What do you do to test trany, turbo,motor,front end and all that jazz when your test driving a ctd and what should you look for?

 

I like to rag the crap out of the vehicles after they warm up. Get them up to highway speeds veru quickly. Then just make sure that everything is nice and tight, nothing squeakes, rattles, or rolls. No odd noises coming from anything. The tranny shifts smooth and consistent.

 

Always ask if they will let your mechanic inspect the truck before you sign a contract
The test drive should include all types of driving-city-highway and try a coasting stop with the motor off to listen for brake noise
Of course you can't check the engines power pulling a load or the tranny other then does it shift smooth.....but a option is to dyno the truck if you can

 

I test drove a couple used ones before I bought mine new.

Get it to highway speed to make sure it can get there, no vibes or strange noises at those speeds, no vibes or strange noises getting to those speeds.
Have both windows down so you can hear the noises, then roll them both up to listen for interior noise.

Let go of the wheel at different speeds to make sure it's tracking straight.
Put on the brakes and let go of the wheel to check for grabbing.
(sales guy looked at me kinda odd and said no ones ever done that before )
Listen for brake noise as well.

Have someone turn the wheel back and forth (easier if engine is on ) while you observe the tightness of the front end parts.

If 4x4, put it in and try to do some figure 8's in a parking lot.
You shouldn't be able to if it's working right.
(do this at low speed as to not brake anything)


phox

 

Ignore the salesman and tell him shut up!

 

I think the number one important thing is to take it to a qualified mechanic that you trust, and any dealer that wants to make the sale, will let you.. My dad has owned an auto repair business for 24 years, and I know that he will be going with me on the truck test drives...
Scott

 

I went to a big Dodge dealer here in town to test drive the '04.5 CTD. He told me I couldn't take it on the highway because the dealer supervisors/managers don't like them to stray to far away. What a load of crap! Like you can tell if you want a truck or not just by driving around the block!