Where can I go test drive cars for the hell of it?

[Syringer]

So it's spring break and I'm bored at home..and wanted to go test out cars to pass time.

The only thing is I'm 20, and have no credit history really. Are there any specific dealerships that would let someone like me get a drive on? And if so, what's the best kind of car I can get into?

 

[Aimster]

carmax

 

[ApacheXMD]

bring your parents. Then they'll let you drive anything you want.
Going alone will only get you handshakes and business cards.

-patchy

 

[bolido2000]

You should be able to test drive anything "below" a Lexus or bimmer. I get test drives offers every time I go to nissan, mazda, honda, etc

 

[NutBucket]

Yeah, if its not a particuarly upscale car there should be no problem getting a TD. Usually I turn them down. Still don't know why the Mitsu salesman insisted I TD an Evo tho, not that I'm complaining

 

[Aharami]

Originally posted by: NutBucket
Yeah, if its not a particuarly upscale car there should be no problem getting a TD. Usually I turn them down. Still don't know why the Mitsu salesman insisted I TD an Evo tho, not that I'm complaining

i dont wanna TD anything more fun than my car...cuz then i wont be able to enjoy my car
ignorance is bliss

 

[rh71]

What kind of info do they require from you for a test drive ? Say I walk in and simply tell the guy I want to test drive that car over there... what should I have prepared ?

 

[Viper GTS]

Originally posted by: rh71
What kind of info do they require from you for a test drive ? Say I walk in and simply tell the guy I want to test drive that car over there... what should I have prepared ?

Driver's License should be all that's necessary.

Do NOT give them your SSN, and do NOT hand over your car keys.

Viper GTS

 

[DougK62]

You're 20 and you want to test drive new cars by yourself? I hope you look old. Good luck - most places will turn you down.

Go for used car lots.

 

[Ausm]

I just call up myh Car Salesman and tell him what I want to drive and he has them ready to go when I get off from work


Sysadmin

 

[StageLeft]

I second carmax. Lots of cars on the lot, and the only time I went the guy was very willing to let me test drive anything.

 

[Mill]

Originally posted by: DougK62
You're 20 and you want to test drive new cars by yourself? I hope you look old. Good luck - most places will turn you down.

Go for used car lots.

Umm.... no? I've never had a dealer turn me down. Oddly enough, I was thinking of going and test driving some stuff the other day. Might try out the new Auto Mall we have up the road. Wouldn't mind trying out a new 3 series.

 

[StageLeft]

Originally posted by: Mill

Originally posted by: DougK62
You're 20 and you want to test drive new cars by yourself? I hope you look old. Good luck - most places will turn you down.

Go for used car lots.

Umm.... no? I've never had a dealer turn me down. Oddly enough, I was thinking of going and test driving some stuff the other day. Might try out the new Auto Mall we have up the road. Wouldn't mind trying out a new 3 series.

Where is the new automall? Carmax?

 

[Mill]

Originally posted by: Skoorb

Originally posted by: Mill

Originally posted by: DougK62
You're 20 and you want to test drive new cars by yourself? I hope you look old. Good luck - most places will turn you down.

Go for used car lots.

Umm.... no? I've never had a dealer turn me down. Oddly enough, I was thinking of going and test driving some stuff the other day. Might try out the new Auto Mall we have up the road. Wouldn't mind trying out a new 3 series.

Where is the new automall? Carmax?

The new Tom William stuff out on Grants Mill. Exit 30 something on 459. They've got Audi, Porsche, BMW, Land Rover, Dodge, and building more stuff out there. They have CPO Bimmers and Audis. You and Emma should go take a look see I dare say.

 

[rh71]

Originally posted by: Viper GTS

Originally posted by: rh71
What kind of info do they require from you for a test drive ? Say I walk in and simply tell the guy I want to test drive that car over there... what should I have prepared ?

Driver's License should be all that's necessary.

Do NOT give them your SSN, and do NOT hand over your car keys.

Viper GTS

perfect - exactly what I needed to know to watch out for.

 

[NutBucket]

Originally posted by: Aharami

Originally posted by: NutBucket
Yeah, if its not a particuarly upscale car there should be no problem getting a TD. Usually I turn them down. Still don't know why the Mitsu salesman insisted I TD an Evo tho, not that I'm complaining

i dont wanna TD anything more fun than my car...cuz then i wont be able to enjoy my car
ignorance is bliss

Yeah, that's true. It was hard getting back into my car after that, but I'm not complaining

 

[CraigRT]

Originally posted by: ApacheXMD
bring your parents. Then they'll let you drive anything you want.
Going alone will only get you handshakes and business cards.

-patchy

I've always been able to take out almost whatever I want when I got to the dealerships.
the last thing I drove was a 2004 Ram 4x4 HEMI... notta problem! I'm 22.

 

[BigSmooth]

They're only going to turn you down if it's obvious that you are not really going to buy the car. Even if you're young, they'll let you do a test drive if they think there is a potential sale there. There are plenty of 20-year-olds that buy or lease cars.

Don't dress like a slob. Don't immediately demand a test-drive, feign interest in the features/price of the car first. Ask how it compares to competing cars. Maybe even take in a file folder with info on the car in it.

You probably won't get to drive Corvettes or anything, but if you come off as a truly interested buyer, most salesmen are not going to turn you down.

 

[NutBucket]

Oh yeah, go on days when they're not busy.

 

[Mill]

I actually went and did this today. I had to kill three hours before class, so I went to the Jaguar dealership. I test drove a loaded X-Type with the sport package. If I wasn't upside down on my Audi loan, or could finally sell my Mustang I'd buy it. It still doesn't appeal that much to younger buyers, but I was really impressed with it much more than a BMW or Audi. I might have to look at MB and Saab next. I've actually thought of leasing since I don't really like staying in a car for more than 2 years. Only problem is I drive a lot more than 12k miles a year, so leasing would be fairly silly. I wasn't leading the sales guy on either. I told him I had to sell another car first, and that I wasn't sure when it would happen.

He was a really nice guy, and we actually knew some of the same people. He played for University of Alabama as a DB, and then 8 years with the Indianapolis Colts. One of his good friends off of the Alabama team was my PE teacher in HS. If I could pull off 37k right now I'd buy it.

 

[Mill]

Hmm... went and drove an Acura TL today. Lots of power, very nice interior, but it being FWD made it bleh. If Acura had made this car RWD or AWD I'd be in love. Nav is great sound is great... XM rocks as well. I'd have to say it pwned the Jag, but too bad because it not being RWD/AWD made this simply not true. Damn you Acura.

 

[Vic]

Originally posted by: NutBucket
Yeah, if its not a particuarly upscale car there should be no problem getting a TD. Usually I turn them down. Still don't know why the Mitsu salesman insisted I TD an Evo tho, not that I'm complaining

Heh... my Evo test drive was straight out of Ferris Bueler's Day Off :evil: