anyone else do this??
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Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Dana Point, CA
17 years old might be a bit of a stretch. It honestly depends on the dealer. If he assumes (correctly or otherwise) that you either don't own the car or that someon (like your folks) bought it for you he's not likely to let you drive the car without showing proof of being able to buy whatever you're looking at. He can do this by having you fill out a credit app. prior to driving. By the way, if you are asked to do so, don't be offended. Many dealers ask for this if you want to drive something like an M3 or NSX. They aren't likely to do so if you want to drive a 330i.
As to MJCohen's question, they can't find out that you are leasing the car unless they have you fill out a credit app. Even then, if you want to deceive them you can simply follow Elanderholm's advice and tell them that you are contemplating upgrading.
I have driven a ton of cars in test drives. Sometimes it was because I was honestly thinking of buying the car but more often than not it was because I was curious. Even when I had my 1996 Civic EX 4 door I didn't have much trouble getting test drives. Despite my usual uniform of shorts, Reyn Spooner Hawaiian shirt, goatee and shaved head. I would get a few puzzled looks and then provide them with a business card. Done deal and we're off to the races.
If you get a cool salesman it can be a lot of fun. If you get stuck with a jerk, just back away and try another day or another dealer.
by the way, i always tell the salesman/woman that I am not going to buy a car that day. this way i don't lead them on and i usually avoid the slimy high pressure morons. just a tip so you can be fair to the few honest car salesman and avoid some of the jerks.
As to MJCohen's question, they can't find out that you are leasing the car unless they have you fill out a credit app. Even then, if you want to deceive them you can simply follow Elanderholm's advice and tell them that you are contemplating upgrading.
I have driven a ton of cars in test drives. Sometimes it was because I was honestly thinking of buying the car but more often than not it was because I was curious. Even when I had my 1996 Civic EX 4 door I didn't have much trouble getting test drives. Despite my usual uniform of shorts, Reyn Spooner Hawaiian shirt, goatee and shaved head. I would get a few puzzled looks and then provide them with a business card. Done deal and we're off to the races.
If you get a cool salesman it can be a lot of fun. If you get stuck with a jerk, just back away and try another day or another dealer.
by the way, i always tell the salesman/woman that I am not going to buy a car that day. this way i don't lead them on and i usually avoid the slimy high pressure morons. just a tip so you can be fair to the few honest car salesman and avoid some of the jerks.
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Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 8,332
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From: Torrance
WOW, you must have a cool salesman. Ususaly, when I tell them something like that, they just leave me alone. Probably just going to the worng dealers. Maybe the slaespeople are just more friendly down there in OC.
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Da Hapa
[B]by the way, i always tell the salesman/woman that I am not going to buy a car that day.
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Da Hapa
[B]by the way, i always tell the salesman/woman that I am not going to buy a car that day.
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,101
Likes: 0
From: Dana Point, CA
Mark-
I have found that there is usually at least one good salesman at every dealership. By good, I mean they know the product, are enthusiastic about it, and realize that a prudent shopper is going to look at more than one vehicle before he plunks down a ton of bucks.
On a few occassions, I have had salespeople dismiss me when I tell them that I am not going to buy that day. It hasn't been a problem, though, as I usually get someone else on the lot to spend the time with me.
I have found that there is usually at least one good salesman at every dealership. By good, I mean they know the product, are enthusiastic about it, and realize that a prudent shopper is going to look at more than one vehicle before he plunks down a ton of bucks.
On a few occassions, I have had salespeople dismiss me when I tell them that I am not going to buy that day. It hasn't been a problem, though, as I usually get someone else on the lot to spend the time with me.
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,101
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From: Dana Point, CA
By the way everyone. IMO, the best way to ensure that you are treated well an get an opp. to drive the car you want is to go to a dealership where the salespeople work on salary and not on commission.
I can't tell you how many SVT products (Mustang Cobra, Lightning's, Contours) I've have fun in at RSM Ford next to my house because of the mindset of the salary based sales people.
If that doesn't work, the aforementioned tactic of finding a slightly used car works.
All in all, I have found that most sales people at the "higher end" dealerships to be more professional and thus willing to spend time with you than sales people at garden variety dealerships.
I can't tell you how many SVT products (Mustang Cobra, Lightning's, Contours) I've have fun in at RSM Ford next to my house because of the mindset of the salary based sales people.
If that doesn't work, the aforementioned tactic of finding a slightly used car works.
All in all, I have found that most sales people at the "higher end" dealerships to be more professional and thus willing to spend time with you than sales people at garden variety dealerships.
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Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 166
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From: Salt Lake City
CAUTION!!! Test driving cool cars for fun can lead to the purchase of more cars! I have a BMW 323ci and am on the list for a new M3. I noticed an S2000 at my local dealership and used the "I want to check out the competition to the M3" excuse in order to go for a test drive (with absolutely no intention of buying one). Lo and behold, not two weeks past before I bought me a brand new S2000. 
