Test driving c8
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 16
Likes: 4
Test driving c8
Hi. I was just wondering if it's common to test drive one of these cars before pre ordering or buying one. Just seems like a lot of money to put down on something that I haven't driven. And I don't get very welcoming responses when I ask dealerships to test drive (either because the cars aren't in inventory or because they don't allow test drives). Just wanted to hear other people's opinions on this.
Popular Reply
Jul 6, 2021, 01:32 PM
Racer
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 251
Likes: 230
From: Milton NH
Hi. I was just wondering if it's common to test drive one of these cars before pre ordering or buying one. Just seems like a lot of money to put down on something that I haven't driven. And I don't get very welcoming responses when I ask dealerships to test drive (either because the cars aren't in inventory or because they don't allow test drives). Just wanted to hear other people's opinions on this.
I'm fine with it. I wouldn't want the dealer allowing strangers to sit in my car when it shows up at the dealership this week, and I'm sure they don't have unsold cars that they keep around for test drives.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,854
Likes: 535
Hi. I was just wondering if it's common to test drive one of these cars before pre ordering or buying one. Just seems like a lot of money to put down on something that I haven't driven. And I don't get very welcoming responses when I ask dealerships to test drive (either because the cars aren't in inventory or because they don't allow test drives). Just wanted to hear other people's opinions on this.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 251
Likes: 230
From: Milton NH
Hi. I was just wondering if it's common to test drive one of these cars before pre ordering or buying one. Just seems like a lot of money to put down on something that I haven't driven. And I don't get very welcoming responses when I ask dealerships to test drive (either because the cars aren't in inventory or because they don't allow test drives). Just wanted to hear other people's opinions on this.
I'm fine with it. I wouldn't want the dealer allowing strangers to sit in my car when it shows up at the dealership this week, and I'm sure they don't have unsold cars that they keep around for test drives.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 10,709
Likes: 7,098
From: Fulshear, TX
The only way to test-drive one right now to is rent it; no dealerships are going to toss you the keys for a ride. I felt lucky just having a dealership let me sit in one and start the engine up.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,229
Likes: 1,147
From: FL & TX
I agree with WardNH. It's one of those things that just isn't going to happen right now. If you are really concerned about it and you're a serious buyer, you can try to rent one via Turo or do a car driving experience somewhere (like at the National Corvette Museum track).
Also, if you do buy one and hate it... you'll have people lined up to buy it from you without test driving it.
Also, if you do buy one and hate it... you'll have people lined up to buy it from you without test driving it.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 3,882
Likes: 2,933
From: N.E. Suburb MN
There were no C8s out in 2019 when I ordered mine. Ended up being the best car I've ever owned. There are none to test drive as there are none on lots. Just order it and don't think twice you'll love it.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,559
Likes: 4,501
From: North Dallas 40 TX
As all orders have been sold orders, it should be no surprise that dealers have no cars available for test drives, as they will not allow you to drive a car that has been ordered for someone.
You best best is something like Turo to rent one, and there are couple tracks have driving experiences. If you could be content with sitting in one or maybe going for a ride in one, ask here. Or see if there is a local Corvette Club.
You best best is something like Turo to rent one, and there are couple tracks have driving experiences. If you could be content with sitting in one or maybe going for a ride in one, ask here. Or see if there is a local Corvette Club.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 483
Likes: 227
From: Houston, TX
BTW our policy has always been no test drives on Corvettes for all generations. Reason being is that Corvette buyers tend to be very particular about mileage on a vehicle so lowest mileage possible is the best way to sell the vehicle meaning no test drives.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 1,349
Likes: 1,314
From: Kingston, Ontario
All you can do is rent one, find a dealer with a used one and try to test drive it or if you know a friend with one, ask nicely.
The state of the market is as such that a test drive isn't feasible as nobody really has a brand new one or a demo sitting on the lot. Not to mention a lot of GM dealers covet the car and even if there was a new one for sale at sticker, they most likely wouldn't allow a drive because "the people who buy these want as little miles as possible" and they basically sell themselves.
The state of the market is as such that a test drive isn't feasible as nobody really has a brand new one or a demo sitting on the lot. Not to mention a lot of GM dealers covet the car and even if there was a new one for sale at sticker, they most likely wouldn't allow a drive because "the people who buy these want as little miles as possible" and they basically sell themselves.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 251
Likes: 230
From: Milton NH
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 12,340
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From: Central Illinois
I placed my deposit a day and a half after reveal in July of 2019. I told my wife if we don't get in line right now, we will be waiting for a long time. I didn't see one in the flesh until December and it was the best car buying decision I have ever made. In a week I will be an owner for a year and I like it more today than the day I picked it up.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 16
Likes: 4
Interesting. Thanks for all the comments everyone. I think I'll pull the trigger and try to get a pre-order in. I guess worst case scenario is I'm down my initial deposit. I test drove a c7 and sat in a c8 and both felt really good. The gearshift in the c8 is the only thing that bothered me as I'm used to a stick for more physical response rather than the click of buttons.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,738
Likes: 401
From: Naples, Florida
Hi. I was just wondering if it's common to test drive one of these cars before pre ordering or buying one. Just seems like a lot of money to put down on something that I haven't driven. And I don't get very welcoming responses when I ask dealerships to test drive (either because the cars aren't in inventory or because they don't allow test drives). Just wanted to hear other people's opinions on this.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 16
Likes: 4
not to try and spark an argument. But I think with an investment that large, it'd help to at least check it out. I wouldn't buy a house without a tour inside. My logic is the more money I put into something, the more I'd like to make sure it's something I want and would be happy with.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,291
Likes: 609
From: I love the Big Butt Corvettes
St. Jude Donor '08
Try to locate nearest car club, or even better, nearest corvette club in your area and let them know your dilemma. I’m sure any C8 owner may not let you drive their car, but would allow you to sit in car or take you for a ride in it.
Last edited by BigButtLover; Jul 6, 2021 at 03:15 PM.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 707
Likes: 597
From: Seattle, WA
Look at this way, without having seeing it and test driving it in advance, the day you get the car and driving it, you will be pleasantly surprised since you have no preconception of the car, and that's an added bonus you can give to yourself as part of the ownership.
Many of us just bought the car sight unseen after the initial reveal, and I have not seen anyone regret the purchase decision.
Many of us just bought the car sight unseen after the initial reveal, and I have not seen anyone regret the purchase decision.