Hi,

I have arranged to test drive a VW Golf tomorrow at a franchised dealer, but I have never had a test drive before. I just wondered if anybody could advise me on what to expect and if there is anything that I should watch for, please.

A couple of specifics:

* Would I normally be driving the car alone, or would somebody drive from the dealership come with me?

* If I am driving the car alone, what kind of checks do they do and what kind of documentation do I need to take with me?

* Will I be covered on their insurance (I don't have my own insurance yet)?

* What paperwork will they likely get me to sign and what should I watch out for?

* Are there any "unwritten rules"/etiquette with regards to does and don't?

Any help with the above and any general guidance would be really appreciated.

Many Thanks,

Paul

Taking your opening thread at face value why aren't you addressing these questions to the dealer? As it happens I took a test drive recently but I won't give you any information because I may badly mislead you because it wasn't a VW dealer.

To be honest I just want to get a feel for what to expect, so that I don't have to ask too many "stupid" questions when I am there (of course I'll ask whatever I need to at the time, but it is nice to be somewhat informed ahead of time).

Also, I want to know what to watch out for, what I should and shouldn't sign, or what I should query. Naturally the dealer isn't independant so I just wanted some neutral advice.

Thanks,

Paul

Having been in the car business for years I can tell you that these are the general rules:

1) You are unlikely to be allowed to drive the vehicle unaccompanied - a salesman will come with you;

2) You should be asked to show your driving licence - some won't ask, but they should;

3) You will be covered by the dealer's insurance;

4) You may be asked to sign a disclaimer stating that you haven't been disqualified, your details are correct etc. - this is for insurance purposes;

5) The dealer may ask you to sit down and discuss your purchase requirements before going on a test drive - don't forget it is his/her job to sell cars - but obviously you are not obliged to buy anything. While you are being asked questions, take the opportunity to get the answers to any questions you might have about the car.

I hope this helps.

Hi Hypertense,

Yes, that is very helpful thanks, I feel that I know a lot more about what to expect now.

Thanks very much for taking the time to respond, I appreciate it.

Best Regards,

Paul

Hi,

I just wanted to update this thread with my experience in case it is helpful to anybody in the future.

The test drive went pretty much as Hypertense described.

* The salesman did travel in the car with me

* I wasn't asked to show my licence (which I find a bit surprising)

* I wasn't asked to sign anything

* I didn't ask about the insurance, but I guess that I was covered

* I did have a quick chat about my requirements with the salesman

Thanks again Hypertense.

Paul

Now that you've reported I can tell you that a local "Indian" car dealer just gave me the keys. I had to ask how long I had. I had to ask about any excess should I have an accident, £250, and no paperwork. He photocopied my licence. He produced a form time in and out which I was supposed to sign on return just in case there were any "camera" offences. I was amazed at the lack of professionalism ie why wasn't there one standard form from the manufacturer. I was stunned by the lack of professionalism of the salesman who didn't bother to check the car on return among other things.