Not allowed to test drive Corsa as getting it as a company car.

JoeyEmma

I went to the local Vauxhall dealership today to look at and possibly test drive the new Corsa. I went this morning (Friday) knowing that it would be quiet and the sales assistant would be able to help me.

First of all they didn't have a single brochure. The sales assistant did not know anything about the cars. Was unsure about how much extra alloys were. When I asked what the SXi model offered, he could only answer "alloys and some other stuff, I can't remember."

I was honest and explained that work would be buying the car for me. I then asked if I could take one of the cars out. He then asked if I was buying it myself. I reiterated that it would be a company car. He then informed me that they might be able to sort a test drive out "at the end of next week". I pointed out that there were 3 cars at the front that were clearly being used for test drives and I was the only person in the whole showroom.

He then went to check with his manager and came back to inform me that I was not allowed to take the car out as I couldn't guarantee that work would buy it from them.

I explained that I have test driven a Toyota, a VW and a Nissan and they have all been happy with me taking one out, even knowing that it would be a company car. He didn't seem to care. I also explained that they were my nearest dealership and would probably get all the servicing and repairs done in their shop.

I also pointed out that he probably has people that come in and lie about wanting cars just to take out the car for a test drive. He said he knew but this was different.

In the end I walked out in disgust.

Has anybody ever had this before? I thought that it was awful customer service. How do they expect people to buy Vauxhall's as company cars? I am a well presented 27 year old, driving my own Renault Megane Convertible that was parked at the front, so its not like I looked like scruffbag.

On the downside, from what I saw of it, I LOVED the new Corsa! I really want to take it out but I am loathed to have to go back their for servicing etc if thats what their customer service is like!

tarajayne

Got a new Corsa Design in July, we were also looking for a new company car for my partner, guy in the garage was great, gave loads of brochures and offered him test drives in the new 4x4 and Vectra. Even let us take the Corsa out for 45 mins on our own. Would say it was just a crap garage, I tried 3 Vauxhall garages before I was happy with parting with my money, also got nearly 2k off!

JoeyEmma

Defo going to have to go to another dealership!

What do you think of your Corsa? What engine size did you get? I keep thinking about a 1.2, but my boyfriend says I'll hate it and should get a 1.4!

tarajayne

1.2 was rubbish, 1.4 ok but it felt like I was pushing it at 70mph. Not the best when a bit extra was needed to get around a tractor on the test drive and there's alot of them around here. I then went out in the 1.3 90bhp diesel design, great, cruises along at 70mph and still has more power when going up hills, lot of them around here too. Was listed at 13k and settled at £11363 with full tank and mats, 0%.

tarajayne

Surely if company is buying it you could have a diesel and it would cost you less in tax, our Honda CRV 4x4 diesel costs us the same as our 1.8 petrol astra did.

JoeyEmma

They buy it and I lease it from them and can buy it at the end of the 3 years. A Corsa 1.4 SXi would be £140 a month including tax, insurance, all servicing and any repairs.

I know others that have a Honda Jazz for £108 a month.

I've never thought about getting a diesel!

tarajayne

My partner had the Astra Sxi, I found the sports seats uncomfortable, the design is the next one up from that, has alloys, leather seats, silver dash, automatic wipers and lights as standard. Also has some oomph!