CarsOct 8, 2025
Used car test drive checklist: 15 minutes that save thousands
Cold start, brakes, A/C and weird noises — a short list before you sign.
Before you roll
Ask for a cold start — not after the lot warmed it up for an hour. Listen for knock, smoke, rough idle.
Check every window, lock, the A/C (non-optional in Florida) and dashboard warnings.
On the road
Brakes straight, no vibration. Steering doesn't pull. Automatic shifts smoothly. Highway speed — no wheel-bearing howl.
If you can, look underneath: leaks, fresh oil pan, mismatched paint (accident repair).
Questions for the dealer
Owners, service records, why they're selling, what gets fixed before delivery. A straight dealer answers straight.
DukeToyz partners (code DUKE) offer priority viewing. Not magic — just saves time.