When I got on the waitlist back in 2021, the wait list was 10 months long. There were no C8's to test drive as they were all special ordered. Before I placed my order, a friend of mine let me drive his 2020 and I was sold at that point.

 

I wasn't offered a test drive when I got my 2022.

 

My reference was to the previous post about pulling my credit and requiring a deposit before allowing a test drive. I never allow anyone to pull my credit unless they are loaning me money. Since I pay cash for all my vehicles, that never happens while doing a car deal.

In my case, I did not ask to test drive a new one because at the time I bought my 2023, there were no new ones sitting on the dealer lots by my house. I was in the market for a used Shelby GT350 or GT500 and I stumbled on two used C8s at the same dealer. After test driving the used ones, I went home and searched in a 500 mile radius for a suitable new C8 and bought one 300+ miles away without driving it until after I signed the paperwork. No credit report was needed or provided.

 

I quoted you but my comments weren’t meant to be directed at you.

i see where it would be construed that way and i apologize.

 

Well, if they take a copy of your license they are pulling a soft credit report….

 

I get the dealers point and don't blame them, let someone test drive on their dime then you buy it in another state. When they talk to you and discuss pricing they 1. Know if you are serious or not and 2. Know if you really will never come to a pricing agreement with the local dealer anyway.

 

No drivers license was requested or provided. I negotiated the C8 deal over email before seeing the car in person. As a rule, I never step foot in a dealership without having the deal fully negotiated on a new car.

On the used Shelby, I was not willing to commit before seeing the car in person and driving it. Pictures can easily hide issues with a used car, so no matter how good they look, there are always surprises.

 

from Grok:What the dealership needs to perform a soft pull

Dealerships typically require only basic personal information, such as:

• Full name

• Address

• Date of birth

• Phone number

• Sometimes income details or information from your driver’s license

They often do not need your Social Security number for a true soft pull (though some may ask for more if transitioning to a hard pull later). This is less invasive than a full credit application.

Does a soft pull appear on your credit reports as an inquiry?

Yes, soft inquiries can appear on your credit reports from the three major bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion). You can see them when you pull your own reports.

However:

• They do not affect your credit score at all.

• They are not visible to other lenders (unlike hard inquiries).

• They may stay on your reports for up to 1-2 years, but they have no negative impact.

 

Sitting at the dealership getting my car serviced and just watched a commercial on their TV for the Eray, said to ask sales for a test drive.

 

I got a test drive a couple of days ago, but it was a 2025, a 2LT but I was looking for a 1LT. In other words, they were happy to let me take a used one on the streets and freeway, but the new ones are off limits. Dealer was pretty nice, though, had a purple 1LT with Z51 and other extras, priced a bit high but the manager was willing to accept offers and wrap it what ever color I wanted.

Before that dealer, I went to the local one, they were waiting on delivery of a 1LT—no test drive and I didn't ask, but they were very helpful and let me sit in a couple they had on the floor. Both dealers were low pressure, friendly.

But I've decided I need 2LT along with Z51...and front lift if possible (paranoia) and optional rims probably. I see a dealer with all that and discounted $7k—it's my non-preferred silver, but looks good with the black rims and red calipers. The colors choices are awesome (and wow, Roswell green), but maybe I don't want to shout every time drive past my neighbors anyway.

The test drive made all the difference in the world. Took me from the Corvette being a "maybe" choice to more realistic as a daily driver (I don't have a commute, I mean just around town, to the gym, etc.). Plus, I've thought for decades that if I ever bought an American car, it would be a Corvette. And it would be my first automatic (I'm 68, lol, always drove stick).

 

It's your first post,if you buy one let us all know. Always a big deal when you get your first Corvette

 

I will not buy a car without driving one first. Nor will I buy a gun that I am not able to shoot first. And I have more than just one gun in the stable.
The only exception to the Gun rule is if it’s a highly collectible Gun that has never been fired and is still in the box. And yep. I have a few of those.

 

I have no issue buying a car I haven't test driven or a gun I have not shot….Like many I typical know what I what through experience and research…..

 

Bought my C8 and Lexus GX550 without test driving. Never loved the look or functionality of a car, only to test drive it and say I don't like it. Its a car!

 

You're right, it was a big deal I didn't test drive (as mentioned, I test drove a 2025 a few days ago), I got in, got some orientation, and drove home two hours with six freeway changes...in the dark...in the rain...without knowing the controls, wiper settings etc....with a death grip on the steering wheel and being nervous about lane changes, but that didn't last long, and was super comfortable with the car by the time I got home.

I'll take proper pictures in the daytime, and post in the new car thread—the attached was just with my iPhone when I got home, long exposure. Need to move my old car out of the garage, but it looks surreal in front of my house.

2LT, Z51, mag-ride, GT2, front lift, sueded steering wheel, black exhaust tips, stealth interior package, red calipers, black rims, Roswell green, "all weather floor liners" (OK, some of this stuff I wouldn't have picked, but at least I got some discount to offset). Replacing my Acura 3.2 CL Type-S six-speed (the C8 is my first automatic!) of nearly 24 years.

 

I agree - used C8s should be available for test drives if the dealer has one.

 

@codehead Congratulations on your first Corvette,it looks great. I would have been nervous to.

 

Thanks! It got even whackier. Went out on a date with the young woman who drove me 70 miles to the dealer, we came out from the restaurant and bar at 1 AM and the it wouldn't start, electrical was whacky with systems being shut down—hit OnStar and roadside assistance came out and confirmed the battery has a bad cell. They boosted and I was able to drive home, but Sunday today so I need to wait till tomorrow, hopefully the local dealer can take care of it. Tough seeing it sitting in my driveway and I can't take it out!

 

That really sucks for a new car.

 

Wait, you went out on a date with one of the dealership employees who came to get you?!?!?!