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Just rang an Alfa Romeo dealer (Exeter) to get a test drive of a petrol hybrid Tonale, only to be told they don’t have any to use, and rarely do. The nearest alternative showroom is 200 mile round trip and loathe to travel up to Bristol for a test drive on a Saturday in holiday traffic.
Wondering how flexible Motability are on lease cancellations where test drive not possible. Anyone experienced this, or alternative solutions.
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Is it worth phoning the Alpha dealership in Truro? I know it’s still Vospers but they may tell you a better story?
I very much doubt that Motability would be happy with a dealership of their size not being able to offer test drives.
I'm Autistic, if I say something you find offensive, please let me know, I can guarantee it was unintentional.
I'll try to give my honest opinion but am always open to learning.Mark
This is slowly getting more common no demonstrators or test drives ?
Unfortunately I have suffered a brain injury and occasionally say the wrong thing.
I went to Huddersfield Volvo and they’d sold their demo V60. Didn’t even have one in the showroom to sit in. Went to Bradford Volvo and they were really helpful. Had one in the showroom and also offered a test drive (no need to book ahead) of a nearly new V60. Not the same engine, or trim level, but they did the best with what they had and at least I now know that it’s very comfy.
Thanks MF. Hadn’t clocked there was one in Truro, which is closer. Will give them a ring.
There is also Plymouth (same dealer I believe) – might be worth giving them a bell?
Seat Ateca FR Sport
Local VW test drive definite no, can I view or look no, Skoda any chance of a test drive no, can I just look inside no there is second hand car outside if you must, first Ford dealer test drive no unless I am ready to sign, Ford Bristol Street Motors here’s the keys bring it back in an hour or so. Our current Suzuki dealer nice enough guy did not have a car to test drive, but would have been welcome if they did, I went to another Suzuki dealer as a customer and test drove a second-hand Suzuki Across.
Unfortunately some Mobility sales staff have an attitude and leave a lot to be desired, fortunately the majority cannot do enough.
Unfortunately I have suffered a brain injury and occasionally say the wrong thing.
Gotta balance all this rotten luck out – Skoda Swansea (as well as VW Port Talbot) are the polar opposite of this.
Went to Skoda Swansea to look at the facelifted Enyaq, of which they only had one that for some reason was the daily driver of the Motability guy (85x Sportline in that new green). Immediately offered test drive of up to an hour (told us to “drive on the motorway, one or two exits, and then drive back to the dealership off the motorway). Also offered to program the Enyaqs SatNav, which we declined.
Not particularly hot on how the Enyaq drives, but that’s besides the point. Got a call yesterday (around 3 weeks after test drive), inviting us back to test drive the Elroq 85 Sportline that they just got in (we were talking about trying to make our mind up between the two), and pointing out that, if we ordered the Elroq this month, Skoda Swansea (i wanna say it’s Sinclair) will contribute £750 to the AP.
So far, i can not recommend Sinclair enough. At least the two dealerships we’ve been to, were nothing but absolutely perfect – actual customer experiences, not the average “supplicant” experience that’s sadly rather commonplace nowadays.
Prior: SEAT Ateca Xcellence Lux 1.5 TSI DSG MY19, VW Golf GTE PHEV DSG MY23
Current: Hyundai Ioniq 6 Ultimate
Next: we'll see what's available in 2028.Got to agree with @Rene on Sinclairs VW & Skoda. Hyundai & Kia Swansea are also excellent dealerships.
No test drives were possible at the Skoda or Ford dealerships in Leicester. However we were so impressed with the Capri when we looked at it we managed to get a two hour unaccompanied test drive from the Ford dealership in Loughborough which was the same chain. There doesn’t seem to be any logic to it.
I’m in the process of narrowing down my choice and have visited dealers to view and discuss cars. I’m waiting until next quarter before test driving but so far Cupra, VW, Ford and BMW have all offered me test drives in July.
I’ve never had more than a 15 minute ‘spin’ in any car I’ve ended up buying. I envy these people who have 24hr loans of cars!
My present car has awfully uncomfortable seats that I didn’t pick up on after such a short test drive.
Mobility inform us to test drive and make sure the vehicle suit your needs, however, dealers seem to be offering test drive are becoming less common, this is something Mobility needs to sort out, if the dealer cannot not offer a comprehensive test drive they should be removed from the scheme.
Unfortunately I have suffered a brain injury and occasionally say the wrong thing.
For balance, Ingram Skoda/SEAT/VW Ayr. I was unsure of the sports seats in the Enyaq before we ordered so called to ask for a test drive of a least a couple of hours so the wife and I could both drive it on various types of roads. They told me they had one but it was booked for a test drive that afternoon but if I came in the next morning after 10am they’d have it charged waiting for me, just have it back by 5 o’clock. When we returned the car we were even offered an Edition model to drive to compare the seats. We are on our 5th car from Ingrams and they’re great. They always offer a loan car when the car is in getting serviced or MOT, or will collect and return it if that’s easier for us. And most importantly, they don’t treat us any different because we are Motability customers.
I live in the south in an area where there is a reasonable amount of dealer choice – asked for a test drive at a Skoda dealership – was told yes 15 mins accompanied and on their chosen route – I explained politely, that would not be long enough or varied enough to test comfort noise, parking, cruising reversing etc.
I was told that was there policy – I said I would not be ordering a car through them.
I found another Škoda dealer a similar distance away – chalk and cheese – an hour+ test by myself and ample time to look around it – never felt rushed and they were very patient and supportive.
I have had several Motability cars and think the person you are dealing with makes a huge difference – however I do appreciate that I am fortunate to live in an area where within a 15 mile radius there is ample choice – often on industrial sites with several different Motability dealerships.
Maybe Motability should have some kind of rating system or clear policy on what constitutes an acceptable test drive.
When we last changed I had 4 different 24 hour test drives. 2 from a BMW dealer and 2 from a Hyundai dealer. Both couldn’t have been more helpful. I would NEVER order a car based on a 15-30 minute test drive. Everything seems shiny and exciting in that time but you need it for a day to establish suitability. Order in haste, repent at leisure!
Because various dealerships are close to me I have often tried a few for an hour then gone back for a last go on the ones I have whittled it down to – gives me time to reflect.
I have recently ordered my new car – Elroq 85 sportline maxx – swop over end of July – this was my quickest decision to date – just ticked all most all my boxes👍
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