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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To buy without test driving?

36 replies

wontgothedistance · 13/07/2023 21:59

Found a second hand car online that I really like the look of. Checks out okay for MOT, AA approved dealership, etc.

But it's too far away for me to get to.

I can get it delivered, but being only the second car I'll ever have bought, I'm not sure if this is wise.

But then I see Cazoo advertising delivery and I think plenty of people must do it?

Would you? Have you?

Thanks!

OP posts:
Peacoffee · 13/07/2023 22:00

YABU

Anotherdayanothermoodswing · 13/07/2023 22:02

You can get a guy at the aa to look it over and test drive it for you? Think it's about £150

Anotherdayanothermoodswing · 13/07/2023 22:03

That said I did exactly what you're proposing with my van 🙈😂 so far so good and had it over a year!

Crabacus · 13/07/2023 22:04

Some of these places who do national car sales and delivery give you a 14 day period in which you can return it if you don't like it, not sure if Cazoo is one of them?

PinkiOcelot · 13/07/2023 22:08

Personally, I wouldn’t.

Cyclistmumgrandma · 13/07/2023 22:12

English consumer law on distance selling states that you are entitled to return the car for any reason in the first 14 days.

BewareTheBeardedDragon · 13/07/2023 22:13

I bought my car from a dealer and bought it without test driving, because it comes with a warranty from the dealer. It has been fine.

I wouldn't without that safety net though, so for me it would depend what the approved dealer is offering.

laloue · 13/07/2023 22:20

I did , but I had three previous versions of the same car and the same to trade in . I was confident in my approach and built up a rapport with the salesman on the phone. NOT how I would have done it previously but it has worked out and she’s been great. Safety net was there but I knew my stuff.

hermioneee · 13/07/2023 22:22

I've done it through a site that had 14 day return. It was absolutely fine.

PurplePansy05 · 13/07/2023 22:24

I'd go to a local dealership and drive a similar car, same make, model, age to at least see of you're comfortable in it. Then test drive your actual car as soon as it's delivered. Check return policy before buying.

morelippy · 13/07/2023 22:24

Tbh I wouldn't know what I was actually testing...

m00rfarm · 13/07/2023 22:27

We have done that several times over the years - never been a problem. Actually, even did it once with a private seller and that worked out fine as well.

Original poster
wontgothedistance · 13/07/2023 22:29

I didn't know about the AA option. That's really helpful, thanks!

The dealer says he can't deliver to me at the moment, although his website says they do it.

I'd have to arrange that separately, and I have got a quote for that.

I won't totally discount the idea yet, based on replies.

OP posts:
Original poster
wontgothedistance · 13/07/2023 22:32

morelippy · 13/07/2023 22:24

Tbh I wouldn't know what I was actually testing...

Well, this is my thinking. I've driven very few cars, and surely I'd just have to adjust to anything new?

OP posts:
Sprogonthetyne · 13/07/2023 23:01

I bought through a dealership and had my car transferred from another branch. It did come with a warranty though, which helped convince me they weren't trying to hide any faults, as they'd be the ones fixing it I they did. It was fine, plus unless one of the wheels had fallen off, I'm not sure I'd be able to tell on a test drive if it was any good or not.

itsmylife7 · 13/07/2023 23:05

I'd advice you to review the car online by people who've
got that particular car.

Just incase it's a car that has manufacturers fault or is rubbish to drive.

Iloveanicegarden · 13/07/2023 23:21

We bought a car from Cazoo. Comprehensive information about faults (one scratch so tiny it could hardly be seen) 14 day return policy, comprehensive check list for mechanicals, guarantee and AA membership. All that and delivery too. We'd had similar models prior so were familiar with car.

DappledThings · 13/07/2023 23:24

We've not test driven either of the last two cars we've bought. Admitted to each other neither of us really knew what we are looking for when we have done so previously so didn't bother.

ManAboutTown · 13/07/2023 23:29

Last two cars I bought I test drove and would recommend doing it unless youve had that make and model before

It's the only way to get a proper feel for the handling of the car and if the driver's seat and layout is comfortable for you

2chocolateoranges · 13/07/2023 23:35

We’ve had numerous cars and never test driven any!

Surely every car is different to drive anyway, it’s just a case of getting used to each cars different quirks.

Yoloohno · 13/07/2023 23:35

Never again would I buy without test driving.

I bought blind from a dealership an upgrade of the same car as I had but from a different branch. The clutch failed within 5 days (car was 3 years old), I’d have found that if I’d have drove it. Regret ever changing as my old car was so reliable.

moonisblue · 14/07/2023 00:01

I bought my car from Cazoo and had no problems. I would do it again in a heartbeat. Its like having a 7 day test drive as they’ll take it back if you don’t want to keep for any reason, so no real risk.

PollyannaWhittier · 14/07/2023 07:13

wontgothedistance · 13/07/2023 22:32

Well, this is my thinking. I've driven very few cars, and surely I'd just have to adjust to anything new?

Show quote history

You're looking for whether the car feels comfortable to you to drive mainly. I test drove a car a few years ago and one of the pedals was so much closer than the other two that I felt like I had my knee under my chin, and there were so many blind spots and the windscreens seemed so small that I felt really unsafe, like I wouldn't be able to see things around me clearly. Online reviews of the model were mainly positive, so I was very glad I test drove it before buying !

Kazzyhoward · 14/07/2023 07:26

moonisblue · 14/07/2023 00:01

I bought my car from Cazoo and had no problems. I would do it again in a heartbeat. Its like having a 7 day test drive as they’ll take it back if you don’t want to keep for any reason, so no real risk.

But how easy is it to return? Have you actually done it? Lots of firms offer money back guarantees, refunds, etc., but are a nightmare to arrange, pushy staff on the phone trying to persuade you to keep it or swap for another one, special phone number never answered etc, obstacles put in your way etc? Presumably you can't just tick a box on a website?

Personally, I wouldn't risk it with a big ticket item like a car, whatever they promise. Is there really any need to buy from miles away? We've always found cars to buy within driveable distances of up to an hour or two.

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