kick tires

kick tires

To examine or inspect a second-hand car or cars for possible purchase; to shop for used cars in general. I always loved going to used car lots with my dad while he went around kicking tires. Our old van finally broke down, so I'm heading out this weekend to kick some tires.
See also: kick, tire
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • stop behind
  • stop behind (someone or something)
  • bung up
  • bunged up
  • reach speeds of
  • reach speeds of (up to) (some amount)
  • understood
  • cracked up to be
  • run over
  • clunker
References in periodicals archive
This can involve attending tradeshows to kick tires and talk farming with company reps.
CAMA ALBERTA
Just as car shoppers kick tires, job seekers closely inspect companies -- conducting online research, reading reviews and asking friends for their opinions.
Does Your Brand Attract Star Employees?
When you pick a few models and head for the dealer to kick tires, don't hesitate to ask for a demo drive.
Utility task vehicles: a how-to-choose guide for one of the farm's favorite choremasters
"It's a venue for people not only to kick tires and look at new equipment, but to visit with old friends they might see only once a year, and to get (continuing education) credits," said Blair Moody, president of this year's conference.
Out of the woods
"I couldn't kick tires with the church," he laughed.
Antique truck pays tribute to Nectarland, local family
Whether or not these OEMs were there to kick tires for a future purchase or to merely keep tabs on the engineering capabilities of a competitor, the Celestica spokesperson didn't say.
If you can't beat 'em ..