Test rides when selling?

[Dr. D]

I am selling my 135i. It is a great car, but I need something different (before I lose my license, or my hips lock up trying to get out of the car). One issue: Should I permit test drives, or how should I handle this?

I mean, I know to some degree I must. The worst scenario is some kid with a new license and his dad with the checkbook out, and them saying they have to take the car out first with the kid driving.

With other cars I've sold privately this hasn't been an issue, but: 1) Manual transmission, 2) 300 HP, 3) 300 ft-lb. Not a vehicle to learn how to shift....

[MuNkY6913]

If I was selling mine and someone wanted a test drive, I would drive and they would ride. Can't really hide anything. If someone really wanted it they would be satisfied with riding. If they gave me a hard time id tell them no longer for sale and ask them to leave. Haha.

[Booey1979]

I feel out how the seller is like. I sold 4 cars. Never had a bad experience. You get a sense how they are like over text message. If they're low balling you from the get go ignore them. They're not worth it.

[e36addict]

I understand some of the points made here, but I can't imagine buying a car without first driving it.. I mean unless I was really rich

[Solo_M_Tech]

Let him (her) ride, if he wants it he (or she) will pay. I'd never let someone test drive my 135i....

[jhipp]

Originally Posted by e36addict

I understand some of the points made here, but I can't imagine buying a car without first driving it.. I mean unless I was really rich

+1, there's no way I'd buy a car without a test drive. It's not a Ferrari, guys. If the buyer has proof that he or she is able to pay and nothing bad jumps out at you while talking to them then I say let them drive it. If you'd like collateral you can ask that you hold the check while they drive.

[Overpar56]

Originally Posted by jhipp

+1, there's no way I'd buy a car without a test drive. It's not a Ferrari, guys. If the buyer has proof that he or she is able to pay and nothing bad jumps out at you while talking to them then I say let them drive it. If you'd like collateral you can ask that you hold the check while they drive.

I had a car dealer want to drive me around in a new Celica back in the day. I laughed at him and went to another dealer.

Cars with certain mods are going to bring out Junior with a friend in tow. They'd never get to see it. I had a kid buy my old Acura and Dad was with him. I got Dad's license and proof of insurance and let them drive it. They ended up buying it.

If a guy wants to buy your 1er, have them show up with a hot wife or girlfriend. Leave her behind while he drives your car. Worst case is you lose your car and end up with a crazy nut job, but the sex would be outstanding.

[MightyMouseTech]

If someone would not let me test drive a car I was thinking of buying, I would honestly laugh and walk away.

[RedRanger]

I just test drove a 135i the other day. Think the guy was a little more willing to let me drive since I rolled up in a 128i and I am 27 years old. Took it easy on it and didn't try to push the car since it was not mine.

Only time I did not allow someone to test drive a car I was selling was when the kid did not have a license (he was in the process of getting one, he was from another country). I took him around in it and end up selling him the car anyways.

[SheDrivesIt]

Why not just go with them when they drive it?

[Cavpilot2k]

Before I decided to just get another 135 after my lease, I was doing my due dilligence and cross-shopping some. I went to a Subie dealer to test drive the new WRX and 2015 STI. They said they don't allow test drives of those vehicles (even the WRX) until the deal is basically done and you are signing papers.

I laughed and walked out with my $40+k and they will never see a cent of it with that attitude. I would not ever buy a car I didn't drive first.

[631twentyeighteye]

I wouldn't buy something without personally driving it myself. If the seller won't let me take it i assume they're lying about something and i'll walk away.

That being said, you can require a deposit in your hand before they're allowed to drive it and go with them while they drive it. Also a you break it you buy it policy works well here.

and if its a young kid and his dad, just say the dad has to drive it and not the kid. It's not the end of the world.

[Mach1er]

Originally Posted by Cavpilot2k

Before I decided to just get another 135 after my lease, I was doing my due dilligence and cross-shopping some. I went to a Subie dealer to test drive the new WRX and 2015 STI. They said they don't allow test drives of those vehicles (even the WRX) until the deal is basically done and you are signing papers.

I laughed and walked out with my $40+k and they will never see a cent of it with that attitude. I would not ever buy a car I didn't drive first.

Lol, got to drive a new WRX last year with <200 mi on the clock. "Don't go over 4,000 rpm" is all they said.

[HawkIS]

I would never buy a car that I didn't drive first. If someone didn't let me drive there car I would think they were trying to hide something.

[Gray_Panther]

Originally Posted by Jester105

I just test drove a 135i the other day. Think the guy was a little more willing to let me drive since I rolled up in a 128i and I am 27 years old. Took it easy on it and didn't try to push the car since it was not mine.

Only time I did not allow someone to test drive a car I was selling was when the kid did not have a license (he was in the process of getting one, he was from another country). I took him around in it and end up selling him the car anyways.

This. I like people like you that respect other's property.

[Esteban]

Like others have said, I would never buy a car without test driving it first. I wouldn't expect others to buy from me without a test drive as well. Just use caution and common sense.

[JRMorgan]

Originally Posted by Dr. D

I am selling my 135i. It is a great car, but I need something different (before I lose my license, or my hips lock up trying to get out of the car). One issue: Should I permit test drives, or how should I handle this?

I mean, I know to some degree I must. The worst scenario is some kid with a new license and his dad with the checkbook out, and them saying they have to take the car out first with the kid driving.

With other cars I've sold privately this hasn't been an issue, but: 1) Manual transmission, 2) 300 HP, 3) 300 ft-lb. Not a vehicle to learn how to shift....

If you go sit in the back. Hold onto their insurance card and license if you don't go.

[JRMorgan]

Originally Posted by Mach1er

Lol, got to drive a new WRX last year with <200 mi on the clock. "Don't go over 4,000 rpm" is all they said.

Years ago to test drive an A4 the dealer guy says with a straight face not to go above 120.

[Dr. D]

Originally Posted by SheDrivesIt

Why not just go with them when they drive it?

Oh, yes, I will go with them. I like the idea of holding the driver's license and insurance.

My comments weren't aimed at most (all?) of the people on this forum. I've sold cars privately before and a test drive is not an issue. With this car, I'm not so relaxed.

Thanks for the input!

[Dr. D]

No issues! Young guy and his father. After looking at the car, the father asks if they could test drive the car, or get a test ride. I say, "I'll drive," and they are cool with that. Neither are comfortable with a stick shift, so I give them a ride. Then they buy the car.

Cool!

[Mach1er]

Originally Posted by JRMorgan

Years ago to test drive an A4 the dealer guy says with a straight face not to go above 120.

Bahahahaha

[edisapimp]

Originally Posted by jhipp

+1, there's no way I'd buy a car without a test drive. It's not a Ferrari, guys. If the buyer has proof that he or she is able to pay and nothing bad jumps out at you while talking to them then I say let them drive it. If you'd like collateral you can ask that you hold the check while they drive.

+1