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Would you buy a car without test driving it? - READ ONLY

37 messages,  Last post on Jan 26, 2013 at 7:18 AM

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What is this discussion about? Car Buying, Car Leasing, True Market Value (TMV)

Messages Page 5 of 5

#32 of 37 the trend continues by steve_ HOST

Aug 14, 2012 (8:37 am)

"More than 1 in 10 U.S. car shoppers skip a test drive, buying a car without checking the ride, a new study shows."
 
The article talks about net research as a substitute but I think this quote may be the real reason:
 
"The aversion to test drives may be rooted in the dealership experience"
 
Translation - people hate going to car dealers.
 
Car Shoppers Often Skip Test Drive, Study Reveals (Inside Line)

#33 of 37 Re: the trend continues [steve_] by roadburner

Aug 14, 2012 (10:32 am)

Replying to: steve_ (Aug 14, 2012 8:37 am)
In 1995 I special ordered my Club Sport without driving one- mainly because Munich was building less than 400 of the little beasties. I had already driven a base 318ti and liked it, so I figured that adding an M Technic suspension and M Technic bodywork would only make the car better. Seventeen years later, I still love the car.
Last month my wife bought a CPO 328i- again without a test drive. Both of us had driven several permutations of the E9x 3ers, so there was no need to waste everyone's time.
Having said all that, there is NO WAY that I would buy a car that I had not driven in the configuration I was buying. One example:
 
I was a bit interested in a Lincoln LS V6 with a manual. They were extremely rare and there was no way to test drive a stick prior to purchase. I might not have liked the clutch take-up or the shift quality, but I'd be stuck with the thing(I guess I should count my lucky stars that I didn't get one, as Ford threw the LS under the bus and Lincoln began to specialize in building overpriced, tarted-up Fords).

#34 of 37 Re: the trend continues [roadburner] by steve_ HOST

Aug 14, 2012 (6:49 pm)

Replying to: roadburner (Aug 14, 2012 10:32 am)
I think the big issue is the ergonomics, especially with the seat. What if it turns out that the thigh support is just too short for you?
 
The problem is that often test drives are just too short for you to learn how comfortable the car is going to be after sitting in it cruising the Interstate for four hours.

#35 of 37 Rent a car first by nortd

Aug 15, 2012 (6:16 am)

First, I do my homework on the internet as to what I am interested in. When ever I purchase a new vehicle, I almost always rent that make and model for an overnight week-end day (the rates are very low on weekend days). This eliminates all the sales pitch nonsense (until you get to the Finance guy, who then tries to sell you everything from an extended warranty to a "lifetime wax job"!!!
  I have done this with my last three vehicles. I know someone will say "well that's expensive" but this way I get to really test drive the car and can put bookoo miles on it and get to really feel how it drives and feels.
  I am not an expensive car buyer, so almost always I can find what I am interested in at local rental agencies.

#37 of 37 pardon the cross-post by steve_ HOST

Jan 26, 2013 (7:18 am)

"A new online service enables car shoppers to test drive vehicles without going to a dealership.
 
Tred, a Seattle startup with ties to former GM CEO Rick Wagoner, cuts dealership trips by delivering new vehicles for consumers to test drive and possibly purchase.
 
Tred drivers, not salespeople, deliver the vehicles wherever the shopper wants. The service ensures that dealerships can keep salesmen on the floor at all times, the company said."
 
Seattle startup tied to Wagoner delivers cars for test drives (Automotive News)

Messages Page 5 of 5

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