Why do some car dealerships insist that the salesperson drive a car off the lot for a test drive?

Question

I've noticed that a lot of car dealerships insist that the salesperson drive the car off the dealership's property. The salesperson then parks the car somewhere and switches places with the customer.

This seems really silly and pointless.

What is the purpose of this?

Answer 1

Insurance AND salesmanship.

Often people who are car shopping are excited and their attention is on the car and finances but not so much on their surroundings. Combine that with cars tightly packed together, narrow paths and people milling about, it's a fairly hazardous place for a shopper to drive. However, for the sales person, it's just another boring day at work. MANY accidents happen in parking lots and typically a car lot is a poorly laid out parking lot!

Also, a disreputable person would be much less likely to steal a new car when a company representative is sitting right next to him. Realistically, it is kind of crazy to hand the keys to a $40,000 vehicle to a complete stranger. Would you?

Finally, sales revolves around relationships. Relationships are built by talking to people. For the dealer, this has the added bonus of keeping that annoying, blabby salesperson in front of your face.

Answer 2

It gives the salesperson an opportunity to evaluate the car and insure there is nothing wrong with it. Most cars run better after warming up and the salesperson may notice something simple - such as the car is low on gas or major - the engine has a knock. The salesperson doesn’t want to get stranded on a demo and may recommend you drive a different car.

It’s nothing devious.

Answer 3

The dealer is supposed to carry insurance for the test drive. Safety checks are not required. If you get in an accident on the test drive, the dealer will file an insurance claim, but they will come after you too. Their clean insurance record is important to them, it keeps their rates low. If you bought the car, you are required to get insurance immediately. They usually require you to show proof, but the law is different in some states. You usually have 30 days to register it, and must have insurance before you can register it.

Answer 4

if i have a car buried in the back of the lot, i will usually drive it out to the exit of the dealership. for one, it saves the client the stress of maneuvering around, and gives them a little passenger time to enjoy.

Answer 5

so they can get you out of the dealership. salesperson knows the way out.

Answer 6

I don't know. I've never run into this. Maybe it's some insurance thing.

Answer 7

I dont know, I think they should just let you do it since they take down your info and photo id they should just let you do it.

Answer 8

never had this happen, but probably for insurance purposes.