What do look for when test driving an automatic?

[nst68]

My wife's car has been written off and we're going to buy a cheap (around £1k) for her, it's got to be an automatic.

On a test drive what should I look for with the auto?
Checking it kicks down easily is one I think, any others?

 

[rare]

Totally depends what model it is really. Smaller auto's tend to be a lot less smooth, especially cars like the Corsa with their easytronic box.

 

[Maccapacca]

Oil leaks, they can spring them in loads of place and just be topped up.

Smooth changes

Changes from cold okay

Reverse works

 

[abbotsmike]

Kickdown, all the modes work, changes smoothly, changes from D-N-R smoothly. No funny whines or clunks.

Fluid level assuming it's not a sealed for life jobby and is relatively easy to check!

 

[DRZ]

Do the checks mentioned above when cold and repeat them when hot. A good long test drive regularly going through all the gears is important.

My S6's gearbox only showed an issue when hot the two times it had an issue.

 

[BAcon]

Try and get a long test drive, try going from drive to sport mode and back several times, test the tip tronic modes as much as you can.

You want to get the car nice and warm and see if it misbehaves at all.