Test drive - is it too much to ask from a main dealer?

[hornetrider]

Good grief. I'm looking to get into an MX5 Sport Tech. I've called the FOUR dealers near me (Newport, Cardiff, Bristol, Clevedon) and NONE of them have a demonstrator or used example. FFS. How do you expect to sell cars if you do not stock them?!

Yours,

Frustrated of Chepstow.

[F i F]

Some dealers are, or perhaps in this case were, staffed by the most unhelpful sods imaginable.

Years back wanted to test a particular vehicle with a particular gearbox. They had a second hand example on sale and there was no way going to order a new version without seeing if the engine matched the box.

Even offered to specially insure for the test drive, sales staff more interested in pratting about playing with balloons.

That dealer has gone, as has the manufacturer; MG Rover, wonder what happened to them?

[croyde]

I wanted to test a Yamaha MT-03, 600cc single but the dealer said he did not have a demo but would I like to take out a XJ-6 instead.

Fancied a ride anyway so I took it even though it was a completely different bike and engine to the MT, plus cheaper.

Liked it but still wanted the single so bought on recommendation and looks alone.

When I picked it up, I realised I had made a mistake and got rid a couple of months later at a massive loss.

Will never buy now without a testride/drive. Probably why I have had so many bikes.

[spaximus]

I am in the process of changing my company car and have been trying to get test drives in a variety of cars, so far Volvo V50 estate, none, Mazda 6 estate none, Mercedes C220 none, only Nissan Quasqui had one. It appears that they are all running hand to mouth and whe a demo comes in if they can flog it they do, can't blame them really but as the OP says how do they expect to sell them with no demo?

[F i F]

spaximus said:

I am in the process of changing my company car and have been trying to get test drives in a variety of cars, so far Volvo V50 estate, none,

If it's a company car then contact Volvo direct, they regularly lend us cars for drivers who want a demo. Last demo I got lent over a weekend. Car delivered Friday am and only stipulation it had to be back by 9am Monday for collection.

[The Black Duke]

spaximus said:

I am in the process of changing my company car and have been trying to get test drives in a variety of cars, so far Volvo V50 estate, none, Mazda 6 estate none, Mercedes C220 none, only Nissan Quasqui had one. It appears that they are all running hand to mouth and whe a demo comes in if they can flog it they do, can't blame them really but as the OP says how do they expect to sell them with no demo?

When I worked at a main dealer company car drivers were the bain of my life. (Test driving without buying) So much so I contacted the company that most of them came from and did a deal with the fleet manager. From being very annoying they became fantastic customers. I always used to ignore company protocols when it came to fleet hence I left the industry.

[anonymous-user]

croyde said:

I wanted to test a Yamaha MT-03, 600cc single but the dealer said he did not have a demo but would I like to take out a XJ-6 instead.

Fancied a ride anyway so I took it even though it was a completely different bike and engine to the MT, plus cheaper.

I had to read that at least 3 times before it dawned on me that they hadn't given you one of these:

[croyde]

Sorry.

One of these