My 1st car dealership shop - does it look weird to refuse a test drive? Any advice for 1st time?
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"I've just started looking. Once I have it narrowed down to two vehicles I want to test drive them back to back."
"I would like to take a long test drive, but have an appointment in 30 minutes."
If weather or traffic is an issue at the time of your visit they can each be used as excuses to come back at another time.
"I would like to take a long test drive, but have an appointment in 30 minutes."
If weather or traffic is an issue at the time of your visit they can each be used as excuses to come back at another time.
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
If the test drive is optional, feel free to decline... It doesn't look that strange. Just let the salesman know that you've never purchased a new car before and want to take it slow.
However, if you have time and like the car, there is nothing wrong with taking a test drive. I've enjoyed quite a few of the test drives I've done... Just don't start thinking about how much you are making per hour.
However, if you have time and like the car, there is nothing wrong with taking a test drive. I've enjoyed quite a few of the test drives I've done... Just don't start thinking about how much you are making per hour.
Hard work builds character and homework is good for your soul.
If a test drive isn't required, you co.uld say you are short on time and want to get all the information you need (for the shop of course) before you go run more errands, pick up kids, doctor appt, etc. And that you'll get back to him some other time. If a phone# is required to be given, you may want to set up a google voice number which links to your cell or home#. You can then get emails and text of calls without your real phone actually ringing. This is much less bothersome
Thanks everyone.And I like the idea of linking a Google Voice #, have to look into that!
If this is a competitor shop with an optional test drive, be considerate of the associate's time and turn it down.
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
Last new car shop, when I balked at the test drive, the salesperson was just so nice! SHE did the driving.
Don't forget to double check your guidelines. Sometimes the test drive is required. I've seen sales people offer to do the drive as well!
I've seen sales people offer to do the drive as well!Administrative Manager for Shoppers' View
p: 800.264.5677 | e: christinew@shoppersview.com | w: www.shoppersview.com
p: 800.264.5677 | e: christinew@shoppersview.com | w: www.shoppersview.com
After at first declining the test drives, I came to find the shops went easier for me when I just took the drives when offered. A quick 5-10 minute drive usually helps progress the sales process to the natural closing point while also giving the salesperson a fair opportunity to hit key elements. May take a little longer at the dealership (usually doesn't,) but the report writing goes faster because the shop flow tends to more closely resemble the report flow. It's hard to describe exactly, but I find I spend less time trying to hammer round pegs into square holes.
If you have an optional test drive and good weather and the time is between meals, you might need a excuse. You might make a big production of extricating yourself from your own vehicle, lumbering to the sales area, and declining a test drive by saying that your back/hip/knee is so stiff today that you would not like to get behind the wheel of another vehicle and adjust it.
The solicitous ones might offer to drive, assist you into the seat, or discuss the seat-adjustment process.
The solicitous ones might offer to drive, assist you into the seat, or discuss the seat-adjustment process.
Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. - Lao-Tzu
If you have an optional test drive and good weather and the time is between meals, you might need an excuse. You might make a big production of extricating yourself from your own vehicle, lumbering to the sales area, and declining a test drive by saying that your back/hip/knee is so stiff today that you would not like to get behind the wheel of another vehicle and adjust it.
The solicitous ones might offer to drive, assist you into the seat, or discuss the seat-adjustment process.
The solicitous ones might offer to drive, assist you into the seat, or discuss the seat-adjustment process.
Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. - Lao-Tzu
Since one does not usually buy a car to be the passenger, exactly what good is it for a sales associate to chauffeur the customer?
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
The only excuse I would use personally is "I've already driven one." I don't know about this particular shop, but many shops will get excluded if you appear rushed for time because the salesperson will assume you are not closable and will not want to take up your time if you don't have enough time.
There are reasons that a body stays in motion
At the moment only demons come to mind
At the moment only demons come to mind
My dealerships have been to take a test drive only if asked...better read instructions, or no drive, no pay.
Live consciously....
You have not noticed things? As passenger, you are free to check the depth and contours of the dashboard, browse the owner's manual, and check out the front or back seats for others who might ride in your car. These are important in my world.
Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. - Lao-Tzu
As the one paying for and driving my car daily my comfort is paramount. Regardless, it doesn't make sense to buy a car that doesn't handle worth a damn just so passengers can be comfortable rather than safe.
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
That is just so. Some people are the sole owners/operators of their vehicles and make decisions for themselves. Other people must consider additional users/uses of their vehicles and have a different set of factors in the car-purchase decision.
Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. - Lao-Tzu
I would always test drive when offered, looks more like a serious shopper. Buying a new car, of course you test drive and that doesn't include you in the passenger seat, which is NOT a true test drive.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/17/2017 02:54PM by Irene_L.A..
Live consciously....
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/17/2017 02:54PM by Irene_L.A..
We test-drove vehicles today. We were not mystery shopping. We were just being ourselves and finding out what certain vehicles were like... I had my list of things to learn, and the hubby wanted to find out how the vehicles "drove". The hubby learned what he wanted to know. I learned most of what I wanted to know about each vehicle. (It started to rain, so I went home and changed into dry clothing instead of delving into vehicle details.) Unless I really want a vehicle, I don't want to spend time behind the wheel. I want to know all kinds of things about a vehicle before I drive it.
Irene, you are right about a true test drive. But some shops do not require a test drive. It is good to hear from the members how they decline an offered test-drive. I, for one, can never learn enough possible ways to turn down a test drive during a mystery shop.
Irene, you are right about a true test drive. But some shops do not require a test drive. It is good to hear from the members how they decline an offered test-drive. I, for one, can never learn enough possible ways to turn down a test drive during a mystery shop.
Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. - Lao-Tzu
If it's a car model that many rental car businesses have in their fleets, you can always say you rented the car on a trip and are very familiar with it. I love test drives, it's the best part of the shop to me.
At car dealerships, I'm usually supposed to say I'm not familiar with the car, so be careful if that's the case if you say you've driven one before. How are cars insured for the test drive there? Here, there is usually a deductible of 500-1000 $ that you would have to pay if you damage the car so I'm always happy when a test drive is not offered or you're allowed to decline. If I have to do one, I usually just drive around the corner and park there for 15 minutes, or drive up and down a quiet street to build up a few miles. When they remark I didn't drive far, I usually say parking is my problem so I practised that.
I've done hundreds of new car shops in 13 or 14 states. I could count the number of times the sales associate allowed me to go alone on one hand.
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
Interesting, I could count those where they offered to come with me.
Where have you done shops? I'm curious if it has to do with state statutes. I did have it happen one time here in St. Louis and one other time I recall was in Minnesota. The Minnesota shop stands out because it worked out really well for me when my video battery died at the beginning of the test drive. Being alone allowed me to change it for a fresh battery, LOL.
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
I'm in Europe, that's why was I was curious how the cars are insured over there.
We usually have to show the ID aas well as the driving license, although I've done one shop lately where they didn't ask for either, just gave me the keys and let me drive off.
In general, if you drive alone you have assumed responsibility. In most states, if you have not signed an Assumption of Liability a good lawyer or smart insurance company will hold the dealerships insurance company as liable. If your drivers license is not verified, the dealership is at a huge risk for many reasons. Only a lazy and incompetent sales person would risk their job and their companies assets by handing off the keys to an unidentified person. I've encountered people with expired or non-US licenses, illegal for them to drive. People with no or basic insurance, they are not covered to drive alone. I know dealerships where sales persons forget to put demo tags on cars, something very important to have if test driving.
Pretty much whatever you need to rent a car you need to drive alone. The benefit of the sales person being with you is you are fully covered by the dealership. Unless you intentionally wreck the car, or are impaired, you are covered. If I feel someone is impaired or otherwise should not drive a vehicle, I do not offer a drive nor allow them to drive alone.
Pretty much whatever you need to rent a car you need to drive alone. The benefit of the sales person being with you is you are fully covered by the dealership. Unless you intentionally wreck the car, or are impaired, you are covered. If I feel someone is impaired or otherwise should not drive a vehicle, I do not offer a drive nor allow them to drive alone.
My posts are solely based on my opinions and for my entertainment, contact a professional if you need real advice.
When you get in debt you become a slave. - Andrew Jackson
When you get in debt you become a slave. - Andrew Jackson
I'm in California, and never have I been offered or asked to go alone. The Salesman always gets a chance to point out features, ask how the steering is, etc. This helps his sale.....and for Ins., they copy your drivers license, and hopefully you have Ins., as an accident is on you.
Live consciously....
I have done 2 shops where I went on the test drive alone. Both were in DFW and i was shocked.
Dealer tags are dependent on the state. Neither state I've lived in require them for test drives.
Dealer tags are dependent on the state. Neither state I've lived in require them for test drives.
There are reasons that a body stays in motion
At the moment only demons come to mind
At the moment only demons come to mind
On every auto dealership shop I have done, I was required to take a test drive if it was offered.
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