Test Driving Cars With No Intention Of Buying -

This guide explores the etiquette and strategy of test-driving vehicles when you aren't ready to sign on the dotted line. The Ethics of the "Joyride"

Never show up on a Saturday afternoon or the last day of the month. These are high-traffic times when salespeople are hunting for "closable" deals. Instead, visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning when the lot is quiet.

If you want to avoid the dealership pressure cooker entirely, consider these options:

Test-driving without immediate intent to buy is a common part of the research phase, but there is a fine line between due diligence and wasting a salesperson’s time. Dealership staff typically work on commission; every hour spent with a "window shopper" is an hour they aren't earning from a live lead. However, since a car is the second-largest purchase most people make, "pre-shopping" is a legitimate step in the consumer journey. Best Practices for Non-Buyers