No test drive allowed?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,012
Likes: 15
From: Jensen Beach FL
I went to a local dealer after some guy totaled my 98 WS6 going through a red light. Anyway I went to the dealer and told them I wanted a C5 but wanted to see the difference in ride between the standard suspension and Z51. They told me the Z51 was stiff and I said I need to test drive one before I made a $50K purchase. I told him he could go with me but they would not let me test drive one with the Z51. So I said you must think I am crazy to spend that kind of money without test driving it. They said sorry Corvette buyers do not want a new Vette that has been test driven. So I went to another big dealership that had over 20 Vettes and the guy told me he understood and let me drive what ever I wanted. The local dealership called be the next day and asked if I had changed my mind and I told him I bought a new Vette and was able to test drive any one I wanted. Turns out I also got a better deal also.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 167
Likes: 6
From: DFW Texas
If I was the type that bought a car based solely on looks then a confirmation drive would be all that is needed.
But this is a vette and I own a vette. Performance, driveability and comfort do matter. It needs a test drive. Also, the car was used - I wasn't asking them to pull one off the showroom floor. The dealer should have at least shown some brand loyalty seeing as I pulled up in a C5. If there really is "no comparison" then I want to feel it rather than taking a salesman for his word.
Thankfully, there are plenty of Chevy dealers in the DFW area. No reason to deal with relia -
.
But this is a vette and I own a vette. Performance, driveability and comfort do matter. It needs a test drive. Also, the car was used - I wasn't asking them to pull one off the showroom floor. The dealer should have at least shown some brand loyalty seeing as I pulled up in a C5. If there really is "no comparison" then I want to feel it rather than taking a salesman for his word.
Thankfully, there are plenty of Chevy dealers in the DFW area. No reason to deal with relia -
.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 631
Likes: 61
From: Amherstburg Ontario
Go to another dealership.
When we were buying my wife's car the dealership had a lightly used 911 cabriolet on the lot. I was just looking it over when the salesman asked me if I wanted to take it for a ride. I told him I wasn't seriously looking to buy, but thanked him. He tosses me the keys and says if there is a 1% chance you'll buy it take it for a ride. I did take it out and what a ride it was. Now that's a salesman.
When we were buying my wife's car the dealership had a lightly used 911 cabriolet on the lot. I was just looking it over when the salesman asked me if I wanted to take it for a ride. I told him I wasn't seriously looking to buy, but thanked him. He tosses me the keys and says if there is a 1% chance you'll buy it take it for a ride. I did take it out and what a ride it was. Now that's a salesman.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 799
Likes: 16
From: Kansas City area
I hear what you are saying. Perhaps the salesman thought the original poster was only comparing what he owns to a newer version. While he may not have thought there was much chance for a sale, that's exactly the kind of situation which can lead to a sale! (I sold cars for a few years myself). Now, there is no chance of a sale.
A hundred extra miles from test drives will not prevent someone from purchasing your cars. Not if it's the right car at the right price.
If I was only ever allowed to take "confirmation drives", then I probably would never have discovered and purchased half of the vehicles I've owned in my life. Can't agree with you on that matter.
Jeff
A hundred extra miles from test drives will not prevent someone from purchasing your cars. Not if it's the right car at the right price.
If I was only ever allowed to take "confirmation drives", then I probably would never have discovered and purchased half of the vehicles I've owned in my life. Can't agree with you on that matter.
Jeff
I sell cars and I don't like to let people just try high end cars. I try to find out why your there, if there really is no chance your going to buy a particular vehicle then why should we put miles on a car your not going to buy, I don't think it's fair to the vehicles next owner. If you were shopping for a C6 and you knew it went out on a bunch of test drives where it was likely run hard everytime because people wanted to "see what it could do", would you still want that car, I wouldn't. Sorry if this upsets people, but you should only test drive cars when your serious about making a purchase in the very near future. In fact I hate the phrase "test drive", it should be a "confirmation drive" when your looking at a high end car, meaning you have the ability and desire to purchase the car.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 799
Likes: 16
From: Kansas City area
Reminds me of when my wife was house shopping a few years ago. She was looking at some models when a new section of the subdivision caught her eye (she liked the trees and rolling hills). When she asked about the new section, the on-site real estate representative replied, "Oh, but hon...those are going to be a lot more expensive. She wouldn't give my wife the time of day. P.S.: We built a home in that newer section....gave the business to a different agent.
Looks can be deceiving. When I was selling cars, the old guy with the dirty t-shirt, driving the beat up old pick-up truck didn't look like a qualified customer. He was just a multi-million dollar land owner, that's all.
Looks can be deceiving. When I was selling cars, the old guy with the dirty t-shirt, driving the beat up old pick-up truck didn't look like a qualified customer. He was just a multi-million dollar land owner, that's all.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 268
Likes: 0
From: Williamsport Maryland
That's a good point about not telling who might have money! I don't have a lot of money, but I have more money then the way I normally dress would indicate. I like badly worn T-shirts and old beat up boots!
Being a fairly new C5 owner I was pumping gas when two honeys walked by be and I overheard the one say to the other "he should learn how to dress if he's driving a Vette"
Being a fairly new C5 owner I was pumping gas when two honeys walked by be and I overheard the one say to the other "he should learn how to dress if he's driving a Vette"
Instructor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
From: Nevada Texas
me too
That's a good point about not telling who might have money! I don't have a lot of money, but I have more money then the way I normally dress would indicate. I like badly worn T-shirts and old beat up boots!
Being a fairly new C5 owner I was pumping gas when two honeys walked by be and I overheard the one say to the other "he should learn how to dress if he's driving a Vette"
Being a fairly new C5 owner I was pumping gas when two honeys walked by be and I overheard the one say to the other "he should learn how to dress if he's driving a Vette"
they always asks me whur ah parked ma hoss
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,106
Likes: 0
From: Austin TX
When I bought my 04 CE a few months ago my wife and I just stopped in to the dealer because I had seen it listed on cars.com; we were really looking for a pathfinder for her but I was considering a ‘new’ ‘vette. Anyway, the salesman sees me looking at it and asks if I want to drive it, meanwhile they would appraise my ’93 AE. Just like that he went and got me the keys while my wife and I drove my new ‘vette. Everything was so cool there we ended up buying the ‘vette and her a new Durango.
In my opinion, salesmen can really sway buyers with their attitude, or lack thereof; had he been difficult about letting me drive it, we would have moved on. My attire that day was not my best either, ratty jeans, sleeveless shirt… nothing that said I was serious about a buying a new corvette let alone two new vehicles. Maybe it was the condition he saw mine in that swayed him?
If a dealer won’t let me drive a vehicle, I won’t have a problem, I’ll just move on to one that will.
In my opinion, salesmen can really sway buyers with their attitude, or lack thereof; had he been difficult about letting me drive it, we would have moved on. My attire that day was not my best either, ratty jeans, sleeveless shirt… nothing that said I was serious about a buying a new corvette let alone two new vehicles. Maybe it was the condition he saw mine in that swayed him?
If a dealer won’t let me drive a vehicle, I won’t have a problem, I’ll just move on to one that will.
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Pro
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 574
Likes: 0
From: ARLINGTON TEXAS
Z06 and maybe it helps if they know you but one of the sells people walk up and asked me if I'd like to drive one. That was all he said to me was that. Nothing else. They had a demo ready to roll. I drove it and said I liked it and that was all there was to it. Just depends where you go. Anybody in TEXAS should drive all the way to Irving to get your VETTES serviced or purchased at Frank Parr.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
...a stranger knocks on your door and says he'd like to compare driving your Corvette to his (insert vehicle here)...he says in 1-2 years he might buy a Corvette...would you let him drive your car? 
Dealers don't necessarily own the cars on their lots...they're usually owned by lending institutions.
Dealers don't necessarily own the cars on their lots...they're usually owned by lending institutions.
Last edited by hotwheels57; Aug 18, 2007 at 12:39 PM.
C5 General
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,391
Likes: 0
From: Boosted in Manhattan & Round Rock TX. President of the Non Club Club of Kansas and Round Rock , Not the flat part.
Lets just say its not a free for all on test driveing Vettes. What if thay let you take it home for a few days even. After a few weeks all of them will be broken.
After you talk price/trade in. Thay still say no, then walk away. Come back w/your new Vette.
Paul G.
After you talk price/trade in. Thay still say no, then walk away. Come back w/your new Vette.
Paul G.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 321
Likes: 0
From: Bethlehem PA
St. Jude Donor '08
I sell cars and I don't like to let people just try high end cars. I try to find out why your there, if there really is no chance your going to buy a particular vehicle then why should we put miles on a car your not going to buy, I don't think it's fair to the vehicles next owner. If you were shopping for a C6 and you knew it went out on a bunch of test drives where it was likely run hard everytime because people wanted to "see what it could do", would you still want that car, I wouldn't. Sorry if this upsets people, but you should only test drive cars when your serious about making a purchase in the very near future. In fact I hate the phrase "test drive", it should be a "confirmation drive" when your looking at a high end car, meaning you have the ability and desire to purchase the car.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,140
Likes: 0
From: HANOVER PARK IL
I sell cars and I don't like to let people just try high end cars. I try to find out why your there, if there really is no chance your going to buy a particular vehicle then why should we put miles on a car your not going to buy, I don't think it's fair to the vehicles next owner. If you were shopping for a C6 and you knew it went out on a bunch of test drives where it was likely run hard everytime because people wanted to "see what it could do", would you still want that car, I wouldn't. Sorry if this upsets people, but you should only test drive cars when your serious about making a purchase in the very near future. In fact I hate the phrase "test drive", it should be a "confirmation drive" when your looking at a high end car, meaning you have the ability and desire to purchase the car.
i sold cars for 4 yrs i know how u feel
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 426
Likes: 0
I saw a Craigslist ad that a "mature" & "good student" high schooler posted "Want to borrow your vette for prom...Will pay up to $300. I'll bring it back by 12 midnight." "I have an excellent driving record".."etc, etc"
About 25 years ago it was a lot easier to test drive cars and the dealers were far more trusting...My uncle told me a story where he "took a confirmation drive on a nice fancy car to become familar with its drivability and safety features by that I mean took a girl on a date with the dealer's car"...
I can see it now.."Sir do you think I have nothing better to do that to come off the street and drive the best car on your lot?...I'm a serious buyer and I have 3 or 4 businesses...I am just want to take this car I am buying on a confirmation drive to make sure it's driving good-- it does drive good right?"
These days I have heard the going practice on powerful high line cars like the viper is for the dealer to say "look you buy the car and if you don't like the way it drives we will return every cent of your money"...On a new z06 or a viper the torque is amazing and unless you are experienced (ie know not to punch the car without the wheels being dead straight it is not unheard of to see the car going sideways before you know it".
About 25 years ago it was a lot easier to test drive cars and the dealers were far more trusting...My uncle told me a story where he "took a confirmation drive on a nice fancy car to become familar with its drivability and safety features by that I mean took a girl on a date with the dealer's car"...
I can see it now.."Sir do you think I have nothing better to do that to come off the street and drive the best car on your lot?...I'm a serious buyer and I have 3 or 4 businesses...I am just want to take this car I am buying on a confirmation drive to make sure it's driving good-- it does drive good right?"
These days I have heard the going practice on powerful high line cars like the viper is for the dealer to say "look you buy the car and if you don't like the way it drives we will return every cent of your money"...On a new z06 or a viper the torque is amazing and unless you are experienced (ie know not to punch the car without the wheels being dead straight it is not unheard of to see the car going sideways before you know it".
Last edited by 6pac; Aug 18, 2007 at 02:03 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,945
Likes: 41
From: Corinth TX
Well, I can sum it for you this way. You weren't just some Joe Blow off the street. You drove up in a C5 looking at a C6. So obviously you knew something about Corvettes. To me a light would have come on some where in the guys head and said "Like's sports cars, already has a Corvette, may be upgrading to a newer model, possibly quick sell!". If you are going to sell an item, the easiest thing to sell is a newer model to a customer. If he drove up in an SUV, chances are he wouldn't necessarily know the characterisitcs of the sports car. But give me a break, all you need to show the Corvette owner is what it does different than his car. F'ing stupid people never cease to amaze me. Buy them books, send them to school, and all they want to do is use the books as a step stool.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,735
Likes: 14
From: Visalia CA
I had just the opposite experience when I bought my current C5. Went to the dealer and was offered a test drive. Drove it for a while and when we returned the salesman ask if I would like to take it home for the weekend and bring it back Monday. I declined. It was obvious that they really wanted to sell the car and were ready to deal. Went home and researched competitive prices and went back on Monday and made an offer which they accepted.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 289
Likes: 0
From: Tucson AZ
Amazing... How many sales generate from this conversation...
Salesman - "Can I help you folks?"
Folks - "No thanks, we're just looking"!
Salesman - "OK, let me know if you need something or any questons answered..."
Folks a little while later - "Tell us more about this car..."
Later that day, the next day, the next week or even months later, they will buy a car.
Maybe not that car, from that salesman or from that dealer but they will buy a car at some point. If you treat them with respect and treat them properly, they'll deal with you if you make them feel comfortable. 
Or you can be a Dickweed like this dealer and MAKE SURE they do not return...
Salesman - "Can I help you folks?"
Folks - "No thanks, we're just looking"!
Salesman - "OK, let me know if you need something or any questons answered..."
Folks a little while later - "Tell us more about this car..."
Later that day, the next day, the next week or even months later, they will buy a car.
Maybe not that car, from that salesman or from that dealer but they will buy a car at some point. If you treat them with respect and treat them properly, they'll deal with you if you make them feel comfortable. Or you can be a Dickweed like this dealer and MAKE SURE they do not return...
Well said! Wanna sell me a car?
Racer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 289
Likes: 0
From: Tucson AZ
Absolutely correct! I sell cars as well and will not let a car go for a "test drive" until I talk with the customer and determine if they are buyers and what they are really interested in. Put the shoe on the other foot.....you are selling your Vette privately and are you going to let every person who stops drive the car? I doubt it. You'll find out how they are going to pay for it, are they really interested or joy riding. We have to use common sense.....and sometimes we make the wrong decision.....more often, the right decision. Don't form a lynch party for a dealer just because he wouldn't let you drive a car.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,979
Likes: 281
From: Tulsa OK
There are a lot of good dealerships in DFW, Reliable isn't one of them. I lived in Richardson for 10 years and no of LOTS of people who had bad experiences there. I bought my first new car there in '93 (a '93 Camaro). I tried to give them business later and was treated very poorly.