RE: Test drives

W

weeksyz4

Member
Unfortunately, I think the time might be coming for me to sell my Z4.

If I do, I was wondering what people would advise regarding allowing potential buyers to test drive it. It's been quite a few years since I've sold a car privately, and when I did, the buyers were happy to be driven by myself.

However, if someone wants to get behind the wheel of my Z4, should I ask for proof of comprehensive insurance before they do, so I know that they're covered in case of an accident? Also, given that we're all meant to be socially distancing from each other, do you think it's alright to go on a test drive with someone if we both wear masks and the car is thoroughly cleaned?

Thanks.
 
In most cases Even if the person is insured to drive other vehicles on a fully comp policy they will only be insured for third party damage.
Difficult one :?
 
I really don't see much altering with regard the CV19 , just approach like any other time , advertise it , invite viewings & inspections & of course take them for a drive but i have never & wouldn't ever allow anyone to drive the car until its theirs , i know that might upset some forum guys who won't even consider a car until they have tesdrove it but in my mind if they want that facility then buy from a dealer & pay 20% 30% more :wink:
 
mr wilks said:
I really don't see much altering with regard the CV19 , just approach like any other time , advertise it , invite viewings & inspections & of course take them for a drive but i have never & wouldn't ever allow anyone to drive the car until its theirs , i know that might upset some forum guys who won't even consider a car until they have tesdrove it but in my mind if they want that facility then buy from a dealer & pay 20% 30% more :wink:
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I'm just such a guy. Yet I mostly buy privately. Given a choice I would never buy a car I had not driven, other than from an auction I have always driven the car first.

Tricky with social distancing OP. Not sure what to suggest.
 
Have a look through this similar topic... my sentiments are the same, you cant maintain a safe social distance whilst on a test drive, so up to you if you go ahead with it.

https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=122329&hilit=Test+drive
 
I have just bought a Z4, my first Z4 and my first private buy. I took out 24 hours fully comp insurance to test drive it, and then drive it home if I purchased it.

The seller came with me on the test drive, which I fully understand, and we both wore masks and gloves. It helped it was this Wednesday and nice and sunny so we had the roof down as well. Minimal risk I think.

The day insurance was only £40 and covered breakdown as well, so if they are serious buyers I don't think it is much of a cost to them to do it that way
 
It's up to you, but...

Most people will either using driving other cars on their insurance policy which is typically 3rd party, or just risking it with no insurance at all.

Most people won't buy a car without test driving it.

I don't see how an unaccompanied test drive is going to work for a private seller.

It depends if you want to sell the car.

Stueyboy43 said:
The day insurance was only £40 and covered breakdown as well, so if they are serious buyers I don't think it is much of a cost to them to do it that way
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I'm a serious buyer, but you can normally tell that from how far I've driven. But while I understand the sentiment, I've been to view far too many cars that were misdescribed for me to want to risk another £40.
 
Jakg said:
It's up to you, but...

Most people will either using driving other cars on their insurance policy which is typically 3rd party, or just risking it with no insurance at all.

Most people won't buy a car without test driving it.

I don't see how an unaccompanied test drive is going to work for a private seller.

It depends if you want to sell the car.

Stueyboy43 said:
The day insurance was only £40 and covered breakdown as well, so if they are serious buyers I don't think it is much of a cost to them to do it that way
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I'm a serious buyer, but you can normally tell that from how far I've driven. But while I understand the sentiment, I've been to view far too many cars that were misdescribed for me to want to risk another £40.
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Yes I agree that point of view. I had extensive conversations with the seller beforehand and from that I determined the cost was worth the risk of it not being what I wanted, which turned out correct. It is a balancing act but I got a feel that this was a genuine sale of a decent car
 
When I sold my Coupe in February the prospective buyer arranged 1 day Comprehensive cover after looking round the car so based on that I didn't have an issue with letting him drive it.

Mind you when I bought my M the seller didn't have an issue letting me drive it with the third party only Driving Other Cars cover from my policy. Although turning up in a 3.0Si Coupe may have helped!

However current guidelines wouldn't allow for buyer and seller to be in the car together so you have to make your own call on that. But I'd let someone drive it on their own if they gave me the cash first. :lol:
 
I have recently (especially with motorbikes) told prospective buyers if the are genuinely serious then we strike a deal and they pay by bank transfer, once they have paid they are free to test drive it and if its not to their satisfaction I will refund by bank transfer after the test drive providing its returned undamaged.. never been a problem yet and sorts a serious buyer from a test pilot
 
mr.tourette said:
I have recently (especially with motorbikes) told prospective buyers if the are genuinely serious then we strike a deal and they pay by bank transfer, once they have paid they are free to test drive it and if its not to their satisfaction I will refund by bank transfer after the test drive providing its returned undamaged.. never been a problem yet and sorts a serious buyer from a test pilot
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Your absolutely correct, that's the same approach as I have had over many years of selling sports cars, where I am not sure about the driver or their abilities to competently drive such vehicles.
If they are serious about buying the car and are really happy about what they see, then buying before trying should not be problem.

Pre COVID I use to take potential buyers for a test drive and would give them the chance of a money back purchase, if not entirely happy with the car.

Some will say that it's a harsh approach, but I know of a car salesman who took a buyer out on a test drive and when it was the potential buyers turn, he overtook a lorry and got it wrong - ended up in a field killing the young salesman.
 
Thank you all for taking the time to reply to my original post.

If I go ahead and sell it, I will ask any prospective buyer to transfer me the asking price first and then allow them to take it out for a test drive, which I would fully refund if they decide not to go ahead (and the car's not damaged!). This should also separate the test pilots from the serious buyers.

All I need to do now is to decide whether if I'm going to sell it or not, which I something which I've been agonising over for months. Long story short, I really need something a bit more practical, with rear seats and better road clearance, so I'm thinking about buying 1 or 3 Series coupe. However, neither of those makes me as happy as when I see this in the morning.
 

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A point to watch out for is that if you let an un insured person drive your car then you are committing an offence as well.

"Car owners who lend their vehicle to someone who drives it without valid insurance can be convicted of an IN12 offence, which is technically described as “aiding, abetting, counselling or procuring using a vehicle uninsured against third party risks.”

Typically 6 points but the law allows up to 8 and up to £5000 fine.
 
Rockhopper said:
A point to watch out for is that if you let an un insured person drive your car then you are committing an offence as well.

"Car owners who lend their vehicle to someone who drives it without valid insurance can be convicted of an IN12 offence, which is technically described as “aiding, abetting, counselling or procuring using a vehicle uninsured against third party risks.”

Typically 6 points but the law allows up to 8 and up to £5000 fine.
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Thanks Rockhopper, good point. I’ll ask them to take out insurance too.
 
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