How to properly test drive a manual car? Or even auto?

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amdhunter

amdhunter

Lifer
May 19, 2003
23,332
249
106
I might be test driving some cars this weekend, but don't worry, I won't be making 100 posts about it...I'll update one of my other threads and bump it. I am honestly trying to better myself before making a purchase.

Besides, this thread might be able to help someone someday...

What should a person look for when test driving a car? Chances are, I will be buying a used car, solely to rice it up a bit. I used to really be into car audio, and I wouldn't mind a few performance upgrades to get a feel for things.

Maybe you guys can give me hints on how to spot a bad car? So far, this is what I usually do when I test drive...

-- If it's a manual, I'll give it a good WOT run and keep an eye on the tach for slippage or anything. I'll also go to ~35 MPH, and do a 6th gear pull to see if the RPMs go faster than speed. Bad idea? Is there anything wrong with my thinking?

-- I'll let the wheel go and check for any pulling from the steering wheel in any direction. I'll turn the wheel all the way left, and right and listen for clicks and pops.

-- Check the oil for burning smell? I am not sure if this is proper. What would bad oil smell like? As a matter of fact what about tranny oil?

-- I am thinking about getting a cheap ODBII scanner from Autozone, can this pull codes that have been cleared already?

-- Tire levels. Maybe a sign of abuse or, if uneven, suspension problems?

Anyone want to chime in?
 
TraumaRN

TraumaRN

Diamond Member
Jun 5, 2005
6,893
63
91
Make sure you check for rust, run your hands underneath the panels. Check on the door flanges/trunk etc for rust.

Check a carfax/vehicle history report.

Either yourself or a trusted auto shop put the car on jacks and check underneath the car for rust, frame damage etc etc.

Open and close all doors multiple times, check for squeaks, groans rattles.

Goto an open parking lot floor it and then emergency brake at least 2-3 times for a good test of the brakes.

Make sure all accessories work, including mirrors, windows, audio/cd players, headlights tail lights, blinkers, wipers and squirters.

Thats all I can think of off the top of my head
 
S

spidey07

No Lifer
Aug 4, 2000
65,469
5
76
Don't by that BMW, you're in the justify bad purchase phase and nothing we say will convince you otherwise. This is a lesson you have to learn on your own.
 
Zenmervolt

Zenmervolt

Elite member
Oct 22, 2000
24,514
34
91
amdhunter said:
-- If it's a manual, I'll give it a good WOT run and keep an eye on the tach for slippage or anything. I'll also go to ~35 MPH, and do a 6th gear pull to see if the RPMs go faster than speed. Bad idea? Is there anything wrong with my thinking?
Click to expand...

A WOT run in a higher gear is OK; just don't be doing burnouts.

As far as a top gear pull from 35, in my cars that would earn an immediate end to the test drive since my cars don't like being in top gear until at least 45 mph. I would not be happy at all if someone tried to lug the engine like that on a test drive.

ZV
 
amdhunter

amdhunter

Lifer
May 19, 2003
23,332
249
106
Zenmervolt said:
A WOT run in a higher gear is OK; just don't be doing burnouts.

As far as a top gear pull from 35, in my cars that would earn an immediate end to the test drive since my cars don't like being in top gear until at least 45 mph. I would not be happy at all if someone tried to lug the engine like that on a test drive.

ZV
Click to expand...

Yeah, I don't plan on lugging the car. I'd be pissed too, and I'll explain to the guy what I am doing. I am sure he'll understand. Anything he is uncomfortable with, I will not attempt.
 
Bignate603

Bignate603

Lifer
Sep 5, 2000
13,897
1
0
If you doubt your abilities to spot a lemon you should be able to arrange for your mechanic to look at it. If the dealership won't let you take a used car to your own mechanic (that's a reasonable distance away) for an inspection I would run.
 
ElFenix

ElFenix

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Mar 20, 2000
102,389
8,547
126
amdhunter said:
Sounds like a plan, why should the heater be on?
Click to expand...

i think he means drive without the stereo and without the heater on, so that no radio or fan noise distracts you.


i'd go into a parking lot and go over some speedbumps to hear the suspension. you shouldn't be able to. i also like railroad crossings.
 
E

Eli

Super Moderator | Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
50,419
8
81
amdhunter said:
I might be test driving some cars this weekend, but don't worry, I won't be making 100 posts about it...I'll update one of my other threads and bump it. I am honestly trying to better myself before making a purchase.

Besides, this thread might be able to help someone someday...

What should a person look for when test driving a car? Chances are, I will be buying a used car, solely to rice it up a bit. I used to really be into car audio, and I wouldn't mind a few performance upgrades to get a feel for things.

Maybe you guys can give me hints on how to spot a bad car? So far, this is what I usually do when I test drive...

-- If it's a manual, I'll give it a good WOT run and keep an eye on the tach for slippage or anything. I'll also go to ~35 MPH, and do a 6th gear pull to see if the RPMs go faster than speed. Bad idea? Is there anything wrong with my thinking?

-- I'll let the wheel go and check for any pulling from the steering wheel in any direction. I'll turn the wheel all the way left, and right and listen for clicks and pops.

-- Check the oil for burning smell? I am not sure if this is proper. What would bad oil smell like? As a matter of fact what about tranny oil?

-- I am thinking about getting a cheap ODBII scanner from Autozone, can this pull codes that have been cleared already?

-- Tire levels. Maybe a sign of abuse or, if uneven, suspension problems?

Anyone want to chime in?
Click to expand...

eh?

Manuals do not slip, it is not possible. Typical problems with manuals include popping out of gear and gear grinding when shifting - a sign of worn synchros. Just look for the overall feel of the transmission shifting.

Determining problems with a car just takes time and experience. If you don't know what you're doing, I suggest taking it to your mechanic as others have said.

I check and smell the oil on a used car, but this is pretty anecdotal since they could have just changed the oil or what not. Oil from an engine that isn't running well definitely smells off, though. Typically like fuel.
 
EightySix Four

EightySix Four

Diamond Member
Jul 17, 2004
5,122
52
91
Eli said:
eh?

Manuals do not slip, it is not possible. Typical problems with manuals include popping out of gear and gear grinding when shifting - a sign of worn synchros. Just look for the overall feel of the transmission shifting.p

Determining problems with a car just takes time and experience. If you don't know what you're doing, I suggest taking it to your mechanic as others have said.

I check and smell the oil on a used car, but this is pretty anecdotal since they could have just changed the oil or what not. Oil from an engine that isn't running well definitely smells off, though. Typically like fuel.
Click to expand...

I'm pretty sure worn clutches slip...
 
J

jhu

Lifer
Oct 10, 1999
11,918
9
81
Eli said:
eh?

Manuals do not slip, it is not possible. Typical problems with manuals include popping out of gear and gear grinding when shifting - a sign of worn synchros. Just look for the overall feel of the transmission shifting.
Click to expand...

A worn clutch will slip.
 
Dr. Detroit

Dr. Detroit

Diamond Member
Sep 25, 2004
8,393
825
126
2nd gear start in a manual to verify clutch is in good shape

Redline in 2nd gear to ensure clutch does not slip

I know its strange but, check the oil. remove a small sample of the antifreeze and verify the correct color and no oil. Look under neath car and in engine bay to verify car was not steam cleaned to remove evidence of leaks.

Brakes - do a one or two 45- 0 stops.

verify all electronics work - power windows - all 4, cruise control, verify if any speakers are blown, verify the rear window defroster works, if dealer only has 1 key find out how much to make a 2nd key + remote. Verify AC is cold and heat is hot. Moonroof closes, tilts and seals good.

And most importantly. Once you decide on a vehicle go pay a mechanic to do a pre-purchase inspection for $80 - $125.
 
E

Eli

Super Moderator | Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
50,419
8
81
Ah, dur. Didn't think about the clutch. Brain fart. ;) But IMO, if the clutch is slipping.. he has a few miles left at best.. It's not like a slipping automatic transmission. Clutches are kinda all or nothing things. Once it's worn down so much that engine power can make it slip, if it does slip.. it wears the rest of the clutch material away in quick order, and that's it.
 
Last edited:
amdhunter

amdhunter

Lifer
May 19, 2003
23,332
249
106
Fmr12B said:
And most importantly. Once you decide on a vehicle go pay a mechanic to do a pre-purchase inspection for $80 - $125.
Click to expand...

What if you don't know/trust any local mechanics in your area? Is there a service where you can pay someone to look over a car for you?
 
Bignate603

Bignate603

Lifer
Sep 5, 2000
13,897
1
0
amdhunter said:
What if you don't know/trust any local mechanics in your area? Is there a service where you can pay someone to look over a car for you?
Click to expand...

If you don't know of a good mechanic you need to find one, preferably one familiar with your type of car. Ask around among your friends, family and coworkers to get an idea of who is good in your area. A good mechanic saves you a huge amount of time, headaches and money.
 
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