How old to test drive alone.

#1 Pony · 11-16-2001, 12:40 PM

How old do you have to be, for them to allow you to test drive alone?

1969Mach1 · 11-16-2001, 12:50 PM

I'd probably imagin when you have your full licence. But don't hold me to that.

2FastLX · 11-16-2001, 01:03 PM

I'm 31 years old and the salesmen still insist they have to go with me when I test drive sports cars. The best way to get a test drive without the salesman is to take someone with you posing as your wife. That is as long as you look old enough to be married LOL.

Either that or take a guy old enough to be your older brother and maybe they will let you go it alone.

Another bit of useful info is to try to pick the salesman that looks like he likes fast cars. I've had salesmen actually tell me to put the car to the test.

HiFlow5 0 · 11-16-2001, 01:32 PM

take a freind with u who knows a little about cars. when u look at the car have your friend start looking underneath and at the motor, like he's a mechanic. have him start pointing things out that are wrong with the car. then ask to take the car for a spin. my buddy and i did this one day just for haha's, we ended up at like 5 different dealers testing cars that we had no intention in buying. i guess we really looked interested, it was fun!

tireburner163 · 11-16-2001, 01:37 PM

Some places the insurance requires the salesman to ride with you, some places require you the be 21, and some you just have to have a licence.

BTW I've test drove many a car I never intended to buy

Mr 5 0 · 11-16-2001, 07:44 PM

As you can see from the previous posts, the answer to your question is: It varies.

I was once a salesman at a Ford dealership (in California) and the management required a salesman to go with every customer on a test ride - no matter his/age. They cited 'insurance regulations' as the reason.

The real reason was that some customers did abuse the cars and shortly before I came to work there a brand new Crown Victoria was stolen by a 'customer' on a solo 'test drive' who never came back. They never found the car, either.

RAGE_5.0 · 11-16-2001, 08:22 PM

well my plan is going to be going around to car lots in my dad 45 000 dollar truck
i think it will work
my area is a farming area with many a rich farmers that drive trucks like ours
i can't wait
i am actually thinkg about buying a new car next year because i am gettin tired of fixing sumthing every week on the fox body
e brake twice in 2 weeks
it was fixed then i snapped the cable again

Rebel79 · 11-17-2001, 01:11 AM

The only time I have been able to test drive a car without having a salesman tag along was when my mom was buying a Mustang GT.

69fastback · 11-17-2001, 01:48 AM

I know the place i worked at in califronia u had to be 18 and the salesman had to go with u no matter what.

2FastLX · 11-17-2001, 04:45 AM

I almost forgot about this little trick...
Go test drive the car with the salesman then go pick up your partner in crime and come right back and tell the salesman you want to take them for a ride to see what they think.

I did this with a brand new GT in 89 (I was only 18) and I got to go solo. WOW! Needless to say I didn't hold back a bit.

That was a trip down the road I will never forget

11-17-2001, 06:15 AM

I use to be a salesman, (i know, Ive heard it) the real reason is not ins. it's cause it is very revealing to the salesperson of what you think of the car. and is a very good time to get you saying "YES" and that means $$$$.
You would not believe the phsyscoligy that is used and tought to sales people in selling cars. You gotta believe me it is intense. would you believe that when on a test drive if you make only right turns you have a far better chance of selling to the cust. than if you make left turns. think about the test rides with salesman they tell you where to go and it's always right turns not left.
I'll stop now, but it is hard to do without a salesperson unless they are new

PKRWUD · 11-17-2001, 06:31 AM

I go on test drives by myself several times a week. They usually last anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour, and I'm intentionally hard on every single one. Of course, they are my customers cars, and I'm either verifying their complaint or confirming that it's fixed, but they're still "test drives".

Doesn't count, huh? I tried.

Take care,
-Chris

fiveohpatrol · 11-17-2001, 01:31 PM

I'll be 20 next week and i've already been on plenty of solo test drives by myself. You just gotta be smooth.

Last year I got into some somewhat nice clothes, washed my dad's expedition and went on my way. First stop was at a dealer that had a silver 2000GT right out front. I stopped and had a salesman on my *** about 20 seconds later. I made up a story about the truck being my highschool graduation present and that i was really a mustang guy so i wanted to trade it in or just have my dad buy me another car separately. Im sure he was like "cha ching!" So I ask him if i could take the GT for a drive. And he hands the keys to me and walks inside. Needless to say I ran the crap out of it.
Next stop was another dealer that had a brand new 01GT, same story, same scenario. FUN FUN FUN

Last stop of the trip was when i saw a veryyy pretty 96 mystic cobra sittin out at a different dealer. I was like, "theres no way they would let me drive that, let alone by myself" Boy was I ever wrong, That was the absolute longest burnout i have EVER done (on a testdrive that is

) It was so nice, fast/smooth/strong/ stable, nothing like my 13 year old stang. I told him i'd think about it and never came back

i will tell you one thing though, the second purchase i make when i get out of college will be a 96 mystic cobra (1st will be a procharger for my present car

)

sorry i wrote so much, just wanted to let you know it CAN and HAS been done

RAGE_5.0 · 11-17-2001, 02:58 PM

i'm gonna use five0patrols story along with my dads ram (see above post)

Stang Runner · 11-17-2001, 03:37 PM

I tryed to test drive a car 21 they would not let me with my dad. A 351S Saleen

They must have saw how I pulled in to the dealer with my mustang hehe

Rebel79 · 11-19-2001, 12:09 PM

Hey Chris we did a thread on StangNet about Kitty Porn.

I took a few of those pics myself.

http://forums.stangnet.com/showthrea...threadid=92042

1969Mach1 · 11-19-2001, 12:51 PM

Well I'd like to test drive a new stang doubt that'll happen cause I'm only 17. I don't mind if the guy is there I just wanna test it out. I know my dad is looking on getting one as soon as the T-bird dies.

So I'll probably stop in and take a look and watch how all the saleman(or woman) doesn't help me then I'll race home and come by in my stang and tell them thanks for helping me. I'm not sure if it's a local thing but the Ford dealership by my house sucks for 1 thing they hardly ever have stangs, but they never even want to help. I've been to others with my dad and they are always so friendly and helpful. Anyway . . . . .
Ohh... and Rebel79, I think some of those ppl have issues involving there cats. lol We're trying to put a end to Kitty Porn not promote it. lol And that one cat is HUGE.

Take it Easy Guys,

PKRWUD · 11-20-2001, 05:09 AM

reb, there's a very nice gentleman I know that has an office in Encino that would like to meet you. His name is Doctor Carlin, and he has milk and cookies.

Take care,
-Chris

Crazy Horse GT · 11-20-2001, 08:54 AM

i know im off topic here but thanks for your help pkrwud i apprecite it a bunch,marty

11-16-2001, 12:50 PM	#2
1969Mach1 HEY I CAN SET A NAME NOW! Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 2,556	I'd probably imagin when you have your full licence. But don't hold me to that. __________________ 1969 Mustang Mach 1Sold 351-4V Windsor, 4 Speed MACH 1 - Moving At The Speed Of Sound. 1979 Mustang Indianapolis 500 Pace Car For Sale - Email me for Info 302-2V, 3-Speed Auto One of 2,106 made One of 405 sent to Canada. Yes those are caution lights, and No you can't pass me when there on. Ricer Hater's Club - Member #4

11-16-2001, 01:03 PM	#3
2FastLX The Photoshop Guru Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Mecca, Indiana Posts: 1,419	I'm 31 years old and the salesmen still insist they have to go with me when I test drive sports cars. The best way to get a test drive without the salesman is to take someone with you posing as your wife. That is as long as you look old enough to be married LOL. Either that or take a guy old enough to be your older brother and maybe they will let you go it alone. Another bit of useful info is to try to pick the salesman that looks like he likes fast cars. I've had salesmen actually tell me to put the car to the test. __________________ Project: 1988 Coupe - EFI 5.8L Twin Turbo with Victor intake, Canfield heads, F303 cam, March aluminum underdrive pulleys, TKO (or T56 if funds permit), PBR twin piston calipers and 13" rotors up front, 94 Cobra rear calipers and 12" rotors on the rear, 3.73's, Griggs K-member, tubular front control arms, torque arm and panhard bar, polished 99 Cobra wheels. "The GR-40 kit installation is now complete, and the humble Fox-chassis car will now out-corner and out-stop a ZR-1 or a Viper, and support massive horsepower additions with perfect balance." Griggs Racing ICQ# 42269241

11-16-2001, 01:32 PM	#4
HiFlow5 0 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Springfield, Ma, usa Posts: 706	take a freind with u who knows a little about cars. when u look at the car have your friend start looking underneath and at the motor, like he's a mechanic. have him start pointing things out that are wrong with the car. then ask to take the car for a spin. my buddy and i did this one day just for haha's, we ended up at like 5 different dealers testing cars that we had no intention in buying. i guess we really looked interested, it was fun! __________________ NewEngland Auto www.baystategearheads.com -91 Mustang Coupe, ex 4cyl (sold) -99 F150, 3" lift, 35" Procomps, Magnaflow exhaust

11-16-2001, 01:37 PM	#5
tireburner163 It's a lot like a race car Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Meridian, MS Posts: 4,130	Some places the insurance requires the salesman to ride with you, some places require you the be 21, and some you just have to have a licence. BTW I've test drove many a car I never intended to buy __________________ 1987 Buick T-type 1998 HD Electra Elide

11-16-2001, 08:22 PM	#7
RAGE_5.0 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Leamington, Ontario, Canada Posts: 767	well my plan is going to be going around to car lots in my dad 45 000 dollar truck i think it will work my area is a farming area with many a rich farmers that drive trucks like ours i can't wait i am actually thinkg about buying a new car next year because i am gettin tired of fixing sumthing every week on the fox body e brake twice in 2 weeks it was fixed then i snapped the cable again __________________ Black 1990 Cobra Mac offroad H pipe, Hooker aerochambers , k&n bunch of stuff that I'm to lazy to type out sitting in my room

11-16-2001, 12:40 PM	#1
#1 Pony Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Posts: 268	How old to test drive alone. How old do you have to be, for them to allow you to test drive alone? __________________ One who comes with Thunder.

11-16-2001, 07:44 PM	#6
Mr 5 0 Conservative Individualist Join Date: May 1997 Location: Wherever I need to be Posts: 7,487	As you can see from the previous posts, the answer to your question is: It varies. I was once a salesman at a Ford dealership (in California) and the management required a salesman to go with every customer on a test ride - no matter his/age. They cited 'insurance regulations' as the reason. The real reason was that some customers did abuse the cars and shortly before I came to work there a brand new Crown Victoria was stolen by a 'customer' on a solo 'test drive' who never came back. They never found the car, either.

11-17-2001, 01:11 AM	#8
Rebel79 News Editor Join Date: Apr 1999 Location: Concord, CA Posts: 2,101	The only time I have been able to test drive a car without having a salesman tag along was when my mom was buying a Mustang GT. __________________ Scott Halihan, News Editor The MustangWorks Magazine 1994 Supercharged Mustang Cobra Rebel Racing. Home of Bay Area Mustangs

11-17-2001, 01:48 AM	#9
69fastback IRAQ VET Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: high desert California Posts: 1,480	I know the place i worked at in califronia u had to be 18 and the salesman had to go with u no matter what. __________________ 428 Cobra Jet SOHC 5.4 3V F-150 96 mystic cobra 91 GT

11-17-2001, 04:45 AM	#10
2FastLX The Photoshop Guru Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Mecca, Indiana Posts: 1,419	I almost forgot about this little trick... Go test drive the car with the salesman then go pick up your partner in crime and come right back and tell the salesman you want to take them for a ride to see what they think. I did this with a brand new GT in 89 (I was only 18) and I got to go solo. WOW! Needless to say I didn't hold back a bit. That was a trip down the road I will never forget __________________ Project: 1988 Coupe - EFI 5.8L Twin Turbo with Victor intake, Canfield heads, F303 cam, March aluminum underdrive pulleys, TKO (or T56 if funds permit), PBR twin piston calipers and 13" rotors up front, 94 Cobra rear calipers and 12" rotors on the rear, 3.73's, Griggs K-member, tubular front control arms, torque arm and panhard bar, polished 99 Cobra wheels. "The GR-40 kit installation is now complete, and the humble Fox-chassis car will now out-corner and out-stop a ZR-1 or a Viper, and support massive horsepower additions with perfect balance." Griggs Racing ICQ# 42269241

11-17-2001, 06:15 AM	#11
crankEpulley Guest Posts: n/a	I use to be a salesman, (i know, Ive heard it) the real reason is not ins. it's cause it is very revealing to the salesperson of what you think of the car. and is a very good time to get you saying "YES" and that means $$$$. You would not believe the phsyscoligy that is used and tought to sales people in selling cars. You gotta believe me it is intense. would you believe that when on a test drive if you make only right turns you have a far better chance of selling to the cust. than if you make left turns. think about the test rides with salesman they tell you where to go and it's always right turns not left. I'll stop now, but it is hard to do without a salesperson unless they are new

11-17-2001, 06:31 AM	#12
PKRWUD Junior Member Join Date: Mar 1999 Location: Ventura, California Posts: 8,981	I go on test drives by myself several times a week. They usually last anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour, and I'm intentionally hard on every single one. Of course, they are my customers cars, and I'm either verifying their complaint or confirming that it's fixed, but they're still "test drives". Doesn't count, huh? I tried. Take care, -Chris __________________ Webmaster: Rice Haters Club Jim Porter Racing Peckerwoods Pit Stop Support Your Local RED & WHITE!

11-17-2001, 01:31 PM	#13
fiveohpatrol I'd rather be basketweaving Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 2,551	I'll be 20 next week and i've already been on plenty of solo test drives by myself. You just gotta be smooth. Last year I got into some somewhat nice clothes, washed my dad's expedition and went on my way. First stop was at a dealer that had a silver 2000GT right out front. I stopped and had a salesman on my *** about 20 seconds later. I made up a story about the truck being my highschool graduation present and that i was really a mustang guy so i wanted to trade it in or just have my dad buy me another car separately. Im sure he was like "cha ching!" So I ask him if i could take the GT for a drive. And he hands the keys to me and walks inside. Needless to say I ran the crap out of it. Next stop was another dealer that had a brand new 01GT, same story, same scenario. FUN FUN FUN Last stop of the trip was when i saw a veryyy pretty 96 mystic cobra sittin out at a different dealer. I was like, "theres no way they would let me drive that, let alone by myself" Boy was I ever wrong, That was the absolute longest burnout i have EVER done (on a testdrive that is ) It was so nice, fast/smooth/strong/ stable, nothing like my 13 year old stang. I told him i'd think about it and never came back i will tell you one thing though, the second purchase i make when i get out of college will be a 96 mystic cobra (1st will be a procharger for my present car ) sorry i wrote so much, just wanted to let you know it CAN and HAS been done __________________ NMRA O/C 9516 NA pumpgas stickshift 347 10.65@125.6, 6.73@100, 1.41 60ft

11-17-2001, 02:58 PM	#14
RAGE_5.0 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Leamington, Ontario, Canada Posts: 767	i'm gonna use five0patrols story along with my dads ram (see above post) __________________ Black 1990 Cobra Mac offroad H pipe, Hooker aerochambers , k&n bunch of stuff that I'm to lazy to type out sitting in my room

11-17-2001, 03:37 PM	#15
Stang Runner Registered Member Join Date: Jun 1999 Location: Walker, MI, USA Posts: 1,202	I tryed to test drive a car 21 they would not let me with my dad. A 351S Saleen They must have saw how I pulled in to the dealer with my mustang hehe __________________ Engine: steel mounts, Under drive pulleys, K&N, GT-40 Intake ported Lower, No power steering, No A/C, Mac cold intake, 65MM TB, 255 Fuel pump, 24's, AFR 165 58cc, Rocker Arms 1.7with the stock Cam, 1 5/8 short headers, offRoad X-pipe Drive Train: 3.55, T-5 with a Pro 5.0 shifter 12.656@107.71MPH See It at www.T-racing.com/mustang.htm

11-19-2001, 12:09 PM	#16
Rebel79 News Editor Join Date: Apr 1999 Location: Concord, CA Posts: 2,101	Hey Chris we did a thread on StangNet about Kitty Porn. I took a few of those pics myself. http://forums.stangnet.com/showthrea...threadid=92042 __________________ Scott Halihan, News Editor The MustangWorks Magazine 1994 Supercharged Mustang Cobra Rebel Racing. Home of Bay Area Mustangs

11-19-2001, 12:51 PM	#17
1969Mach1 HEY I CAN SET A NAME NOW! Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 2,556	Well I'd like to test drive a new stang doubt that'll happen cause I'm only 17. I don't mind if the guy is there I just wanna test it out. I know my dad is looking on getting one as soon as the T-bird dies. So I'll probably stop in and take a look and watch how all the saleman(or woman) doesn't help me then I'll race home and come by in my stang and tell them thanks for helping me. I'm not sure if it's a local thing but the Ford dealership by my house sucks for 1 thing they hardly ever have stangs, but they never even want to help. I've been to others with my dad and they are always so friendly and helpful. Anyway . . . . . Ohh... and Rebel79, I think some of those ppl have issues involving there cats. lol We're trying to put a end to Kitty Porn not promote it. lol And that one cat is HUGE. Take it Easy Guys, __________________ 1969 Mustang Mach 1Sold 351-4V Windsor, 4 Speed MACH 1 - Moving At The Speed Of Sound. 1979 Mustang Indianapolis 500 Pace Car For Sale - Email me for Info 302-2V, 3-Speed Auto One of 2,106 made One of 405 sent to Canada. Yes those are caution lights, and No you can't pass me when there on. Ricer Hater's Club - Member #4

11-20-2001, 05:09 AM	#18
PKRWUD Junior Member Join Date: Mar 1999 Location: Ventura, California Posts: 8,981	reb, there's a very nice gentleman I know that has an office in Encino that would like to meet you. His name is Doctor Carlin, and he has milk and cookies. Take care, -Chris __________________ Webmaster: Rice Haters Club Jim Porter Racing Peckerwoods Pit Stop Support Your Local RED & WHITE!

11-20-2001, 08:54 AM	#19
Crazy Horse GT Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Sale Creek, TN. C. S. A. Posts: 4,652	i know im off topic here but thanks for your help pkrwud i apprecite it a bunch,marty __________________ 95 gt vert, lot's of stuff, it aint slow. 04 sonic blue v - six my beater 89 rs camaro iroc turbo hood, other stuff, my wifes ride 84 lx stang cammed up 289 hi po, etc 65 falcon, maybe by the year 2020. black 00gt, gone but never forgotten. R H C- member # 1 o.b.c. da prez- member # 1 if your under 40 dont ask. goodbye for now odie,r.i.p. 11-27-03

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
test drive for the hell of it?	82 GT	Blue Oval Lounge	19	03-10-2004 10:50 PM
took the beast for first test drive today	82 GT	Windsor Power	13	11-27-2003 06:36 AM
First test drive for 2002!!!	joakim	Blue Oval Lounge	8	04-21-2002 02:38 PM
Unit 5302's Retro Test Drive 1995 GT	Unit 5302	Blue Oval Lounge	12	04-16-2002 01:51 PM
Dont 99+ GT's have Alunimum drive shafts?	Mercury	Modular Madness	5	05-15-2001 12:33 PM