Car Test Drive & Credit Check?

johnsons_baby

My beloved car was written off in an accident 10 days ago.

I have received my settlement and do need to buy a new car. I found a car I felt was worth a look. I rang the dealer (Ford), expressed an interest, had the usual banter. All fine.

The salesman said if I wanted to test drive I'd need two forms of ID, I've only ever been asked for my driving licence. I just asked what that's for and was told it was for a credit check, advised it would be a cash purchase, I didn't want finance. The salesman said oh no it isn't for finance but we need to do a full credit search before we'll let the car out for a test drive.

I don't have an issue with a credit check, my history is OK, but I've not heard of having to do a full search to test drive a car. I can understand that they may need to verify your identity, thus doing an identity check but I did clarify that it wasn't an identity check but a full credit search.

The vehicle was up for £5500.

I've said I'll get back to them tomorrow but is this normal?

forgotmyname

Helps cut down on timewasters with no money and may help them upsell you a bit.

SCO

I have never been asked for ID when going on a test drive, and doing a credit check for a cash purchase just sounds dodgy there is no need fot it.

johnsons_baby

I thought it might of been a way to see what finance options they could hard sell to you!

I've been on two test drives, one asked to have a look at my drivers licence and that was it, the other just handed me the keys!

I did explain I had cash in the bank to pay outright if I liked the car bit they didn't seem interested in that, so I'm assuming their targets are for selling finance options this month!

I didn't want to damage my credit rating by multiple searches if this was normal practice, glad to hear it not.

Thanks folks

SCO

johnsons_baby wrote: »

I thought it might of been a way to see what finance options they could hard sell to you!

I've been on two test drives, one asked to have a look at my drivers licence and that was it, the other took my name and postcode and that was it.

I did explain I had cash in the bank to pay outright if I liked the car bit they didn't seem interested in that, so I'm assuming their targets are for selling finance options this month!

I didn't want to damage my credit rating by multiple searches if this was normal practice, glad to hear it not.

Thanks folks

Most car sales get commision from the finance companies, thats why they try and push that.

Tell them you like the car but will not concent to a credit search and will walk away from a deal if they continue to pursue finance, the sale will be more important than the finance.

Is it Arnold Clark, another national or an independent dealer?

Splott

SCO wrote: »

I have never been asked for ID when going on a test drive

How did they know you were licensed to drive?

steve-L

Splott wrote: »

How did they know you were licensed to drive?

Some seem quite happy to take the fact you drove to the showroom.

I realise its not the same thing but last time I did a test drive noone asked to see my license.

johnsons_baby wrote:

I thought it might of been a way to see what finance options they could hard sell to you!

Your almost certainly right.....

If it was me I'd give them a blunt "not on your life".

ask to see their accounts for last year and this year before you test drive and have them verified by a CA.

After all, you are buying from them so if there are any issues you can go back.... you need to know they are financially sound.

Perhaps they will see your point.... !!!! YOU ARE THE CUSTOMER.... before you give any personal details over !!

Ask for some references from other customers....and then ask to see the original letters ......

Tell the salesman you'll think about it, meanwhile can he show you his bank details...... and give you his home number and you'll get a credit check on him and call him at home to discuss!