Picking up used GTI this week, should I ask for another test drive?

[SoVW]

I've test driven and put a deposit down on my first ever GTI that I'll be picking up this week. When I test drove it the first time I wasn't planning on buying it, but sort of decided to later while 'chatting' to the sales guy.

The car is a demonstrator I think, plus has apparently been used by the sales manager as his car, so it had cd's / misc crap in the doors, bit of mud on the leather etc. While on the test drive I may have heard a bit of rattling but it could have been the crap in the doors / rough roads and like I say, I didn't plan on buying that car during the drive so wasn't listening that carefully, just concentrating on driving.

Anyway, will it be unreasonable to ask for another test drive of the car before handing over the cash, bearing in mind I've put down a deposit (non-refundable) already. Or should I just examine interior and exterior to check everything has been brought up to tip-top quality and question any rattles etc. later under warranty?

[ub7rm]

I don't think thats unreasonable at all.  Sadly the mk5 is famous for various rattles and creaks 

[Spaced]

Is it from a main dealer? I am quite surprised that they would still have a GTI V as a Demonstrator. if it is they should make it look like new when the hand it over.

BTW if you found one or more Phil Collins CDs in the sales managers collection it was probably driven with care.

[stealthwolf]

Ask for another test drive with all the crap taken out. That way, if there's any niggles you can either walk away or ask for them to be sorted before taking the keys.

[SoVW]

Yeah it's from a main dealer. I'll give it a go, they can but say no. Regretting a bit buying a demo, but it's only got about 8k miles and lots of warranty, so I'll be back and moaning if there are any problems. Plus the condition of their other display cars is excellent so I'm assuming this one will be brought up to the same standard. They've already said they're replacing one scuffed alloy rather than trying to repair it.

[Spaced]

The fact they are replacing the alloy is good sign, the mk5 is well known for dash creaks and squeaks but anything else is probably crap in the glove box or door pockets. As far a regretting buying a demo, again I am surprised you would still have the opportunity to get a new one.

[SoVW]

Could it not have been a demo and just been the sales managers personal car then? I did think it was funny showing potential buyers a car with mud on the outside and a little on the inside, plus bits of wrappers etc. in doors.

I'm just a bit desperate to get one now and it was pretty much the spec I want plus is very local and I didn't fancy going driving for hours only to not get the deal I was looking for.

[Spaced]

I don't think from the dealers point of view there really is any difference between a demo and a sales manager company car.

[ifti]

Ask for another test drive with all the crap taken out. That way, if there's any niggles you can either walk away or ask for them to be sorted before taking the keys.

100% agree. You need to test drive it when all the stuff isnt in the car.
I was also looking at a demo car, but decided against it. The owner wouldnt really care for it knowing that it wasnt his car anyway - and if its been test driven you never know if the engine has been warmed up properly before testers put their foot down etc....
Im not trying to put you off, as its got warranty anyways. Nevertheless, still take it out for a drive and go over it carefully before actually buying it. Once you have paid all the cash it will be harder to go back to them with any issues a few days later!

[Cass]

Always test drive any car before you buy it and give it a close body inspection before you agree the actual purchase. Get any issues written down and fixed as a condition of the sale

Cass