I won't say which dealer I spoke with (it's not one of the new dealers) but apparently some rules are starting to form in regards to test driving their "yet-to-arrive" demo car from Lotus.
The "rule" as I've heard is that only people who have placed a deposit, have a car spec'd and ordered and is upon imminent delivery will be allowed a test drive. All those who have left a deposit but have not ordered may or may not be allowed a drive but may sit in the car to "see it, touch it, feel it." Only when you've gone from deposit holder to an actual order with a car that's imminent for delivery will you be allowed to drive the car.
First, I have to say that I can understand their restraint and concern in regards to blankly handing-out test drives. I am sure they want their demonstrator to last and don't want non-serious buyers jumping into the car and potentially destroying it. But wouldn't you think that having a sizeable deposit qualifies you as being "serious?"
To be fair, they did say that exceptions might be made on a case-by-case basis (at the general manager's discretion.) But I guess it just rubbed me the wrong way to hear that.
Bob
The "rule" as I've heard is that only people who have placed a deposit, have a car spec'd and ordered and is upon imminent delivery will be allowed a test drive. All those who have left a deposit but have not ordered may or may not be allowed a drive but may sit in the car to "see it, touch it, feel it." Only when you've gone from deposit holder to an actual order with a car that's imminent for delivery will you be allowed to drive the car.
First, I have to say that I can understand their restraint and concern in regards to blankly handing-out test drives. I am sure they want their demonstrator to last and don't want non-serious buyers jumping into the car and potentially destroying it. But wouldn't you think that having a sizeable deposit qualifies you as being "serious?"
To be fair, they did say that exceptions might be made on a case-by-case basis (at the general manager's discretion.) But I guess it just rubbed me the wrong way to hear that.
Bob