Do your local ATV dealers let you test drive?

_RaT_ · Mar 14, 2005

I have gone to the dealer knowing what I wanted but my neighbor does his research first at the dealer. He was amazed that you cannot test drive the ATV's at the delaers. Is your experience the same?

bczoom · Mar 14, 2005

Rat

Absolutely not. I haven't met a dealer yet that wouldn't let me take it for a ride. This goes for ATV's, UTV's, CUT's, etc.

Although it's really hard to get a feel for a machine crusing around in a small lot at least it's something.

Actually, for my RTV, I made it a requirement that I get to do a test ride on my property to see how it would do. They were more than happy to do so. (Once the test ride was done, he left with the down payment)

Have you narrowed your selection down to a couple ATV's that maybe we could provide some first hand knowledge?

Brian

_RaT_ · Mar 14, 2005

It sure would make sense, I mean, they give away free stuff if you test drive a car and while an ATV isn't as pricey as a car, it still isn't a loaf of bread either.

BB_TX · Mar 14, 2005

Don't know what you are looking for, but if you go to the Honda web site and their store locator, it will list the nearest stores to your zip code. Beside each listing there is a small icon if they allow test drives. Most, but not all, in my area have the test drive icon.

_RaT_ · Mar 14, 2005

Thanks, I did not know that, I will pass it on.

soarkrebel · Mar 14, 2005

If i can't test drive it i don't buy from them period!
They get demos it's just that some use the demo for thier use!

As a matter of fact i was a yamaha dealer just about two weeks ago told the guy i wasnt sure if i wanted the rtv or rhino and i had driven a rtv but not a rhino. guy just didnt get it ......didnt offer a test drive. i waited for it to maybe sink in ...NOPE!
Told him as i walked away to my vehicle that i would find a dealer that wanted my business and had some sales intellect!
He tried to back paddle then .........to late! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Archdean · Mar 14, 2005

( If i can't test drive it i don't buy from them period!
They get demos it's just that some use the demo for thier use!

As a matter of fact i was a yamaha dealer just about two weeks ago told the guy i wasnt sure if i wanted the rtv or rhino and i had driven a rtv but not a rhino. guy just didnt get it ......didnt offer a test drive. i waited for it to maybe sink in ...NOPE!
Told him as i walked away to my vehicle that i would find a dealer that wanted my business and had some sales intellect!
He tried to back paddle then .........to late! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif )

They get demos!! News to me!!

You were a yamaha dealer two weeks ago or you were at a yamaha dealer two weeks ago!!

FYI All Kubota dealers will let you test drive a unit and bend over backwards to do what ever is neccessary to sell you a unit within reason but no manufacture that I know of doles out demos, as a matter of fact a strict hour limit is imposed or it becomes a used unit!!!

Dean

bczoom · Mar 14, 2005

Oh man... I hate this...

I just replied to a thread you started (that apparently has since been deleted). Now I have to type the whole dang thing over.

OK RaT, you got a QuadRunner. Tell us more. New/Used (I think I recall your BIL or someone had one that you had your eye on).

Are you sticking with that or are you getting a UTV as well?

Brian

Dargo · Mar 15, 2005

( If i can't test drive it i don't buy from them period!
They get demos it's just that some use the demo for thier use!)

Well, I don't know about the demo, but I also did have a local Yamaha shop tell me that he would take me for a ride in the Rhino but wouldn't let me drive it. He said it was because of their insurance restrictions. I almost hate to say it, but I didn't feel bad at all about not buying my Rhino from my local dealer.

I think that the dealer has to use common sense about it, but I don't see how they can get by with absolutely no test driving. I think that having a blanket "no test driving" policy is stupid. If there is going to be "no test driving", it seems like the dealer will have to sell on price alone. I don't know about you, but if I were a dealer, I wouldn't want to sell on price alone.

_RaT_ · Mar 15, 2005

Yeah, a Suzuki Quadrunner. It's pretty small but works beautifully. It has 3 ranges, high, low and super low. All four tires can lock in. I have found even going up steep hills dragging a chain harrow on the back that I don't use 4WD and keep it in 2WD mostly because it steers easier. I am not even sure what size engine it is but it would appear to be about a 250cc in physical size. It has extra large Maxxis tires on the rear. It has a manual 5 speed transmission. I need a manual since it is due for a oil change and I know this thing has a little oil filter and I need to figure out what oil it uses. It is slightly cold blooded.