No dealer test drive??
Racer
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 499
Likes: 0
From: Meridian Idaho
When I bought my 01, they actually let me take the car home and have it for 2 days (Saturday night and all of Sunday--they were not open on Sundays). It gave me a good chance to go over the car from head to toe. Needless to say I bought it. There are a lot of idiots out there, so I can understand a strict test drive policy, but the little bonding I had with the car is what sold me on it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 5,141
Likes: 0
From: El Paso Texas
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11
Same experience we had looking at our 03 Z. Salesman said no, used car manager said no. Was ready to walk out, told them i'd just go to another dealer, before the frined that took us down there to look at it said we wouldnt find one at another dealer in town. Finally got the general manager. Same story, hope you understand blah blah. Told him we didnt understand, had never even sat in a vette, much less driven one, and wasnt sure we were going to like it. Also that I wasnt going to spend hours going through all the finance BS for something I wasnt sure I was going to like. Said they needed to make sure we were qualified first. Told him I'd trade him keys for the test drive, he could have the keys to the $49k truck we pulled up in. Friend finally tells him that they let him testd drive his 04Z when he bought it there, THEN manager finally agrees to let me test drive. What a PITA.
and when I get in with salesman for him to drive off lot, salesman looks at me and says "This is pretty cool, I have never driven one of these before".
If that don't instill confidence I don't know what does.
JL
and when I get in with salesman for him to drive off lot, salesman looks at me and says "This is pretty cool, I have never driven one of these before".
If that don't instill confidence I don't know what does.
JL
Racer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 402
Likes: 0
From: Tampa Florida
Watch this vid.
TEST DRIVE
Later I heard those guys felt bad from everyone taking about it on the net they went back to the dealership and bought the car.
TEST DRIVE
Later I heard those guys felt bad from everyone taking about it on the net they went back to the dealership and bought the car.
Last edited by Grumpy; Sep 25, 2006 at 02:01 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 866
Likes: 0
From: Placerville Ca
Test driving helped me decide between Porsche, Jag & Vette. Although I didn't buy the Vette I originally test drove. Guess if your really interested you "play the game". Write up a "deal", test drive it, then say politely "thank you" and go home. I understand they are tyring to qualify you as a "buyer" in that regards I see the thinking, on the other hand it does them no good to waste their time writing up phoney orders just to shred them.
I wouldn't want to be in the used car business for all the tea in China!
I wouldn't want to be in the used car business for all the tea in China!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,053
Likes: 2
From: "Man been singin' the Blues, since he began to till the ground"...Vancouver, USA WA.
Originally Posted by 1999torchcpe
Was out one day and stopped in a Chevy dealer driving my Dodge Dakota and wearing work clothes. They had a 04 Blue vert on the showroom floor. Salesman asked if he could help me and I said sure, can I see inside the vert. He went to get the keys and comes back 15 minutes later. Said one of the other salesman must have the keys because he can't find them. 2 weeks later I stop again, this time in my 90 coupe and clean clothes. 2 saleman are falling over each other to help me. Keys to that car were in my hands in less then 2 minutes. They even wanted to pull it outside and let me drive it. I told them what happened 2 weeks earlier and they were still looking at each other as I drive my vette away.
I really think it matters (unfortunatly) on how your dressed, had no problems W/ a test drive here, I wore cutoffs & sleevless T-shirt, but the "little woman" has lots of diamonds.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
I once knew a guy who sold Porsches and BMWs. He was told by his manager to NEVER judge a book by its cover when it came to potential customers. Some of the richest people he's met could've passed for street people. As a matter of fact, I've known quite a few millionaires who drove old cars and dressed no different from the average Joe.
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Instructor
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 132
Likes: 2
From: Melbourne FL
I know where you're coming from. I'm a very young looking 30 and had a couple dealers give me a little hassle over test-drives (I just walked out of those places). If you have a Carmax in your area, you could try there - the Sales Rep will go with you but didn't get any questions on taking a Vette for a test drive. That was the first time I had driven a Vette and I knew I was hooked. I looked at a few others, then found one at a small family owned dealership. I called about their 2000 Manual Coupe and he just told me to come on over. I stopped by later that day and took it for a 3 hour spin - he didn't even have a copy of my driver's license!! Just tossed me the key's and said "Have fun and bring her back!" Shortly after that I was cruising home in my new baby and have loved every second of it!
P.S. Go with the manul if you can, so much more fun to rip through the gears!!
Good luck on the search, there are great deals to be had out there. Picked up my 2000 Mag Red II Coupe for under $21k!
P.S. Go with the manul if you can, so much more fun to rip through the gears!!
Good luck on the search, there are great deals to be had out there. Picked up my 2000 Mag Red II Coupe for under $21k!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 838
Likes: 0
From: Illinois/Ca
Originally Posted by possessed
That dealership would not get my money. 
I went to a dealer that had about 27 corvettes of all different years.
I asked to drive two of their C5's (a 99 mn and 02 a4). They had to move about 5 corvettes to get them out of their showroom for the test drive but they did it.
They ended up with a $35,000 cash sale that day. If a dealer is not interested in your money find one that is.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,732
Likes: 710
From: Shelton, Connecticut
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Sent the dealer the thread
I have now calmed down. I was really upset for a while. Sent the dealer a link to the thread.
What is funny is we showed up with my wife's 06 Solara SLE convertible. Got it for her as a Christmas present last year. Maybe they didn't think I would buy another car within a year. At this point, it doesn't matter. The cash is sitting in a daily money market until I find a car.
I start a new round of traveling for my job next week. Three states in 3 weeks. Maybe I can find one in the northeast.
What is funny is we showed up with my wife's 06 Solara SLE convertible. Got it for her as a Christmas present last year. Maybe they didn't think I would buy another car within a year. At this point, it doesn't matter. The cash is sitting in a daily money market until I find a car.
I start a new round of traveling for my job next week. Three states in 3 weeks. Maybe I can find one in the northeast.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 528
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by jaki30
Went to a Chevy dealer yesterday. I was interested in a 2004 vert. Checked the car out. Seemed clean. Needed tires. When I asked to take it for a test drive the salesman said no. Stated it was their policy that you entered into a sales agreement prior to allowing a test drive. Said it was to keep the miles down and minimize the number of tire kickers that come to just beat on the car.
I told the saleman that I would not entertain a purchase w/o a test drive. I guess they figure someone wants the car bad enough they'll comply.
To add insult, as we walked back to the showroom, he asked if I was interested in their left over 2005 vert sitting on the floor. I laughed. How can you buy a car w/o knowing if you want a manual or auto and you can't test drive?
Sorry for the rant, but, is this standard practice? I am 58 years old and have never heard of not taking a test drive BEFORE deciding on buying a used car.
I told the saleman that I would not entertain a purchase w/o a test drive. I guess they figure someone wants the car bad enough they'll comply.
To add insult, as we walked back to the showroom, he asked if I was interested in their left over 2005 vert sitting on the floor. I laughed. How can you buy a car w/o knowing if you want a manual or auto and you can't test drive?
Sorry for the rant, but, is this standard practice? I am 58 years old and have never heard of not taking a test drive BEFORE deciding on buying a used car.
that some Harley-Davidson and Chrysler 'SRT-8' dealers try to pull. Unless I've special ordered it, I'll always refuse to purchase a vehicle that I can't 'test drive' first. 
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,600
Likes: 0
From: Spring Hill, Florida Life is all about new beginnings;...TRY ONE!
St. Jude Donor '07-'08
Originally Posted by 84vetwife76vetmom
I couldn't agree more. We will not be taking the one we looked at yesterday
---so back to the grind.
I would also like to get one before the crappy weather sets in. I'd like to drive it at least one more time than on my way home.. 
---so back to the grind. I would also like to get one before the crappy weather sets in. I'd like to drive it at least one more time than on my way home.. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,088
Likes: 1,012
From: Fort Worth TX
St. Jude Donor '15
A great test drive story. Last Saturday my wife and I went to a Pontiac dealer to see if we could test drive a new Solstice. My wife is interested in it for herself. I made contact through GMBUYPOWER. Upon arriving we were asked to pick anyone of eight in stcok. My wife picked out the blue one as that is color she is interested in. The salesman put a plate in the back window, handed my wife the keys and expecting him to ride along told to me get in. take it for ride, enjoy, see how you like it. No one asked for an ID, made a copy of anything, etc. We took a quick ride both taking a turn driving. I had told the salesman we would want to order in the next couple of months. When we returned he gave us a brochure with a business card, answered a couple of questions, all in the parking and told us to give him a call if he can help out. I will order from this dealer when we are ready.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,698
Likes: 1,180
From: Raleigh
No surprise if you are from SE Va. Some of the dealers here seem to think Corvettes are some limited production model. The dealership closest to me in Norfolk tags stock C6 coupes at almost 10 grand over sticker...what a joke...if you are ever in Va Beach you are welcome to come and run the snot out of my 01 Z06...that what these things are for they arent made of china.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 706
Likes: 0
From: Sterling VA
Originally Posted by blackvetterzo6
Tell them to shove the car right up there a--.
I could understand if it was a new Z but a used C5? When I bought mine the dealer let me take it for the afternoon to see what I thought.
Waka, Waka, Waka!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,435
Likes: 2
From: Richmond Virginia
CI 4-6-8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Contributor
Originally Posted by jaki30
Three states in 3 weeks. Maybe I can find one in the northeast.
Obviously, as a dealer, they will be more interested in selling a C6, but their website shows they have a half-dozen C5's (and even a couple of C4's) sitting there, waiting for a good home.
Of course I can't speak for him... But I have spoken to him a few times, and he's great to deal with.
There may be other supporting members up there too. Check out the vendor's forum (listed under the C6 tab on the front page - http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zeroforum?id=118
- Just a thought.
Last edited by Fozzy_Bear; Sep 26, 2006 at 09:39 AM.
