Scheduling a test drive??

[rpn453]

Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Back in 2001, I wanted to test drive a 325i manual. I called 3 different BMW dealers in my area and none of them had one on the lot. I'm glad I called. Otherwise I would have just wasted my time driving around.


Yeah, probably a good idea if you're looking for something unusual. It's not hard to find manuals here though, and you can still get a feel for the rest of the car while you're there. The only car I can remember having to test drive in automatic form is a 2004 Subaru Impreza. Strange, considering they sell plenty of manual versions here. But I didn't really like much of the rest of the car anyway. My buddy also had to drive a G37 sedan with an automatic and then take a manual G37 coupe out right after.

The BMW dealers have always had plenty of manuals.

 

[Klutch9]

I had to schedule a test drive once. I was 18 years old and wanted to test drive a Mazdaspeed3. In their minds, young kid + fast car = kid looking for a short joyride on their dime. So I had to come back the next day, probably to prove I was serious about buying the car, which I was.

 

[Rock_Hudstone]

What I hate about dealer test drives is most want your drivers license, not merely to check that you have one and its valid, but to disappear with it in the back and make a photo copy, even when the salesman is going along on the ride!

So if you do three, four test drives in an afternoon several copies of your DL are floating around various dealerships.

Typically some weak excuse about insurance is offered, but the cars and dealer are no doubt well insured against any test drive mishaps. The more nefarious dealers will sometimes run a unauthorized credit check with the DL info while your out on the test drive.

I always insist any copies of my DL be retured to me at the end of the test drive. Of course, theres no way to be sure how many copies were made unless they do it up front, which some do, but at least they're aware I'll not be trifled with.

 

[VicVinegar]

Originally Posted By: Rock_Hudstone
What I hate about dealer test drives is most want your drivers license, not merely to check that you have one and its valid, but to disappear with it in the back and make a photo copy, even when the salesman is going along on the ride!

So if you do three, four test drives in an afternoon several copies of your DL are floating around various dealerships.

Typically some weak excuse about insurance is offered, but the cars and dealer are no doubt well insured against any test drive mishaps. The more nefarious dealers will sometimes run a unauthorized credit check with the DL info while your out on the test drive.

I always insist any copies of my DL be retured to me at the end of the test drive. Of course, theres no way to be sure how many copies were made unless they do it up front, which some do, but at least they're aware I'll not be trifled with.





It seems to depend. I went to a Lexus dealer to check out an IS and they had barely asked my name before the salesman was coming back out with keys and handing them to me. Granted, the salesman came along, but no ID check required. I also pulled up in my 12 year old Honda, so it wasn't like I was showing myself to be some whale who was going to pay cash. When I sold Hyundais we didn't bother with IDs unless the person was taking it by themselves, and that was just to have something to give to the police when the car never comes back.