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AIBU?

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Original poster

Aibu to expect to test drive 3 cars at a dealership?

84 replies

Monvelo · 19/04/2025 16:03

Went to a big car dealership just to have a first look at some options. After looking, there were three types of car in the running so I asked about booking in test drives for a future date. I was told that they only let you test drive the one you are definitely interested in, having helped you narrow it down to just one. The reasons given were that it would take over an hour of staff time, it would be too confusing to me as the driver, and it's just not how they do things. I just don't understand this, based on price, space, mileage, reg etc, there is nothing to pick between the three types of car, so surely I would want to drive all three to see what I prefer!

OP posts:
faerietales · 19/04/2025 16:29

mainecooncatonahottinroof · 19/04/2025 16:28

I was surprised when DC1 pulled up on their own in our drive in the car they were test driving - now it was just the one but I didn't realise dealerships would let the cars go out without a member of staff?

Yep. I've had several test drives (for me and accompanying DH) and we never had anyone in the car with us.

mainecooncatonahottinroof · 19/04/2025 16:28

I was surprised when DC1 pulled up on their own in our drive in the car they were test driving - now it was just the one but I didn't realise dealerships would let the cars go out without a member of staff?

faerietales · 19/04/2025 16:28

I wonder if your budget means they can't be arsed to invest a lot of time in you.

Lonelycrab · 19/04/2025 16:25

Yanbu OP.

Buying a car, unless you’re after a really old S/H model is really quite a huge purchase, especially when buying new. It probably doesn’t bode well for the future with the dealership too; you may need help or servicing or advice from them after the purchase, and if they’re basically being this lazy and entitled before they’ve even sold you the car, they’ll probably be even worse with any after sales care.

AutumnLeaves24 · 19/04/2025 16:18

I was helping a friend to buy a car last year, driving her to dealerships and stuff, it was hard bloody work, the majority were rude, difficult and not at all helpful.

They acted like they were doing us a big favour, when it was her looking to spend a not inconsiderable amount of money!!

Original poster
Monvelo · 19/04/2025 16:14

It was a big car supermarket type place, how on earth can't they be arsed?! It's literally their job.

OP posts:
Swiftie1878 · 19/04/2025 16:13

Go elsewhere. They can’t be arsed.

BlondeMummyto1 · 19/04/2025 16:07

I’ve worked in dealerships. They just can’t be bothered so I would go elsewhere if possible.

c3pu · 19/04/2025 16:05

If that's the case, I'd find another dealership and drive the car you want there, until you've found the model you like.