Hey all. So after all the help i was given by the fellow forum members, I have decided I will pursue purchasing a used C5 base corvette. However the only tthing thats bothering me right now is that I still havent test driven one. Let alone RIDE in one lol.

So Im planning on checking out some nearby dealers to see if I can get a test drive in one. However the only problem is Im 19 and likely they won't allow to test one out.

I plan on purchasing the vehicle within 2 months but Without properly test driving one for myself, I have no idea if the car is even for me :\ ....

So my question to you all is, If i show up at a dealer or call ahead, do you think I will be able to get in one these cars? I really want one but without driving it then how will i ever truly know?? If you guys could give me some tips or any useful knowledge on getting a test drive that would be great.

Any and all serious advice is appreciated. And as always I look forward to hearing from you guys Thanks!

 

Find a c5 owner near you and ask for a ride.

Where do you live?

 

I live down in Modesto

 

Just bring along a responsible adult with a large line of credit and you'll be fine.

 

Lol i thought of that already but my parents are never ones to go test driving... plus I wouldnt wanna run a credit check and mess up my credit. Or a "responsable adult"s

 

If running a single credit check ruined someones credit, nobody would have credit.

 

You could always take a hand full of cash with you, that would get their attention.

 

At your age and possible credit history at 19, they may not take you too seriously of a buyer. It wouldn't hurt to have a parent along. They wouldn't necessarily have to test ride with you, either. Good luck with your search.

 

I went for a test drive when I was 20. Brought the car right after, I'd just roll up in your nicest car and tell them you got 5g to put down!

 

Best thing to do is just ask... usually the salesman will let you under the condition he can ride along. Usually those guys are looking for an excuse to get out of the dealership. Sometimes its fun to scare those guys... not saying I have or anything

 

MY .02, I purchased mine out of state, had never driven one, and the first time I rode in one was the day the previous owner picked me up at the train station.

 

If you're paying cash, or have financing pre arranged, just bring proof of either and 99% of the time you'll be able to test drive. Show up in a beater car, flip flops, needing a shave and you'd be hardpressed to get a ride along with a salesman.

 

I bought my first brand new car when I was 19, and looked about 16. I really had a hard time getting anybody to believe I was in a position to buy a new car....

 

If a 19-year-old can legally buy a car in your state, I don't see any reason a dealer would not give a test drive. Otherwise, having a parent along will probably be necessary.

And I've never heard of a dealer doing a credit check for a test drive. Around here, they will just make a photocopy of your driver's license.

 

I agree. Nothing worse than finding the right car and getting ready to buy. Then reality sets in when the financing portion is turned down by the banks.

 

I had recently gone to test drive a red 01 convertible near where I live and i even brought my older brother (27 but looks older) along with me to increase our chances. We even showed up in his tricked out IS250 to show we had some kind of money but the old dude running the dealer (used car dealer) said he HAS to run a credit check or no go. My brother declined and said if he cant even drive it then why would he run and hurt his credit?
The car didn't even want to start initially. But nooooo the salesman kept insisting that we're GONNA want it. Whatever dude.....

 

Sounds like he's more interested in making loans than selling cars: run fast, run far.

 

I bought my last brand new car that way. Shorts, flip flops, "save the twinkies" tshirt and no shave. Test drove and purchased it without a problem.

 

Hey tro209, I'm not sure where you're looking, but you have be careful of dealers on Mitchell, Crows Landing and all the other small lots. I personally stay away from lots in Ceres. Most will want to run your credit before hand because they want to make sure you can "afford" the car before letting actually drive one.

Like others have pointed out, you would be ahead of the game if you had financing already worked out (I am assuming you're not a cash buyer; please tell me if I'm wrong). Other options would be hitting up a larger dealer or a place like CarMax on McHenry or possibly Robert's. Again, dealers will make judgements about you based on your appearance.

I think the local Corvette Club meets at Fuddruckers on one Tuesday evening each month. Maybe you could go to one of their meetings and talk to some of the guys there and get some other ideas or suggestions?

To your original question, being over the age of 18, you should be eligible for a test drive; however, typically on high end or high performance vehicles, dealers will be a lot more restrictive (I, too, have encountered this when I was that age). The other thing they may request is current proof of insurance to make sure that you at least have enough insurance to cover the cost of the vehicle if something did go wrong.

Hit me up via PM if you have any questions regarding the local scene.

 

Car salesmen pre qualify you by the questions they ask when you meet.

So how much are you looking to spend?
Where are you working at now?
How long have you been doing that kind of work?
Will you be placing a down payment?
When are you looking to buy.
How do you think this car would look in you garage?

If you have worked for more than a year (at the same place), have a decent down payment, and you have even a little credit.... You should be alright. They know they won't be able to sell a car without someone taking it for a test drive AND that he/she is more likely to sell a sports car to a younger person who REALLY wants to own it quickly as opposed to an older person who will take weeks to decide.

Wearing a button down shirt with slacks and a belt will do wonders as opposed to jeans and a t-shirt.

I sold cars while going to radiology school. Best of luck with your search for that perfect C5!

Mike