Demo model questions -- how can one actually test drive one?

[cancoi]

Greetings! We're considering a MME and reached out to a few dealers to test drive. We were informed at one dealer that the demos were for service loaners only (but we could come sit in it) and at another they were not test driving the MME due to it being "high performance vehicle". We did sit in both (one Select and one Premium; glad we did as the extra 2" of head room in the Premium made a world of difference) but the fact that one can't test drive a car was ridiculous.

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[stratigary]

That is quite odd that they wouldn't let you drive it. The one I'm buying next month is actually a service loaner and they actually let me take it home for the weekend. Granted, I know the salesperson pretty well and we've bought 2 vehicles from them before. I was concerned about them putting tons of miles on it before I was able to get it but they told me that they only loaned it out to people they really trust and have a relationship with. Maybe, you could give them a visit again and express your interest in buying one but really would like to drive it first.

I'm near you (Toledo) and if you really wanted to test drive one I could definitely get you into the one I'm buying!

 

[jnthn98]

Greetings! We're considering a MME and reached out to a few dealers to test drive. We were informed at one dealer that the demos were for service loaners only (but we could come sit in it) and at another they were not test driving the MME due to it being "high performance vehicle". We did sit in both (one Select and one Premium; glad we did as the extra 2" of head room in the Premium made a world of difference) but the fact that one can't test drive a car was ridiculous.

Those type of dealerships aren't very helpful, but it's not unheard of. The first dealership that I visited told me that they are not allowing test drives (they also had a $12k markup on a base Select model with no option packages). So I took my business elsewhere. The other dealership that gave me no trouble with test drives, I end up buying from them. It's first dealer's loss if they want to play that game.

 

[jddrews]

My dealership has a dedicated demo car. My first test drive was about a month ago with the sales guy present and lasted less than 10 minutes. I requested to take it out again today and he basically tossed me the keys and said be back in an hour. It was a much better way to get a feel for the car. Hopefully there's a more considerate dealership in your area that will help you out.

 

[RockwallRick]

My dealership has a dedicated demo car. My first test drive was about a month ago with the sales guy present and lasted less than 10 minutes. I requested to take it out again today and he basically tossed me the keys and said be back in an hour. It was a much better way to get a feel for the car. Hopefully there's a more considerate dealership in your area that will help you out.

It depends on the dealer. Our local Ford dealer has let us put over 1,000 miles on their demo MME!!!

 

[machefan]

It depends on the dealer. Our local Ford dealer has let us put over 1,000 miles on their demo MME!!!

Exactly, as with many dealers as well as my local dealer allow for test drives including overnights. Some dealers I am guessing are trying keep the miles down to promote a higher resale value. Ford recently changed the dealer demo rules to relax them for quicker ability to resell them.

 

[RockwallRick]

Exactly, as with many dealers and my local dealer allows for test drives and overnights. Some dealers I am guessing are trying keep the miles down to promote a higher resale value. Ford recently changed the dealer demo rules to relax them for quicker ability to resell them.

Yes, I expect to see a lot of demo’s up for sale soon. Some dealer’s are already advertising them up to 5k over MSRP!

 

[cancoi]

Thanks, all. Husband needs to get a rear windshield motor fixed so we could get it as a service loaner for that. They did mention it would be coming off demo in about a month, so maybe we’ll just keep in touch.

 

[cancoi]

Yes, I expect to see a lot of demo’s up for sale soon. Some dealer’s are already advertising them up to 5k over MSRP!

There’s one dealer in our area doing that already. They’re out, evidently.

 

[cancoi]

Also, does anyone have any information about how demo sales should go? What warranty info should be, or where it starts, recommendations for negotiation?

 

[RockwallRick]

Also, does anyone have any information about how demo sales should go? What warranty info should be, or where it starts, recommendations for negotiation?

In this market it will be tough to negotiate! Personally, I would NOT pay MSRP or above for a used car!!

 

[machefan]

Also, does anyone have any information about how demo sales should go? What warranty info should be, or where it starts, recommendations for negotiation?

Demos are sold like a new car, full warranty that is adjusted so you get the full miles and length. 3 years and 36000 miles regardless of where it’s currently at.

I would start at MSRP and go down from there which most likely isn’t going to be much if any. I don’t suggest going above and it also depends on how many miles it has racked up. Otherwise just order one from a non ADM dealer that takes the XPLAN. Get it in writing etc.

 

[jrstinkfish]

My dealer let me take their demo home for the weekend. Sounds like your dealer is trying to preserve their demo for its four month lifespan so they can sell it with very little mileage.

 

[stratigary]

Also, does anyone have any information about how demo sales should go? What warranty info should be, or where it starts, recommendations for negotiation?

We're buying our demo using Z-plan so there is no negotiating on the price as required by Ford. However, we are working on setting up a deal on the Ford extended service plan instead. If they won't budge in price, you can always try that as well.

 

[RockwallRick]

Just checked our dealer‘s website to see if they have our demo up for sale yet. They still don’t have it listed! My Wife wants to keep it until her car comes in! Lol

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