Refused a test drive

coil1985 · 03-07-2023 2:13pm #1

Just back from a garage I drove 30 mins to get to in order test drive a car. Got there and car looked fine and had a look around it.

Eventually asked to take it out and was told that it had only started charging (it was a plugin hybrid) and something about a paint job (I think it had some detailing work). There was dust on the bonnet though and I was told it was because the car had been outside. Super confused.

I mentioned that I had been test driving a lot cars and I wonder if he thought I was doing that for the good of my health as opposed to finding the right car.

Either was, complete waste of time.

artanevilla · 03-07-2023 2:18pm

Did you book a test drive with the garage? Not sure too many garages would let a walk in go for a test drive.

Either way, probably best to just move on, plenty more cars in the sea.

coil1985 · 03-07-2023 2:23pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120799828#Comment_120799828

aye, I rang this morning to arrange. I was only wondering if that's a usual occurrence. Don't worry, I'll move on :)

artanevilla · 03-07-2023 2:49pm

If you booked it, it's bad form, especially if they didn't ring at any point and say "actually it won't be ready, can you come at x time."

If you just rock up though it's more likely they won't take you out.

bazz26 · 03-07-2023 3:08pm

Sounds odd to be honest and probably a blessing in disguise, imagine what they would be like coming back with an issue to address.

What car was it, is it a big franchised dealer or a porta cabin in a yard type trader? Do you have a link to the advert? I've rocked up to a good few dealers unannounced for a test drive before with no issues. I've also rang ahead some only to arrive and find the car still parked behind a load of other cars or had a dead battery. It sounds like a dealer with an unprofessional attitude to me but unfortunately there is alot of that about.

coil1985 · 03-07-2023 3:22pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120800053#Comment_120800053

It was a 2020 330e, 124,000km. It was a small garage but has very good reviews on Google.

bazz26 · 03-07-2023 3:39pm

I wouldn't be paying much attention to google reviews. Sure anyone can create a google review irrespective of whether it's factual or not.

coil1985 · 03-07-2023 4:00pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120800200#Comment_120800200

reviews don't seem fake to me. But doesn't matter much now anyway.

brokenbad · 03-07-2023 4:06pm

God be the days when you could just turn up at a dealership and take a car for a test drive.......nowadays car salesman view potential buyers with suspicion unless you arrive in a suit and tie and are on first name terms with them.

User1998 · 03-07-2023 6:39pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120800262#Comment_120800262

That’s actually priced very well.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120800291#Comment_120800291

Its not very practical or efficient for staff to be waiting around for potential customers to show up when they could be out and about getting things done. Particularly in smaller garages where there might be only one or two staff members.

03-07-2023 6:48pm

Bought a phev recently. Rocked up to the garage, took it for a drive .deal was signed within an hour and I paid the final third of the cost a week after picking up the car.

RobertM · 04-07-2023 8:04am

Happened to me a couple of years ago.. Rang the dealer to check if the car was still available, was told yes. Let him know he was a 2 hour drive from me and I would be there at lunch time.

Arrived there, barely acknowledged me, car was in the back of the lot with no potential to move it (blocked by 10 other cars). Battery was dead, inside was filthy.

Needless to say I just took my money somewhere else.

SodiumCooled · 04-07-2023 12:59pm

I don't think I have ever booked a test drive in advance from a dealer, always just arrived.

argentum · 04-07-2023 2:58pm

Turned up to 3 different BMW dealerships recently

Looking at an X3

All 3 dealers didnt engage with me at all

No Hello we'll be with you in a minute

No can I help you

In my nearest dealer 3 sales guys were sitting around talking about the drinks the night before and taking paracetamol about 4m from me while I was sitting in an X3

I actually left to look at a model outside and came back in but still ignored so left for good

goochy · 04-07-2023 4:54pm

You should complain to management , probably used to BMWS sell themselves.

mickdw · 04-07-2023 5:02pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120804627#Comment_120804627

That's just how I find mercedes dealers.

Bmw not so much.

It boggles the mind.

mikeecho · 04-07-2023 8:16pm

Reminds of a story I heard many years ago.

A group of traveller's turned up to a Ford dealership, making noise, and just being loud.

Salesman told them to take a hike, they return a few weeks later with 2 brand new transits.. just to rub it in the nose of the salesman.

True or not, I don't know for sure

mickdw · 04-07-2023 10:13pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120805957#Comment_120805957

There is a few versions of that one going around.

I heard that Toyota dealer wouldn't talk to them and they drove past a couple of weeks later with 20 new transits

Stallingrad · 05-07-2023 9:23am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120804627#Comment_120804627

Personally I prefer not to be approached by a salesperson if I am looking around. If one is needed I will ask to see one. Not being an apologist for poor customer service, and I am sure it does go against their training not to greet a potential customer, but there is nothing stopping you from engaging with one when you are ready.

argentum · 05-07-2023 12:38pm

True but if I'm going to spend the guts of 75k the least I want is hello...can I help you with anything

Or

I'll leave you alone but any questions I'll be at my desk to help you

Stallingrad · 05-07-2023 1:34pm

Absolutely, it is very basic stuff.

Strumms · 05-07-2023 2:10pm

nobody is going to hand over tens of thousands of euros for any item / commodity without having the opportunity to test it, experience it and inspect it and be engaged with proactively by people working there.

Unfortunately sales is a position that seems to attract a whole host of bluffers and insincere conniving ne'er-do-well’s….. not all but they are very prevalent in that job.

sales people should be making your experience in selecting a vehicle for purchase easier….

Educate · 05-07-2023 8:09pm

In the last three years we've rocked up to BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Mini, and Skoda main dealers without booking ahead for a test drive. Never once had an issue getting a test drive in the car we were interested. Never once ignored by sales staff. Same with three non-main dealer garages.

freshpopcorn · 06-07-2023 3:57pm

I'd your in a shop selling candles for €8 or a garage selling cars for €250,000 you should still greet the customer and stop the chit chat with colleagues and act professional.

Of course some customers just want to look around and don't want help but others do.

mikeecho · 08-07-2023 3:48pm

I learned quick and fast, back during the boom, when I was building a house, if you don't give me the time of day, you don't get my money.

A lot of those companies, are long gone, those that still exist and were good to me, will get repeat business.

Car dealerships included.

Money walks.

I've met people from those businesses that I didn't do business with, they've tried to sell stuff, and I've reminded them of my past experience.

Always remember, they want your money.

Refused a test drive

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