We're looking at new cars. So far, we've test driven/ridden a Prado, Pajero and Jeep. In all but one case the salesperson wanted to either look at my licence, which is fair enough, or to sign a form that says that I accept all responsibility for damages occuring to the vehicle.
Anyway, with this one dealer, the form was quite lengthy and with the bottom line of a $1,500 liability should the car be damaged, my fault or otherwise.
I said to the sales person that it was unacceptable - that I wasn't going to expose my arse for the sake of a test drive of a product that she wanted to sell me. I said that we'd go for a ride, at least to see how it felt and sounded (it was the Jeep Grand Cherokee).
One other time, 8 years ago, test driving a Mazda Tribute, the guy wanted me to sign the 3 page form, the bottom line of which that I'd be up for ALL damages, regardless of who's at fault. In that instance I said "no thanks" and walked out. The salesman followed me and capitulated. He drove it out of the dealership then pulled over down the road and let me drive it around the block and back again.
I'm just wondering what other peoples' experiences are in this.
Same thing happened earlier this year when I went to check out a new motorcycle. The bike wasn't even registered. I'd be wearing a trade plate over my shoulder. It had no insurance other than what the trade plate covers for third party. Again, I walked away from that one.
I'm of the view, rightly or wrongly, that if a dealership wants to sell me a car and for me to want to buy that car then they should "self insure", so to speak, so I can test drive it.
