It was a cold rainy Thursday and a friend asked that I accompany her on an appointment to test drive a Nissan Murano.
We arrived at the dealership and a 2012 Murano was parked right where we could not miss it with a huge sign across the front windshield displaying the model, year and discounted price. It is a 2012.
The salesperson came out, a few pleasantries exchanged and we took a walk around the car giving the exterior a good once over. My friend got in the passenger seat, because salesperson must first drive car off the lot, and I sat in the backseat. Off we went on the appointed test drive route.
At the designated safe spot for a driver change, my friend took the wheel. She and the salesman discussed features exchanged a few questions and answers and back to the dealership we went for the heavy lifting - negotiations.
Since my friend had done her homework, got pre-approved for financing and knew her firm buy figure, the process didn't take but one back and forth and one manager visit to say welcome.
After about an hour off she went to the F & I and the Murano to prep for delivery. Contracts were reviewed, service contracts presented and declined, protection package presented and declined, credit life presented and declined, etc. You get the picture. Buyers order and contact signed and another happy Murano owner walks out the door with the delivery person.
Now, the delivery person took her out to the car for features and equipment familiarization and another walk around the car.
It stopped raining and I came out to take a better look at the exterior and low and behold on the hood were several spots that at first glance looked like just a few rain spots. Wrong. Ran my finger over each one a found deep service scars. At about this time the general sales manager came out to thank her for the business and asked if all went well.
I showed him the several blemishes he rubbed them agreed to have them removed and had salesperson get a We Owe form. This form is used to schedule appointment for car to be brought back buffed and whatever else is needed to remove the imperfections.
This could have been prevented if we had not been distracted by the cold and rain. This could have happened if it were night time. Caution: in inclement weather before you sign the contract have the car cleaned, brought inside with good lighting and you conduct a thorough walk around paying extra attention to painted surfaces and wheels. If it's dark have the car taken inside for a good look.
My friend brought the car back as scheduled given a loaner and asked to come back in a few hours. A few hours later the dealer called and said the car would have to go to a paint specialist. She loss that day, the weekend and Monday of the following week.
It's Tuesday around 6:15pm and she's waiting for the dealer to bring her new Murano over as he said in an earlier call today. Caution: in inclement weather look closer before you buy.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Sunday, March 3, 2013
The Test Drive - Where You Take Control
Before you make your next new or used car
purchase take it out for the all important road test or test drive. During
this time you will either love or hate that new ride. The test drive is the most important part of the buying process. The time when
you take control of the drive.
Have the salesperson demonstrate the location and operation of all instruments, i.e., lights, stereo, remote mirrors, steering column tilt and seat adjustments, USB port, bluetooth pairing; safety features blind spot warning, lane departure, backup camera, etc. before leaving the dealership. For safety reasons make all your driving adjustments prior to taking the test drive. The salesperson will make a copy of your drivers license and leave the copy with management. This has become a common safety procedure because of auto hijackings of salespersons while out on test drives. The salesperson will also drive the car first off the lot.
Take the test drive over several types of terrain and driving conditions. Test the cars roll in curves, how much you lean vs. the car compensating for the force of gravity in curves. Check the glare from dash on windshield. Is it distracting? Listen for wind noise around the doors, side windows, front windshield and sunroof, if there is one. Listen for road noise created by the tires and transferred to the driving compartment. Perform a high speed merge. Does the car accelerate quickly enough to get you out into traffic safely? Find an area with no cars to perform a panic stop. Does the car swerve or come to a stop in a straight line?
When driving over rough roads, speed bumps, railroad tracks, etc., do you hear any unwanted rattles, squeaks or other annoying sounds. By now you should also determine if the shoulder safety belt still feels comfortable. Did the belt rise up under your neck? If so, see if it can be adjusted from the mounting on the car’s frame. How are the seats feeling at this point? Do you need to readjust the steering column tilt? Can you see all the necessary instrumentation? If you’re into music, how is the sound system performing? Can you hear all the speakers? Get demonstration on setting up the sound system.
Pull over and let the salesperson drive for awhile and you sit in the back. Check for seating comfort, noises, head and leg room, controls that your children may operate, windows, door locks, etc. Take over driving again and this time pull into a parking lot. Test parking straight in, at an angle and parallel. Did you notice any blind spots? Could you easily determine the front and rear distances to the next car?
Your test drive should be as close to your every day driving conditions as possible. Take 45 minutes or more to really learn the feel and handling of the car. Remember, you’re going to spend a considerable amount of time in your car. So, it’s very important that you take as much time to thoroughly test the car to be sure it will meet your expectations and needs.
With the recent hands-free driving laws check connecting your cellphone with bluetooth and test making a call. That is if your car has these features.
Questions to ask the salesperson: Does this car have a donut or full size spare tire? Where are the hidden compartments for spare change, cup holders, etc.? How do I set the clock? How do I set the radio? Where is the fuse box?
Have the salesperson demonstrate the location and operation of all instruments, i.e., lights, stereo, remote mirrors, steering column tilt and seat adjustments, USB port, bluetooth pairing; safety features blind spot warning, lane departure, backup camera, etc. before leaving the dealership. For safety reasons make all your driving adjustments prior to taking the test drive. The salesperson will make a copy of your drivers license and leave the copy with management. This has become a common safety procedure because of auto hijackings of salespersons while out on test drives. The salesperson will also drive the car first off the lot.
Take the test drive over several types of terrain and driving conditions. Test the cars roll in curves, how much you lean vs. the car compensating for the force of gravity in curves. Check the glare from dash on windshield. Is it distracting? Listen for wind noise around the doors, side windows, front windshield and sunroof, if there is one. Listen for road noise created by the tires and transferred to the driving compartment. Perform a high speed merge. Does the car accelerate quickly enough to get you out into traffic safely? Find an area with no cars to perform a panic stop. Does the car swerve or come to a stop in a straight line?
When driving over rough roads, speed bumps, railroad tracks, etc., do you hear any unwanted rattles, squeaks or other annoying sounds. By now you should also determine if the shoulder safety belt still feels comfortable. Did the belt rise up under your neck? If so, see if it can be adjusted from the mounting on the car’s frame. How are the seats feeling at this point? Do you need to readjust the steering column tilt? Can you see all the necessary instrumentation? If you’re into music, how is the sound system performing? Can you hear all the speakers? Get demonstration on setting up the sound system.
Pull over and let the salesperson drive for awhile and you sit in the back. Check for seating comfort, noises, head and leg room, controls that your children may operate, windows, door locks, etc. Take over driving again and this time pull into a parking lot. Test parking straight in, at an angle and parallel. Did you notice any blind spots? Could you easily determine the front and rear distances to the next car?
Your test drive should be as close to your every day driving conditions as possible. Take 45 minutes or more to really learn the feel and handling of the car. Remember, you’re going to spend a considerable amount of time in your car. So, it’s very important that you take as much time to thoroughly test the car to be sure it will meet your expectations and needs.
With the recent hands-free driving laws check connecting your cellphone with bluetooth and test making a call. That is if your car has these features.
Questions to ask the salesperson: Does this car have a donut or full size spare tire? Where are the hidden compartments for spare change, cup holders, etc.? How do I set the clock? How do I set the radio? Where is the fuse box?
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