Test Drives | FerrariChat

Test Drives

Discussion in '360/430' started by I.T. Guy, Feb 16, 2009.

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  1. I.T. Guy

    I.T. Guy F1 World Champ
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    Jul 17, 2004
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    Bbuying a used Ferrari, private or dealership, are test drives an issue?
     
  2. duskybird

    duskybird F1 World Champ
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    Jan 20, 2007
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    Bill B.
    It will vary from owner to owner dealer to dealer.
     
  3. Loz997S

    Loz997S Formula Junior

    Aug 26, 2007
    988
    Bay Area
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    Laurence D
    Mine is for sale privately and I'm unlikely to allow a test drive until I know the person is pretty serious. I probably will want some confirmation they have the funds to make a purchase.

    If they are still trying to decide if a 360 is for them then I would suggest a dealer, if they like mine and want to make sure it drives like it should then we'll take a test drive.
     
  4. fc2

    fc2 F1 Veteran
    Owner

    Nov 2, 2006
    5,263
    Silicon Valley Ca.
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    Frank C.
    I found the dealers were willing to let me drive their cars once I proved I was "worthy".
    I cut right to the chase and strung together an introductory paragraph which had all the important -- and true -- components the sales guys are looking for, including:

    - Mentioning the nice car you have now (assuming you have one) or the nice car you had, but miss.
    - Where you work, what you do.
    - How long you've been there
    - Other people who may have bought a car from their dealership.

    Little stuff like this. Don't make the sales guy guess if you're serious. Tell him you're serious and they'll start moving cars on the lot without complaining.

    Twice I was able to convince the dealer to let me borrow the car for the night... I left my existing car at their dealership and this let me totally study the car in a way you just couldn't in a test drive and on their lot. This made a big difference. Once I didn't buy the car and once I did.

    Regardless if you buy from a private seller of reseller, you need to get a PPI done and, optionally, a body-work inspection to make sure nothing is wrong.

    Good luck.

    Frank
     
  5. RayJohns

    RayJohns F1 Veteran
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    May 21, 2006
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    my car is for sale privately. No test drives.

    Ray
     
  6. cat1pro

    cat1pro Formula Junior

    Jan 3, 2009
    292
    Deerfield Beach, Fl
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    Alain
    I have asked the question in the past. You may take a test drive but if mechanically sound are you buying it? If yes was the answer I asked for a deposit to indicate I was serious. I have sold a few motorcycles that way.
     
  7. Jompen

    Jompen Formula Junior

    May 27, 2006
    718
    No, I would drive it with you as passenger.
     
  8. I.T. Guy

    I.T. Guy F1 World Champ
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    This is me.

    I'm thinking this might be the year for a 360. I've never driven or riden in one.

    When the weather gets nicer I will go to the Dealership and see what happens. Without leading anyone on I half expect to get turned away (from driving). I will do my best and just be upfront with them.

    Thank you for all the replies.
     
  9. E60 M5

    E60 M5 Moderator
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    #9 E60 M5, Feb 17, 2009
    Last edited: Feb 17, 2009
    I would ask the question, what are you trying to determine by test driving the car??? Are you trying to find out if you like driving a 360?? Whether the vehicle you want to buy is mechanically sound??

    The first time I drove a 360 was when I picked mine up at the dealer. Prior I had sat in plenty of 360's and knew the fit was for me. Have the car you want checked out with a ppi, a test drive is not 100% necassary and will not give you as much info as a ppi.


    My .02.


    Robert
     
  10. Jompen

    Jompen Formula Junior

    May 27, 2006
    718
    #10 Jompen, Feb 17, 2009
    Last edited by a moderator: Feb 17, 2009
    +1, bought my CS unseen after PPI.
     
  11. Matt Andrews

    Matt Andrews Formula Junior

    Dec 31, 2006
    515
    Newport Beach, CA
    not sure how you can say you can buy a car without a test drive. how do you know you like how a car drives without it? unless you are buying it to be seen in...

    For me, when I was shopping I was very up front. Show you know the cars. ask about red key fobs, records, belt services, service bulletins, cam variators, other know issues. If you show you have done your research and you are serious. And ask before you get there if they allow test drives. I had one dealer tell me they wouldn't allow it without a contract which I think is crazy. I'm not wasting my time negotiating a price on a car I don't know I want.

    I basically think that if you assume a test drive is a given and you should have one, then they don't question it. If you act like they probably won't let you drive it, but you are going to ask anyway, you will be denied.
     
  12. Jompen

    Jompen Formula Junior

    May 27, 2006
    718
    read tests, read f-chat. You want to testdrive a veyron to see if you like it... GL =/
     
  13. I.T. Guy

    I.T. Guy F1 World Champ
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    Reading Fchat everyone will say they love the sound/noise/ride. It's a little biased around here :)
    I want to feel a 360 to see how it is for me. A ride would be fine I suppose.

    Did you aready have 360 experience ordering the CS was it to be added to a collection?
    This will be my second sports car, and only exotic.
    On *paper* I would like a CS. I already own a "recommended for offroad use only" Chevy "racecar" and it was fine on the street.

    Thanks you guys are great!
     
  14. carcommander

    carcommander Formula 3

    Sep 28, 2006
    1,705
    Southeast
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    Jim
    Once they determine you are serious my dealer will let you test drive. I did not want a test drive until I was serious. Why get the itch for something you can't do? I ordered my F1 F430 without a test drive. I figured, how bad could it suck? :)
     
  15. E60 M5

    E60 M5 Moderator
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    Jan 2, 2006
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    I can say it all day, because I did it and plenty of people have as well. I have a friend who just purchased a F430 that he never drove. You will spend a crap load of cash flying all over the US to test drive potential purchases. When in reality, if you have any time near or around a Fcar you will know if its right for you.

    How many people test drove a Scuderia before buying?? Or the F430 when they were new?? Or the 360 for that matter?? People buy cars all the time without a test drive.

    How the car drives?? Are you really going to figure that out in a 3 or 4 mile test drive?? Come on.

    My point is simple. Do your research, spend some time with local owners. Read up on the different types of cars and problems associated with each model. Find the one you like, get a PPI and buy the car.

    "unless you are buying to be seen in", no thats for people who only want to test drive.

    Robert
     
  16. shawsan

    shawsan Formula 3

    Jul 2, 2004
    1,090
    Vancouver, Canada
    I've learned the hard way over the years. Lots of donkeys show up expressing "strong" interest but feel a test drive is essential. Then they gobble up my time driving around, hum and haw, don't call back. Some never had any intention or money to really "buy" but just like to dream, and test driving provides content to their lofty dream. Now, I have a very simple approach. I provide the full story on the car, full service records, photos. If they are interested I insist they get it inspected at a shop familiar with the brand, which, of course, costs and shows intent, and includes a test drive by a shop techie who can provide an informed opinion. Of course, I drive it to the shop for the inspection. I tell the potential buyer that if anything wrong is discovered with the car (eg., brakes) yet we still make a deal, I'll pay to fix any problems. This effectively turns away 8 out of 10 supposed buyers following the first phone call or email. My reaction: thank goodness.
     
  17. ferrari_jjc

    ferrari_jjc Formula Junior

    Dec 27, 2004
    442
    As others have mentioned, if you are going to buy it from a priv party, expect them to be more critical of whether or not you are a serious buyer. If I were to sell, I wouldn't allow a test drive unless there is some references of sorts. Most dealers I've been to have been open to test drives for the non-exclusive cars (F430, F360, Challenge, etc.).
     
  18. allen_993

    allen_993 Karting

    Jul 3, 2006
    179
    Alabama
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    Allen
    I like to take a ride with the owner driving the car. You can get a lot of insight by how the owner drives it. Does he let it warm up before revving it? How is he on the gear shifts? How does he pull away from a red light? Does he redline it every time? Hopefully, he needs to stop and get gas...is he careful?

    Before I bought my 993, I was able to take it home and keep it overnight. I gave it medium detail...just water for the wash and a vaccum on the inside...no chemicals. The point being...if you wanna find out the cosmetic condition of a car...runs your hands over every inch of it...you'll find things you otherwise wouldn't.
     
  19. Jompen

    Jompen Formula Junior

    May 27, 2006
    718
    #19 Jompen, Feb 17, 2009
    Last edited: Feb 17, 2009
    Yes I had a 360 prior to my CS. I testdrove the 360, but testdrive was not the thing. I always wanted a 360. As long as the PPI was ok and i could get a ride in it the testdrive was just a bonus.

    I can´t imagine any person that has a car interest would not fall in love with a 360 if it´s his 1st exotic. Look, sound, power, it´s awesome. if it is a CS, don´t worry, no car on the planet will give you the same thrill or even close for the dollars. No modern porsche give me the same sensation GT2, GT3RS or whatever.(never drove CGT). Gallardo, forget it unless it´s a SL.

    GL in your search
     
  20. Matt Andrews

    Matt Andrews Formula Junior

    Dec 31, 2006
    515
    Newport Beach, CA
    my comments weren't meant to offend. And I don't look down on people who bought their car before driving it or one like it. As someone who races cars, maybe I am more critical about how steering feedback, throttle inputs, and shift patterns effect a car. If you are crticially comparing the 360 to other cars in the price range, you can't make an informed decision without spending a little time in one. I compared the 360 to a 997 GT3 and a GTR. Very different cars, and I ended up buying the slowest of the 3, but it was the most engaging to drive.

    Sure you can't drive a Bugatti or Scud or new 430 without buying it first, but the 360 isn't in that class anymore. You can drive them and there are many out there. not to mention that different F1s shift differently. used cars are treated differently, and if the body can "look" different, the running gear can be in different condition as well.

    Do what you like. But I don't see why anyone would not drive the car they are looking to buy before closing the deal.
     
  21. I.T. Guy

    I.T. Guy F1 World Champ
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    Thank you Jompen
    Enjoy your ride :)
     
  22. SAFE4NOW

    SAFE4NOW F1 Veteran
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    Aug 25, 2004
    5,378
    Dallas Texas
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    If you know you know
    As a buyer of many different cars in the past and called on as an " informed opinion " on others, I have driven many different cars prior to purchase. I feel that when we get to the level of performance with exotics, you pretty much know you are going to like it or not before you purchase. It simply becomes a search for "the" car in "the" price range, properly serviced, etc...

    I have suggested to a few clients with questions of driveability, 1st time owner, etc.. to simply rent one for the weekend. If you are about to spend $150k+ on a car, what is a few thousand to actually drive one like you want to? See how it fits in the garage? How does it feel to pull up to dinner or other event? No, it will not be the same car, but if you are trying to see if you'd like it , its less expensive than buying and losing on the resale because your knee hits the dash between shifts... or you have to hunch over when driving.

    As a seller, as long as the money is "in my hand", you may take an escorted test drive. If you abuse it or break it, you buy it.

    Just my .02 worth.

    Steve
     
  23. I.T. Guy

    I.T. Guy F1 World Champ
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    That is a fantastic idea. So obvious. Doh.
    I'll book a spa weekend for the wife and drive us in something from here
    http://www.gtaexotics.ca/dev/

    Again what a great idea!
     
  24. E60 M5

    E60 M5 Moderator
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    Jan 2, 2006
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    Would not disagree with your comments, if I were looking for a track/race car. No offense taken, just defending my position. Peace.

    Robert
     
  25. Swiss Frank

    Swiss Frank Karting

    May 6, 2008
    177
    Hong Kong
    I didn't test-drive my GT-R or my 430 Spider. The GT-R performance was so astounding I probably would have bought it anyway after a boring testdrive, but I'd like to think I had at least the chance to have thought through and say, hold on, this simply isn't fun! Didn't lose much money at all but lots of hassle.



    But here is my question to you all: does anyone need a test drive to know if a F430 is good enough to buy? Is it SO good that you can reassure people that, don't worry that you can't try it, its definitely as good as you'd dream it is?

    For me its better than I was expecting... but personally I couldn't reassure people that its going to be better than THEY'RE expecting....
     

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