Test drive

[domstriker]

Going to test drive a 4th gen (03) tomorrow morning. Anything I should keep an eye out for other than damage to skid plates?

I would greatly appreciate someone running me through their test drive checklist.

 

[Will_4R]

Make sure the 4wd high and low, and the centre diff lock work.

 

[jpless]

i would think looking around the fender flares for rust might be a good idea since the 03 has plastic on metal.

Also, floormats! they try and get you with that and often sell vehicles without them but usually if you mention it, they'll grab you a set out of another car on the lot, thats what they did for me! I just wish I hadn't told the guy I already had the trunk one, i could have had 2!

Also, dont forget the carfax. You'll be able to see where the t4r spent most of it's time. Some regions cause more wear than others.

Of course pop the hood and take a look around, make sure things like the engine cover aren't missing. A lot of times you can tell if there was an accident or major repairs by noticing parts that are obviously newer than others.

Good luck!

 

[domstriker]

Make sure the 4wd high and low, and the centre diff lock work.

I've only owned AWD cars and this will be my first 4wd vehicle. So a couple of questions about this:

4wd low- Should I just put it into low from park or neutral and drive? What mph should I keep it under and what should I be looking for as far as functionality?

4wd high-Shift on the fly or from a stop? Also, I'm guessing take it to around 30 mph? Again, what should I be looking for?

differential lock- is it a push button in this particular vehicle? Put it in low lock it and what should I be looking for?

Also, can I test the 4wd locked on dry pavement or will the dealer throw a fit? Should I test hi locked/unlocked, low locked/unlocked or all of the above?

Sorry about the complete newb questions but thanks in advance for the response.

 

[Scoobs]

Also check for rust on the tailgate, rust around and under the rubber moulding around the rear window, badly scratched instrument panel lenses, working radio and CD changer, properly functioning sunroof including the auto up/down on the deflector also check for rust under the rubber moulding on the sunroof, check for rust under the doorsill kick plates, make sure the one-touch up/down works on the driver's door, check to see how badly scratched the rear window is ( they scratch easily ), check the remote opener for the gas tank door, if it's a Limited and has the auto leveling rear end check to make sure it works, if it has X-Reas check for any leaking shocks, drive over a curb at an angle and see if the rear seats squeak, check for squeaks in driver's seat while driving around corners