Extended Test Drive

[Skyman]

In the market for an Exige. The local dealer (in Bristol) only offers a one hour, accompanied test drive. I very much prefer to have a car, on my own, for at least half a day to find out whether it is really for me (I have often had BMW's for 2/3 days just to see how they 'fit'). Does anyone know if this possible thru a dealer? I suppose car hire might be an alternative. Any views much appreciated.

[cuzza]

"Hello, Wiliams Lotus? Yes, I'd like to borrow an Exige for the day to see if it's right for me."

"Accompanied? No - I'd like to drive around for a bit on some roads I know quite well"

"Trackday? Castle where? I have no idea what you're talking about"



Seriously, I think you'll be lucky to get more than a normal test drive and they alomost certainly aren't going to give you the keys and send you on your way!

[Skyman]

OK, get your drift! What about hiring then? I am serious about not jumping to buy a car having got only an initial (no doubt very favourable - which is half the problem once the adrenalin is pumping) impression from a short dem drive.

[jitsukadave]

I looked into the same thing for the Elise. The easiest way to get the car for a decent length of time is to hire one.

That means a specialist company, and it costs around £300 per day. If you google for '"Lotus Exige" hire' you'll find some places, but I couldn't find any in the South West for less than £450 a day.

If you do find somewhere, give us a shout back, as I still want to get on for a weekend.

Good luck!

[boggy]

Morning All,

£450 a Day is a bargain rip there arm's off if you can find one, you can try Stratton's or wait for Mustard to get in touch but I'm not sure about a whole day

Boggy

[jitsukadave]

boggy said:

Morning All, £450 a Day is a bargain rip there arm's off if you can find one, you can try Stratton's or wait for Mustard to get in touch but I'm not sure about a whole day Boggy

That's about 2% of the car cost. I'd rather spend it on the car I get to keep

[jasandjules]

Why not just book an hour at one place, an hour at another, and an hour at a third?

Then you will have 3 hours driving in the car, which is nearly a half day?!?! And about £400 cheaper......

[cnjohnson_uk]

From memory even the other local lotus dealer (Dick Lovett) do accompanied drives only. Although they do a very good one. I remember my partner having a test drive with Williams last year and it wasn't an hour.

I believe they take you down to the M4/M32 junction and then back again to Brislington.

[boggy]

jitsukadave said:

boggy said: Morning All, £450 a Day is a bargain rip there arm's off if you can find one, you can try Stratton's or wait for Mustard to get in touch but I'm not sure about a whole day Boggy That's about 2% of the car cost. I'd rather spend it on the car I get to keep

I know & I agree but if anyone every asks me for a drive of my car I simply say "get your own Fully comprehensive Insurance" (With no excess) and I'll also charge you £500 per day for the privilege of driving it so that would probably end up coasting someone in the region of £1200 for insurance plus the £500 for hire there for £450 is an absolute bargain

Boggy

[DJ111S]

Skyman said:

In the market for an Exige. The local dealer (in Bristol) only offers a one hour, accompanied test drive. I very much prefer to have a car, on my own, for at least half a day to find out whether it is really for me (I have often had BMW's for 2/3 days just to see how they 'fit'). Does anyone know if this possible thru a dealer? I suppose car hire might be an alternative. Any views much appreciated.

An hour will be plenty. Actually 10 mins is sufficient. Then just pay for the thing and drive it away.