Have you ever been put of buying a car because of the seller

[eggchaser1987]

Just wondering if it is just me.

I went out to look at a Porsche a while ago, genuinley looking to buy as well. Saw one tht fitted the bill on the internet so went out to have a look. The dealer said I wasn't alowed to test drive the car because I didn't have proper insurance (not going to argue there) but assumed that as he was a dealer using dealer plates his insurance would cover a test drive.

He took me out in the passenger seat for about 5 minuets and expected me to make a decision there and then. I refused and said I have a few others to go and see and I will get back to him after I had seen another. So later on that day I gave him a courtesy call saying that if he had any other people that wanted to have the car then sell it to them.

After I said this he gave me a load of verbal abuse down the phone just for being what I assumed was polite and making sure he didn't loose a sale else where.

Anyway just wondering if it is just me that seams to attract things like this or it is common around the place.

[Chrisw666]

Personally if I was serious and a trader refused me a test drive before I made a decision about a car I'd walk.

[Darkk]

Chrisw666 said:

Personally if I was serious and a trader refused me a test drive before I made a decision about a car I'd walk.

Likewise.

And that kind of verbal abuse on the phone, is just bks!

[eggchaser1987]

I did think that but then I didn't know if his trader insurance covered under 24s etc on a'sports car'. Just assumed that if the others that I saw were no good I could go back with a copy of my insurance and have a test drive rather than a test ride then.

[Panayiotis]

I once had this said to me about the test drive...ridiculous...here I dont buy a pair of jeans without trying them on first and you expect me to buy a car without a test drive?

I can understand it if it is some ultra rare classic, but otherwise, hand the keys over if you want to sell it.

[blade7]

I've been looking for a certain car for months, a mint one turned up nearby,price was fair, but sellers name and address wasn't on the V5, some other things didn't seem right so I passed, it's been listed multiple times with no bids, people seem to know something I dont.

Edited by blade7 on Friday 24th February 02:45

[SambaS]

Personally no but I buy rare stuff so I cant exactly go out and view ten of that car. That said if I was spending a lot on a car the seller would start to be of more importance. Esp. when I start looking to add a Sierra Cosworth to the line up. And theres no way I'd part with my cash without driving it no matter how many 'test pilots' they've had. Actually it may be a difficult buy my Sierra... i think that'll be next years fun and games.

[Sifly]

Not all Trade Insurance comes with 'test drive' cover as standard.
I pay extra for mine, but I want my customers to drive the cars before they buy.
If your buying from a main dealer, or a large established out-fit, then I would expect a test drive to be no problem. A small trader from home might not have the cover for say an under 25 year old.

Understandably, If you are looking at something a bit special, which the dealer has spent hours detailing to perfection, they are only likely to let you take the car out on the road once a deal has been theoretically agreed (subject to said test drive)! For regular stock which might just need a quick jet wash and wipe over, it shouldn't be an issue.

I once went to look at a used porsche at a large and well established specialist in the midlands. I was a serious customer with money ready for the right car. After spending half an hour looking over the car (which was looking fairly good) I asked if we could take it for a run. So he jumped in the drivers seat and off we went. However, he didn't stop once it was warmed up to let me behind the wheel, we just ended up back at the garage after 10 mins. Needles to say, I walked, and ended up buying from elsewhere!

It's always worth asking 'will a test drive be possible' when making arrangements to view a car so that you know the score before you make the trip.

[Schnellmann]

Over the years I think I've had the full range of experiences when buying/looking to buy cars with respect to test drives, ranging from not being offered, having just the dealer drive to others where they have just chucked me the keys. Of course, have never bought a car from those in the first two categories.

Not always dependent upon how much you are spending e.g. when I was looking for a new car for my wife I wanted to try a Focus and the dealer insisted on coming with me. But looking for myself the Porsche dealers nearby have been happy to just give me the keys.

As someone said, much better to make it clear on the telephone that you want to drive the car before you make the effort.