Over 10% of new car buyers skip the test drive
08-13-12, 09:07 PM
#1
Over 10% of new car buyers skip the test drive
Over 10% of new car buyers skip the test drive
How disinterested are consumers in their cars? According to a new study reported in The Detroit Free Press, more than 10 percent of new car buyers can't be bothered to take a test drive.
The study, conducted by Maritz Research, surveyed over 80,000 people who had bought 2012 model year vehicles, and the final tally of those who didn't take a test drive was 11.4 percent, according to the report. The implication is that with some 80 percent of consumers doing their car research on the Internet, combined with a universal dislike of car sales practices, people are increasingly willing to buy a car almost sight unseen.
Dealers, oddly enough, are not happy about this trend, according to the report. The test drive is part of the dealer's arsenal of tactics to get people excited enough to part with their hard earned cash. As one former dealership representative told the Freep, "The feel of the wheel will seal the deal."
But the test drive can also be a crucial determiner for consumers, especially when car shoppers do an adequate job of comparing different vehicles by undertaking thorough test drives. No matter how good a model might look on paper or how glowingly some "professional" car reviewer might describe it, there's no replacement for actually getting it out on the road and experiencing it yourself.
http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/13/o...he-test-drive/
08-13-12, 09:56 PM
#3
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
i suspect most don't want to be in a car with the salesperson that long. 
08-13-12, 11:00 PM
#6
I did it to the last purchase of my Toyota Sienna. I basically called my buddy in the dealership, got the price quote on the trim/color I like, and told him to get the car ready. Then went to the dealership sign the paper, put in the downpayment, and that's it. First time I saw my van and drive it was when I leave the dealership.
Also my 7, saw the ad with pictures on the internet, make an appointment to see the car, car wasn't there since the sales made a mistake to transferred it to their other store cross town. Still sat down and negociated the deal, put the downpayment the same night. The next day the dealer called and inform me the car was ready, so I went and sign the final paperwork, walk through the car in the delivery room, skipped the demo offered by the sales, and off I went home!
Also my 7, saw the ad with pictures on the internet, make an appointment to see the car, car wasn't there since the sales made a mistake to transferred it to their other store cross town. Still sat down and negociated the deal, put the downpayment the same night. The next day the dealer called and inform me the car was ready, so I went and sign the final paperwork, walk through the car in the delivery room, skipped the demo offered by the sales, and off I went home!
08-13-12, 11:04 PM
#7
What I like to do is to do the homework on the cars I am interested, and make a decision on a particular year/model/options/colors I like ( Usually it's already narrowed down to a very specific car ) When I see the exact car for sale, I will jump on it without look back. No need to test drive since nothing will change my mind except the car itself has problems. ( very unlikely since the last two purchases, one was brand new, one was certified pre-owned. )
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08-14-12, 12:15 AM
#10
Lexus Test Driver
Lol I must say I have bought cars without test driving, but only because a good, close, trusted friend approved of the vechicles prior to me buying. Also, most important the vechicles were not over 20k, if I was spending over that price I would def have to test drive. I actually was very close to buying a 5 series(can't remember the model, as it left no impression on me) a while ago, but the test drive changed my mind.(All wheel drive and seemed underpowered for the price)
08-14-12, 04:53 AM
#11
Interesting result! I'm the opposite. Not only do I test drive cars before selecting and negotiating a price but on delivery day when the car is all cleaned and ready for pick up, I take it out for a 'real' test drive before signing and handing over the money. Yup I'm a PIA
08-14-12, 05:58 AM
#13
Lexus Test Driver
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I do not buy new so I always test drive to check the vehicle out. If i was buying new I think i would still take it for a quick spin just to make sure I liked the feel/ergonomics, ext but would be less inclined to do so vs buying used.
