The Ultimate Test Drive Checklist for Australian Car Buyers

Most buyers approach a test drive as a casual activity — a brief spin around the block that confirms "it drives okay." A properly conducted test drive is a structured assessment that reveals significant mechanical and safety information. Here's how to do it right.

Before You Start the Engine

Cold start

Arrive early or ask to view the car before the seller has started it. Cold starts reveal issues that warm engines hide:

Excessive smoke on cold start

Rough initial idle

Warning lights that extinguish only after warming up

Under the bonnet — cold

Check oil level and condition

Check coolant level and colour

Look for fluid leaks on the ground where the car was parked overnight

Run a full vehicle history check — from $9.95 + GST, results in 60 seconds.

Stationary Checks

With the engine running and the car stationary:

Listen for ticking (valve train), rattling (loose heat shields), or knocking (serious engine issues)

Check all warning lights — all should extinguish within a few seconds of startup

Test air conditioning — it should blow cold within 30 seconds

Test all windows, mirrors, and any powered accessories

During the Test Drive

Low-Speed Manoeuvring

Turn the wheel lock-to-lock slowly in a car park — listen for any clunking or grinding

Apply the brakes firmly from low speed — the car should stop in a straight line without pulling

In a manual, test clutch bite point and all gear changes

Highway Speed

Accelerate to highway speed and check for vibrations in the steering wheel (wheel balance) or through the seat (drivetrain)

Note how the car tracks — it should maintain direction without constant steering input

Brake firmly from 80km/h — no pulling, pulsation, or noise

Wet or Slippery Conditions

If possible, test in wet conditions or on a surface where you can safely assess:

Traction control engagement

Braking feel on imperfect surfaces

After the Drive

Allow the car to idle and watch for overheating in the temperature gauge

Re-check under the bonnet — look for any fluid that has appeared

Run a National VIN Check using the VIN you confirm from the vehicle

The Most Important Step Before the Test Drive

Before you invest time in a test drive, run a National VIN Check on the plate or VIN. If the vehicle has finance, WOVR history, or stolen status — skip the test drive and move on to the next option.

The Ultimate Test Drive Checklist for Australian Car Buyers