Test Drive Checklist

Test Drive Checklist

Test drives aren't just about kicking the tires, or even taking a car for a spin around the block. The right choice includes a thorough inspection--the car you buy must fit your needs, lifestyle and demands. Make sure you're prepared when you get behind the wheel with this comprehensive guide to vehicle test drives.

Date/Time:______________Make/Model:_____________

Dealership/Salesperson:_______________

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN):______________

Odometer Reading:____________

Color: (Interior)___________(Exterior)____________

Equipment (Standard and Optional): If possible, get a copy of the sticker.

Before You Drive

The Walk around is a very important part of the test drive, and you're not even inside the car. Let's face it: except for the gearheads and racers, we pretty much buy a car on looks and comfort. Does it say what I want to say to the world, within my budget and credit rating? Making sure it's a look you'll love for at least three years is all part of the test drive, baby, so buckle up and let's take a walk:

Looks can Kill

What does the styling say? Middle-aged guy in a crisis, little ol' granny, or Mommy just bought me a car? Hey…is it you?

• Is the color appealing?
  
• What other cars does it remind you of?
  
• Are there any blemishes, fades or other defects?
  
• Are the doors, trunk, and hood easy to operate?
  
• Are they heavy? Do they sound tight?
  
• Tires and wheels: standard or optional?
  
• Are the windows UV-protected?
  
• Dealer-installed options?
  
• Special features?

Pop the Hood

Will your father-in-law be impressed?

• Does the hood stay open easily?
  
• Are the important things easy to find and check? (Oil, transmission fluid, coolant, radiator cap, windshield washer fluid, power steering fluid.)
  
• Is there a light under the hood?
  
• Can you check the battery easily? Jump it easily?
  
• Does the engine and transmission match what you wanted to test drive?
  
• Engine:__________________ Number of Cylinders:______
  
• Transmission:_______________ (Standard or Automatic?)
  
• Drive:____________________ (Front Wheel, All Wheel, etc.)
  

Luggage in the Trunk

If you had to get out of town in a jiffy, could you do it easily?

• Is there enough space?
  
• Is the space usable?
  
• Is it well-lighted?
  
• Spare & Jack location?
  
• Is it easy to put things in the trunk? Retrieve?
  
• Does the trunk stay open?
  
• Can you open the trunk from the inside?

What's on the Inside Counts Most

Does the interior make you feel like a chump…or a champ?

• Would your Mom like the interior?
  
• How much colored plastic can you tolerate?
  
• Interior (cloth, leather, vinyl)? ______________
  
• Fabric color?_________
  
• Other interior colors?_________
  
• Does the color scheme appeal to you? (Interior and exterior color match.)
  
• Does the vehicle fit your needs for "roominess?" (Leg and head room front and rear?)
  
• Is the back seat a joke, can someone larger than a 5 year-old sit back there?
  
• Seat fit and functionality?
  
• Seats adjustment range? Workability of adjustments? (Headrests, armrests, seatbelts.)
  
• Do you feel comfortable sitting in the vehicle?
  
• How many wrestlers will the vehicle hold? ________