How long was your test drive?

Upgrade15 · 03-29-2011, 02:00 PM

I am realizing now that maybe part of my indecision in which model to get is the fact that I have driven less than 5 miles in each! Not that they say, "okay, go back now", but when you are driving in an unknown area and they tell you which way to go and direct you back to the dealership...well, I'm sort of ticked now! How long did you spend test driving?

VikingOne · 03-29-2011, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrsAdams2007

I am realizing now that maybe part of my indecision in which model to get is the fact that I have driven less than 5 miles in each! Not that they say, "okay, go back now", but when you are driving in an unknown area and they tell you which way to go and direct you back to the dealership...well, I'm sort of ticked now! How long did you spend test driving?

I was able to take the car away on my own for an hour, but this was the in the UK.

Hawkshaw · 03-29-2011, 02:04 PM

Mine was about 20 minutes, but I was on lunch and didn't have a ton of time. I get the sense that it could have been longer had I wanted.

Bustofa · 03-29-2011, 02:13 PM

I was able to take the car on my own for an hour. This was a manual and, although my order has been in for over a month now, I have an auto booked for two hours on Saturday. Will need to retest the manual after that to remind myself what it was like.

This is in the UK by the way.

jijioben · 03-29-2011, 02:15 PM

In Canada, I was given both cars by myself for an hour (not at the same time though...

). I was able to drive them in areas I was familiar with and make a meaningful comparison.

Powerrunner · 03-29-2011, 02:18 PM

The dealer handed the keys over to me and I was able to drive the X3 on my own for as long as I needed.

Upgrade15 · 03-29-2011, 02:24 PM

I'm getting madder and madder! LOL! I think I am also offended my some of the comments they have made...one salesperson said "just get the 28i and get over it!" They have made me feel like I've over-stayed my welcome when I have driven the 28i twice, both times for 10 minutes or less, and the turbo I had to make two trips out to see because the manager was using it as his personal vehicle and when I came in to see it the first time (and they knew I was coming) he had just left in it!

BIMMER UK 76 · 03-29-2011, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrsAdams2007

I'm getting madder and madder! LOL! I think I am also offended my some of the comments they have made...one salesperson said "just get the 28i and get over it!" They have made me feel like I've over-stayed my welcome when I have driven the 28i twice, both times for 10 minutes or less, and the turbo I had to make two trips out to see because the manager was using it as his personal vehicle and when I came in to see it the first time (and they knew I was coming) he had just left in it!

Shocking, find another dealer

MA78 · 03-29-2011, 02:30 PM

Why waste your time with this dealership? Time to go with someone else. And make sure they know why you're taking your business elsewhere.

Mako · 03-29-2011, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrsAdams2007

I'm getting madder and madder! LOL! I think I am also offended my some of the comments they have made...one salesperson said "just get the 28i and get over it!" They have made me feel like I've over-stayed my welcome when I have driven the 28i twice, both times for 10 minutes or less, and the turbo I had to make two trips out to see because the manager was using it as his personal vehicle and when I came in to see it the first time (and they knew I was coming) he had just left in it!

Go to another dealer (if you can)! Sounds like in the UK and Canada you just take the vehicle for how ever long you want. In the US they don't let you do that (unless maybe the dealer knows you personally), between myself, wife and parents I have probably witnessed a dozen new car purchases over the last 10 years and never seen the dealer NOT go along on the test drive, and usually its just a few miles. I think this is horrible as it can intimidate drivers especially people like my wife who refuses to test drive cars, partly because of this. And when you don't know where you are going and the speed limits and the dealer is in there, you aren't really paying attention to the car as much as you are the sales guy! When I go to buy mine in the fall I am going to see if I can get a dealership to let me take it for an hour, I have insurance, they have insurance, whats the big deal?

W3dge · 03-29-2011, 02:32 PM

We drove at least 50 miles in the demo. I took it to varying sections of road. Five miles is not enough to make an informed decision. Have another drive.

shagkie · 03-29-2011, 02:35 PM

We test drove for about 20 mins the first time then about half an hour another time. Sales person offered me the car to take home on the weekend but I turned it down. Well i bought my other bimmer from him so he have to treat me nice lol

TarHeelFan · 03-29-2011, 02:54 PM

Hmmm? Should I admit that I bought my car sight-unseen and with no test drive whatsoever? I had a '08 335i Convertible and although I loved it, my bad back and impending spinal fusion (that I had on Dec 9th) made me realize I'd need a bigger vehicle to make getting in and out easier. It would also allow me to have a good sitting position while driving.

Anyways, my girlfriend pointed out that "once you've had a BMW you can't go back" so I bought in to the hype and ordered my 35i X3 the day they became orderable thru the dealership. Picking it up at the dealership was the first time even seeing one. (I had seen several European versions but never the 2011 U.S. version.)

Needless to say I am loving every second of owning this car and have ZERO regrets. I even told my girlfriend that it's only been 3,000 miles but I can easily say this is my best car ever - and I've never been one interested in the SAV/SUV style...until now

Filski · 03-29-2011, 02:57 PM

Have been testing a number of vehicles in recent weeks. Take them all out for an hr (wife and I get 30mins each to drive). Covers winding suburban roads, 80km curves (which get tested a bit faster), and a stretch of exceedingly poor Tarmac including a wier crossing. Taking out a Volvo xc60 d5 this weekend - 2 more weeks till the x3 gets a run!

Should be able to make an informed decision at the end

MA78 · 03-29-2011, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mako

Go to another dealer (if you can)! Sounds like in the UK and Canada you just take the vehicle for how ever long you want. In the US they don't let you do that (unless maybe the dealer knows you personally), between myself, wife and parents I have probably witnessed a dozen new car purchases over the last 10 years and never seen the dealer NOT go along on the test drive, and usually its just a few miles. I think this is horrible as it can intimidate drivers especially people like my wife who refuses to test drive cars, partly because of this. And when you don't know where you are going and the speed limits and the dealer is in there, you aren't really paying attention to the car as much as you are the sales guy! When I go to buy mine in the fall I am going to see if I can get a dealership to let me take it for an hour, I have insurance, they have insurance, whats the big deal?

I like to make the sales people sweat a bit if they insist on riding along. I first let them know that I used to drive SCCA Pro Rally events and that I actually had my license suspended for exceeding the allowed amount of speeding tickets in a year. Then I make sure to kick the back end out just a bit when we leave the lot (if it can be done safely of course). By this time, the sales person looks a little pale.

BIMMER UK 76 · 03-29-2011, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Filski

Have been testing a number of vehicles in recent weeks. Take them all out for an hr (wife and I get 30mins each to drive). Covers winding suburban roads, 80km curves (which get tested a bit faster), and a stretch of exceedingly poor Tarmac including a wier crossing. Taking out a Volvo xc60 d5 this weekend - 2 more weeks till the x3 gets a run!

Should be able to make an informed decision at the end

Sounds good, will be interested to hear your thoughts

What else are you testing?

tuco44 · 03-29-2011, 03:01 PM

I had both the 28i and the 35i for several different drives, only the first of which was a salesperson along. All drives were a mix of urban and hiway, and I took both to parking lots for parking and backing trials. The dealership was not overly concerned with the mileage being put on these two demos, as they were designated as "new car demos" by BMW. No drive was less than 20 mins, and several more like an hour plus. In fairness, the dealership is not that flexible when it is not a new model being introduced.

Upgrade15 · 03-29-2011, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MA78

I like to make the sales people sweat a bit if they insist on riding along. I first let them know that I used to drive SCCA Pro Rally events and that I actually had my license suspended for exceeding the allowed amount of speeding tickets in a year. Then I make sure to kick the back end out just a bit when we leave the lot (if it can be done safely of course). By this time, the sales person looks a little pale.

Want the thrill · 03-29-2011, 03:15 PM

First time I test drove the 28i and the 35i for a combined time of 40 minutes no dealer in the vehicle. Went back a second time and picked the car up at 6pm. Dealer said "we close at 8, just have it back by then" & off I went. Drove it up and down the highway and over windy back roads and a few bumpy roads too. No dealer in the car again. Drove it for about a hour + and had it back by 7:45

Sounds like you should go somewhere else.

Upgrade15 · 03-29-2011, 03:19 PM

I already called a different dealership who offered to bring the turbo out to my house for me to drive! Now that's more like it!

Want the thrill · 03-29-2011, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrsAdams2007

I already called a different dealership who offered to bring the turbo out to my house for me to drive! Now that's more like it!

jaymk5 · 03-29-2011, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrsAdams2007

I already called a different dealership who offered to bring the turbo out to my house for me to drive! Now that's more like it!

Way to go

, and for sure your first dealer will call and email you several times after this to check on your decision, just make sure you tell them, why you choose to go to another dealer, let this be a good lesson to them.

I am new to both the dealers where I test drove x3, at both dealers no dealer in the vehicle, not asked for drivers license or anything and I have given the keys to try it for a hour. With the first dealer I tried 28i for roughly around 45mins and 35i for around 30mins, second dealer(current one) 28i for 30 mins and 35i for little more than a hour, since I have to make my decision. Later when I went to check on the premium sound system with my second dealer he gave me the keys again and told to try as long as I want, checked the sound system and drove around for 30 mins or so. No questions asked whatsoever.

03-29-2011, 02:00 PM	#1
Upgrade15 Second Lieutenant 27 Rep 200 Posts Drives: '16 White X1 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Estes Park, CO iTrader: (0)	How long was your test drive? I am realizing now that maybe part of my indecision in which model to get is the fact that I have driven less than 5 miles in each! Not that they say, "okay, go back now", but when you are driving in an unknown area and they tell you which way to go and direct you back to the dealership...well, I'm sort of ticked now! How long did you spend test driving?
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03-29-2011, 02:04 PM	#3
Hawkshaw Major 100 Rep 1,013 Posts Drives: X3 xDrive28i Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Fredericton, NB, Canada iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	Mine was about 20 minutes, but I was on lunch and didn't have a ton of time. I get the sense that it could have been longer had I wanted. __________________ Paul
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03-29-2011, 02:13 PM	#4
Bustofa Lieutenant 7 Rep 470 Posts Drives: F25 X3 XDrive20D SE Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Washington, UK iTrader: (0)	I was able to take the car on my own for an hour. This was a manual and, although my order has been in for over a month now, I have an auto booked for two hours on Saturday. Will need to retest the manual after that to remind myself what it was like. This is in the UK by the way.
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03-29-2011, 02:15 PM	#5
jijioben Second Lieutenant 17 Rep 242 Posts Drives: 2011 F25 X3 35i Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	In Canada, I was given both cars by myself for an hour (not at the same time though... ). I was able to drive them in areas I was familiar with and make a meaningful comparison.
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03-29-2011, 02:18 PM	#6
Powerrunner Second Lieutenant 3 Rep 275 Posts Drives: BMW X3 35i 2011 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Naperville iTrader: (0)	The dealer handed the keys over to me and I was able to drive the X3 on my own for as long as I needed.
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03-29-2011, 02:24 PM	#7
Upgrade15 Second Lieutenant 27 Rep 200 Posts Drives: '16 White X1 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Estes Park, CO iTrader: (0)	I'm getting madder and madder! LOL! I think I am also offended my some of the comments they have made...one salesperson said "just get the 28i and get over it!" They have made me feel like I've over-stayed my welcome when I have driven the 28i twice, both times for 10 minutes or less, and the turbo I had to make two trips out to see because the manager was using it as his personal vehicle and when I came in to see it the first time (and they knew I was coming) he had just left in it!
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03-29-2011, 02:30 PM	#9
MA78 TK-421 18 Rep 610 Posts Drives: 2011 X3 35i Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Portland, OR iTrader: (0)	Why waste your time with this dealership? Time to go with someone else. And make sure they know why you're taking your business elsewhere.
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03-29-2011, 02:32 PM	#11
W3dge Private 0 Rep 72 Posts Drives: F25 X3 2.0D Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Cumbriaborough iTrader: (0)	We drove at least 50 miles in the demo. I took it to varying sections of road. Five miles is not enough to make an informed decision. Have another drive.
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03-29-2011, 02:35 PM	#12
shagkie Captain 28 Rep 632 Posts Drives: a....V8 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: GTA, Canada iTrader: (0)	We test drove for about 20 mins the first time then about half an hour another time. Sales person offered me the car to take home on the weekend but I turned it down. Well i bought my other bimmer from him so he have to treat me nice lol
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03-29-2011, 02:54 PM	#13
TarHeelFan Private 6 Rep 53 Posts Drives: 2011 X3 35i Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Mountain View, CA iTrader: (0)	Hmmm? Should I admit that I bought my car sight-unseen and with no test drive whatsoever? I had a '08 335i Convertible and although I loved it, my bad back and impending spinal fusion (that I had on Dec 9th) made me realize I'd need a bigger vehicle to make getting in and out easier. It would also allow me to have a good sitting position while driving. Anyways, my girlfriend pointed out that "once you've had a BMW you can't go back" so I bought in to the hype and ordered my 35i X3 the day they became orderable thru the dealership. Picking it up at the dealership was the first time even seeing one. (I had seen several European versions but never the 2011 U.S. version.) Needless to say I am loving every second of owning this car and have ZERO regrets. I even told my girlfriend that it's only been 3,000 miles but I can easily say this is my best car ever - and I've never been one interested in the SAV/SUV style...until now
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03-29-2011, 02:57 PM	#14
Filski Private 2 Rep 86 Posts Drives: None Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Australia iTrader: (0)	Have been testing a number of vehicles in recent weeks. Take them all out for an hr (wife and I get 30mins each to drive). Covers winding suburban roads, 80km curves (which get tested a bit faster), and a stretch of exceedingly poor Tarmac including a wier crossing. Taking out a Volvo xc60 d5 this weekend - 2 more weeks till the x3 gets a run! Should be able to make an informed decision at the end
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03-29-2011, 03:01 PM	#17
tuco44 Colonel 645 Rep 2,294 Posts Drives: 2018 340i xDrive M Perf Edtn Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Western Canada iTrader: (0)	I had both the 28i and the 35i for several different drives, only the first of which was a salesperson along. All drives were a mix of urban and hiway, and I took both to parking lots for parking and backing trials. The dealership was not overly concerned with the mileage being put on these two demos, as they were designated as "new car demos" by BMW. No drive was less than 20 mins, and several more like an hour plus. In fairness, the dealership is not that flexible when it is not a new model being introduced. __________________ 2018 340i xDrive M Perf Edtn Sunset Orange Previous BMWs - 19 others since 1971.
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03-29-2011, 03:15 PM	#19
Want the thrill Lieutenant Colonel 331 Rep 1,560 Posts Drives: 2022 X4M40i, retired ‘11 X3 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: MI iTrader: (2) Garage List 2022 X4M40i [10.00]	First time I test drove the 28i and the 35i for a combined time of 40 minutes no dealer in the vehicle. Went back a second time and picked the car up at 6pm. Dealer said "we close at 8, just have it back by then" & off I went. Drove it up and down the highway and over windy back roads and a few bumpy roads too. No dealer in the car again. Drove it for about a hour + and had it back by 7:45 Sounds like you should go somewhere else.
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03-29-2011, 03:19 PM	#20
Upgrade15 Second Lieutenant 27 Rep 200 Posts Drives: '16 White X1 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Estes Park, CO iTrader: (0)	I already called a different dealership who offered to bring the turbo out to my house for me to drive! Now that's more like it!
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