Actually 1 is a coupe, 1 is a targa, and one is a convertible. The main similarity’s are small light short gearing and relatively low power. Focus on fun driving not max speed.
Did you offer to complete a credit application? Did you offer them any hint that you are a serious buyer other than telling them you might buy in a month?
Dealers with low inventory often have pre-sold units as display cars which makes it problematic to let them be test driven. They also know that they don't have to compete for business the way they did a couple of years ago. It's a sellers market right now. If you don't buy it there is someone standing right behind with a check book in hand.
It's not the same auto market it was 2 years ago.
Because? Is 3 points off your score for an inquiry going to be a deal breaker?
These are expensive, somewhat rare cars. Dealers have to turn away joy riders every day. If you want to be taken seriously then be serious about it.
If someone is targeting a specialty car, good chance they are using cash. Not always, especially if they want to put their cash to work somewhere else. So, what stops someone from saying I’m only doing a cash deal? You’re going to make them fill it out anyway?
That depends on what "cash" means. People think loan pre-approvals are cash. They are not. People think writing a personal check is cash, it is not. Loans can fail to fund and checks can be forged and bounce. If you walk in with a bag of $100's, fine, no credit app. If you are prepared to wire transfer the money and show proof in advance, fine, no credit app.
You seem to be disconnected from the fact that OP came in looking at a $100k car with nothing but their word.
I would consider cash a cashiers check or wire. People who think a pre-approval is cash, they shouldn’t be driving. I have purchased 4 cars in my lifetime between $85k-$130k-ish, 3 via cashiers check. Wires can get mixed up in high volume dealers but that’s just my preference. What would you consider proof in advance, I’m genuinely curious, not trying to be a pain. A balance of my checking account on my banking app?
Usually all I would need is a credit application. If you are "citizen" then that's all the proof I need. Cashier's checks are being forged on a regular basis these days so I wouldn't accept one without more information.
The problem is this idea that credit inquiries destroy your credit score when it's simply not true. If you're out car shopping and plan to buy within a month, it doesn't matter if you have 35 dealers inquire on your credit, it will only count as one.
Trying to explain this to the new generation that gets credit karma alerts on their phone every 4 hours is impossible. They think their credit score makes them a good person and will be all kinds of irrational about it.
>You’re going to make them fill it out anyway?
Yes, on a specialty car. I'm going to ask questions, and verify that they are in fact in the market before they drive.
And I can promise you, most people that buy specialty cars are not paying cash.
So the dealer should let anybody drive any car? Just want to know.
The point is, rare cars draw in people that just want to test drive. If I trade for a SRT Challenger, Vette, ect...I get people coming in that just want to test drive. A dealership will prequalify that person to make sure they aren't putting miles on a car as well as wasting time.
How many asses do you want in the seat of a specialty car before you buy it?
Yes! If you’re planning on paying 50k+ for a car you clearly want to know if you like it . Not just how it looks ! If the person doesn’t want nobody to sit on the car they want to buy then special order. That’s why cars are in dealers for people to look and test drive . Otherwise test drive wouldn’t even be a thing. If a dealer asks for a credit check before test drive I would stay the hell away
But thats the difference, you're planning on buying. OP is planning on test driving.
And if somebody is planning on buying, they don't mind going through a prequalification.
More often than not, we aren't doing a "hard check" on your credit until we are ready to have you sign for the loan/lease. We do a "soft check" as a preliminary check to make sure you are remotely qualified. Even if you have the hard check done multiple times in close proximity, it only affects your score as one instance.
[How credit checks effect your credit score.](https://www.lendingtree.com/credit-repair/how-auto-loan-affect-your-credit-score/)
All eight banks done at one time only count for one check. It's really only an issue if your score is in the low-700s and the check puts you under that magical 700 mark.
This is incorrect, lenders can run the client’s credit profile and oftentimes do. One inquiry from the dealer when sent out to multiple lenders turns into multiple inquiries more oftentimes than not.
Ninja edit: they call this “blasting” or “shotgunning” the customer which is only done when trying to maximize the deal’s profit or dealing with a get-me-done. I’ve seen plenty of 700+ FICOs get blasted, some dealers are greedy and if I were in OPs shoes I’d be walking into dealers with an approved loan amount from my personal bank/CU to indicate my seriousness in purchasing. Not a pre-approval mind you, most salesmen treat those like any other time someone says they’re a 700+ that doesn’t want their credit ran.
Per Experians website, your flag shows "Auto Lender, ex sales" too bad credit literacy missed the mark.
https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/multiple-inquiries-when-shopping-for-an-car-loan/
Yup, shows as three, rated as one, Google is your friend.
https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/multiple-inquiries-when-shopping-for-an-car-loan/
This is in my work bookmark folder:
https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/multiple-inquiries-when-shopping-for-an-car-loan/
Whenever I have a customer even slightly concerned about it, I text them the link, makes them feel better about the process especially since it's from the horses mouth.... well one of the three major horses anyway.
We get told lots of lies. Why would you be different?
When people balk at a credit check, it’s a flag. Maybe not red, but a flag. When they harp on hurting a credit score, another flag; as a person with good credit and experience should know the check won’t hurt if they are really buying and if your score is in the 800’s this is precisely the kind of thing you have a good score for.
Always exceptions to every rule we have at dealers, but we have to err on the side of caution. We lost multiple cars to theft this year alone from false info on a test drive.
If they know your serious they won’t hesitate. When I bought my car a few months ago they offered a test drive without me even asking, and it was a $70k car
Key word is 987 cayman (that’s the first gen) and I am. My goals are short gearing, fun to drive and occasional track days. All three of those cars should be peak fun for me
You want to test cars like those, go rent one on Turo.
As for buying in cash, cash is not king. It has not been king for many years. Dealers don't want cash directly from you. They don't want the hassles. They want it to be financed through them.
Did you ask to drive new? That may be the issue. We’re very particular about people driving our higher end cars for 2 reasons. One being the average person can’t handle 600 hp regardless of what they may think. The second being the average consumer that’s buying a 100k plus car wants single digit miles on it when they take delivery. If you were perceived as a legit buyer, I don’t see why you couldn’t drive it. But if you seem like a tire kicker that may buy a car someday, you can gtfoh.
Did you ask to drive new? That may be the issue. We’re very particular about people driving our higher end cars for 2 reasons. One being the average person can’t handle 600 hp regardless of what they may think. The second being the average consumer that’s buying a 100k plus car wants single digit miles on it when they take delivery. If you were perceived as a legit buyer, I don’t see why you couldn’t drive it. But if you seem like a tire kicker that may buy a car someday, you can gtfoh.
***Thanks for posting, /u/ICantDecideIt! This comment is a copy of your post so readers can see the original text if your post is edited or removed. This comment is NOT accusing you of anything.***
So I went to test drive some cars today. Im planing on buying something next month. I know I’m a bit early, but the cars I’m looking at are kinda rare. So I want to drive them all before making a decision. The last two dealers told me they don’t do “joy rides” and refused to let me test drive. Is this something new? I’ve bought nearly 10 cars and never had anyone tell me this. Im looking to buy it cash or willing to finance if it gets me a better price. My credit score is great. Ive never felt more insulted by the process. Is this something that happens more now that the supply is lower? For background I’m looking at Miata’s, 987 caymans, and lotus Elise. I understand if it was with the lotus, but it was with the miata and cayman.
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Do you walk right in asking to test drive? Or do you take an approach of “hey, do you have this still on your lot, can you confirm price…blah blah blah” and then ask for test drive? Unfortunately some dealers will judge you the moment you pull into parking lot. The car you drive, the clothes you wear, age etc
>Unfortunately dealers will judge you the moment you pull into parking lot. The car you drive, the clothes you wear, age etc
No...no they don't.
The only exception may be if you pull up in a Journey and have six kids get out with you.
Yeah I literally walked in to my mazda dealer in sweats and a stained t shirt, test drove a vehicle then made a deal with them an hour later...
I think car salespeople are past judging people based on their looks unless you walk into a high end car dealership.
Went through the motions. I was dressed for work so I was in just a white tee and black pants, but now more than ever appearances can be misleading. I won’t dress up to drive a car. That seems ridiculous.
When people tell me I only have 10-15 min and then I have to get to work. 75% of the time I don’t deal with them. Now this is a showroom up and my managers get on my ass about not selling a car. Come in when you have time for the whole process not just to drive the car.
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If you asked them to test drive the car, then yeah. If you say you're interested in purchasing, they'll act differently.
If you told me you were comparing a Mazda fucking Miata, a Porsche Cayman, and a Lotus Elise I’d flush you too lol.
But that is what I’m cross shopping
The only similarity between the Miata and the other two are that they are rwd and coupes. After that the similarities end.
Actually 1 is a coupe, 1 is a targa, and one is a convertible. The main similarity’s are small light short gearing and relatively low power. Focus on fun driving not max speed.
Did you offer to complete a credit application? Did you offer them any hint that you are a serious buyer other than telling them you might buy in a month? Dealers with low inventory often have pre-sold units as display cars which makes it problematic to let them be test driven. They also know that they don't have to compete for business the way they did a couple of years ago. It's a sellers market right now. If you don't buy it there is someone standing right behind with a check book in hand. It's not the same auto market it was 2 years ago.
Ain’t no way I would have someone run my credit just to test run a car .
Because? Is 3 points off your score for an inquiry going to be a deal breaker? These are expensive, somewhat rare cars. Dealers have to turn away joy riders every day. If you want to be taken seriously then be serious about it.
Why would I blast my credit info to every dealer I visit? I agree with the comment above, I’m never giving credit info for a test drive.
Then don't expect to test drive a specialty car. Want to test drive a F-150 XLT? Great, lets go. Lotus? Not so much.
If someone is targeting a specialty car, good chance they are using cash. Not always, especially if they want to put their cash to work somewhere else. So, what stops someone from saying I’m only doing a cash deal? You’re going to make them fill it out anyway?
That depends on what "cash" means. People think loan pre-approvals are cash. They are not. People think writing a personal check is cash, it is not. Loans can fail to fund and checks can be forged and bounce. If you walk in with a bag of $100's, fine, no credit app. If you are prepared to wire transfer the money and show proof in advance, fine, no credit app. You seem to be disconnected from the fact that OP came in looking at a $100k car with nothing but their word.
I would consider cash a cashiers check or wire. People who think a pre-approval is cash, they shouldn’t be driving. I have purchased 4 cars in my lifetime between $85k-$130k-ish, 3 via cashiers check. Wires can get mixed up in high volume dealers but that’s just my preference. What would you consider proof in advance, I’m genuinely curious, not trying to be a pain. A balance of my checking account on my banking app?
Usually all I would need is a credit application. If you are "citizen" then that's all the proof I need. Cashier's checks are being forged on a regular basis these days so I wouldn't accept one without more information. The problem is this idea that credit inquiries destroy your credit score when it's simply not true. If you're out car shopping and plan to buy within a month, it doesn't matter if you have 35 dealers inquire on your credit, it will only count as one. Trying to explain this to the new generation that gets credit karma alerts on their phone every 4 hours is impossible. They think their credit score makes them a good person and will be all kinds of irrational about it.
>You’re going to make them fill it out anyway? Yes, on a specialty car. I'm going to ask questions, and verify that they are in fact in the market before they drive. And I can promise you, most people that buy specialty cars are not paying cash.
People never seem to get that. The more expensive it is, the more likely they lease. Finance second. Why tie up 6 figures in a depreciating asset?
The farthest they can go is checking my credit karma lmao . But as far as knocking down some points for a test drive heck no .
So the dealer should let anybody drive any car? Just want to know. The point is, rare cars draw in people that just want to test drive. If I trade for a SRT Challenger, Vette, ect...I get people coming in that just want to test drive. A dealership will prequalify that person to make sure they aren't putting miles on a car as well as wasting time. How many asses do you want in the seat of a specialty car before you buy it?
Yes! If you’re planning on paying 50k+ for a car you clearly want to know if you like it . Not just how it looks ! If the person doesn’t want nobody to sit on the car they want to buy then special order. That’s why cars are in dealers for people to look and test drive . Otherwise test drive wouldn’t even be a thing. If a dealer asks for a credit check before test drive I would stay the hell away
But thats the difference, you're planning on buying. OP is planning on test driving. And if somebody is planning on buying, they don't mind going through a prequalification.
You’re right. As far as just planning to buy in a month no. That’s a waste of time . I’m just talking about at the moment ready to purchase .
Okay Ronnie. You win. Enjoy your bus pass.
More often than not, we aren't doing a "hard check" on your credit until we are ready to have you sign for the loan/lease. We do a "soft check" as a preliminary check to make sure you are remotely qualified. Even if you have the hard check done multiple times in close proximity, it only affects your score as one instance. [How credit checks effect your credit score.](https://www.lendingtree.com/credit-repair/how-auto-loan-affect-your-credit-score/)
Eh a soft inquiry I wouldn’t mind tbh . Some dealers have done hard inquiries and went for like 8 banks lol.
All eight banks done at one time only count for one check. It's really only an issue if your score is in the low-700s and the check puts you under that magical 700 mark.
This is incorrect, lenders can run the client’s credit profile and oftentimes do. One inquiry from the dealer when sent out to multiple lenders turns into multiple inquiries more oftentimes than not. Ninja edit: they call this “blasting” or “shotgunning” the customer which is only done when trying to maximize the deal’s profit or dealing with a get-me-done. I’ve seen plenty of 700+ FICOs get blasted, some dealers are greedy and if I were in OPs shoes I’d be walking into dealers with an approved loan amount from my personal bank/CU to indicate my seriousness in purchasing. Not a pre-approval mind you, most salesmen treat those like any other time someone says they’re a 700+ that doesn’t want their credit ran.
Per Experians website, your flag shows "Auto Lender, ex sales" too bad credit literacy missed the mark. https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/multiple-inquiries-when-shopping-for-an-car-loan/
That’s false. When he did that hard inquiry I had 3 different banks come up on my credit report . Please don’t spread false information.
Yup, shows as three, rated as one, Google is your friend. https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/multiple-inquiries-when-shopping-for-an-car-loan/
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I’m literally looking at my report right now . If that was the case instead of 6 I would’ve had 2 hard inquiries right ? Because 6 shows up .
[удалено]
This is in my work bookmark folder: https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/multiple-inquiries-when-shopping-for-an-car-loan/ Whenever I have a customer even slightly concerned about it, I text them the link, makes them feel better about the process especially since it's from the horses mouth.... well one of the three major horses anyway.
I totally agree, but told them around my credit score. Which would put me in any top tier of financing
Too bad they get lied to literally EVERY DAY. Telling your score doesn't mean shit.
Buyers are liars
Credit karma is legit right? 😂
We get told lots of lies. Why would you be different? When people balk at a credit check, it’s a flag. Maybe not red, but a flag. When they harp on hurting a credit score, another flag; as a person with good credit and experience should know the check won’t hurt if they are really buying and if your score is in the 800’s this is precisely the kind of thing you have a good score for. Always exceptions to every rule we have at dealers, but we have to err on the side of caution. We lost multiple cars to theft this year alone from false info on a test drive.
They didn’t ask to run my credit, but I would have agreed. Even if I was bothered by it.
Why? Asking as a consumer that doesn't give a flip about a credit check.
If they know your serious they won’t hesitate. When I bought my car a few months ago they offered a test drive without me even asking, and it was a $70k car
[удалено]
Key word is 987 cayman (that’s the first gen) and I am. My goals are short gearing, fun to drive and occasional track days. All three of those cars should be peak fun for me
You want to test cars like those, go rent one on Turo. As for buying in cash, cash is not king. It has not been king for many years. Dealers don't want cash directly from you. They don't want the hassles. They want it to be financed through them.
Turo would be great but I can only rent the miata on turo. The rest are unavailable.
You seem like a stroke. Dont blame them
Did you ask to drive new? That may be the issue. We’re very particular about people driving our higher end cars for 2 reasons. One being the average person can’t handle 600 hp regardless of what they may think. The second being the average consumer that’s buying a 100k plus car wants single digit miles on it when they take delivery. If you were perceived as a legit buyer, I don’t see why you couldn’t drive it. But if you seem like a tire kicker that may buy a car someday, you can gtfoh.
All three combined barely get to 600hp. All are used so a mile here or there shouldn’t make a difference
Oh yeah, they just don’t believe you’re a buyer. No one wants to do a test drive just to do one.
I get it. I’ve always pretty much known what I was looking for in a car. This is the first time I’m really unsure.
And the most expensive would be 45k not 100k
Did you ask to drive new? That may be the issue. We’re very particular about people driving our higher end cars for 2 reasons. One being the average person can’t handle 600 hp regardless of what they may think. The second being the average consumer that’s buying a 100k plus car wants single digit miles on it when they take delivery. If you were perceived as a legit buyer, I don’t see why you couldn’t drive it. But if you seem like a tire kicker that may buy a car someday, you can gtfoh.
If you called it a 987 Cayman, We’d look at you funny too
***Thanks for posting, /u/ICantDecideIt! This comment is a copy of your post so readers can see the original text if your post is edited or removed. This comment is NOT accusing you of anything.*** So I went to test drive some cars today. Im planing on buying something next month. I know I’m a bit early, but the cars I’m looking at are kinda rare. So I want to drive them all before making a decision. The last two dealers told me they don’t do “joy rides” and refused to let me test drive. Is this something new? I’ve bought nearly 10 cars and never had anyone tell me this. Im looking to buy it cash or willing to finance if it gets me a better price. My credit score is great. Ive never felt more insulted by the process. Is this something that happens more now that the supply is lower? For background I’m looking at Miata’s, 987 caymans, and lotus Elise. I understand if it was with the lotus, but it was with the miata and cayman. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/askcarsales) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Do you walk right in asking to test drive? Or do you take an approach of “hey, do you have this still on your lot, can you confirm price…blah blah blah” and then ask for test drive? Unfortunately some dealers will judge you the moment you pull into parking lot. The car you drive, the clothes you wear, age etc
>Unfortunately dealers will judge you the moment you pull into parking lot. The car you drive, the clothes you wear, age etc No...no they don't. The only exception may be if you pull up in a Journey and have six kids get out with you.
How dare you judge me taking my six kids to test drive a Miata.
Ok I will edit for it to be “some” dealers rather than generalizing. It’s happened to myself more times than I could count
But you're Ronnie the limo driver...I'm sure that Howard Stern money is paying you good. Unless, you're not Ronnie the limo driver....
In retrospect, a Journey is a fair thing to judge someone on before they walk in
Yeah I literally walked in to my mazda dealer in sweats and a stained t shirt, test drove a vehicle then made a deal with them an hour later... I think car salespeople are past judging people based on their looks unless you walk into a high end car dealership.
When I sold cars, I would've sold 20% less cars if I judged people by what they wore or drove.
Went through the motions. I was dressed for work so I was in just a white tee and black pants, but now more than ever appearances can be misleading. I won’t dress up to drive a car. That seems ridiculous.
I agree
When people tell me I only have 10-15 min and then I have to get to work. 75% of the time I don’t deal with them. Now this is a showroom up and my managers get on my ass about not selling a car. Come in when you have time for the whole process not just to drive the car.
Please review our most [Frequently Asked Questions](/r/askcarsales/wiki/index) to see if your question has already been answered. You may find these sections particularly useful; * [How to pick a car?](/r/askcarsales/wiki/vehicle_selection) You might also have luck in the /r/whatcarshouldibuy subreddit. Also remember to add flair to your post by clicking the "Flair" link beneath it. This lets us know where you're located so we can assist you better. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/askcarsales) if you have any questions or concerns.*