No test drive
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 1,939
Likes: 477
From: NSW, Australia
C3 of Year Finalist (track prepared) 2019
I've never been refused a test drive (despite being young, having long hair, and often dressing in an old metal tshirt and jeans), and I cant imagine buying a car (as opposed to a non-running project) without a test drive. But, I've never arrived to look at a car without extensive discussion with the seller first, and often having travelled quite a long way to see it, so I guess they know I'm serious? I have no problem with a seller accompanying me, or driving me around first, which seems a common choice.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 137
Likes: 11
From: Kingston Ontario
I bought my C3 without a test drive, and my C5 Z06 online sight unseen. Flew in and drove away.
Having said that, it's a run of the mill C5. Don't get angry, leave. I wouldn't do business with somebody that won't jump in the passenger seat for one of those cars. Find a well kept, clean, responsibly owned non modified car and go from there. I bet there's about a couple of them out there. Seller drives first, you drive second, no money, no promises, just show me your DL and we stay together. If the buyer is an asshat just throw it in neutral. The rev limiter will prevent any damage, and GTFO.
My $.0000356
Having said that, it's a run of the mill C5. Don't get angry, leave. I wouldn't do business with somebody that won't jump in the passenger seat for one of those cars. Find a well kept, clean, responsibly owned non modified car and go from there. I bet there's about a couple of them out there. Seller drives first, you drive second, no money, no promises, just show me your DL and we stay together. If the buyer is an asshat just throw it in neutral. The rev limiter will prevent any damage, and GTFO.
My $.0000356
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,106
Likes: 168
2018 C2 of Year Finalist
I had a bad experience one time with someone I let test drive a '67 Camaro I had for sale. The guy told me he was a police officer and I rode shotgun with him and his friend who rode in the back. He started out fine but then began driving it very aggressively to the point of being abusive. I told him to take it easy and I didn't appreciate burn outs on my car. He said he had to know how it would perform. I said lets go back to my house and that was the end of it. He didn't make an offer and said he would think about it. Since that time I always drive any car I have for sale first. I will certainly allow a serious buyer to drive but I learned a lesson from that Camaro experience. A potential buyer can determine a lot on a ride along. If he indicates he is really serious after that I will offer him the keys. I would never be offended when looking at a car if the owner chose to drive first. I would however expect to be able to drive the car once negotiations got serious.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 283
Likes: 18
From: South carolina
I don't trust anyone driving my car, if I'm selling it I will drive and they can sit in passenger seat. Besides the tire kickers, simple fact people don't know how to drive and I feel way more comfortable with me getting on it vs some random person. Alot of the cars I sold or bought most sellers been the same way. Also there have been a few times all they wanted to see was it idle and rev and that was it
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 53,976
Likes: 6,202
From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
I wouldn't get angry, but I'd just walk away. I can't recall how many of these cars I've bought and sold, and if someone suggested I couldn't test drive it or or asked for a deposit or couldn't go without them chaperoning me, I'd go buy another one of the million cars out there.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Chauffeuring someone around and expect them to know how car feels gmab good luck selling it.
Either youre ready to let go of the car or you arent.
If someones not spending time really looking the car over and just goes immediately to I wanna drive it red flag. Its up to you to screen and use your judgement. If they act stupid on the drive pull the key out of the ignition, done. Let them know up front
I try to screen them pretty well over the phone get a feel for them,when they show up Ill usually open the car up tell them to feel free to look it over "while I make a call" or something. If they act uninterested but just want to drive well theres your time waster
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Instructor
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 137
Likes: 11
From: Kingston Ontario
Let's be clear here... There's a huge difference between some stranger driving a modern C5/6 and a driving 40-50 year old car.
I understand when it's an easy to break, hard to fix 1970 car, but not when it's a 12 year old car that should be fit enough for a track day on a moments notice.
I understand when it's an easy to break, hard to fix 1970 car, but not when it's a 12 year old car that should be fit enough for a track day on a moments notice.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,071
Likes: 147
From: S Nevada
When I was selling my hopped up 73 Camaro I ran into the tire kicker/joy riders. You kind of have to feel the person out. The car was built to run, and if it couldnt handle a bit of joy, then I guess I didnt do my job correctly. Yes I sold it to a young kid who my wife said reminded her of me when I was younger.
Now a buddy of mine had a fellow show up to buy his motorcycle. That douche bag never did return it!
Now a buddy of mine had a fellow show up to buy his motorcycle. That douche bag never did return it!
Last edited by Sunstroked; Aug 27, 2016 at 12:08 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 780
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
I wouldn't get angry, but I'd just walk away. I can't recall how many of these cars I've bought and sold, and if someone suggested I couldn't test drive it or or asked for a deposit or couldn't go without them chaperoning me, I'd go buy another one of the million cars out there.
I don't have your luck....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 9,428
Likes: 124
Im going to toss the keys to a complete stranger for one of my BB mid year cars? I don't think so, or maybe my 67 Chevelle with a 572. Most serious guys wouldn't even ask IMO.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,000
Likes: 99
From: Emmaus pa
The op here is saying they would not allow test drive unless money was given, nothing about taking the car on test drive alone, to me the question is would you shell out a ton of cash without test driving the car? For me the answer is no
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 53,976
Likes: 6,202
From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
I have refused a few that gave me the creeps, though.
PS, when I bought the split window, the seller didnt ask me for money or hold my hand while I drove it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 7,035
Likes: 942
From: Colorado
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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2024 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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2020 C7 of the Year Finalist -- Modified
I have no problem with a person test driving a car I have for sale, but I will be in the car with them.
I was looking at 78, and wanted to have it checked out by my mechanic. Person said I had to agree to buy the car first. Told them, I wouldn't make any commitment until the car was checked out. Then they said; well I don't want to put any miles on it, and I'm afraid something will happen to it if you drive it to your mechanic. I then said, in that case you drive it to the mechanic, and I'll meet you there. They wouldn't go for that either. I walked away from the deal. Later found out from my mechanic shop that they knew the car, and it had about $13,000,00 worth of problems that needed fixing.
I was looking at 78, and wanted to have it checked out by my mechanic. Person said I had to agree to buy the car first. Told them, I wouldn't make any commitment until the car was checked out. Then they said; well I don't want to put any miles on it, and I'm afraid something will happen to it if you drive it to your mechanic. I then said, in that case you drive it to the mechanic, and I'll meet you there. They wouldn't go for that either. I walked away from the deal. Later found out from my mechanic shop that they knew the car, and it had about $13,000,00 worth of problems that needed fixing.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 414
From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
I had a bad experience one time with someone I let test drive a '67 Camaro I had for sale. The guy told me he was a police officer and I rode shotgun with him and his friend who rode in the back. He started out fine but then began driving it very aggressively to the point of being abusive. I told him to take it easy and I didn't appreciate burn outs on my car. He said he had to know how it would perform. I said lets go back to my house and that was the end of it. He didn't make an offer and said he would think about it. Since that time I always drive any car I have for sale first. I will certainly allow a serious buyer to drive but I learned a lesson from that Camaro experience. A potential buyer can determine a lot on a ride along. If he indicates he is really serious after that I will offer him the keys. I would never be offended when looking at a car if the owner chose to drive first. I would however expect to be able to drive the car once negotiations got serious.
I couldn't agree with you more because the same thing happened to me when I was selling a totally restored 67 Corvette convertible that I babied. A guy showed up with cash to see the car and wanted to drive it . Same thing started out sensible until we were on our way back when he stomped on it . I said " Pull it over now " Didn't care what he thought , I drove it home and he bought it anyway. Now I always take them for a ride first and if they seem totally serious and ready to buy on the spot then they drive it but I want to see that they have the money with them or no ride. And if they show up with their wife to see a two seater car she don't go , I do. There are too many losers that just want to drive a car that they could never afford. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 414
From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
I wouldn't get angry, but I'd just walk away. I can't recall how many of these cars I've bought and sold, and if someone suggested I couldn't test drive it or or asked for a deposit or couldn't go without them chaperoning me, I'd go buy another one of the million cars out there.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,000
Likes: 99
From: Emmaus pa
I think there is no reason the seller shouldn't go on the test drive if he chooses, nothing wrong with that. I also think it is wise for the buyer to test drive the car before paying for it. The op says the seller wanted money in hand before test drive, thats unreasonable. Its one thing to make sure someone has the funds for purchase its another to want to hold the cash. I had the opposite experience with the seller when I bought my c3, He was egging me on to drive faster lol
Last edited by bruceg2016; Aug 29, 2016 at 05:04 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,222
Likes: 93
From: shelbyville West Michigan
I think it is BS, but actually had that happen years ago when I bought my C4. he would not allow me to take it out of the garage (which was carpeted!), only start it and let it idle. since the guy was a friend of a friend, an an exec at a GM supplier, and the car only had 21k on it and he was the original owner, I bought it anyway.
if it was anyone else I would have told them to pound sand...
if it was anyone else I would have told them to pound sand...