09-17-2019, 06:54 AM
(09-16-2019, 12:57 PM)pekingduck_imp Wrote: As a seller, you are in an awkward position in allowing test rides. A few years ago, a 30-something potential buyer parked his late model Saab across the street to see my Triumph Bonneville. Everything seemed okay, he left me his cluster of keys, and proceeded to take a ripping test ride through the neighborhood, back and forth, through the gears, having a blast.
I felt pretty stupid, as I walked across the street and could see that the guy was clearly living in his car. He finally came back after about 20 minutes, said thanks, but no, gave me the keys, and took his, and left. Absolutely nothing I could do or say, all legal on his part.
Now I am much more careful, and will give a test ride only with cash in hand, with the clear understanding that the bike is his if the bike functioned as it should, not how he expected or hoped. The test ride is the last step if everything is working properly.
This is exactly my thinking. As a buyer, I would have empathy with the seller that he's handing over to me thousands of dollars worth of personal property that is uninsured when operated as a loaner vehicle. It's reasonable for me - if I'm truly a serious buyer - to reciprocate by handing the seller thousands of dollars of cash as collateral on his property while it's in my possession and control.
Some buyers seem think the seller is obligated to give them a no-strings-attached all-risk-on-the-seller test ride as the first - not last - step in the buying process.