Do you let new buyers test drive?
Discussion
Silly question really, but has anyone who's sold a Tuscan (privately) questioned the sanity of letting a new buyer drive your car?
It's just what if they've not driven a car as fast and powerful before?
What if they crash it by accident?
What if they lose control of it?
What if.. what if..
I'd be interested to know your thoughts..
It's just what if they've not driven a car as fast and powerful before?
What if they crash it by accident?
What if they lose control of it?
What if.. what if..
I'd be interested to know your thoughts..
When I sold both the Cerb & the Elise I let the prospective owners drive them. But I chose the roads for them - nicely surfaced ones with little traffic and no nasty surprises (dual carriageways, etc).
The new owner of the Cerb did manage to crash it within 2 hours of actually buying it off me(!), but I just made sure he tempered his enthusiasm on the test drive.
Think after a few minutes of discussing the car you can get an idea (of sorts) of how serious/trustworthy a person is & make your mind up from there. Personally, I'd never buy a sports car I couldn't drive.
The new owner of the Cerb did manage to crash it within 2 hours of actually buying it off me(!), but I just made sure he tempered his enthusiasm on the test drive.
Think after a few minutes of discussing the car you can get an idea (of sorts) of how serious/trustworthy a person is & make your mind up from there. Personally, I'd never buy a sports car I couldn't drive.
My Tuscan is up for sale at the moment and I've made it very clear to prospective purchasers that if they want to test drive it themselves they have to provide proof of fully comprehensive insurance for the car, not third party cover granted as part of their insurance on another car. No insurance, no test drive. And I still reserve the right to refuse to let the driver behind the wheel if I have any doubts whatsoever. Harsh perhaps, but necessary given the Tuscan's power and lack of nanny features. 
Agree entirely with both James & Pete's point of view. When I sold my Chim, made it clear to the buyer, I was not prepared to let him drive it, and he was fine. Always a difficult one, coz I'd not buy without driving, at the end of the day, if you're serious/genuine, always a way around these things.
I bought my Tuscan privately. It's the first car I've ever owned, but had driven plenty other fast(ish) cars in my time - Ferraris, Astons, Jags, even Subaru! 
I couldn't find a single insurance company that would insure me fully comp for a single day so that I could take a test drive. In hindsight, I think the way around this is would have been to take out the policy as though I had bought the car and then cancel within 14days (having had the testdrive). I can't see too many insurance companies letting you do this more than once though.
I did go to look at the Tuscan with the intention of buying it, so perhaps this came across. The guy I bought from drove to a quiet road (which let the engine warm up nicely) and then let me drive it whilst uninsured. A big risk on his part, but it certainly made me much more careful test driver.
That said - I agree that there are too many tyre kickers around, and even with full insurance I'd be hesitant at letting anyone else drive my baby!
Phil
I couldn't find a single insurance company that would insure me fully comp for a single day so that I could take a test drive. In hindsight, I think the way around this is would have been to take out the policy as though I had bought the car and then cancel within 14days (having had the testdrive). I can't see too many insurance companies letting you do this more than once though.
I did go to look at the Tuscan with the intention of buying it, so perhaps this came across. The guy I bought from drove to a quiet road (which let the engine warm up nicely) and then let me drive it whilst uninsured. A big risk on his part, but it certainly made me much more careful test driver.
That said - I agree that there are too many tyre kickers around, and even with full insurance I'd be hesitant at letting anyone else drive my baby!
Phil
When I was at Fernies buying my Chim, the guys had just had a Tuscan (I think it was) damaged/written off (can't remember which) in a test drive, and that week Drew (hi Drew 
) had nearly had to stop a Tuscan test drive as the driver nearly lost it three times due to over enthusiastic application of the loud pedal !
I wouldn't, and I didn't when selling my Scooby. Too big a risk - too many idiots about .....
) had nearly had to stop a Tuscan test drive as the driver nearly lost it three times due to over enthusiastic application of the loud pedal ! I wouldn't, and I didn't when selling my Scooby. Too big a risk - too many idiots about .....
judas said:
they have to provide proof of fully comprehensive insurance for the car. No insurance, no test drive.
Neat idea but as ec1 eex says it's not really practical. Most TVR buyers are car enthusiasts and unless they have a test drive I can't see them buying it. Sounds like you don't really want to sell it privately if that's the case. Mind you it could happen - a friend of mine has just buoght a Griff 500; he owns a garage busines and his insurance covers him fully comp. for any car that he drives so good luck.
If a buyer really wants one that badly they will find a way 
It's simply a case of risk management; I'm not prepared to let an uninsured driver behind the wheel, especially if they have little or no experience with powerful RWD cars. Timewasters, tyre kickers and no hope dreamers will get weeded out from the outset. However, if they're serious then things can progress from there. If the buyer was already a TVR owner, or someone I knew and trusted (as a driver) then things may be different.
More thoughts: it's unlikely that anyone is going to turn up to see a car and lay down the cash straight away. What I'd probably do is let them come to see it, take them out for a good run to give them a good idea of what it's like, let them do all the poking, prodding (and tyre kicking) and let them go away to think about it. If they're serious and want to buy, then a test drive may be in order on the understanding that if they bend it they have to buy the car and it becomes their problem.
But seeing as I have yet to have one enquiry follow through yet, it's all academic
Blatent plug! Sorry Ted!
>> Edited by judas on Wednesday 2nd February 20:24
It's simply a case of risk management; I'm not prepared to let an uninsured driver behind the wheel, especially if they have little or no experience with powerful RWD cars. Timewasters, tyre kickers and no hope dreamers will get weeded out from the outset. However, if they're serious then things can progress from there. If the buyer was already a TVR owner, or someone I knew and trusted (as a driver) then things may be different.
More thoughts: it's unlikely that anyone is going to turn up to see a car and lay down the cash straight away. What I'd probably do is let them come to see it, take them out for a good run to give them a good idea of what it's like, let them do all the poking, prodding (and tyre kicking
) and let them go away to think about it. If they're serious and want to buy, then a test drive may be in order on the understanding that if they bend it they have to buy the car and it becomes their problem. But seeing as I have yet to have one enquiry follow through yet, it's all academic
Blatent plug! Sorry Ted!
>> Edited by judas on Wednesday 2nd February 20:24
As someone who falls fairly and squarely into the realm of a serious prospective driver/owner, this is a very interesting thread. Like many, I would not personally buy without driving first, but also appreciate the very valid concerns enunciated by owners on this forum - I had the same concerns in trying to sell my car here in the US (in the end deciding to bring it back with me as a second car!).
Is anyone therefore aware of an insurance solution which achieves the security desired by both parties? I am moving back to the UK very soon, and have insurance quotes already - but which of course are not active policies because of lack of a defined reg number. Would be very interested to hear opinions as I was hoping to spend some considerable time in finding the "ideal" Tuscan.
Is anyone therefore aware of an insurance solution which achieves the security desired by both parties? I am moving back to the UK very soon, and have insurance quotes already - but which of course are not active policies because of lack of a defined reg number. Would be very interested to hear opinions as I was hoping to spend some considerable time in finding the "ideal" Tuscan.
judas said:
If normal insurance companies are reluctant to play ball, then perhaps companies offering per-day track day insurance would be worth a try to see if they could do anything, or if not recommend someone who could.
I read your previous reply as well (fair enough). It's your car so you must decide but IMHO you are making it very difficult. It might be easier if you do the research re ins companies but I think that you are on a wild goose chase. What's the ins co going to offer? £25 for a day for a hooligan to write off a TVR or Lambo?
Have done the following in the past...
When someone turns up to buy the car, they're pretty much guaranteed to have enough money with them to pay a deposit (if they don't, they're potentially not that serious a buyer). For something like a Tusc, I'd be expecting a £1k deposit (and I'd probably tell them this on the 'phone before they came). For them to take the car on a test drive, I'd take that deposit off them, and insist that they signed a form saying that if they crashed it, I kept that money. This might not mitigate you entirely against having to put a claim through on your (own) insurance and take the hit on your no-claims if there was an accident, but the thought of being £1k down might focus the punters mind a little!
Ideally, you'd get them to sign something saying that if the car was damaged on the test drive, they have to buy it at the asking price/pay for it to be fixed (plus a premium - again probably the deposit). But buyers may well not be up for this.
When someone turns up to buy the car, they're pretty much guaranteed to have enough money with them to pay a deposit (if they don't, they're potentially not that serious a buyer). For something like a Tusc, I'd be expecting a £1k deposit (and I'd probably tell them this on the 'phone before they came). For them to take the car on a test drive, I'd take that deposit off them, and insist that they signed a form saying that if they crashed it, I kept that money. This might not mitigate you entirely against having to put a claim through on your (own) insurance and take the hit on your no-claims if there was an accident, but the thought of being £1k down might focus the punters mind a little!
Ideally, you'd get them to sign something saying that if the car was damaged on the test drive, they have to buy it at the asking price/pay for it to be fixed (plus a premium - again probably the deposit). But buyers may well not be up for this.
J_S_G said:
Ideally, you'd get them to sign something saying that if the car was damaged on the test drive, they have to buy it at the asking price/pay for it to be fixed (plus a premium - again probably the deposit). But buyers may well not be up for this.
How easy would it be to enforce such a contract? Especially if you're dealing with a "tyre kicker" who couldn't afford it anyway.
ec1 eex said:
Ideally, you'd get them to sign something saying that if the car was damaged on the test drive, they have to buy it at the asking price/pay for it to be fixed (plus a premium - again probably the deposit). But buyers may well not be up for this.
How easy would it be to enforce such a contract? Especially if you're dealing with a "tyre kicker" who couldn't afford it anyway.
A contract's a contract. Would be painful to get the money out of it, but if they signed it, and entered into the spirit of it... just make sure it's worded right! However, I said "ideally" for a reason... it's not the easiest of things to do, hence taking their deposit off them is the way I always do it...
1. Ensures their a serious buyer (i.e. they have a deposit)
2. Ensures they think carefully before pushing the loud pedal through the floor, as the thought of being out of pocket to the tune of £1k for 3 seconds fun can be quite sobering
3. At least you've got SOMETHING if the worst does happen.
A nice, simple way of mitigating some (if not all) risk.
Personal contracts are hard to enforce without legal supervision... courts are not that forthcoming sadly... (from what I've heard)
The best way, is to tell him, come round, have a look, if you want to take it further then you sort out insurance to cover you for the day and bring the certificate/fax with you...
when he arrives, you call them up to confirm the certificate/fax is genuine... and give him the keys and for gor it....
yes, its a given, its a long and windy road - but hey, at least it keeps the 'bogus' callers away from your doorstep...
>> Edited by SXS on Thursday 3rd February 01:09
The best way, is to tell him, come round, have a look, if you want to take it further then you sort out insurance to cover you for the day and bring the certificate/fax with you...
when he arrives, you call them up to confirm the certificate/fax is genuine... and give him the keys and for gor it....
yes, its a given, its a long and windy road - but hey, at least it keeps the 'bogus' callers away from your doorstep...
>> Edited by SXS on Thursday 3rd February 01:09
If I can continue down the route of someone turning up to test drive my car (for the record, I've got no intention of selling my car):
Joe turns up with a valid fully comp certificate for my car, eager for a test drive. All the paperwork is in order. Joe stacks the car and it's a write off. Knowing what insurance companies can be like, I am going to get the asking price for it?
I just renewed my insurance with elephant, and they don't cover any extras on the car - bye bye 18" wheels, full leather trim, air con & whatever else?
Joe turns up with a valid fully comp certificate for my car, eager for a test drive. All the paperwork is in order. Joe stacks the car and it's a write off. Knowing what insurance companies can be like, I am going to get the asking price for it?
I just renewed my insurance with elephant, and they don't cover any extras on the car - bye bye 18" wheels, full leather trim, air con & whatever else?
19560 said:
I read your previous reply as well (fair enough). It's your car so you must decide but IMHO you are making it very difficult. It might be easier if you do the research re ins companies but I think that you are on a wild goose chase. What's the ins co going to offer? £25 for a day for a hooligan to write off a TVR or Lambo?
Hmmm, you do have a point. But I'm not really prepared to budge, but the wording on my ad could be a little less ummm, offputting
Time for some re-wording. Then again, I did write it just after my mate had is Evo VI stolen at gunpoint 
, so I may have been a little paranoid... Pete's new ad said:
Test drives will be given entirely at my discretion and I may require you to take out specific insurance for the day before allowing you to drive. I will also require proof of identity and ability to pay before taking anyone out. In all cases test drives will only be allowed on a 'you bend it, you've bought it' basis.
>> Edited by judas on Thursday 3rd February 09:06
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