Consider whether you are insured to drive the car you are to test

Agree with seller that you will go for a good run, say ten miles

Try to use roads that you know well

Examine engine to see if it is warm. A cold start will tell you more

Check engine tick over is even, and soon settles down if cold start

Check car starts easily/all warning lights go out quickly, especially oil light

Car must run straight and evenly

Listen for rumbling sounds from engine/transmission—could be big trouble

Listen for clattering sounds from engine---   still trouble

Check car pulls smoothly in all gears

Check reverse gear

Check that auto box operates smoothly/kick down works/manual gear selections

Check auto relaxes into high gear at low speed foot off accelerator (seals hardening)

Check car stalls if you try to move off in high gear   (clutch should not slip)

Try pulling hard uphill in high gear. ( Clutch slip/pinking )

Check handbrake holds on hill

Check car stops straight with hands (nearly) off steering wheel, caution!

Check braking is smooth. Try emergency stop for ABS operation. Must be straight

Check power steering turns smoothly and quietly from lock to lock without excessive hissing

Listen for excessive rattles or bumps revealing wear/repairs/suspension problems

Accelerate hard at low speed and look in mirror for smoke (worn engine, injectors)

Check oil light never comes on during test

Check water temperature never goes far above normal

Put hand (or cloth if hot), over exhaust for 5 secs top reveal leaks

Check that all systems/gadgets/locks/radio/cd players etc work. Try everything

Check air con, sunshine roof, towing electrics, wipers, headlamp washers, everything!

Check that all seats/seatbelts operate properly

Check all the lights/front and rear…… horn….everything!

Are both keys, originals including central locking fobs present and working

With engine at idle Inspect exhaust for smoke (grey coolant problem/ other engine)

Open engine oil filler and look for smoking or fuming (worn engine)

After the test drive:

Allow a few minutes then look at/under the engine for fluid leaks