Test drive

[pelzerd]

For those that have sold your roadster, how did you handle the test drive aspect of selling your roadster? Any best practices?

[gbranham]

Yep, let them drive it. Not an unreasonable request. Just go with them.

Greg

[cv2065]

My buyer first sat in it and got a good feel for the size. He was an older gentleman and had a big belly, so only about an inch between it and the steering wheel. He asked, "Do the seats go back any?" I said "Nope, it is what it is." He says, "OK, I think I can make this work!" :p

Then we went for a drive, but I wouldn't let him drive it. He had a great time, laughing like a kid the entire way. You have no idea the background of these people and these cars can be a handful even for a seasoned driver. You wouldn't want the liability if something happened. Also lends to after the sale. Always get an 'As Is' waiver. You don't anticipate anything happening from a build perspective, but you always want to legally cover yourself.

He bought 2 days later....Cash. :D We banked at the same bank, met there, and did the transfer of funds. At the bank is always the best case scenario. Interestingly enough, never heard from him again.

[pelzerd]

Thank you guys for the feedback, greatly appreciated! I will probably take them for a ride and then let them drive it.

[edwardb]

Your choice of course. I've sold several of these and don't let them drive it. I'm up front about it and so far no one has objected. I'll take them for as long a ride as they want, show them what they want to see, and answer all their questions. I even had one buyer that once I delivered the car still didn't want to drive it right away. My opinion is that a truly interested and motivated buyer won't keep this from making a decision and eliminates the risk. Which can be significant. Look at how many of these (and other cars) are sold on Bring a Trailer. Which I've done once. No driving there either.

[ggunter]

I know my insurance only covers me. Occasionally I let one of my close friends drive it with me and I know I'm taking a chance with him. I don't think I would let a prospective buyer drive it. I would take a prospect for as long a ride as he wanted.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Things went a little differently when I sold my Mk3. After I listed it I got a message from a man in Utah that was interested (I'm in indiana). I sent him a link to a bunch of photos and some additional info. He called me shortly and said "I'll take it. Give me your bank information and I'll do a wire transfer." That was it! No negotiations, just tell me where to send the money! About a week or so later he and his wife flew out to see the car and to meet up with the shipper. They came in, looked at the car, asked a few questions, sat in it and then asked if we could take it for a drive. I replied "Hey, it's your car!" He got in on the passenger side and said "You drive." So effectively I was taking him for a test drive in a car that he already owned :D After we went a few miles we traded places and he drove back to my place and waited for the shipper to arrive. Definitely not a typical transaction!
eff

[Blitzboy54]

I sold mine and only had one in person test drive. He was the person that bought it. I had a couple out of town offers so my guess is those people already knew what they were getting into.

I drove, gave him a spirited rip and after he said he would take it at the asking price. A few days later money was transferred and the car was delivered. Under no circumstances would I have let anyone else drive it short of the full asking price in escrow. I am the warranty and the only one insured to boot. Just no other good way to do it without substantial risk.