is there an age limit to test drive a car at a dealership?

[fire-chickens]

Say I wanted to look at a mustang cobra or a 98-02 Camaro SS at a dealership and I'm 22 years old. I once went to check out a performance car once, and they told me that I couldn't drive it unless i bought it. or they had a "dealer policy" I have good credit and the ability to buy a car. they deny me based off of my age I'm pretty sure. its quite aggravating.

[Blackbirdws6]

I'm not aware of an age limit. They may have some internal policy (discretionary) depending on how old you are, general appearance and type of car you want to drive. When I was in my late teens, I didn't have a problem testing plenty of fun or even more expensive cars. My usual line used was "how do I know if I want to buy it if I can't drive it?". Nobody wants a joy rider so if you present yourself well, it shouldn't be an issue.

[WayFast84]

There are no laws about that but it's hard to get taken seriously as a young shopper looking at performance cars. It may be easier if you look at used vehicles but if you're an average looking kid and looking at brand new performance cars I'd suggest dressing a little bit better if you go alone or simply bringing someone older along if you can.

I've been straight up ignored at some dealers but I've also had salespeople begging for my business once they knew I wasn't just dreaming.

[deadtrend1]

If you have good credit, they will take you seriously

[NJ Torque]

In NY... they must have a valid state DL and 18 years old.

[WayFast84]

If you have good credit, they will take you seriously

Who runs a credit check for a test drive? Is that a thing? Maybe for exotic dealerships?

[1320B4U]

[QUOTE=WayFast84;905584].....I'd suggest dressing a little bit better if you go alone or simply bringing someone older along if you can.

^This. Even though it shouldn't matter it does. Also proper grammar and vocabulary helps a lot too. Your looking at cars that are 10 years old they should take you seriously regardless. Maybe call the dealership ahead of time to verify availability, schedule a test drive and secure a salesman then there are no surprises or discrimination.

[LTb1ow]

When I went to test drive my truck the salesguy just tossed the keys at me and said have at it, didn't even come along :lol:

[deadtrend1]

Who runs a credit check for a test drive? Is that a thing? Maybe for exotic dealerships?

You asking seriously or indirectly saying they dont. Most dont but ive had a friend get discriminated against just because of what he wore and after the sales guy seen the credit, they were all lovey dovey. And this wasnt a high exotic dealer.

[WildBillyT]

They aren't giving free joyrides. They are trying to sell the car.

Look and act like you are supposed to be there.

[WayFast84]

You asking seriously or indirectly saying they dont. Most dont but ive had a friend get discriminated against just because of what he wore and after the sales guy seen the credit, they were all lovey dovey. And this wasnt a high exotic dealer.
I 100% understand about getting discriminated against based on age and dress. I never heard of dealers running credit checks before test drives and the only time I had mine ran was when we began talking financing after a test drive or order was placed.

[elle]

When we were looking for a new Tahoe most dealers just gave us the keys and said take it for a ride. I honestly can't say I have ever driven a high dollar car/muscle/sports car on a test drive. My wife went and test drove Mustang 5.0's with no problems when she was considering buying one. She is 30 and they didn't ask her about anything with credit.

Car salesman has to be a top 5 shytty job!

[coolmanvette75]

It all depends on the dealer honestly. Hell I'm 20 and was let test drive a C7 with 9 miles on it. Salesman tossed my the key and said if you break it you buy it. Lol