Test driving used cars

[Acehood]

I'm looking for a used car at the moment and am just wondering how I'll test drive a few examples without seeming like I'm wasting people's time? I'm after a Clio 172 and because there's such a high number of them for sale, some are going to be better than others. I've never driven one so don't know what to expect - I can't really just buy the first one I see, it could be a bad example and I'd have no idea without having anything to compare it to.

I'd feel quite bad going to look at a car, driving it about for 10-20mins and then making some excuse not to buy it. Is this the done thing? It's been quite a while since I've bought or sold a car.

Is there any etiquette involved here or am I thinking about it too much?

[Stu R]

Make sure you're insured to an appropriate level.

Other than that, just make it very clear that you're not there to buy on the spot but that you're taking the sensible approach and checking a few out in the area, but you're not a tyre kicker and you are looking to buy. Just be honest and polite

You might get a few people that want to take you out as a passenger, which I normally just say is fine to get an idea of the car, but before I buy it's got to be driven by me. Don't be surprised if you encounter someone who doesn't want you to drive the car regardless of your insurance, cash in your pocket etc. Some people are like that, just make it clear that without doing so you're not buying, and go check out the next one.

Enjoy, and good luck with the search.

[Great Pretender]

Can't say fairer than that. Pretty sage advice there from the Stu-meister.

Always phone first of course and explain your situation to the vendor. If he/she is stty with you, then there's no point wasting your time by darkening their door. Apart from which, it's standard practice to look at a few cars before you buy and one would hope that a seller of a car such as the 172, would have enough nous to realise that.

[russy01]

Try a dealer for this

[Dimski]

russy01 said:

Try a dealer for this

I've recently been looking at XJRs to replace the Mondeo.

3 different (used car) dealers have told me I need to commit to buy, and leave a deposit before I test drive. I replied that although I'm serious, I'd make a point of driving at least 3 so I know I'm getting a good one. So thanked them for their time, and left.

I've never come across this before when car hunting before. Maybe I'm coming across like a test pilot, but I wouldn't have thought so...

[Acehood]

Thanks for the advice everyone.

With regards to insurance what's the best way of doing it? I don't think I'm covered 3rd party on other vehicles with my policy at the moment despite being fully comp. If I used one of those temporary cover policies that you buy on a daily basis it could end up costing me quite a bit if I drive several cars.

[paoloh]

Acehood said:

Thanks for the advice everyone.

With regards to insurance what's the best way of doing it? I don't think I'm covered 3rd party on other vehicles with my policy at the moment despite being fully comp. If I used one of those temporary cover policies that you buy on a daily basis it could end up costing me quite a bit if I drive several cars.

Better to spend a few pennies and buy the right car!!

[alfa pint]

Acehood said:

Thanks for the advice everyone.

With regards to insurance what's the best way of doing it? I don't think I'm covered 3rd party on other vehicles with my policy at the moment despite being fully comp. If I used one of those temporary cover policies that you buy on a daily basis it could end up costing me quite a bit if I drive several cars.

It will, but if you pick and choose exactly which cars you're going to drive then you'll be ok. You definitely need to chat with the seller to establish if the car you're looking for is the one they're selling. Most sellers are honest.

[Great Pretender]

alfa pint said:

Acehood said:

Thanks for the advice everyone.

With regards to insurance what's the best way of doing it? I don't think I'm covered 3rd party on other vehicles with my policy at the moment despite being fully comp. If I used one of those temporary cover policies that you buy on a daily basis it could end up costing me quite a bit if I drive several cars.

It will, but if you pick and choose exactly which cars you're going to drive then you'll be ok. You definitely need to chat with the seller to establish if the car you're looking for is the one they're selling. Most sellers are honest.

Precisely,

Contrary to what it may seem, most sellers actually want to sell their car. Be frank with them; tell them you will pay for 1-day cover on the proviso that the car is exactly as described and with a bit of luck and a tail wind, you will find a car that's at least in the right ball-park. The other option is to change policies for a provider that will cover you third-party. I know my provider (very well known for being cheap and cheerful) covers me TPFT.

[mrmr96]

Great Pretender said:

alfa pint said:

Acehood said:

Thanks for the advice everyone.

With regards to insurance what's the best way of doing it? I don't think I'm covered 3rd party on other vehicles with my policy at the moment despite being fully comp. If I used one of those temporary cover policies that you buy on a daily basis it could end up costing me quite a bit if I drive several cars.

It will, but if you pick and choose exactly which cars you're going to drive then you'll be ok. You definitely need to chat with the seller to establish if the car you're looking for is the one they're selling. Most sellers are honest.

Precisely,

Contrary to what it may seem, most sellers actually want to sell their car. Be frank with them; tell them you will pay for 1-day cover on the proviso that the car is exactly as described and with a bit of luck and a tail wind, you will find a car that's at least in the right ball-park. The other option is to change policies for a provider that will cover you third-party. I know my provider (very well known for being cheap and cheerful) covers me TPFT.

(Doubt they will give you fire and theft cover on a car you don't own, but yeah, getting 'driving other cars' extension will cover you to test drive cars.)

Yeah, but, getting 3rd Party cover makes you legal to test drive, as it will cover anyone you hit... however it will leave you out of pocket if you damage the sellers car and he makes you buy it as there's no first party cover in place.

If I was selling a car I'd happily take people out in it, and only let them drive it if they could prove they had FIRST PARTY insurance cover. (i.e. not to leave me out of pocket if they crash it.)