Denied a GT86 test drive because I wouldn't commit to buy

[405dogvan]

This comes-up here a lot - it seems many dealers won't offer test drives until you sign-on-the-dotted-line (with the option to tear-it-up if you don't like the car of course)

I can see why they do this but I'm sure "genuine" timewasters will be happy to sign-up and then say "actually - nah".

I ran into this YEARS ago - it wouldn't have bothered me except they didn't spring it on me until I came-in for a pre-arranged test-drive (for which I only had 90 mins and they wanted to waste half of it). If they'd said something when I arranged the TD I'd have been fine about it - but as they didn't I fked-them-off.

I'm sure they clocked me as a timewaster but the reality was they treat me like crap even before I bought a car - why would I assume they'd not continue to do that afterwards?

That would be my line to a salesman even now - if you're treating me with suspicion I can easily find another dealer or an online broker and you get fk ALL - dealerships are a dying concept, their sole benefit is the human touch, the ability to see and touch and drive the cars - if they restrict that, they're deader-than-Elvis.

[surveyor]

It used to be part of the 'system' to get the punters in the car for a drive asap. Obviously that's evolved nowadays.

I can see both sides here. The dealers don't want to waste their time, but equally some of the more picky owners do want to compare cars. I've personally never bothered with that, and have pretty much decided what I want, subject to a test drive not changing my mind, which makes it easier.

However back when I was choosing a company car in the dark ages I did discover the least said was the easiest way to even get a car unlocked to have a sit in. It was amazing how completely uninterested a salesman was when I had the car list in my hand....

[nottyash]

Quite the opposite here. Local dealer was trying to get me a drive.
I had asked about discounts, and was told there wasn't any as they could sell the cars.
A little web search on drive the deal, and there they are with 3000 off.

[Motorrad]

Easy solution to this sort of crap- buy from someone who does offer a test drive.

If I was pissed off enough at the salesman's attitude I'd also contact his superiors and offer them my thoughts on his need for retraining or reassignment to a more appropriate role in the dealership. Toilet cleaner springs to mind.

[eliot]

my last experience (turning up in a e39 540 sport):

BMW X5 4.8is refused drive
BMW 550 allowed drive - rough bodywork and not fast enough.
VXR8 - Allowed drive and bought it.

[markmullen]

nottyash said:

Quite the opposite here. Local dealer was trying to get me a drive.
I had asked about discounts, and was told there wasn't any as they could sell the cars.
A little web search on drive the deal, and there they are with 3000 off.

How good a test drive did you get from drive the deal?

[gvij]

I would rather rent a car for 24hrs if I was serious about buying. If they offer for free then great but if not Id be renting. Theres no way Id drop 20+ on a new car without this. Buying used especially privately or trade prices you can resell without cost if you don't like it but new you are stuck due to the depreciation curve.
Its a nice feeling to be pampered buying a new car but people need to get real they are not interested in anyone properly experiencing a car in their own time its just business they want the money and you want something youll be happy with for some years.
People need to grow up and not have hurt feelings, Id rent the Toyota for a day and if interested Id buy from whoever is cheapest and offers the best service and most convenient. If its this arrogant salesman then no problem for me. You have to learn to manage people, get what you want, you never know whats going on in their minds whether theve had a bad day , week, month, year etc.

Edited by gvij on Sunday 23 February 08:11

Edited by gvij on Sunday 23 February 08:13

[9mm]

Sounds to me like the salesman was good at his job. Only his sales record would prove that but I agree with markmullen that he successfully qualified the op in fairly short order. I'm surprised no-one has yet posted about their mate's mate who dresses like a tramp, got ignored by BMW so went next door and bought six Bentleys.

[ezi]

redtwin said:

I was refused a test drive of a Mondeo. It was a Titanium 2 litre diesel, not an ST so they couldn't possibly think I was after a joy ride.

Maybe I didn't strike them as a serious buyer and I was only there to kill some time by looking at diesel Mondeos.

I was refused a test drive of an ST by Polar Ford in Castleford and wa told I had to buy it blind, Polar in Barnsley said they'd have no problem but unfortunately had none in stock at the time. Ended up buying one from GK Group who were fantastic, test drive within 10 minutes of walking in the door and more than accomodating so guess what? They got a sale on the spot

[nottyash]

markmullen said:

How good a test drive did you get from drive the deal?

Ah, the typical quote from a used car dealer.
I didn't drive either, but you would have to be totally stupid to pay 3 grand more for a car because they let you test drive it.

I am not in the business of keeping salesmen employed, its a dog eat dog world I'm afraid.

[9mm]

nottyash said:

markmullen said:

How good a test drive did you get from drive the deal?

Ah, the typical quote from a used car dealer.
I didn't drive either, but you would have to be totally stupid to pay 3 grand more for a car because they let you test drive it.

I am not in the business of keeping salesmen employed, its a dog eat dog world I'm afraid.

What do you think you are doing each time you buy something, making a charitable donation?

[nottyash]

9mm said:

What do you think you are doing each time you buy something, making a charitable donation?

That's exactly what your doing paying full price at a local dealer.

[buyer&seller]

9mm said:

I'm surprised no-one has yet posted about their mate's mate who dresses like a tramp, got ignored by BMW so went next door and bought six Bentleys.

He will be along soon no doubt.

[GALLARDOGUY]

Every business on earth has to deal with time wasters.

It seems from PH that car salesmen really seem to take offence at it.

[POORCARDEALER]

nottyash said:

That's exactly what your doing paying full price at a local dealer.

And that's why local dealers can be reluctant to offer test drives...punters drink their coffee, eyes up their big titted enhanced receptionist and drive their cars, then buy from the cheapest possible place.

[GALLARDOGUY]

9mm said:

I'm surprised no-one has yet posted about their mate's mate who dresses like a tramp, got ignored by BMW so went next door and bought six Bentleys.

I've seen a white guy with dreadlocks, purple DM boots, ripped jeans, wooly jumper, and a ring in his nose, buy a new 911 on the spot at Lancasters in Colchester.

On speaking to him, it turned out he owned an industrial special effects company supplying the film industry. A multi millionaire.

[Ari]

markmullen said:

Look at it from the dealers point of view. Do you sound like you're a hot prospect worth investing the company's time, money and effort, bearing in mind they are private entities whose goal is to sell cars, not manufacturer owned test drive centres like MB Brooklands designed to further the brand. Or do you give the impression you just wanted a drive of a new sports car to see if you like it?

Apologies if I'm wrong but the way you wrote it it does sound like you were just out for a drive.

Isn't that what car salesmen are supposed to do? Build desire and sell the car? Help people to like the car and want to buy it?

[10 Pence Short]

markmullen said:

Serious question. If the test drive was enjoyable would you have bought the car?

Do you really expect a customer to commit to your soft close in order to be allowed a test drive?

If I want to test drive 3 cars and the purchase is contingent upon that, it would mean I have to lie to at least 2 sales people if I treat them all equally.

A car is a huge, huge investment. If car dealerships expect punters to commit to deals before they've had chance to try the product, they're treating their customer like numpties. Granted, there are plenty of numpties out there, but it doesn't mean the attitude is right.

Yes, I accept that certain types of dealership are likely to suffer test-pilot syndrome more than others, and that leads need to be qualified before too much time and resource is allocated to a potential. However, that being said, the customer is normally (unless in the fortuitous position of having a commodity in high demand and limited supply) the one doing you a favour and that balance of power should be remembered.

[daemon]

GALLARDOGUY said:

Every business on earth has to deal with time wasters.

It seems from PH that car salesmen really seem to take offence at it.

On the contrary, i'm seeing some people taking offence at being qualified out as time wasters.

[Ari]

POORCARDEALER said:

nottyash said:

That's exactly what your doing paying full price at a local dealer.

And that's why local dealers can be reluctant to offer test drives...punters drink their coffee, eyes up their big titted enhanced receptionist and drive their cars, then buy from the cheapest possible place.

Occupational hazard presumably? If dealers stop offering the service that the internet doesn't on the basis that people might then buy from the internet anyway, people WILL end up buying from the internet because they're not gaining anything by going to a dealer.

A dealer needs to either compete on price or add value to the experience to warrant the extra cost surely?