Procedure when taking a Test Drive

[ConstantChange]

What has been your typical experience when it comes to taking a test drive?

During my last vehicle search I went to 10+ dealerships trying various vehicles to see what I did and didn't like. It was interesting how each place would handle things when it came to the test drive.

It usually happened one of three ways...

1. They handed me the keys and off I went alone. What's crazy is these were the most expensive vehicles I drove.

2. The salesman got the keys and he rode along with me. They typically had a route they wanted me to follow, which I would if I knew I didn't like the car. This was the most common method.

3. They wanted a copy of my drivers license. I had to fill out some disclaimer form. Blah blah blah. I believe I did this one time and declined to do it a time or two. It always took forever and wasn't worth it.

The dealerships that just handed me the keys got my attention. Although risky, I think it's great service. I also didn't mind when the salesman rode along and said "You're driving, go where ever you want." and didn't try to sell me the car along the way.

At the time I was 29. Curious if you older guys get handed the keys more often.

[Mike Mercury]

[VatorMan]

Dealerships letting people do self test drives are the reason I won't buy a new car with over 3 miles on the clock.

[ConstantChange]

Originally Posted by VatorMan

Dealerships letting people do self test drives are the reason I won't buy a new car with over 3 miles on the clock.

Good point.

Every car I drove alone was used. I'm assuming they don't hand out the keys on the new ones very often.

[wicked_c6]

If its a grocery getter type car I've seen the drivers license copy and give the keys thing. I've never been able to drive a performance car (vette, etc) or high end car (merc, bmw) without a sales hole in tow.

[Blademaker]

Had a salesho tell me I could drive a car around the parking lot.
I told him to fcuk off.

[ConstantChange]

Originally Posted by wicked_c6

If its a grocery getter type car I've seen the drivers license copy and give the keys thing. I've never been able to drive a performance car (vette, etc) or high end car (merc, bmw) without a sales hole in tow.

They handed me the keys to a Dodge Charger SRT8 after talking to me for about 30 seconds. No drivers license check or salesman riding along.

[C5SilverBullet]

NOBODY leaves this dealership without a salesperson in the car, period.

[ptindall]

I've only test driven a car from a dealer once and he rode along but did not tell me where to go. I buy and sell private party. Selling, I've both let people take the car without me and I've ridden along.

[Cybercowboy]

Last two times, which is the only two times I've test driven a vehicle in the last 15+ years, a sales guy rode along with me and my wife. Both times I had to give them my DL and proof of insurance. No big deal. They let me drive the cars where and how I wanted other than that, but by the time I had pretty much left the parking lot I knew I was buying the car anyway, since I had done quite a bit of research up to that point. Both of these were Acuras, from two different dealerships.

[Entropy]

Last time I've test driven new(er) cars froma dealer, it was liscense and sales guy.

I figured they're just protecting their investment. No big deal. They took me on a specific route, and let me open it up as much as I wanted. I 4 wheel drifted the WRX out of the parking lot, and the sales guy didn't even blink.

[6spdC6]

I normally do business with places that know me. I normally get the keys and go. When working I got a new car or truck every other year and know the score!

I have been to a few shops that state the salesman MUST go with you. I handle that by saying ok come on. Your rules state you must be here fine my rules state you are to sit there and be quite and only speak if I ask a question. I do not want to be bothered by their bullshit as I drive and figure out the car/truck. I also tell them this is my test and I will go where I feel like or I'm leaving in my own car...

FWIW I will test the same way regardless if I have company or not. Yes I will push it a bit, but not to the point of abuse.

They ask for license I tell them my credit is good you do not have to play that trick on me, and I’m leaving my car/truck here

[81.]

a new car dealer always takes a copy of the license and typically rides along.

used cars often don't take a copy and they don't ride along.


that's been my expierience.

[MrPeabody]

The reason they take a copy of your driver's license is so when you, the car and the salesman disappear they have something to give the cops for a lead.

Seriously, cars on test drives do get stolen, salesmen do get guns pulled on them, etc. Usually, though, when a car gets stolen from a car lot, I think a salesman was involved.

[Montehall]

I will not test drive a vehicle if the salesman goes with me. I've walked out of many dealerships because of that.
You my car, you have my ID, heck, my wife and my kid are staying at the dealership until I get back (because I don't want to move the car seat)
If you really can't trust me, then I'll find a dealer who can.

The ONLY two times I've test drove with a salesman was when I bought my first C5, and when I drove that BMW (because I didn't know how to shift it into drive)

[6spdC6]

Originally Posted by 81.

a new car dealer always takes a copy of the license and typically rides along.

used cars often don't take a copy and they don't ride along.


that's been my expierience.

!

Not my experience as to "always". I have not bought a used ride since I bought my 59 Chevy back in 63. I find it just the opposite. As for license a buddy that is in the car business says it used mainly to get a credit check.

I have shown my linc, but never let them keep it. I had a dealership ''Lose" my keys and try to keep me there and hammer me and since then I guard stuff like that real close. (A different thread perhaps for that)

[jaxgator]

Originally Posted by 81.

a new car dealer always takes a copy of the license and typically rides along.

used cars often don't take a copy and they don't ride along.


that's been my expierience.

This has been my experience as well.

[C5SilverBullet]

Originally Posted by 6spdC6

!

Not my experience as to "always". I have not bought a used ride since I bought my 59 Chevy back in 63. I find it just the opposite. As for license a buddy that is in the car business says it used mainly to get a credit check.

I have shown my linc, but never let them keep it. I had a dealership ''Lose" my keys and try to keep me there and hammer me and since then I guard stuff like that real close. (A different thread perhaps for that)

That is 100% false, and 100% illegal.

The copy of the license is for 2 things; 1 to make sure you have a valid license, and 2 is in case you decide you're going to steal the car. Yes, I've had a lady give me her license, then steal the car.

[navyndi2]

I've never had the dealer ride along, they had got a copy of my lic. a couple of times but usually just toss me the keys and say bring it back in one peice.

[high desert]

It depends on the dealer. When I bought my Suburban from a small town Chevrolet dealer, he let me "test drive" it almost 40 miles home and keep it over night. When I decided to make the deal, he drove to my house to sign the papers.