Test drive fee?

"ZHP Sparky, the 5th" (e30s2k)
03/31/2014 at 16:21 • Filed to: None

No idea how I ended up on a CL ad for a Nissan Leaf (actually $16k for a 2 year old hatchback didn't sound bad), but saw this line in the ad:

You are welcome to test drive; however, I will collect a $20 non-refundable fee which will be applied to the purchase of the car if you buy it.

Thoughts? If it actually were a highly desirable car I guess it'd be a good way to weed out the tire kickers and joyriders...but it's a Leaf. Plus, unless you're a douche it'd be a pretty awkward fee to enforce I would imagine.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/cto/439417…

DISCUSSION (13)

offroadkarter > ZHP Sparky, the 5th
03/31/2014 at 16:23

What did these cost new?

Jagvar > offroadkarter
03/31/2014 at 16:25

Base price is $28,800.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > offroadkarter
03/31/2014 at 16:27

Not sure about back then, but 2014 model MSRP is at $28.9k according to Mr. Google.

I was just browsing hatchbacks when I came across this, have zero interest in buying this (or anything else for that matter, right now).

Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy > ZHP Sparky, the 5th
03/31/2014 at 16:28

LEAFs are eerily quiet, it's scary.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy
03/31/2014 at 16:31

Now I can't get the hilarious thought of a Nissan Leaf creeping up down the street, with this blasting through the stereo. Hell, it's a weird day -

Audi-os, amigos > ZHP Sparky, the 5th
03/31/2014 at 16:36

More like a "Test Drive Deposit" since it goes toward the cost of the car.

But shit, relax, Craigslist guy. You're not selling the nuclear football, its a Nissan.

banjo cat ghost of oppo past > ZHP Sparky, the 5th
03/31/2014 at 16:37

Yeah because he could just say "serious inquiries only" and not be a douche. Hmm ranch style, perfectly proportioned foliage, sectioned driveway... has to be some ultra smug part of Calif-yep it's in San Fransisco. I'll bet this guy was a blast at the dealership. "I don't think this price accounts for the depreciated value from my time test driving it..."

offroadkarter > ZHP Sparky, the 5th
03/31/2014 at 16:38

Thats actually cheaper than I expected TBH

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > banjo cat ghost of oppo past
03/31/2014 at 16:49

Yeah, snooty rich people in these parts love their Leafs and Priuses (and cars with names whose plurals are confusing...Model Ses too!) and driving around obliviously in the fast lane with their lights turned off if it's dark out.

Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy > ZHP Sparky, the 5th
03/31/2014 at 16:53

I know somebody with one, and every time they're cruising in the parking lot, it just sounds like it's creeping on me, no engine noise, just a slight high-pitch whine from the electric motor, and the sound of sand and gravel moving.

The Ghost of Oppo > ZHP Sparky, the 5th
03/31/2014 at 16:59

You get a decent tax break when you buy one new, I wonder if you get it buying used

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > The Ghost of Oppo
03/31/2014 at 17:02

I doubt it, that would be too difficult to regulate - probably just for brand new purchase.

Gotta have money to save money, yo! Silly poors.

thebigbossyboss > Audi-os, amigos
04/01/2014 at 08:34

Haha exactly.