Booking test drive buying approved use issue

[kurokawa]

Sorry for the confusing title, it have limited characters I have to be creative.

Long story short, should anyone book a test drive (new demo) from main dealer when looking at the approved use market?
I am at the market to downsize from my 428i to smaller family car and I have shortlisted down to Clubman JCW, 125i and Golf GTi mk7/7.5

Never own any of those before, so I went to both Mini, BMW and Audi at my local dealership which fortunately all of them have an approved use within my budget, went there explain to them my budget and what I am after, they are happy for me to test drive those and compare to the models I have shortlist (BMW even offer me to test the M135i which is within my budget). Went to VW dealership in my town, ask if I am serious buyer before allowing a test, explain to the salesman I am comparing all 3 models (125i no longer on the list) and he don’t seem too happy to let me test drive it unless I am going to buy it after test drive. I can understand it if it is just an indie garage, but a big dealership...so I walk away
Found another GTi with in my spec and budget in another dealership about 30mile away, have a few email discussion and eventually tell him I am comparing all 3 models, he never get back to me.
Never thought about booking to test drive the demo at dealership as I have no intention to buy a new one, however, I found it extremely difficult to book a test on used one even from main dealer, and no way I can be sure it is right car for me without test driving it.

Should I just be an @hole and book a test drive from main dealership with their demo car. Not even testing those high performance model like RS3/S3 Golf R, don’t see why are the main dealership for one of the world biggest manufacturers being so allergic for test drive their approved use stock

[zedx19]

I went to a VW dealer in Derby 2 weekends back to test drive a Golf R I was interested in. Found the car on the forecourt, had a look round, seemed just what I wanted so went into the dealer,

"Hiya, interested in the red Golf R, can I have the keys please?"
Sure, head over to the car and I'll bring them

Comes across, hands me the keys and I have a poke around inside, start it up and climb out to have a look round while it's idling.

Sales person asks, "Do you want a test drive?"
Sure
So they take a copy of my license and off we go, they don't send me on a route, I just drive where I want, absolutely no hassle.

I was also comparing models and in the end, found the Golf R dull so didn't deal. However, I had absolutely no issue getting a test drive.

If you really want to test drive various models, try an Available Car, easiest place to drive whatever you want with no hassle.

[ilikejam]

Give them a phone and say you want to test drive X car and you'll be interested to hear their finance quotes afterwards.

Test the car, get the quotes then say that you have to mull it over and discuss it with the other half and leave. If you're happy with the car and the quotes, go for it. If you're not happy you never have to speak to them again and you can look for a similar car elsewhere.

[Mr Tidy]

Saying you were looking at 3 options may not have helped.

Maybe try to book a test drive in all 3 without letting on that you may have other options.

Good idea to drop the 125i if a 135i is in budget BTW!

[Petrol Only]

You need to be more salesman like and lie!

Just tell them every car you are looking at is the one. Then make your excuses/reasons after.

[Glosphil]

In May I wanted to change my car & was looking at cars around £15-20K. I had no problems obtaining test drives at main dealers.
The Vauxhall dealer even let me drive two different models of the Astra. The VW dealer also let me drive 2 Golfs.
I ended up with a £14-1/2K Seat Leon 1.4TSi FR DSG.

[Nickp82]

Mr Tidy said:

Saying you were looking at 3 options may not have helped.

This, whether rightly or wrongly many sales people will look for low hanging fruit so telling them you are going to make an informed, considered decision over a period of time will switch the lazy ones off instantly.

Don’t mention the other options, just contact them and tell them you are interested in their car.

[RedSwede]

Few years ago, I was looking at a (new) Golf R. Booked a test drive (in a used one, no new demos available).

Turned up on time. Took 40 minutes for the salesman to get round to me, and to be fair was efficient at grabbing the keys and trade plates. He then took me a mile to a petrol station, we swapped, and he directed me on a 3-4 mile dual carriageway (up, traffic light roundabout, back) test route.

He was surprised when I asked "is that it?". We went inside, he wanted a yes or no and to discuss finance. I said I wasn't convinced and wanted to discuss possibility of the Clubsport - 100% confirmed at the time - which he just denied existed.

I just left. Some dealers are lousey.

[kurokawa]

Thanks for the reply, have try another dealership in same town never heard back from the sale after stating I am comparing models.
Seem I have to pretend I am only looking at their model to secure a test drive

[The_Nugget]

It’s likely dealer dependant.
I popped into Mercedes on Sat to look at a CLA. Chap was nice, let me look around it. Offered a test drive on Sunday. Went back, drove round for about half an hour, let me go where I wanted. Chatted about cars in general, told me to give him a call if I wanted finance/lease prices.

Went to VW once with the wife. She was interested in a company Passat. They literally slid the keys across the desk and said take it out for an hour, so we did on our own.

If they can’t be arsed to let you drive it, then just find another dealer.

[The_Nugget]

Also, I think you are being a bit too passive. I’d just walk in and say, I’m interested in this car. Please can I have a test drive.
I can’t imagine they will say no!