Test-driving a used car: a practical checklist

Check the vehicle before, during and after a road test, and remember that a test drive does not replace a qualified mechanical inspection.

Adapted from a guide first written for Quebec readers: passages specific to Quebec were removed. Rules in your province may differ.

A road test can reveal how a used vehicle feels and whether warning signs appear, but it cannot confirm that every system is sound. Arrange the test with the seller’s permission, bring another person if useful and do not drive a vehicle that appears unsafe or is not properly authorized for the road.

Before driving

• Compare the vehicle identification number (VIN) on the vehicle with the available documents.
• Look for obvious damage, mismatched panels, fluid leaks, tire wear and dashboard warnings.
• Ask whether the engine is cold; a pre-warmed engine can hide some start-up symptoms.
• Agree on a route that includes low-speed turns, normal city driving and a safe higher-speed section where permitted.
• Confirm insurance and registration arrangements with the seller before moving the vehicle.

During the test

Listen for unusual engine, brake, suspension or wheel noise. Note whether the vehicle starts, accelerates, shifts and brakes smoothly; whether it pulls, vibrates or overheats; and whether warning lights stay on. Test visibility, lights, wipers, climate controls and other features while parked safely. Keep attention on driving, not on taking notes or handling a phone.

After the drive

Check for new leaks, smells or warning messages and ask the seller about anything you noticed. Before purchase, consider an independent pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic and verify the vehicle’s history, liens and applicable legal warranties. Do not let a short road test substitute for those checks.

Office de la protection du consommateur: buying a used vehicle (French)

Sources and limits

Sources: Office de la protection du consommateur and the used-vehicle checklist in the French companion guide. A road test is not a mechanical inspection or a guarantee against hidden defects.

General information based on federal and national rules; provincial rules may differ. Confirm with the official body before acting.