-up questions
Watch for red flags
Tired of dealership games?
Let us deal with them for you.
Our car buying concierge service confirms every detail and protects your time, money, and sanity. Go to FUNNEWCAR.COM to learn more.
Our concierge car buying service saves you hours of stress and thousands in bad deals. Savvy car buying do not buy their new cars by themselves. They hire Deal Guard to do it for them. Join the cool kids today!
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See you soon,
Chase Jordan
