notjoeyt

Hi everyone, I think that this is my first post here. I have been lurking for a few weeks now, but haven't really had anything to post on. Well, I finally do.

My question is, how do I go about arranging for a long test drive of a TL? By long I mean that I want to drive it for a weekend, over about 1,000 KM (625 miles). My wife and I are looking for a second car, and I think that the TL is perfect for us. But, I think that a long test drive would really convince my wife. I am even willing to compensate the dealership for the KMs (not sure they are allowed to "rent" a car to me). Is this idea even possible?

For context, we live and Ottawa, Canada so we would be talking with Camco or Casino Acura (no preference yet).

By the way, great site, I already have ideas for tweaks I would make if we end up getting a TL!

kennyc

Hello and welcome!

You would probably have better luck asking the dealer that question. If not a new one they might have a used one on the lot.

Subhuman

LMAO Hey why not ask for a 40,000 mile test drive while you're at it.Then you won't need to decide.
What nitwit what pay top new price for a car that's been driven 1000+ miles by god knows who?

BrandonClaps

rent one then, i doubt they will loan you it for that long/many miles

kennyc

jesus... what's got your panties twisted in a bunch?

you need to chill and tone down your attitude a bit.

subinf

Talk to the dealer, I know several people who were given cars for the weekend. The mileage was capped but they were allowed several hundred.

Phesto

if you own a acura already of an older year you can try to get a loaner car from the dealership

CleanCL

iTrader: (4)

you just gotta find the right dealer.

i've seen dealers give people cars for a week.

...occasionally they make you sign some papers so be careful.

Brettg

A long test drive is a good idea, but a weekend seems unfair to the dealers.

I test drive a number of cars at a number of dealers, that helps me figure out what dealer is good, how a collection of various cars act/hold up, and get some different driving conditions in.

Brand new not all unwraped to the dealer beat down dog the sales guys use,
I got them all, and had them on the hiway at 85 mph, jug handles, traffic jams, most times they just let me take the car out and dont say anything about time limits.

Brett

notjoeyt

Thanks for the positive replies.

I fully expect that the dealer would only be able to offer me a used or demo TL. I had no intention of asking for a brand new car. But, I have also learned to not give people solutions in my questions. As subhuman proved, people tend to read things into questions and I may get an eager sales guy who will give me the newest prepped car on the lot (when used would have made me very happy).

In fact, I think we will be looking at used. There are a few TLs around at 1 or 2 years old that can be had at a great discount.

CBR1100XX

You may be better off test driving a slightly used one anyway. I had several things done to mine right after buying it (alignment, balance tires, rattles silenced)

This will give you a better idea of how nice the car can be.

TL_1981

This is the reason that there are demo vehicles and demo write down. Working at a dealership myself ( a Honda one) I wouldn't really hesitate if someone wanted to take one for the weekend if they showed enough interest. Now if you didn't buy when you got back prepare to get the gears.

flatfoot

My question is, how do I go about arranging for a long test drive of a TL?

I was in the same situation, but after I got my tl. When I was looking for a long test drive of a 300c. Couldnt get one from a dealer for a weekend. I went to used car lots, and found one, and spoke nicely with the owner, and he agreed to rent me one for the weekend, with proof of insurance and a valid credit card with at least a 5000 limit, incase of damage.
I got the 300 c for the weekend(friday night to monday morning) for five hundred dollars. I know it was a lot to pay, but had no other choice if I wanted a long test drive. I could have gotten the 300 basic editions from the rent a cars but not the c which has the most tighest suspension of the 300.s
It was money worth spending. I loved the car, hated the suspension. And decided if I wanted a 300, I would go for the touring edition, with its more gentle suspension. I ended up the the m35x, but it was still money worth spending on the test weeken.
So try going to a used car lot. They sometimes would rather have a car, producting income, then sitting on the lot.

massr1

People pay top dollar for demos that we all know are pushed to their limits and abused, so there's not much difference there. I've known dealers that have let customers take demos for entire weekends, its not uncommon.

sweatinmyac

you can rent mine for the weekend.

Tripp11

Definitely a "dealer by dealer" situation. Frankly, I think it's a great idea if the dealership will allow you to take a demo/used TL out for the weekend.

Before buying my 2001 Saab 9-3 SE Vert, I was torn between a 330 and the Saab. The guys from BMW let me drive the car for 5 minutes with the salesman backseat driving. The guy from Saab flipped me the keys to a brand new 9-3 Vert and said, "Drive it for the weekend and I'll promise you, you'll love it." I did. I bought it. End of story.