During my car selling days, the test drive was one of the love-or-hate parts of the job. Away from the showroom, I got to know the customer in a more neutral environment and I could immediately tell if the buyer was serious or not. On the other hand, if the client is just kicking the tires and looking for something to do on a Saturday, going on a walk may be a huge time waster. I discovered that buyers who came prepared for a test drive had the best car buying experience; They were on a mission.
But not every test drive takes place at a dealership. A decade-old data from the Federal Trade Commission says about one-third of used car transactions occur through private sellers. While the mechanics behind the wheel are almost the same regardless of the vendor, what happens before and after the ride is mostly different. Being on both sides of a private-seller transaction, a non-dealership test drive can be unpredictable. Some owners think their Honda Civic should be treated like an Aston Martin DB5, while others can barely be bothered to deal with strangers. There are also security concerns regarding personal safety and risk of fraud.
On the other hand, dealers are in the business of selling cars. If you’re in the showroom and breathing, expect at least some incentive to purchase. You probably won’t worry about safety, but it might be a mistake not to take the phrase caveat emptor (buyer beware) to heart. Whether you’ve only had test-driven vehicles at dealerships and are curious about the private-sale experience, or you’re preparing to visit a dealership for the first time, knowing what to expect from each can help you get the most from the drive. Of course, there are tips for preparing for a test drive.
test drive the car at the dealership
If you care about convenient scheduling, you’ll appreciate the dealership business model. You can visit only six or seven days a week, and many shops are open even on holidays. More punctual people may prefer to schedule appointments. Dealers are happy to accommodate both preferences. Before you drive, you will be asked for your driver’s license, which will be copied or scanned. The business wants to know who you are if something bad happens during a test drive. Reputable dealers won’t run your credit, but some operations will use your information to create a buyer profile to prepare an offer. Yes, you’re trading personal information for the opportunity to drive someone else’s car.
Where I worked, the sales staff always had to accompany buyers on test drives, except for repeat customers. Not every dealer works this way, but the more expensive the car, the more likely it is that your test drive will be spoiled. The biggest drawback that comes along is that you may be asked to follow a predetermined route (I had short, medium and long options depending on the buyer). You can always ask for a deviation, but you may get rebuffed.
Probably, the biggest advantage of a dealership test drive is that there is more than one car to look at. This is especially useful when comparing powertrains. Another plus is that there is a salesperson who can explain the features and technologies of the car (although this may not be your experience 100% of the time). Additionally, you may be able to arrange an overnight test drive for a more real-world experience with the car.
Test drive a car from a private seller
Buying from a private seller means only one thing: anything goes. Unlike the structured setting of a dealership, individual salespeople can largely do what they want. It also requires you to do more work, from scheduling appointments. If you’ve ever worked with Facebook Marketplace, you know that sometimes it can be challenging to get responses. Security also needs to be kept front and center. Meet in a well-trafficked public place (in my area, I arrange meetings at a police department with video surveillance that is publicized for these purposes) and bring a friend. Smart salespeople will ask to see your driver’s license (I also ask for insurance information). Your homework includes verifying that the car is owned in the seller’s name (ask for their driver’s license to confirm).
Dealing with a private seller means you won’t be refused a test drive like some dealers. You can also expect a ride from the owner for a test drive, but you may have to deal with more trusted individuals. And unlike a dealer, you may have more flexibility in choosing a route. Assuming you’re not dealing with a flipper, the owner should be able to explain the features and specifications of the car. Some private sellers may also have maintenance and repair records for review, which is unlikely to be available for most used cars at dealerships.
Post-test-drive settings may be the same as at a dealer; The seller may apply pressure to make the sale. Alternatively, you may find an owner who is willing to wait for a better offer. You’re also registering and paying for the car yourself, whereas a dealer can usually handle the DMV paperwork and help arrange financing.
