Test Drive/Buyers Etiquette Question?
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Test Drive/Buyers Etiquette Question?
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I'm selling my C32 and I have a question for my fellow car enthusiasts.
When you show your car to a prospective buyer, how often do you let someone "Test-Drive?".
How do you normally qualify a prospective buyer?
In the process of selling, I had a couple of people test drive the car and then tell me.. Well, I'm looking at a lot of cars, (MB, BMW etc..), but I just wanted to see what a C32 was like..
Frankly, I was a bit annoyed because I would decide what I wanted to buy (Make/Model), before I went driving other peoples cars. Also, I'd make that ANY car I'd ask to drive would already be on my "short list". I kind of feel like that is just common courtesy.
I guess what I'm asking is.. how did those of you who have sold higher end cars qualify prospective buyers?
I have no problem with a serious buyer asking to drive the car, I just don't want to waste my time with people who are just interested in "the experience" of driving a C32.
I'm selling my C32 and I have a question for my fellow car enthusiasts.
When you show your car to a prospective buyer, how often do you let someone "Test-Drive?".
How do you normally qualify a prospective buyer?
In the process of selling, I had a couple of people test drive the car and then tell me.. Well, I'm looking at a lot of cars, (MB, BMW etc..), but I just wanted to see what a C32 was like..
Frankly, I was a bit annoyed because I would decide what I wanted to buy (Make/Model), before I went driving other peoples cars. Also, I'd make that ANY car I'd ask to drive would already be on my "short list". I kind of feel like that is just common courtesy.
I guess what I'm asking is.. how did those of you who have sold higher end cars qualify prospective buyers?
I have no problem with a serious buyer asking to drive the car, I just don't want to waste my time with people who are just interested in "the experience" of driving a C32.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2002
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I have very similair thoughts as you do. If they want the "experience" they can drag their butts to a dealer who has more C32's to be abused and used rather then in front of your eyes on your own car.
I would deny the test-drive because many high-end cars are purchased without test-drives anyways.
I would deny the test-drive because many high-end cars are purchased without test-drives anyways.
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I'd never let someone abuse the car during a test drive. I'm just EXTREMELY picky about my car and have made it a habit to park FAR away from other cars and I take perfect care of it. It's just wierd having someone you don't know drive it and quite upsetting when you then find out they are not serious.
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Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Bowie, MD
03 C32 AMG Blk/Blk
Not sure with a car, but I have the same thoughts as you two.
I know in the past when I sold my motorcycle I told potential buyers to bring verified funds in-hand if they were interested in driving my bike. I think I did this more because it's easier to wreck a bike than car.
But now that I think about it, I do know a lot of people that would just come out to drive the car just to get that "experience" which would **** me off.
-Mike
I know in the past when I sold my motorcycle I told potential buyers to bring verified funds in-hand if they were interested in driving my bike. I think I did this more because it's easier to wreck a bike than car.
But now that I think about it, I do know a lot of people that would just come out to drive the car just to get that "experience" which would **** me off.
-Mike
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Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Chicago
2006 SLK55 AMG/// 2006 Porsche CaymanS 2010 135i
In the past 2 years I've outright sold an 2002 VW GTI an 2001 Audi S4 and a 2004 VW R32. Not high end cars but certainly above average.
I always talk to the potential buyers on the phone to get a better understanding of who they are and what they are looking for.
In all cases I've talked to people who "just wanted to drive" and people who had been in the market for these models and had extensive knowledge of the cars and what to look for with each car. After a "phone qualification" I met potential buyers at a location that was not my garage (you never know) and took the buyers for a ride that was a combination of city/highway driving and made sure to use an many of the cars features as possible, radio/CD/Moonroof etc. Once I felt comfortable with who they were I offered them a chance to drive, starting in a large parking lot and then moving on to the street. I had a guy who knew everything there was to know about my Audi but he couldn't drive stick that drive stopped immediatley while still at the parking lot...etc. etc.
I beleive that spending time talking with your potential buyers is the best bet. It really comes down to a gut check. It also pays to look at what they are currently driving, if their existing car is so far down the food chain that a $30k and above purchase doesn't make sense there's probably a reason for that.
It's your car you have the right to say no!
I always talk to the potential buyers on the phone to get a better understanding of who they are and what they are looking for.
In all cases I've talked to people who "just wanted to drive" and people who had been in the market for these models and had extensive knowledge of the cars and what to look for with each car. After a "phone qualification" I met potential buyers at a location that was not my garage (you never know) and took the buyers for a ride that was a combination of city/highway driving and made sure to use an many of the cars features as possible, radio/CD/Moonroof etc. Once I felt comfortable with who they were I offered them a chance to drive, starting in a large parking lot and then moving on to the street. I had a guy who knew everything there was to know about my Audi but he couldn't drive stick that drive stopped immediatley while still at the parking lot...etc. etc.
I beleive that spending time talking with your potential buyers is the best bet. It really comes down to a gut check. It also pays to look at what they are currently driving, if their existing car is so far down the food chain that a $30k and above purchase doesn't make sense there's probably a reason for that.
It's your car you have the right to say no!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Hong Kong
C55AMG W203; 330i E90
Well, my only experience was 4 years ago when I was selling my 5.5 yr old Honda Prelude VTEC 2.2 . This guy saw my ad on the internet and we dated a time and a convenient place to meet. He tried everything . I even let him to take my car to his friend's garage to examine it. I was all the way with him. Why I trusted him:-
- based on our conversation, I can feel he is serious.
- I was selling the Prelude at ~US8200, not a dear C32
My suggestion is to ask hime frank questions:-
1. how comfortable is about the dollars you offer
2. what is the chance he will buy if he has found nothing wrong with the car ?
Then, you decide whether you can let him drive.
If you feel unsafe, bring a friend with you.
Never invite him to your house and know where exactly you live
Find the good condition raods for test drive and tell him exactly where he is supposed to be driving.
CNT
- based on our conversation, I can feel he is serious.
- I was selling the Prelude at ~US8200, not a dear C32
My suggestion is to ask hime frank questions:-
1. how comfortable is about the dollars you offer
2. what is the chance he will buy if he has found nothing wrong with the car ?
Then, you decide whether you can let him drive.
If you feel unsafe, bring a friend with you.
Never invite him to your house and know where exactly you live
Find the good condition raods for test drive and tell him exactly where he is supposed to be driving.
CNT
