Deterring tyre kickers

[Zaphod]

Hi.

Sadly I am finally getting round to listing my 1999 TVR Chimaera. She's a 400 and I've had her since new.

However, I'm concerned about test pilots just wanting to drive such a special car, especially with the risk of someone not used to the power and handling introducing it to a static object such as a kerb, tree or power pole.

Any tips or suggestions on how to deter and weed out time wasters?

Cheers in advance
Richard

[Omerta]

Hi Richard, sorry to hear its on its way but I guess there's few opportunities to drive it these days. I think its largely a matter of using your judgement with the individual and only allowing it if you're sure they are serious, responsible and experienced with high power cars, and also laying down the law about which short bit of straight road they may be allowed to squeeze the loud pedal on.

Apart from the risk of them bending it, I'm reminded of the TVR dealership staff member who lost his life on an accompanied test drive in the UK. I'm not sure a serious buyer would insist on getting behind the wheel anyway - I didn't before I bought either of mine in the UK. If they insist then they're probably not that desperate to own it.

[GravelBen]

Omerta said:

I'm not sure a serious buyer would insist on getting behind the wheel anyway - I didn't before I bought either of mine in the UK. If they insist then they're probably not that desperate to own it.

If a seller wasn't going to let me drive a car before buying I'd wonder what was wrong with it that they were trying to hide, and probably walk away. Especially from a manufacturer with a less than stellar reputation(whether justified or not) for build quality and reliability.

Its reasonably common for sellers to ask for proof of funds before allowing a test drive though, as well as making sure the insurance covers them. Maybe take a deposit before the test drive to help make sure they're genuine?

I've bought cars in other parts of the country before and paid a deposit before flying up to test drive and complete the deal - in a case like that its obvious to the seller than I'm genuine, because even if I reject the car based on the test drive I'm still out of pocket for flights there and back.

Edited by GravelBen on Monday 6th October 01:59

[Fraster]

When I sold my first Fraser (to a very mechanically-savvy guy) he just wanted to hear it running-not that that has any necessary bearing on your situation, and I have always wanted to test-drive.
Obvious point, but have you asked your insurance co?

[Zaphod]

Thanks for the advice.
Advert finally went up last week.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=81...

[GravelBen]

Nice colour, almost Subaru blue!

[Zaphod]

GravelBen said:

Nice colour, almost Subaru blue!

The only Subaru Blue I see is in the rear view mirror....

[cheddar]

Zaphod said:

I'm concerned about test pilots wanting to drive such a special car, especially with the risk of someone not used to the power and handling.

Any tips or suggestions on how to deter and weed out time wasters?

Richard

With the greatest of respect Zaphod a 15 year old $40k TVR Chimaera is unlikely to attract anyone other than those enthusiasts in the know about such cars so I doubt you'll be attracting hordes of penniless teenagers arriving in battered Subaru's.

Good luck with your sale

[Zaphod]

cheddar said:

With the greatest of respect Zaphod a 15 year old $40k TVR Chimaera is unlikely to attract anyone other than those enthusiasts in the know about such cars so I doubt you'll be attracting hordes of penniless teenagers arriving in battered Subaru's.

Good luck with your sale

Yep, cheddar, you are right. So far my fears have been unfounded, only had enquiries from those "in the know"!