Not allowed to test drive??? - Page 2

init4fun · 05-09-2017, 11:39 AM

Before buying I test drove a 1SS and a bunch of 2SS cars as I wasn't sure what options I wanted. Also drove a Mustang GT and a ScatPack without anyone giving me any grief about it. When I asked to drive the Hellcat they looked at me a little funny but didn't say no.

There is a dealer here that won't let you drive ZL1 or any model Vette. Not to worry as there is another dealer a few miles away that will gladly hand you the keys to anything you want to drive.

Glen e · 05-09-2017, 11:41 AM

It happens and just like the supplier thread, it's totally his choice. A bad choice, IMO, but his , nonetheless. Both should be discussed right up front.

But if you want to get a test drive on a hot car, do all the numbers first, get the deal done with a buyers order and give them a CC card of $500. On the buyers order mark "deal subject to successful test drive"

I realize everyone will hate this, but if I had 1 zl1 in stock, I might hesitate if I didn't know the guy or till he showed the above. Why? Because I can sell this car without a test drive to someone....for a while....

enzia35 · 05-09-2017, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gpskinzhut

I drove 3 different SS's at the same dealer over the course of 9 months without a hitch. First time they slapped the dealer plate on and sent me and my girlfriend down the road on our own.

3rd time the sales rep said I could take the car home for a day or two if I wanted.

I woulda' laughed in his face, and then went to another dealer.

Why would you laugh at the guy would let you take the car home for a day?

gpskinzhut · 05-09-2017, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by enzia35

Why would you laugh at the guy would let you take the car home for a day?

No I was referring to the OP's sales guy.

Spartan268 · 05-09-2017, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glen e

It happens and just like the supplier thread, it's totally his choice. A bad choice, IMO, but his , nonetheless. Both should be discussed right up front.

But if you want to get a test drive on a hot car, do all the numbers first, get the deal done with a buyers order and give them a CC card of $500. On the buyers order mark "deal subject to successful test drive"

I realize everyone will hate this, but if I had 1 zl1 in stock, I might hesitate if I didn't know the guy or till he showed the above. Why? Because I can sell this car without a test drive to someone....for a while....

Yeah I can definitely understand the whole idea behind kids just going for a test drive then bailing out. I was reading online that some places like Nissan don't even allow test drives on the GTR since most folks who will consider buying it would just buy it right off the bat. I clarified yesterday whether he mean't by a refundable deposit kind of deal but he confirmed it has to be completely signed off and finalized that I'm buying it. He added in that I basically have to go based off my research on which to choose..
What I found weird is that they had 0 SS's on the lot and one was in service. The only available demo unit is the one that the manager drives around. Either it's selling like hot cakes and they don't care, or it's the opposite and everyone is scared of the beast that is the LT1.

Casalino · 05-09-2017, 11:57 AM

Yeah i would be pissed if they told me that and walk out. Tell them you'll take his advice and PURCHASE at ford or dodge. Screw him.

And to all the comments about having to test drive the car before making a purchase.

I ordered my 1LE without even seeing a new 6th gen. Let alone driving a 6th gen SS. I didn't even drive any previous gen SS's. My only experience was a minor test drive on a 2016 mustang gt. The saleswoman told me not to push the car she was afraid.

But anyways, from what i heard on the computer about the new 1LE, i could care less about driving it or seeing it. My mind was made up. And i was even happier having my first experience with the car was driving my 1le home after delivery.

Goobaba · 05-09-2017, 12:06 PM

I've been on both sides of the coin. One dealer made me give them references before I could drive but none the less let me drive. Almost all other dealers were jumping at the chance to let me drive, one dealer asking me if I wanted to take a Z/28 on a test drive

Stex · 05-09-2017, 12:11 PM

Glen is correct. Some dealerships are that way with the SS and Vetts. Esp. if you call on the phone. I show up and dress reasonable (not like one just mowed the lawn). IF I'm ready to buy, I tell them such and just trying to decide between a 2SS and say a stang or 1ss and 2ss or what ever. If you see a car you really want and ready to buy, just follow Glen's process if they are a no test drive on that car. At least you may get one that has not been beat on, over revved etc...

Once ,not ready to buy, I told them such up front and said lets just drive a V-6 to see if I fit and can get over the visibility issue. Have even driven the used versions to get an idea, if not ready to buy just then.

JustinOpinion · 05-09-2017, 12:28 PM

The only valid reasons I can think of for a dealership to decline a test drive would be: 1) You too young and cannot be legally liable for any damages; 2) You have said or done something while visiting to give them legitimate reason to consider you a risk or a person who is not a serious buyer; 3) The car you want to drive is already SOLD or on hold for a buyer.
In the case of #1, bringing an older adult along should resolve that. I would thank them for their time and let them know I'll be shopping and buying elsewhere, then leave. If you feel like you need more satisfaction, make a call to the district manager for Chevy or write Chevy a letter (the real kind, that you mail). They will bring one to your house for you to drive!

mcintyre1969 · 05-09-2017, 12:40 PM

Van Texas? Canton Dealership?

SF Giants · 05-09-2017, 12:46 PM

I wouldn't buy at a dealership that refused me a test drive. I had no problems test driving a 2LT at one dealership, a 1SS at another, and 2SS (the one I bought!) at a 3rd dealership. I went there dressed in a polo and jeans, nothing fancy.

It wouldn't surprise me though, if they denied test drives to teenagers or people who come in looking like a homeless person. They would probably assume that person isn't looking to buy. Not saying these instances apply to the OP.

AmericanMike · 05-09-2017, 12:53 PM

About 12 years ago I went to a dealership looking to test drive a Cadillac XLR. I was wearing a tshirt and cutoffs. The dealer looked at me and declined me. They wouldn't even give me a sales brochure! They watched me walk off to the service area where I was getting my year old CTS serviced. The manager came out to apologize and offered me a test drive at that time. Presentation is the key.

Now fast forward to December 2017 and the dealer tossed me the keys, a full tank of gas for the SS vert and said "give it a workout".

Dennis Northwest · 05-09-2017, 12:54 PM

I had a similar situation where the sales person at my local dealer wouldn't let me test drive in the rain because she was scared. (It rains nonstop for 9 months a year here). I received a call from a different dealer a week later begging me to test drive which is what closed the deal and made me trade my 5th gen SS for a 6th gen. Every time I get my oil changed at my local dealer, I remind the sales person that she missed a sale due to "no test drive in the rain".

wavsine · 05-09-2017, 01:28 PM

Maybe the salesman has seen this video:

05-09-2017, 11:41 AM	#16
Glen e Retired from Car mfrs.... Drives: 2LT RS/HR-V Join Date: May 2013 Location: /Fort Lauderdale Posts: 10,044	It happens and just like the supplier thread, it's totally his choice. A bad choice, IMO, but his , nonetheless. Both should be discussed right up front. But if you want to get a test drive on a hot car, do all the numbers first, get the deal done with a buyers order and give them a CC card of $500. On the buyers order mark "deal subject to successful test drive" I realize everyone will hate this, but if I had 1 zl1 in stock, I might hesitate if I didn't know the guy or till he showed the above. Why? Because I can sell this car without a test drive to someone....for a while.... __________________ Glen CLICK HERE for detailing a new car: detailing for non detailers CLICK HERE for how to rinseless CLICK HERE for EASY wheel sealant

05-09-2017, 12:28 PM	#23
JustinOpinion Drives: 2017 Camaro ZL1 Join Date: May 2017 Location: Delaware Posts: 213	The only valid reasons I can think of for a dealership to decline a test drive would be: 1) You too young and cannot be legally liable for any damages; 2) You have said or done something while visiting to give them legitimate reason to consider you a risk or a person who is not a serious buyer; 3) The car you want to drive is already SOLD or on hold for a buyer. In the case of #1, bringing an older adult along should resolve that. I would thank them for their time and let them know I'll be shopping and buying elsewhere, then leave. If you feel like you need more satisfaction, make a call to the district manager for Chevy or write Chevy a letter (the real kind, that you mail). They will bring one to your house for you to drive! __________________ 2017 Black ZL1 6MT

05-09-2017, 12:40 PM	#24
mcintyre1969 Drives: 1968 SS/RS, 2006 H2 2016 2SS White Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Texas ( Southern Moron) Posts: 770	Van Texas? Canton Dealership? __________________ 2016 2SS White fully loaded

05-09-2017, 11:39 AM	#15
init4fun Drives: 2017 50th Anniversary Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: illinois Posts: 424	Before buying I test drove a 1SS and a bunch of 2SS cars as I wasn't sure what options I wanted. Also drove a Mustang GT and a ScatPack without anyone giving me any grief about it. When I asked to drive the Hellcat they looked at me a little funny but didn't say no. There is a dealer here that won't let you drive ZL1 or any model Vette. Not to worry as there is another dealer a few miles away that will gladly hand you the keys to anything you want to drive.

05-09-2017, 11:57 AM	#20
Casalino Drives: 17' 1LE BLK Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: New York, New York Posts: 443	Yeah i would be pissed if they told me that and walk out. Tell them you'll take his advice and PURCHASE at ford or dodge. Screw him. And to all the comments about having to test drive the car before making a purchase. I ordered my 1LE without even seeing a new 6th gen. Let alone driving a 6th gen SS. I didn't even drive any previous gen SS's. My only experience was a minor test drive on a 2016 mustang gt. The saleswoman told me not to push the car she was afraid. But anyways, from what i heard on the computer about the new 1LE, i could care less about driving it or seeing it. My mind was made up. And i was even happier having my first experience with the car was driving my 1le home after delivery.

05-09-2017, 12:06 PM	#21
Goobaba Drives: 2016 V6 RS Manual Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: ATL Posts: 109	I've been on both sides of the coin. One dealer made me give them references before I could drive but none the less let me drive. Almost all other dealers were jumping at the chance to let me drive, one dealer asking me if I wanted to take a Z/28 on a test drive

05-09-2017, 12:11 PM	#22
Stex Drives: 67 goat, 69 goat ram air III Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: South texas Posts: 1,443	Glen is correct. Some dealerships are that way with the SS and Vetts. Esp. if you call on the phone. I show up and dress reasonable (not like one just mowed the lawn). IF I'm ready to buy, I tell them such and just trying to decide between a 2SS and say a stang or 1ss and 2ss or what ever. If you see a car you really want and ready to buy, just follow Glen's process if they are a no test drive on that car. At least you may get one that has not been beat on, over revved etc... Once ,not ready to buy, I told them such up front and said lets just drive a V-6 to see if I fit and can get over the visibility issue. Have even driven the used versions to get an idea, if not ready to buy just then.

05-09-2017, 12:46 PM	#25
SF Giants Drives: 2016 Camaro 2SS Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Central California Posts: 74	I wouldn't buy at a dealership that refused me a test drive. I had no problems test driving a 2LT at one dealership, a 1SS at another, and 2SS (the one I bought!) at a 3rd dealership. I went there dressed in a polo and jeans, nothing fancy. It wouldn't surprise me though, if they denied test drives to teenagers or people who come in looking like a homeless person. They would probably assume that person isn't looking to buy. Not saying these instances apply to the OP.

05-09-2017, 12:53 PM	#26
AmericanMike Drives: 2017 Camaro SS FIFTY Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: North Carolina Posts: 554	About 12 years ago I went to a dealership looking to test drive a Cadillac XLR. I was wearing a tshirt and cutoffs. The dealer looked at me and declined me. They wouldn't even give me a sales brochure! They watched me walk off to the service area where I was getting my year old CTS serviced. The manager came out to apologize and offered me a test drive at that time. Presentation is the key. Now fast forward to December 2017 and the dealer tossed me the keys, a full tank of gas for the SS vert and said "give it a workout".

05-09-2017, 12:54 PM	#27
Dennis Northwest Drives: 16 1SS A8 NPP Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Pacific Northwest Posts: 99 View My Garage	I had a similar situation where the sales person at my local dealer wouldn't let me test drive in the rain because she was scared. (It rains nonstop for 9 months a year here). I received a call from a different dealer a week later begging me to test drive which is what closed the deal and made me trade my 5th gen SS for a 6th gen. Every time I get my oil changed at my local dealer, I remind the sales person that she missed a sale due to "no test drive in the rain".

User Name		Remember Me?
Password