If this is posted somewhere already, please let me know. Say you want to sell. Who do you let drive the car? Lots of folks want to drive a Ferrari and I don't want the risk nor to waste my time. I am thinking to go with them first, then if the deal looks serious, let them take her out by themselves. BUT, how do I do the initial screen? Any thoughts? -Rjay
If it were me, I would just go with my gut. I'm sure I would miss a few, i.e. label someone as a "tirekicker" in my mind that might actually be serious, and vice versa, but by and large, I would have to imagine that anyone coming to see a 308GT4 would have to be at least a *little* serious.
Let me tell you from a buyers perspective...since i just bought mine a few months ago. I looked at 6 cars, and only drove 2. Those who are serious, will be looking at the things that matter most, like looking for records, REALLY looking at the car before asking for a test drive. Also, I always let the owner drive FIRST with me in the passager seat, so I could actually see and feel more about the car then if I hopped in and drove it. I think MOST will be respectfull about it and would understand. If someone showed up, and didnt look for records, or really examine the car prior to asking for a drive, If i were you, Id insist on taking them for a ride, then just flat out ask, "Can you afford this car?". I think it would be pretty obvious to tell whos messing with you.
I agree. Not likely yahoos will just show up wanting to drive. But, those serious really must be allowed to drive. Most of what you have to deal with are many, many phone calls and emails with questions, wanting more photos, wanting to know if you will take $20K, trades, etc. Say, yours has a right-hand side view mirror .
Seamus, I am not familiar with the status of mirrors. Are they supposed to have a right side? The two mirrors are after market but high quality. Mine is a 78 308 GTS. So far, you guys are saying that I would expect mostly serious buyers. I suspect you are right. I kinda figured that I would have to size em' up a bit before handing them keys. Thanks, -Rjay
FWIW, I never, no matter what kind of car im selling, let someone go buy themselves...I always ride along.
Ask them flat out! After they've "kicked the tires" sort-a-speak, and looked everything over...then BEFORE you let them drive it, just ask them... "Do you know of, or see, any reason yet why you wouldn't buy the car if it drives well? Is the price ok? Color? Condition? Anything that would prevent you from buying it yet?" "Do you want to buy it if it drives ok?" It's a ligitimate question.
I'd ask for a deposit, unless I was comfortable the buyer knew his way around Ferraris. If not, I might even suggest the test drive be part of the PPI. The average driver can't even drive a manual gearbox properly. Imagine what they could do to yours. ("Ah, sorry about grinding the gears and stalling it. Maybe I'm just not Ferrari material. Thanks anyway for the drive...") As posted above, I'm sure I'd lose a few potential serious buyers this way, and I accept that.
Same here, I say always drive first, and ride along if they still need to drive it. Don't let it out of your sight!
What about insurance cover while someone else is driving your car, no-ones mentioned that (I think)?. Would you demand to see a cover note stating Mr XXXXX was insured fully comp before letting them drive your pride and joy?? ....or would it be wise to get (and pay for) temporary cover for serious parties?
Sifting through... Two good ideas so far. Tie the drive to the PPI so that the buyer has to make some kind of commitment before driving. This means that a PPI becomes expected. As a buyer it should be mandatory but as a seller, your buyer may not choose this(see that unversity fella's study where not everyone did a PPI before purchase). Second... the insurance...good point...I better look into that. -Rjay
As someone who is currently looking for a Series I GT4, I would tell the seller that if the car checks out visually and drives nice, I would commit to the PPI. That reasonable. Of course, i'm in the PPI is a mandatory thing camp. I would think that you could figure out quickly who is full of BS and who is not. Its your car, you can choose who drives it and who does not
From what I have gathered I think the right side mirror was an optional accessory. Mine has the "Californian" mirror on the left side only. It's not exactly safe, but I like it. Then, again, I ride a motorcycle .
Exactly! That should be your biggest clue. Someone just wanting to drive the car will not be asking the kinds of questions a real potential buyer would ask. I come prepared with my own checklists, many valid questions, and definitely take my time when looking over the service records, the engine bay, underneath the car, as well as the interior. The test drive I only request when all aforementioned steps were satisfactory. It is my final step before spending money on a PPI.
Typically, in the US, the liability insurance follows the vehicle. In other words, as long as it is a permissive user [a test driver for example], your liability insurance applies.
