Getting test drives at dealers

[jaydogsmith]

This might be a bit of a random question but I see people quite regularly saying to test drive many cars before you choose.

I'm currently in the market for a new car (330ci, Mk5 R32 DSG/Manual, A3 3.2) and I'm forever being told to try them out as I can't make up my mind. The problem is, not once have I been offered a test drive in any dealers. This seems to happen whether I turn up in an expensive car wearing a suit or just pop along on a weekend. Whenever I hint and trying one out by either saying I can't make up my mind or if I'm genuinely interested, I get asked to prove I'm willing to buy! Lunacy if you ask me.

So how do you guys do it? What's the inside trick to getting all these test drives?

[RB Will]

Spend about 15 mins chatting to the dealer, ask them what they would px your car for ask for a test drive. You need to appear genuine so rocking up and saying I fancy a drive in an Audi/VW etc to see what it is like will not work with a lot of dealers.

[topboss]

A lot of dealers will request the deal is concluded subject to test drive before allowing a test drive to take place. I suppose it's a reasonable way of making sure the potential buyer is serious. Also depends on what relationship you have with particular dealers etc or course.

I'm sure many dealers are annoyed at people basically using them for a test drive to then see the buyer purchase else where.

[jamoor]

Apply on their websites for tests. Then the manufacturer knows about it and they know the maker knows.

[edo]

topboss said:

A lot of dealers will request the deal is concluded subject to test drive before allowing a test drive to take place.

I have bought 40 odd cars and have never done this. Nor would I in the future.

[Pannywagon]

I've never had a problem getting a test drive anywhere bar Mercedes in Plymouth. They treated me like scum that day and lost my business to the Lexus dealer down the road.

[marcosgt]

doogz said:

topboss said:

A lot of dealers will request the deal is concluded subject to test drive before allowing a test drive to take place. I suppose it's a reasonable way of making sure the potential buyer is serious. Also depends on what relationship you have with particular dealers etc or course.

I'm sure many dealers are annoyed at people basically using them for a test drive to then see the buyer purchase else where.

TBH what does that really mean?

The deal must be concluded subject to test drive, before they let you have a test drive.

So you drive it, don't like it, the deal's off. What's the point?

I wouldn't do this either...

Sure the dealer needs to qualify you as serious prospect, but that's just insane.

Many years ago a Mazda dealer wouldn't let me test drive an MX5 (I was looking to change my R5 GTT), but I didn't buy one on spec! I don't care how good a car's reckoned to be - I need to drive it before I'll part with my money!

I've test driven BMWs and Audis before - I find ringing up and booking a test drive in advance usually works.

M.

Edited by marcosgt on Thursday 6th January 11:48

[The Walrus]

Just be more pushy and show you are intent on purchasing if the car is right, I have never been refused a test drive from private sellers to dealers ?

If they refuse just ask them if the can point in the direction of the next nearest dealer of the same make !

[Chris_w666]

I have found that the more expensive/higher up the food chain, the dealers are the more likely they are to offer test drives. Also for some reason when I have mentioned an interest in a particular car that is outside my budget (and have told the salesman this) they often offer a test drive almost as if that will somehow deepen my pockets. The most recent example of this was at a BMW dealer before xmas when I am pretty sure the guy would have let me drive anything they had available despite the fact I was looking at the cheapest 3 series' they had in stock.

[HellDiver]

Only time I've been denied a test drive was when the dealer couldn't be arsed getting off his fat behind to come talk to me. He must have hit his targets that month and didn't need to sell a new Mazda 3 Sport. The Mitsubishi dealer across the road was more than happy to sell me a Lancer.

[Colonial]

I went to buy a Golf GTI and ended up buying a Golf R

They threw the keys at me.

Win.

(bear in mind in Australia that the R is only around £2-3000 more than a GTI)

[Chris_w666]

doogz said:

topboss said:

A lot of dealers will request the deal is concluded subject to test drive before allowing a test drive to take place. I suppose it's a reasonable way of making sure the potential buyer is serious. Also depends on what relationship you have with particular dealers etc or course.

I'm sure many dealers are annoyed at people basically using them for a test drive to then see the buyer purchase else where.

TBH what does that really mean?

The deal must be concluded subject to test drive, before they let you have a test drive.

So you drive it, don't like it, the deal's off. What's the point?

Thinking back to when I bought my Fiesta a few years ago, the dealer had it brought in from another branch and insisted I test drove it before doing any work on the price despite me having driven a similar car a few days previous.

[ChipsAndCheese]

I normally call in advance to say I am considering a particular car and would like to arrange a test drive. I have never been denied the opportunity to take a car out through this method.

I have heard stories about dealers for certain manufacturers being a real PITA about test drives, but in my experience so long as you are willing to sit down and discuss part exchange prices and finance options they will take you seriously.

Some dealers will claim that a particular car is at another location so you can't drive it, but while it may occasionally be true, I think that this is often a tactic to put off the day dreamers. If you call in advance they can't use this excuse as you have given them time to have the car relocated.

Oh, and any dealer that tries to get you to sign up on a deal before test driving is taking the piss and treating you like a mug! I would never agree to this, and there are plenty of other places that would be happy to let me drive their cars on the chance that it could lead to a sale, so I'd take my money elsewhere.

[hoppo4.2]

ive been in this situation a few times. its esp bad if your looking for a prestige brand and your a younger buyer.

in the end i resorted to taking the cash or proof of it. telling the dealer that i would be looking at a number of them that day and driving them all before making my mind up.

once they see that you have the funds and are genuine there normaly ok. however if they wont let you have a drive i normaly go with " you dont think im going to agree to pay £kk for a car ive never driven. do you"

also helps to make it clear that you and your money are leaving unless you get what you want.

its amazing how quick they change there mind when they see £kk walking out the door.

another tip in your case would be find a dealer with more then one car your interested in then go and tell him your not sure which you prefer and want to try both but you need to be genuine.

[Colonial]

Going on from that - I went to test drive a second hand S3 and was told that they would require a £1000 deposit before they even opened the car.

Jog on.

I tend to call up first and arrange a test drive before hand. Seems to work well.

[plg]

I've never had a problem either, or been asked to "agree to buy it" ahead of a test drive.

In the last 4 yrs:
Local Mazda dealer just handed me the keys to anything I wanted. (unaccompanied)
BMW - accompanied, specific 2 cars
Audi - accompanied, specific 3 cars

Never had an issue. Always been honest and always called ahead.

[jamoor]

HellDiver said:

Only time I've been denied a test drive was when the dealer couldn't be arsed getting off his fat behind to come talk to me. He must have hit his targets that month and didn't need to sell a new Mazda 3 Sport. The Mitsubishi dealer across the road was more than happy to sell me a Lancer.

Frankly not surprised, Mazda 3s sell relatively well compared to the yawnfest that is a lancer.
I'm sure the mazda dealer will have the last laugh when you come to resell the lancer.

[The Walrus]

jamoor said:

HellDiver said:

Only time I've been denied a test drive was when the dealer couldn't be arsed getting off his fat behind to come talk to me. He must have hit his targets that month and didn't need to sell a new Mazda 3 Sport. The Mitsubishi dealer across the road was more than happy to sell me a Lancer.

Frankly not surprised, Mazda 3s sell relatively well compared to the yawnfest that is a lancer.
I'm sure the mazda dealer will have the last laugh when you come to resell the lancer.

What an odd thing to say the dealer will laugh because he lost out on profit ????

[Soovy]

Call an make an appointment.

[JonnyFive]

jamoor said:

Apply on their websites for tests. Then the manufacturer knows about it and they know the maker knows.

This.

If you don't make contact with the customer within a certain time and things the dealer can be fined by the manufacturer for it.

Soovy said:

Call an make an appointment.

Or this.

Usually helps to book ahead so the sales staff can get the car out and ready.