Who do you let Test Drive your Car?

[richdeyo]

I'd like to get everyone's opinion, I'm in the process of selling my 85 targa, When potential buyers come look at it, should I let everyone that comes just hop in and test drive my car. Or should I take them for a ride and see how interested they are? I don't want someone to trash the car by mistake. What has worked in the past for some of you? thanks for the advice.

[the]

I usually make an evaluation of the person, and how serious they are, and then make a decision.

But in general, IMO, you have to let people drive the car (with you in it, of course) for them to evaluate it and make a real offer. Yes, there are risks to that, he could pull out a gun and kill you, do a money shift and blow up your trans and bend your valves, etc. But at the end of the day, there are risks you are going to have to take when doing a private person to person sale.

I have to admit, I do get annoyed when I go to look at a used $15,000 Porsche and the guy acts like it is a Carrera GT or something. I'm a serious buyer, I need to drive the car to evaluate it, and I don't like being jerked around with bizarre conditions and hoops to jump through to test drive some 25 year old used car.

[Scott98]

I think if you want to sell your car you have to let the person drive it. I agree with the above post that there are risks you simply have to take. I would lay down some ground rules before you get in the car and also explain the proper way to shift. Be serious and let the person know not to f#ck around.

Scott

[jackpine savage]

Originally Posted by the

I have to admit, I do get annoyed when I go to look at a used $15,000 Porsche and the guy acts like it is a Carrera GT or something. I'm a serious buyer, I need to drive the car to evaluate it, and I don't like being jerked around with bizarre conditions and hoops to jump through to test drive some 25 year old used car.

How about a $4K car that has visible oil leaks front and rear, no coolant in the resevoir, won't let you look at the title, nor can you test drive it?! It takes all kinds, eh?

[mkimber]

I agree. Assuming you have determined that the buyer is qualified and serious, you should let them test drive the car (after you have driven first, of course, to let it warm up and you're in the passenger seat).

[morganb]

When I bought one of my cars the buyer only let me drive it once we agreed on a price and then if all was OK with the drive/PPI we would proceed. Seems fair enough to me and that is what I will be doing ffrom now on.