[BillyBoy]

Hi Everyone,  Good Morning and Happy Easter .

I am currently looking at ordering a new vehicle.

I have booked a few test drives in the coming weeks with various dealers.

However a couple of them have offered test drives this week if I pay a returnable payment to book the test drive  of anything from £75 through to £100 .

I am willing to do this as long as I’m not breaking any laws or breaking Motability rules .

Does anyone know if its legally ok for me to do this and if Motability will allow it .

 

Topic

[Richardw]

I’m not sure with regards to the legalities but why would you? Showrooms are open in 7 days so why not just wait and take test drives in the normal way?

[BillyBoy]

Hi Richard,

The 3 dealers that offered this only have availability for test drives from the following week (19th) onwards .

I was just asking about the legalities as I wanted to order a new vehicle asap and thought as the showrooms are currently closed it might be a better time to go on a test drive if it was allowed

[ChrisK]

Can’t imagine there being any Motability rules against it because you could well be test driving for a private buy as far as Motability were concerned.

What I would want to know is why an upfront payment, is it to jump a queue, cover any damages or just to satisfy a sales person of having to get out of their bed to attend to you.

[ajn]

We just got in went out came back when we were satisfied, they did try putting a time limit on, I guess it had to be amended when we were obviously late returning ?

[Richardw]

I just think they are closed for a reason, we just need to exercise a little more patience.

[BillyBoy]

That’s your opinion Richard , which you are rightly entitled to .

However I have given my reasons for the question,  I have extenuating circumstances regarding ordering a new vehicle quickly .

These 3 dealers have vehicles available which are on my shortlist.

Chris,  I was told the reason for the charge was to ensure you actually turned up as they said they had several no shows.

 

 

[BillyBoy]

Thanks Ajn .

[NewYork1]

I went for a test drive last Monday. It was done more like a loan of a curtesy car. No charge or anything like that just giving the keys and off we went. All done outside with masks on and nobody else around, felt very safe. As opposed to walking the dog in the park on Sunday with Football back on (legally) the park had about 300 people just playing watching the games.

I guess it comes down to how you feel about it yourself. I had rang to arrange test drive after 12th April but they said we could offer you a test drive sooner if you wanted, as my lease ends on the 12th and motability allow online orders I went for it. I should now be changing on the 12th rather then starting to get test drives arranged.

Current Car
KIA Sportage GT Line Mhev
Previous Cars
Peugeot 5008 Allure Premium
VW Touran SEL
Citreon C4 Picasso

[BillyBoy]

Thanks Newyork1 , much appreciated.

[ajn]

We’re living very testing times BillyBoy, some rules are beyond me, all I can say is best of luck testing and choosing a car.

Hopefully you can get something sorted,???

[joss]

I surmise They are putting a charge on to dissuade time wasters.

Joss
Current car: BMW X2 sDrive 20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto In metallic Portimão Blue. 04:10:2025
Previous car:Peugeot 308 GT Premium 1.2 Pure tech Petrol.

[BillyBoy]

Thanks Joss and Ajn

[Richard]

Reading up this is a “dodge” to ensure there’s no possibility of police enforcement during a test drive. If a deposit has been taken test drives are allowed. I think this won’t apply after the 12th so don’t agree to this after the 12th as its unnecessary.

Also even after the 12th it’ll still be unlawful for a salesperson to accompany you so great for lone test drives at least.

[Kev]

Will normally take 3 months NewYork1 if you already have a motability car, 12th of July would be exchange date if they get you new car on time,good luck,or does your lease end 12 April ? if so hopefully sooner

[NewYork1]

No lease ends 12th April i could of ordered in January. But held off because wanted to see it in person and get the wife a test drive. Luckily they had four coming into the country in colour and spec I want so I get to exchange on my original lease end date. I’ve been really fortunate how everything has worked out.

Current Car
KIA Sportage GT Line Mhev
Previous Cars
Peugeot 5008 Allure Premium
VW Touran SEL
Citreon C4 Picasso

[Kev]

Great news,enjoy,happy motoring

[Author]

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