Test Ride, do you let them?

[happyspyder2039]

There were a couple bikes I bought out of state and had shipped with no test drive. I barely put 1800 mile on them and sold because I hate them. If I could of test rode even down the street would not purchased in the first place. Food for thought.

 

[SuperG]

Me? I've never purchased a motorcycle that I haven't test driven, or in the case of showroom new, at least test driven a demo unit. When I sold my Goldwing, I let the new-owner-to-be test ride it. If I were him, I'd walk away without a test drive. I'm just not rich enough to impulse buy a vehicle without being sure *this is what I want".

 

[MONK]

A few have mentioned private party test rides and dealer test rides. There's a HUGE difference between the two. The biggest difference is liability/insurance. The dealers have insurance in place that covers test rides, most owners don't. Mine doesn't cover anybody but me. Dealers also have lawyers on retainer. If you total out a new Spyder (or whatever) and refuse to pay even the deductable, all it takes is a phone call to their attorneys to put a suit in motion.

 

[jbim]

Never. I would never allow someone to test ride a bike I am trying to sell. Every bike manufacturer has test rides, including BRP. A prospective buyer should know what he/she wants first.

 

[troop]

I would never purchase a used vehicle that I can't drive. How does it shift? How does it brake? Any unusual sounds/noises? Of course I can test drive a new, similar vehicle. I want to test drive a used ?? model year with ?? miles to see if it's up to snuff. If I'm selling a vehicle for ?$, they can give me a deposit of ?$. Being a retired LEO, I will also ask to see DL for proper endorsement, proof of insurance card and sign a statement saying liable for any damages during said test ride. If it bothers them, bye bye....