Extended Test Drives & Order Times
Discussion
Whenever I've test-driven a car, the sales person has always come with and dictated the route. The one time I insisted that I really wanted to take the car onto a motorway as that's where I do most of my driving, we managed to go one junction before he asked me to turn off and come back.
I'm looking to change my car this summer, I like the look of the Mini Cooper Hatch and also VW Scirocco. I'd like to give both a good drive, perhaps over my usual commute to work (35 miles each way) to see how they perform on the drives I would usually do. I'd also like to do this without the sales person present so I can relax a bit more and drive as I would usually. I'm also considering driving both the Cooper D and the petrol version because I've got a feeling the petrol could return more than the ~47mpg I get from my current car and thus wouldn't be a poor choice despite the mileage, but again, would really like to drive both versions at length.
Is this usually possible? What sort of requirements do they have for letting you go out alone? When I test drove Volvo, Mercedes and a Mini in the past they all came with, but Audi let me go out solo.
Also, what are the order times for new models of the VW/Mini? I don't want to start looking too early, but don't want my current car to go back when the term ends and for me not have taken delivery of the new one yet. It's the first time I've taken a PCP to the end so not entirely sure on time scales.
Thanks
I'm looking to change my car this summer, I like the look of the Mini Cooper Hatch and also VW Scirocco. I'd like to give both a good drive, perhaps over my usual commute to work (35 miles each way) to see how they perform on the drives I would usually do. I'd also like to do this without the sales person present so I can relax a bit more and drive as I would usually. I'm also considering driving both the Cooper D and the petrol version because I've got a feeling the petrol could return more than the ~47mpg I get from my current car and thus wouldn't be a poor choice despite the mileage, but again, would really like to drive both versions at length.
Is this usually possible? What sort of requirements do they have for letting you go out alone? When I test drove Volvo, Mercedes and a Mini in the past they all came with, but Audi let me go out solo.
Also, what are the order times for new models of the VW/Mini? I don't want to start looking too early, but don't want my current car to go back when the term ends and for me not have taken delivery of the new one yet. It's the first time I've taken a PCP to the end so not entirely sure on time scales.
Thanks
Go to you're preferred dealer, discuss your options take an accompanied demo (if offered) They will now know you are serious so request an unaccompanied demo(s) prior to final decision.
Any decent dealer will accommodate you.
Don't phone up and say "do you do unaccompanied demos" If they think you're a joy rider/buying from a third party/user chooser you may not get the cooperation you want.
Any decent dealer will accommodate you.
Don't phone up and say "do you do unaccompanied demos" If they think you're a joy rider/buying from a third party/user chooser you may not get the cooperation you want.
PositronicRay said:
Go to you're preferred dealer, discuss your options take an accompanied demo (if offered) They will now know you are serious so request an unaccompanied demo(s) prior to final decision.
Any decent dealer will accommodate you.
Don't phone up and say "do you do unaccompanied demos" If they think you're a joy rider/buying from a third party/user chooser you may not get the cooperation you want.
Thanks. I've actually been to this dealer before and test driven a Mini with the salesperson in the car, it was two years ago before I chose my current car. They called shortly afterwards and I said I'd decided on the SLK instead but it was a 2-year plan so I'll be looking to change again in "summer 2015". I got a voicemail yesterday from them to see if I'm still looking to change my car this year, so I think they consider my fairly serious? I work in sales myself and don't want to waste their time driving cars now, if I'm not going to order anything for 4 months :-/Any decent dealer will accommodate you.
Don't phone up and say "do you do unaccompanied demos" If they think you're a joy rider/buying from a third party/user chooser you may not get the cooperation you want.
romeogolf said:
I work in sales myself and don't want to waste their time driving cars now, if I'm not going to order anything for 4 months :-/
Do you want delivery in 4 mths or do you want to order it in 4 mths?If the car needs to be factory ordered due to colour choice / options then the lead time could be lengthy. Doing a deal on finance that far in advance could be tricky though as they often change each quarter.
Sheepshanks said:
Do you want delivery in 4 mths or do you want to order it in 4 mths?
If the car needs to be factory ordered due to colour choice / options then the lead time could be lengthy. Doing a deal on finance that far in advance could be tricky though as they often change each quarter.
I need delivery in early July and had assumed a two-month order period. If it's likely to be longer then can place the order sooner, but it does rely on the finance being 'right'.If the car needs to be factory ordered due to colour choice / options then the lead time could be lengthy. Doing a deal on finance that far in advance could be tricky though as they often change each quarter.
Jordan210 said:
If it helps I have a new F56 Cooper. I get 47mpg on country roads.
Can get about 58+ on hilly duel carriage way. Would be in 60's on a flat stretch.
That helps a great deal, thanks. I'd be looking at an automatic, but I can't imagine it's a huge difference. I get 47 (actual, trip computer says around 50 usually) from an SLK250 diesel on a hilly dual carriage way and then flat motorway commute with a little town traffic on either end. Would be nice to go back to petrol.Can get about 58+ on hilly duel carriage way. Would be in 60's on a flat stretch.
romeogolf said:
That helps a great deal, thanks. I'd be looking at an automatic, but I can't imagine it's a huge difference. I get 47 (actual, trip computer says around 50 usually) from an SLK250 diesel on a hilly dual carriage way and then flat motorway commute with a little town traffic on either end. Would be nice to go back to petrol.
I don't think its a massive difference. If my mind serves me right I think they are changing the Auto box some time this year to the 9 speed I think Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff