Test driving cars

[illmonkey]

I'm in 2 minds to ditch the Cooper S and get a older car. I'm looking at a Corrado VR6, but would want to drive one before shelling out for one.

But, to drive a private sale, I don't want to the mess the bloke about, so I'm going to have to know them inside out so when I view it I can genuinely be interested, not just a test pilot, I'd also need to get insured on it. Previously, when I got the Mini, it was easy, rock up at a dealers and drive one. But traders forcourts don't seem to be flooded with Corrados.

Suppose there is no answer to this, its just frustrating.

While we on the subject, upto £5k for a different car. Don't need 4 doors or 4 seats. Only down side is it will sometimes be parked on a high street.

[Dr G]

If you like the Corrado then buy one, no better reason to get a car.

Have a peek in the VW/Audi section as the subject gets covered fairly frequently, might be worth joining and having a good read of the corrado forum too.

[Mag1calTrev0r]

Could you not find a Corrado owners club/forum and see if there are any local owners that will give you a passenger ride and tell you all the things to watch out for?

It's difficult but that's all you can really do

[AUDIHenry]

illmonkey said:

I'm in 2 minds to ditch the Cooper S and get a older car. I'm looking at a Corrado VR6, but would want to drive one before shelling out for one.

But, to drive a private sale, I don't want to the mess the bloke about, so I'm going to have to know them inside out so when I view it I can genuinely be interested, not just a test pilot, I'd also need to get insured on it. Previously, when I got the Mini, it was easy, rock up at a dealers and drive one. But traders forcourts don't seem to be flooded with Corrados.

Suppose there is no answer to this, its just frustrating.

While we on the subject, upto £5k for a different car. Don't need 4 doors or 4 seats. Only down side is it will sometimes be parked on a high street.

If I'm serious about a car, I will DEMAND a test drive. If the owner can't furnish it, I will become suspicious. I have never had anyone deny me a test drive, whether a car, bike, etc. The notion that you'd bug the seller is ridiculous.

[illmonkey]

AUDIHenry said:

illmonkey said:

I'm in 2 minds to ditch the Cooper S and get a older car. I'm looking at a Corrado VR6, but would want to drive one before shelling out for one.

But, to drive a private sale, I don't want to the mess the bloke about, so I'm going to have to know them inside out so when I view it I can genuinely be interested, not just a test pilot, I'd also need to get insured on it. Previously, when I got the Mini, it was easy, rock up at a dealers and drive one. But traders forcourts don't seem to be flooded with Corrados.

Suppose there is no answer to this, its just frustrating.

While we on the subject, upto £5k for a different car. Don't need 4 doors or 4 seats. Only down side is it will sometimes be parked on a high street.

If I'm serious about a car, I will DEMAND a test drive. If the owner can't furnish it, I will become suspicious. I have never had anyone deny me a test drive, whether a car, bike, etc. The notion that you'd bug the seller is ridiculous.

What I don't want to do is pick one at random, turn up drive it and not enjoy it so have no interest in buying, that's a test pilot. If I go view a car I want to know the general issues to look out for and go there in the mind I would be OK buying that particular one.

I don't want to waste time browsing forums, reading up then trawling the net to find the right colour with the right history etc to find out its a crap drive. Like I say, I can get that summer feeling of owning a S2000 and just go test drive one at a dealer, with no intention of buying it and not having the need to research them.

[Dr G]

I'd say the advice above is sound then, offer a case of beer in return for a ride and I'm sure you'll find a friendly soul.