Notices
C6 Corvettes for Sale Private Classifieds, Used C6 Corvettes For Sale, and Modified or Stock Corvettes

Buying a car without a test drive?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 08-20-2011, 08:09 PM
  #1  
69L68
Racer
Thread Starter
 
69L68's Avatar
 
Member Since: Apr 1999
Location: Fort Mohave Az.
Posts: 418
Received 1 Like on 1 Post

Default Buying a car without a test drive?

I am sure it happens, looking for feedback.

With EBAY and other auctions there are occasions when you buy a car without a test drive. I am interested in an 06 but will be unable to drive it, unless made an extra trip. It is at a reputable dealer.

Wondering if there are nightmares. I may just make multiple trips.

Tips appriciated,
Steve
Old 08-20-2011, 08:23 PM
  #2  
jmoody66
Drifting
 
jmoody66's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jul 2007
Location: Despises kids w/dads Vette
Posts: 1,299
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts

Default

I've purchased over the internet 3 times but I always flew out to get the car and drive back. With an individual you never know but you are the one with the draft/check so you could easily decline on the spot. If its a reputable dealer...I wouldn't sweat it.
Old 08-20-2011, 08:23 PM
  #3  
NASTY ZO6
Burning Brakes
 
NASTY ZO6's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jan 2008
Location: Naples Florida
Posts: 1,190
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts

Default

I would never EVER buy another car without seeing it/driving it. Got burnt once. Car was not as advertised.

My opinion is that it is worth the hassle and $$$ to make an extra trip or two if you are really interested in a particular vehicle.

Good luck!
Old 08-20-2011, 08:57 PM
  #4  
Force Fed Gorilla
Advanced
 
Force Fed Gorilla's Avatar
 
Member Since: Feb 2008
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Test drive it! It does add to the cost but it's rather small when you consider how much car you're buying and how hosed you are if the car isn't as expected.
Old 08-20-2011, 09:10 PM
  #5  
Garibaldi
Burning Brakes
 
Garibaldi's Avatar
 
Member Since: Dec 2001
Location: Laguna Woods, CA
Posts: 1,223
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts

Default

I bought my C5 through an Autotrader ad. I was in Maine and the car was in Austin. I located a specialist in the area, had all the mechanicals checked, and had a body shop check it out. Then I flew out, checked the car, took a ride, paid the money, and drove to Maine.
GP
Old 08-20-2011, 11:21 PM
  #6  
Blown04Z06
Instructor
 
Blown04Z06's Avatar
 
Member Since: Sep 2006
Location: Port Richey Florida
Posts: 203
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default Be Careful!

One of the most important characteristics of any vehicle is how it drives. Sellers always emphasize the good qualities, and downplay the potential issues. Determine for your self either by a personal test drive or find an honest mechanic who isn`t afraid to scrutinize. If not, you could be sorry! Good Luck!
Old 08-20-2011, 11:54 PM
  #7  
track junkie
Instructor
 
track junkie's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jul 2007
Location: missouri
Posts: 187
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by 69L68
I am sure it happens, looking for feedback.

With EBAY and other auctions there are occasions when you buy a car without a test drive. I am interested in an 06 but will be unable to drive it, unless made an extra trip. It is at a reputable dealer.

Wondering if there are nightmares. I may just make multiple trips.

Tips appriciated,
Steve
"Ebay bids for cars are considered non binding." If you win the bid you can decline to purchase the car if upon inspection you are not satisfied. If you are not satisfied the seller will have to return the deposit if any was made, just make sure you made the deposit by Paypal.

Ebay motor vehicles non-binding bid policy.
Old 08-21-2011, 07:02 AM
  #8  
vette3667
Racer
 
vette3667's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jan 2008
Posts: 263
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by jmoody66
I've purchased over the internet 3 times but I always flew out to get the car and drive back. With an individual you never know but you are the one with the draft/check so you could easily decline on the spot. If its a reputable dealer...I wouldn't sweat it.
/Agree... I've bought many cars sight unseen. As you obviously know there is some risk. Depending on the seller feedback, phone conversations, how quickly and clearly the respond to questions, etc you can determine how comfortable you are with it. I also like to take 90% of the money as a cashiers check and the rest as cash so if there are any surprises you can negotiate on the spot. Good luck!
Old 08-21-2011, 07:08 AM
  #9  
hcvone
Team Owner
Support Corvetteforum!
 
hcvone's Avatar
 
Member Since: Aug 1999
Location: Huntingdon Valley Pa
Posts: 20,229
Received 1,769 Likes on 970 Posts

Default

Sold my last 3 Corvette's on this Forum without the owners ever seeing them, they sent checks, once cleared they sent car carriers.
Old 08-21-2011, 11:18 AM
  #10  
Marcdavis36
Advanced
 
Marcdavis36's Avatar
 
Member Since: Aug 2011
Location: Mooresville NC
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

the first time i drove my c6 was driving it to the DMV to get tagged after delivery. luckily the previous owner was 20 mins from my home town and was willing to bring the car into a local chevy dealership where a good friend of mine is a vette tech.
Old 08-21-2011, 11:42 AM
  #11  
hawkgfr
Race Director
 
hawkgfr's Avatar
 
Member Since: Apr 2008
Location: South Carolina
Posts: 19,205
Received 1,218 Likes on 829 Posts

Default

Personally I would only ever buy new without seeing it or a drive..
Old 08-21-2011, 02:55 PM
  #12  
Nasty350LT1
Instructor
 
Nasty350LT1's Avatar
 
Member Since: Dec 2004
Location: Colchester VT
Posts: 155
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

No, Test Drive, I do not think so..


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yg2u_De8j5o

Last edited by Nasty350LT1; 08-21-2011 at 02:59 PM.

Get notified of new replies

To Buying a car without a test drive?




Quick Reply: Buying a car without a test drive?



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:17 AM.