No Test Drives?
Advanced
Joined: May 2025
Posts: 82
Likes: 66
From: Jacksonville FL
I experienced this as well when I went to test drive a C8 the salesguy said he wouldn't allow a test drive until we worked out a deal on a contract- I am not going to waste hours of my day, haggling on something I have never driven. When I went in I had never driven a C8 so not even sure I would like it- I asked to speak with the sales manager and he explained they did not want to add miles on new Vette but I could drive a used one- I was perfectly fine with that as all I wanted to do was see how it feels. The sales monkey could have stated that in the beginning and saved a lot of frustration. Ultimately, I did not like the sales staff or the overall feeling of the dealership so did I purchase my Vette from them- nope.
The other thing I noticed is now the sales staff has to ride along with you, so my spouse had to stand around being bored while I test drove. I've driven new Porsche's where they just hand the keys and tell you to have it back in a couple of hours.
When I did purchase my Vette the salesguy there did ride along and I told him I wanted to take it to my house to make sure it would fit in the garage and we were probably gone almost an hour and no complaints. Heck, it was a beautiful day- we cruised around the top down and he got a sale.
The other thing I noticed is now the sales staff has to ride along with you, so my spouse had to stand around being bored while I test drove. I've driven new Porsche's where they just hand the keys and tell you to have it back in a couple of hours.
When I did purchase my Vette the salesguy there did ride along and I told him I wanted to take it to my house to make sure it would fit in the garage and we were probably gone almost an hour and no complaints. Heck, it was a beautiful day- we cruised around the top down and he got a sale.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 1,761
Likes: 1,497
2024 C8 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
I would never buy a new Corvette that was used as a test drive vehicle for the same concerns posted above. How many are tire kickers, give zero crap about break in, and just "see what the vehicle has got". Saw this in plenty of aspiring youtube car reviewers whose only way to get a car for a review to get a dealer looking for exposure give one of their stock units out. They would absolutely thrash on it for the content. Then of course the unknowing customer pays an ADM on that thrashed car( this was when C8's were demanding an ADM).
I found ways to drive a Z06 before purchasing. I went to NCM Motorsports Park and Exotics Racing and drove the Z06 there to make sure it matched the experience of what I was expecting based off reviewers. About the only thing I couldn't tell obviously was how it behaved in street driving and low RPM, but that didn't turn out to be an issue.
I found ways to drive a Z06 before purchasing. I went to NCM Motorsports Park and Exotics Racing and drove the Z06 there to make sure it matched the experience of what I was expecting based off reviewers. About the only thing I couldn't tell obviously was how it behaved in street driving and low RPM, but that didn't turn out to be an issue.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 67
Likes: 20
From: South Florida
I went to 3 dealers. Only one allowed me to test drive a 2025 ER. The way the salesman drove it initially was a total turn-off. He nailed it several times.
I was fortunate to previously drive a friend’s SR and my cousin’s Z06, therefore I was able to compare all three flavors.
I was fortunate to previously drive a friend’s SR and my cousin’s Z06, therefore I was able to compare all three flavors.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 817
Likes: 905
From: Cincinnati
Dealers just don't want to deal with the guy who visits the dealership every few weeks asking for a test drive. There are PLENTY of them out there.
I'd argue there are some things in life where they are either for you --- or not. For example, there are a few actresses I would want automatically -- without needing a test drive first. Take me straight to the autobahn.
I'd argue there are some things in life where they are either for you --- or not. For example, there are a few actresses I would want automatically -- without needing a test drive first. Take me straight to the autobahn.
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2025
Posts: 35
Likes: 30
I bought my C8 from a Chevy dealership and had my trade with me so they knew I was serious. I drove my new ‘25 for a 7 mile test drive without any hesitation from the dealership. I came for a specific car they had advertised so not sure if I was just window shopping and wanted a test drive how that would go over. I feel like since C8’s were being discounted just about everywhere I could have gotten one. Not like they were going to let me drive it for an hour.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 8,352
Likes: 827
From: Naples Florida
Back in June of 2023 I went into my local dealership to order my first C8. I asked if I could test drive one before I ordered one and I was told no. Even though I have never driven one I could tell by all of the online reviews that the SR was one heck of a car.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 431
Likes: 202
From: Johnstown CO
The dealer in Denver where I purchased mine let my wife and I take it out together. I just had to hand over my DL, and was told to take it out. It only had 11 miles on it when we took it out. We put about 20 miles on it, then bought it that day.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,190
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From: Chapel Hill NC
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I don't test ride. Since the vehicle would be new to me Im unfamiliar with its operation would be too distracted to get a real feel of the vehicle performance. There is extensive info/testing from professional drivers regarding whatever Corvette I'm buying.
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Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,007
Likes: 1,488
From: Ashland, OH
In my 20 years in the car business 5 being in a Chevrolet dealership we NEVER did test drives on new Corvettes. If we has a used one by all means take it out.
The first thing as a dealer you never want to have to apologize for is when someone comes to buy you new high performance car is mileage. When a prospect gets in and they fire up the ignition they will ask “why does this have so many miles” even if it reads say 9mi.
When I bought my 2026 Z06 the mileage was 2mi and I live 2mi from the dealer. Now it reads 4mi.
The first thing as a dealer you never want to have to apologize for is when someone comes to buy you new high performance car is mileage. When a prospect gets in and they fire up the ignition they will ask “why does this have so many miles” even if it reads say 9mi.
When I bought my 2026 Z06 the mileage was 2mi and I live 2mi from the dealer. Now it reads 4mi.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2025
Posts: 51
Likes: 87
From: Crystal River, FL
I was turned down at a few dealerships for a test drive, including one where my cousin is the GM. It's basically a mileage/joyride issue from what I'm told. I finally went to a mercedes dealer that had 2 used one coupe and one HTC. The salesman and GM couldn't wait to give me a test drive. They were both Vette guys. I was sold on the C8 from that point, but just ordered new. Sitting at 3000 status now.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,732
Likes: 1,847
From: Myrtle Beach SC/Charlotte NC
^^^ Out of curiosity did you let the guys know you had no intention on buying their used C8 but just wanted to check it out?
Even when I am just looking I always try to be courteous. I have been to a lot of dealers over the past five months checking out colors/options...and I always let the sales person know that I am just checking out the car and that I am ordering one from a different dealer….IMO it is the right thing to do..
Even when I am just looking I always try to be courteous. I have been to a lot of dealers over the past five months checking out colors/options...and I always let the sales person know that I am just checking out the car and that I am ordering one from a different dealer….IMO it is the right thing to do..
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: NJ
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My dealer was awesome. I looked at the car twice and he went over everything including how the htc works. I put a deposit down over the phone and asked if I could drive it to be sure. We scheduled a test drive after work and the rest of the transaction was smooth as silk.
I do think, however, if you are asking to test drive one that you are not purchasing they don't want to run the risk of damage. I wouldn't worry about the test drive so much anyway. As long as you are comfortable sitting in the car and like the way it looks and feels you will will be very happy with it.
I do think, however, if you are asking to test drive one that you are not purchasing they don't want to run the risk of damage. I wouldn't worry about the test drive so much anyway. As long as you are comfortable sitting in the car and like the way it looks and feels you will will be very happy with it.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 11,825
Likes: 2,477
From: Ft Lauderdale
Tech Contributor
any competent sales manager should be able to make a decision on this, if I had a person come in who had a high end trade-in, an interview showed he has owned several other high-end cars and whether he owned/lived in a nice area,, he let me run a “soft pull” credit check and it was above 750, and he’s willing to put down a $500-$1000 deposit before he takes a test drive that’s refundable at the end of the test drive, I would probably put him into a new vette if I had one. The major problem is most dealers don’t have a Corvette demo. Theyd have to take a fresh one off the lot for this particular customer and then they have to make a decision whether he really is gonna buy or not. And you never really know that until they commit. As I said above, I would look for one on the used car lot to satiate him first.
truth is it doesn’t take much to figure out if a person is bona fide or not , by asking a few questions…
truth is it doesn’t take much to figure out if a person is bona fide or not , by asking a few questions…
Last edited by Glen e; Jan 1, 2026 at 12:28 PM.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2025
Posts: 51
Likes: 87
From: Crystal River, FL
^^^ Out of curiosity did you let the guys know you had no intention on buying their used C8 but just wanted to check it out?
Even when I am just looking I always try to be courteous. I have been to a lot of dealers over the past five months checking out colors/options...and I always let the sales person know that I am just checking out the car and that I am ordering one from a different dealer….IMO it is the right thing to do..
Even when I am just looking I always try to be courteous. I have been to a lot of dealers over the past five months checking out colors/options...and I always let the sales person know that I am just checking out the car and that I am ordering one from a different dealer….IMO it is the right thing to do..
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,082
Likes: 1,008
From: Fort Worth TX
St. Jude Donor '15
Back in 2002 I went into my local dealer to order a new Corvette. As we were going thru the processing and talking about the options I wanted and more importantly my down payment check the salesman asked how I liked driving one. I stated I never had. All stopped at that point. It was 845pm on a Thursday night just before closing and raining. The salesman got some keys and I drive one right then and there. We closed the dealership together about 10pm.
Cruising
Joined: Jan 2025
Posts: 14
Likes: 21
I really dont think you need to. I know for some generations its the pincipal of it... but likely you have had a Corvette previously. You should be able to gather everyrhing else you need to know by sitting in it. Ergonomics, features, blind spots/visibility ect. What does driving it do... yes it goes, stops and turns. I bought my C8 and the first time ever sitting in one, or driving one, was out of the dealership after bought it. As a dealership, on a new Corvette inventory, no way people are putting uneccesary break in miles on the car. If thats a deal breaker, either dont buy one or find a friend in a local club that will let you try theirs.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 611
Likes: 415
From: Texas
^^^ Out of curiosity did you let the guys know you had no intention on buying their used C8 but just wanted to check it out?
Even when I am just looking I always try to be courteous. I have been to a lot of dealers over the past five months checking out colors/options...and I always let the sales person know that I am just checking out the car and that I am ordering one from a different dealer….IMO it is the right thing to do..
Even when I am just looking I always try to be courteous. I have been to a lot of dealers over the past five months checking out colors/options...and I always let the sales person know that I am just checking out the car and that I am ordering one from a different dealer….IMO it is the right thing to do..
To answer your question, I was there to look at a different car and I never said one way or the other whether the C8 was a car I would buy because I had never even sat in one previously. Also, the salesman never asked.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2025
Posts: 584
Likes: 566
any competent sales manager should be able to make a decision on this, if I had a person come in who had a high end trade-in, an interview showed he has owned several other high-end cars and whether he owned/lived in a nice area,, he let me run a “soft pull” credit check and it was above 750, and he’s willing to put down a $500-$1000 deposit before he takes a test drive that’s refundable at the end of the test drive, I would probably put him into a new vette if I had one. The major problem is most dealers don’t have a Corvette demo. Theyd have to take a fresh one off the lot for this particular customer and then they have to make a decision whether he really is gonna buy or not. And you never really know that until they commit. As I said above, I would look for one on the used car lot to satiate him first.
truth is it doesn’t take much to figure out if a person is bona fide or not , by asking a few questions…
truth is it doesn’t take much to figure out if a person is bona fide or not , by asking a few questions…
Pro
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 611
Likes: 415
From: Texas
Actually any competent sales manager should be able to figure out the score without going through a bureau pull and deposit. That’s insulting to the customer IMO. Besides, even if the customer is legit but doesn’t buy you still wind up with miles on a new Corvette.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2025
Posts: 584
Likes: 566
Remember, time is the only commodity a car salesman has to sell. Don’t jerk them around for goodness sake. Know what you want, go get it and go home!