Test Driving new car by yourself....

636 Views 9 Replies 9 Participants Last post by JoeD, Nov 8, 2000

EricK

Discussion Starter · Nov 8, 2000

The Audi/Lexus Dealership of Rockville, MD let me take out the some of the cars by myself. I have taken the Audi S4, Lexus LX470, and Lexus GS430 by myself. I don't know whether different dealerships have different policies. It's either they let me take out the cars because they've seen me there before, or because they consider me to be a legitimate buyer. It was fun nontheless. Have you guys taken cars out on your own?
Eric....

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Almost There

· #2 · Nov 8, 2000

I think it really depends on a few things:

1. Dealer policy

2. What you look like (how you're dressed and groomed) and your age.
(this isn't really "PC" but I bet it's very true)

3. How soon you want to purchase (if your very serious, they'll most likely let you take it home for the night)

4. What you drive up in. (Goes along with what you look like . . . Ford Pinto won't get you far, but your AMG will!!

)

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Chiphead

· #3 · Nov 8, 2000

So if I drive up in a rented RR Corniche, do you think they will take home the Modena 360 for a week?

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Stephen

· #4 · Nov 8, 2000

Eric, Lexus of Rockville is one of the few dealerships left that will let you take the car out by yourself without asking. If you ask, most of them will ablige. They dont like you to drive it yourself because they can't sell you while you drive.

------------------
Stephen Withrow
[email protected]

98 Lexus LS400
97 Ford Explorer Limited

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EricK

Discussion Starter · #5 · Nov 8, 2000

Stephen, actually the times I test drove the LX470 and GS430 by myself, my salesman was dealing with another customer and didn't have the time to go with me. So he gave me the keys and asked me to be back in 15min.
Eric.....
I'm 25 years old and probably look my age....

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SeattleSheila

· #6 · Nov 8, 2000

Lexus of Tacoma let me take the car out by myself. I didn't even ask for the privilege. (Unlike at Infinity and Honda, where they didn't allow that.) He just gave me the keys and said "see you soon". I had arrived with my Dad, who waited for me in a dumpy-looking 1982 Bonneville wagon. I wore jeans, so I sure didn't look like I had lots of money (there's no lie...I don't). Bottom line, this guy was smart and treated me respectfully ...ANYONE could represent a sale and I apparently looked harmless enough...

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Doug

· #7 · Nov 8, 2000

I was allowed to take a Vette out by myself on two different occasions (two separate dealers) others told that they did not allow Vettes to go on test drives LMAO. I was also alone with a Porsche Cabriolet, M3, (oh yeah alone in an IS300) MRoadster.. What the hell are these people thinkin!!!!! Do they clue in when wisps of smoke from cooked brake pads wafts through the air or the pinging of an unseated motor cooling from high temps....?????? WAHAHAHA

I have to say that I have routinely been prequalified based on the vehicle I arrive in, does that sound familiar to anyone..

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Danny's 3.2TL

· #8 · Nov 8, 2000

I'm 18, and was totally surprised when the dealer allowed me to take the Audi A4 by myself. I still would have done fast turns and speeding even if he were in the car with me, but I felt it was a kind gesture to allow me to go on my own. I was wearing some khakis and a golf shirt, so I didnt look like some punk kid searching for a car to destroy. Honda also allowed me and a couple friends to take 2 of their cars out, but it was mainly because my dad called in and asked to allow me a test drive.

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isdisisdat

· #9 · Nov 8, 2000

Originally posted by SeattleSheila:
Lexus of Tacoma let me take the car out by myself. I didn't even ask for the privilege. (Unlike at Infinity and Honda, where they didn't allow that.) He just gave me the keys and said "see you soon". I had arrived with my Dad, who waited for me in a dumpy-looking 1982 Bonneville wagon. I wore jeans, so I sure didn't look like I had lots of money (there's no lie...I don't). Bottom line, this guy was smart and treated me respectfully ...ANYONE could represent a sale and I apparently looked harmless enough...

Sheila, what's the dealer's name? I wanna try him out when I buy mine next year. Hey, maybe if they offer some type of incentives to people (you) that can bring in prospect buyers (me) who end up buying, maybe you and I can make a little bit of money at 50/50.

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Anxiously waitin' for my '02 GGP manual...

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JoeD

· #10 · Nov 8, 2000

If you want to make sure the dealer doesn't come with you on a test drive bring some one to ride shot-gun with you. I went with my dad and the dealer didn't go on the test drive with us, he just gave us the keys and said to stay off the highway.

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