The store where I bought my IX doesn't allow test drives at all, because (they say) Evo buyers will not purchase a new car that's been driven. IME, that's true and for a good reason. Stick around the forum and see what's done with these cars and you'll understand. FWIW, my Evolution had less than 6 miles on it.

 

When I was looking for an evo I test drove a used 08 that was at a honda dealership. It had ~12k miles on it and the sales guy said the manager drove it home somewhat often. The clutch was slipping really badly and when I tried to make a deal with them on the price they denied any clutch issues and wouldnt budge on price. Went to SCM the next day and bought my '10 with 11k miles on it for the same price the honda dealership was asking.

1. Managers driving vehicles sounds like bad news.
2. Unless youre a baller, buying an evo is a somewhat significant invenstment, not something you want to rush into. There will always be another good deal.

 

I wouldnt, there is a reason he is driving it home(having fun)

 

Run Away!!!!!!!!!!!!! if you want a chance to pay another $1300+ for a new clutch, dont buy it. Its not worth it. A dealership will never cover a clutch, its a wear and tear item. There not cheap either to install.

When I was looking for a used evo, I probably went to 6 different dealerships and every one i went to, the sales man was riding the clutch or releasing too late or something. I remember looking at new evos and they would not let anyone drive the car until they were ready to sign papers. So if you want a NEW CAR, get a NEW CAR. especially if your spending over $30k and you plan on keeping your evo for a long time

 

not worth it

 

I don't think it's unique to Evo owners, it's a certain mentality with new car buyers.

In my opinion it's a little OCD to demand a new car with single digit mileage, but if you are the one paying 30 grand you have the right to demand whatever you want.

I got mine with several miles and test drives already on the car and know several friends who have as well. I got about 1k off by using it as a bargaining tool and that combined with the fact I didn't have to order it/wait for several months made it worth it to me.

There is a downside to purchasing a car with single digit mileage as well. The fact is that car is just never driven, and if it was sitting like that for months, even years, it could do more harm then good - even if the alternative is a few "harsh" test drives.

 

Sometimes salesmen DO take a car home on occasion. That's normal. Also, dealers do trades with each other. And most of time, they'll drive the cars from dealership to dealership, possibly putting up to 100-200 miles on a "new" car. It's normal. JUST because a car has miles on it doesn't means it's been test driven and beat to death.

Just saying. I work as a tech and check in new cars all the time with as little as under 1 mile up to 200 miles.

 

Really guys!!

We sell brand new Ferrari's with 120 miles. Some with 40 but most have over 100 factory test miles.

 

Another thing to keep in mind, dealerships which don't allow test drives probably aren't the greatest at treating their customers well. Best dealership I ever bought a car from just threw me the keys and told me to come back before they close. I ended up buying the car and it had a few problems soon after I bought it (check engine light + mismatched interior trim pieces). It was a used car sold with absolutely no warranty, and the dealership ended up covering everything even when they didn't have to.

 

I got my Ralliart with 5 miles in the odometer, yes i know its not a Evo.

 

They're definitely using it for a test drive car, ask for one with lower miles.. If they're good they'll find you one and give it to you for the same price. If not go to another dealer.

 

When I was looking for a new EVO the dealerships wouldn't even let me test drive the thing unless I was gonna buy right then! They keep there EVO's inside and don't let anyone touch or test drive em I can understand though sort of. They normally have it fully loaded and runs about 42k.

 

+1

 

This must be, because the person who wants to take a Mitsubishi Evo for a test drive is the same guy as the one contending for a brand new 458 Italia, treating it identically before passing it off to the actual buyer, right? Or, is one to understand that the test miles racked on by the Ferrari factory pilot are the same as the ones put on by Billy Bob lunching the frucker up and down the parking lot?

You're right; it's common for dealers to trade cars, driving them 100-200 miles. The dealer typically says something like, "We have a retired guy who drives our cars for us," to make the costumer feel at ease. That's where the perspective owner needs to realize that he has a pair and insist on insured transport. I'm saying this, because it happened to me. Twice. Sure, they can have someone drive the car, but it doesn't have to happen.

You're referring to Hondas, IIRC.

 

Same with mine. My '10 SE had been inside the showroom for 10 months before I came along. Had 13 miles on it from one test drive (which I heard was rather....Bo Duke-ish). They wouldn't let anyone drive it and probably why it never sold. I told them I was GOING to drive it since I was coming from over 2hrs away. They had it warmed up and ready when I got there. I put another 13 miles on it and bought it. I heard the first test drive was a bit brutal so I did the rest of the break in period by the book.