Can I take my dog on a test drive? (1 Viewer)

[Paul D Young]

My wife and I are planning on buying a new vehicle soon. Some people may think it is stupid but how my dog rides in the vehicle will play an important role in deciding which one to buy. I want to make sure that he can comfortably look out the window while I drive without being totally free to roam. We are looking at the Trailblazer by Chevrolet. I think that he would do nicely in the area behind the back seats.
Anyway, when I go to the dealer do you think they will allow me to take my dog with me? I've never done a test drive before as all my cars have been bought from family members. Does the salesman go with you (like he did with Kramer in Seinfeld)? Do you have to leave some collateral (like my car or my wife)? How does this work?
Thanks, for your help,
Paul

 

[Malcolm R]

From my limited experience, if you're leaving your current vehicle at the dealership while you test drive the new vehicle, you are allowed to test drive without a salesman.

I doubt they'd let you take your dog, though.

 

[Jesse Leonard]

I don't think they would let you take your dog. As eager as they may be to make a sale, I don't think they would risk possible damage to the vehicle.

But, you can go to a car rental place and rent the exact type of vehicle you are thinking about buying. This way you could drive it around all day with your dog and not worry about some salesman breathing down your neck. Many rental places have deals throughout the week. So, it may be worth the $30 or so before you plop down the big bucks.

 

[Keith Mickunas]

I find it varies by dealership as to whether they ride with you or not. It could also be based on what the salesman thinks of you. The last time I was shopping, I went alone with Chryslers and VWs, and the salesman came along at Audi. Perhaps the Audi guy didn't trust me, or perhaps he wanted to take the opportunity to point out features, I don't know.

As for the dog, I don't think so. At least I wouldn't want to buy a car that had a dog in there during a test drive. If I saw it happen I'd think less of the dealership also. Jesse's idea sounds good. But don't think the rental is completely representative of the car you're buying. Often they have the basic engine, basic suspension, basic tires, etc. It'll tell you how the dog rides in it, but not how it truly drives.

 

[Janna S]

When I still had two dogs and part-time custody of a third, I selected a new vehicle, drove it, and then told the salesman I'd be back with my dogs. I drove 45 miles to get them, came back, and took them all with me in the car.

It's not like I expected them to be able to tell me what they thought - I just wanted them to check out the car, and try out their respective spots. Pinky always got the front seat, Miss Weasel always got the back seat behind him so she could make eye contact with me when I looked back, and Buster didn't have a clue about anything - he had to be lifted in (95 pounds of yellow lab) and coaxed out of whatever he was riding in.

My credit rating was all they needed to know, and they never blinked when I told them I was going to get the dogs. I am sure it never occurred to them to refuse to let me take the dogs for a test ride. I'd have walked out on what was then a pretty big sale if they'd said no. Of course, this is Alaska, where dogs are everywhere.

 

[Cam S]

I don't see why the dogs would be a problem. Maybe if the dog was a huge slobbering thing, but if it's a well groomed and well behaven dog, then what's the big deal? If the salesman really wants to make a sale then he should bendover backwards for you, and if that means letting you bring a dog or two in the car then so be it. If it's a selling point for you then it should be the same for him.

 

[Mark Philp]

I wouldn't think it should be a problem. I would however bring a blanket or something to put on the seat. As for me, if a car dealer wouldn't let me bring my dog I'd go elsewhere. I'm the customer and they need to treat me right. Of course, that said, if my dog damaged the car, I would expect to pay for the damages.

 

[Carl Johnson]

Test drive the vehice solo and if you're impressed tell the salesperson that you will be back tomorrow to do it again along with your dog. No way they would risk giving up a likley sale over a deal like that.

 

[AviTevet]

I've always had a salesman along for the ride when I test drove a car. BMW and Lexus dealers, however, will loan you a car for a weekend or possibly longer (if you want) so you can drive it to work, take it to the track, etc. Maybe you could propose that to a bunch of Chevy dealers in your area?

 

[Carl Johnson]

I'd expect that the profit per vehicle on a Lexus or BMW would make the dealership more liberal with test drives than those on a Chevy that costs half a much. That's kinda like comparing the liberal return policy offered by a high end audio retailer with that of Best Buy on a $50 pair of speakers.

 

[Alex Giese]

My wife and I were looking for something bigger than our Honda Accord and decided to test drive a Subaru Outback so our two goldens would be able to lay down or stand up comfortably. The salesperson didn't blink when we asked if we could bring our dogs the next time. I suppose if you make it clear that your little companion's opinion will make or break the deal, they would allow it.

 

[John_E]

My Mom has two German Shepherd's and she recently bought a Subaru Outback wagon. She took the dogs to the dealership unannounced...Not only did they go along for the test drive, the salesman had biscuits!!

She bought it that day.

 

[Peter Kline]

I suppose it will be okay as long as your pooch has a drivers license.

 

[Grant B]

I suppose it will be okay as long as your pooch has a drivers license.

VALID drivers license!
I think if you brought as blanket/towel to put down on the seat (mud, doghair), it'll help your case and show the salesman you are serious.
My scotties love to go for a ride!

 

[Ted Lee]

i like jesse's idea - if you have a good idea on which car you're going to get just bust out a rental. then you can not only make sure the dog likes it...but that you like it as well.
driving a car for 10 minutes won't give you a clue compared to driving it for a whole day.