Check list and how to handle the test drive?

[Ram1500OwnerMaybe]

I always take a pre-printed copy of my Driver's License. This way they can't hold me hostage by not giving it back to me.

Does it help to also write "Do not perform a credit check." ? Or are they going to do what they want anyway?

I usually ask if just me and my wife can take the test drive and they always so "No, we have to come along." Any tricks to taking a test drive without the sales guy?

Always have key check points to check or else I will forget various key compoents I wanted to inspect.

Any other tips???

 

[ferraiolo1]

Last few I’ve done the sales guy doesn’t go, just say you don’t want to ride with them due to “Covid”

And they have to give your license back anyway, otherwise you’d be test driving the truck without id.


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[Dustin_Tarditi]

They just photocopy your license - most dealers don't care about running credit checks right away anymore.
I've not had the salesperson on a test drive in several years - with covid they just send you on your way.
I did have a sales person call wondering where I was one time, because I was with my boys, and we pulled over in a parking lot on the test drive so they could run around it like monkeys opening all the cargo cubbies and trying out all the different seats, etc.

 

[brian42]

Check panel fitment. Is there a difference between sides? Is there enough gap between panels when opening the doors?

Check all the knobs and buttons. Do they operate the functions?

Check all the plugs (bring a USB cable for your phone). Does the phone start charging when you plug it in? Can you select it as an input (if applicable)?

Engage the 4wd (if applicable) and drive forwards and backwards in a straight line to make sure it works, transfer case shifts, and no binding (including 4LO).

Other than that I open everything to make sure it works (doors, glove box, hood, tailgate, etc.).

It's better to be thorough and find it now than later than evening when you go to turn on the headlights and nothing happens.

 

[Threesuns1]

Also check for the foam bottle insert in the driver's door, mine was missing. The salesman just went to another truck on the lot, grabbed it, and put it in my truck.

 

[MontFla]

Should be common sense to all of us

 

[brian42]

Should be common sense to all of us

It should be, but in the heat of battle sometimes things slip from your mind if you don't go in prepared.

A lot of shiny new vehicles, the smell of new cars on the sales floor, and a silver-tongued salesperson to keep you distracted is effective since that's a sales model that has been employed for decades.

Some people don't adjust as well to the pressure as others so prefer to go in more prepared, and I understand that. The higher the pressure (or distraction) means more of a chance for the dealership to make the most money with the lowest effort.

I have met plenty of people that can recite a procedure word for word but the moment you put them in front of the equipment and start the timer they can't remember any of it.

 

[MontFla]

Yes I guess there are street smarts and book smarts!!! My wife was terrified to trade in a vehicle until I showed her how easy it is. That silver tongue salesman is just a person trying to see how far they can push you. Like a bully sometimes. Then there are the great salespeople who start a conversation before trying to swindle you out of 60 grand.,,.., They are all just human. Think of yourself as an informed confident buyer and control the flow of the sale. Be the informed confident buyer and know the vehicle you are after. I sold for Ford for Three months. I kicked seasoned salespeople to the side and ate their lunch! In truth the dealership I worked for the sales mgr was a bully. The lil Blond sales girl got several grand off to close a deal and some of the seasoned sales people were at his mercy to make a sale. Before approaching him I already had befriended the customer and had an idea of their intent. Buy now or shop around. I quit when I saw a Marine trade in a mustang on a Ranger and get burned on both ends. Made me want to puke! I realized I was not a car salesman but gave me the confidence to stand up to any salesperson and win!!! Be informed know they features you want take a checklist if needed but control the flow. You have the control to purchase they do not have the control to make you purchase.

 

[Mountain Whiskey]

If he says he needs to come on the drive, "I don't give rides to strangers." When you open that showroom door suddenly they will have a policy change.

 

[ZombieSlayer]

I let the sales lady come on the test drive, she was kinda cute

 

[Dewey]

This is how you do it….