Used Car Test Drive Checklist

Insist on a cold start. A seller who has already warmed the engine may be masking a difficult cold start, smoke or a rough idle, so ask to be there when the car is first switched on. Watch the exhaust on start-up — a puff that clears is usually harmless, but continuous blue, white or black smoke points to oil, coolant or fuelling problems worth investigating.

With the engine idling, let it settle and listen. A steady, even idle is what you want; hunting revs, ticking, knocking or a rattle from the timing area are all reasons to slow down. Check that the dashboard warning lights illuminate and then go out — a bulb that never lights up may have been removed to hide a live fault such as the airbag or engine-check light.

Drive on a mix of surfaces and speeds. On a straight, level road, ease off the wheel briefly to check the car does not pull to one side, which can mean tracking, brake or suspension issues. Brake firmly (when safe) to feel for pulling, vibration or a spongy pedal, and try the handbrake on a slight incline. Through a full gear range, the clutch should bite smoothly and the gearbox should select without grinding or jumping out of gear.

Test everything electrical while you are moving — air conditioning, windows, wipers, indicators, lights, infotainment and reverse camera. Listen for wheel-bearing hum that rises with speed, clunks over bumps that suggest tired suspension, and any vibration through the wheel. Finish by letting the car idle again and checking the temperature gauge sits in its normal range rather than creeping towards hot.