What happens when test driving a new car?

colin79666

I think I've test driven about 6 cars - once, funny enough when I was looking for my first car aged 19 they just handed over the keys and left me to it. Had a sales person ride along on the rest but they weren't too fussed about checking over my license (do take it with you as they may want to see it).

I generally just do a 15 minute drive along their suggested route and if I am really interested in the car/model then I go back and have a longer drive along a route of my choosing. Going back also shows them you are serious and they can have a look at my potential trade in when I'm out in theirs.

Don't be rushed whatever you do. There are plenty of models and dealers out there so be prepared to walk away if the deal isn't right for you.

iammumtoone

I actually test drove the car I got twice. Once on my own whilst I was deciding which one. Then went back again with my son and Dad with me. I wanted to check that it was suitable for my Son before committing.

My Dad had to come as I agreed to buy after that (wasn't going back again :rotfl:) and I needed someone to occupy Son whist I negotiated the deal.

On second test drive I actually took it home and parked in my space (parallel park outside house) we got out went in house and got back in again as a test run to see how it would be every day! Bit overkill, but for me I was spending alot (to me) of money and wanted to be happy with it.

forgotmyname

Ive had a dealer hand me the keys and trade plates and not come with me. I did wonder if he wanted me to steal it.

Some years ago i bought a car and gave it a blast up the bypass, the dealer sat in the passenger seat and he didnt appear to enjoy the journey. It was a straight road and a 150mph+ car...

WantToBeSE

Thank you everyone, i guess i'll just have to wait and see what happens tomorrow.

doningtonphil

Last yeear looking to test drive cars as our current lease was coming up for renewal.

Went to Nissan Carlisle and asked about the Qashqai, even told them we were likely to lease elsewhere but would consider their business finance. Dealer asked me what spec we were looking for then pointed me in the direction of the relevant demonstrator in the forecourt. Took hold of mine and my wifes driving licences and just handed us the keys and said see you later. 2 junctions of the M6, bit of country lanes, both had a turn. Lovely

Weent to the Mazda dealer as we liked the look of the CX3 (also had new Kia Sportage available too). Asked man about a test drive and he said he wasn't free now but he would take some details and then we could make an appointment to go out WITH HIM for a test drive. we didn't bother.

Very happy with our Qashqai

neilmcl

WantToBeSE wrote: »

Wow, that's very trusting!

Perfectly normal. In fact most of the test drives I've had has been the same.

weeowens

First test drive I had was on a new Honda Jazz back in 2002. The salesman just gave me the keys & let me have the car for the weekend. He did not even ask for ID. I did buy a car off him.

MX5huggy

Unless you really want to don't feel you have to park it when you get back to the dealer just pull up and offer the keys to the salesperson to park it. Parking a strange car while being watched by a stranger is something I avoid.

WantToBeSE

MX5huggy wrote: »

Unless you really want to don't feel you have to park it when you get back to the dealer just pull up and offer the keys to the salesperson to park it. Parking a strange car while being watched by a stranger is something I avoid.

Good idea! Although i might want to try the parking to see for myself, as the car i am test driving will be considerably wider than my little Hyundai Getz! Actually, i might take it to a quiet car park somewhere on the test drive and see what it's like to reverse park too.

WantToBeSE

doningtonphil wrote: »

Last yeear looking to test drive cars as our current lease was coming up for renewal.

Went to Nissan Carlisle and asked about the Qashqai, even told them we were likely to lease elsewhere but would consider their business finance. Dealer asked me what spec we were looking for then pointed me in the direction of the relevant demonstrator in the forecourt. Took hold of mine and my wifes driving licences and just handed us the keys and said see you later. 2 junctions of the M6, bit of country lanes, both had a turn. Lovely

Weent to the Mazda dealer as we liked the look of the CX3 (also had new Kia Sportage available too). Asked man about a test drive and he said he wasn't free now but he would take some details and then we could make an appointment to go out WITH HIM for a test drive. we didn't bother.

Very happy with our Qashqai

I tried the QashQai, Juke (bad visibility), Kia Sportage and Renault Kadjar (my friends cars)
.
Today I'm trying the Suzuki Vitara.