Test drive a preordered car?
 

So, I have driven the FR-S that the dealer already has on the lot (twice), but then ordered the Monogram... When it arrives, hopefully this week, I should still drive it before signing papers, right? Just to make sure something's not wrong with it? This is my first time buying a car by ordering it.

Thanks!

Always drive it.

Yep, a good idea to take it for a short drive. Also, check it over for any damage. Check the tires pressures.

I always check the oil level. Why? Just because I always check the oil level after my car has been to a dealership ...... http://www.runemasterstudios.com/gra...ages/whaat.gif


humfrz

It wouldn't be a bad idea to take it around the block as part of YOUR pre-purchase inspection. Any salesman with a brain isn't going to object, especially not with a sale that close to completion.

I did the same thing, but had a chance to drive a friend's first. They will let you drive the car when it comes in, you can always walk away if you don't want it and they should rip up the deposit you left them.

It's not a huge deal, they will check the car in dealer inspection. I would make sure to tell them not to drill the front bumper if you live in a front plate state.

I'd not only drive it but go over every inch of it with a fine-tooth comb. Document any damage or anything you don't think is right, especially any body or paint damage. Once you take delivery it's your word against theirs.


I found some minor scratches under the front lip on mine - very common from taking the cars off the trucks. Dealer wasn't going to mention it, you couldn't see it unless you got under the car. They offered to sand and repaint it but I took a $300 discount instead. Figured I'd probably scratch it myself eventually anyhow.

I was very meticulous when I picked up my car. If you're spending +25k, you should make sure the car is pristine in every way.

Make sure they don't wash it if you're serious about detailing your car... Too many horror stories of dealers screwing up the paint around here when the cars first started arriving in 2012.

Thanks everyone. I do not have to worry about the front plate, as TN is not a two plate state, but I did request that the dealership NOT put their lettering on the car, usually stuck on with white letters on the back somewhere.

I guess my plan for now is to go there when they tell me it is ready, look it all over, inside and out, take a photo of the odometer (to get the low mile picture!), and then take it for a quick test drive, listening for any weird sounds, etc.

Now just hurry up and GET here!

When I went to the dealership to pick up my BRZ, it was outside with a "Congratulations" sign in the window. I didn't even bother going inside the dealership to find my saleslady. I took advantage of no one being around and went over that the car in great detail. Saleslady eventually noticed me and came outside, which is when I requested the test drive. Like others have said, it would be dumb of a salesperson to turn you down when they're that close to a sale.

I have the opposite approach. It's only a $25K car so if it isn't perfect whatever!

I did not test drive mine when I went to pick it up. I just had them pull it out from under the shade into direct sunlight so that I could inspect the car.
Only found two things:
1. stupid dealer advertisement sticker on the trunk
2. left over residue from the wrap (all cars are delivered wrapped).



Had both taken care of and was on my way.

This is some of the best advice out there. When I was much younger, I had a first run edition of the Toyota Matrix. Took it in for an oil change. Guess what, the dealer forgot to PUT NEW OIL IN. After that, well, things didn't go so well. SO. IN sum, Humfrz's advice here is on point. Always check your oil level after getting your car from the dealership.