Here is Part 2 about what happened when Clive was selling a used car for profit and someone stole it during the test drive.

Here is the second email Clive sent me about getting his car ripped off…

Hi Steve,

The police have just recovered my car – Hope it is still looks like a car when I see it later today at the yard – The police refused to give me any further information. (It was found about 5 miles from my home in a rough area where they used to burn out cars).

I will NEVER allow prospective customers drive my cars unattended again – no matter how insistent they are.

Please feel free to use my name and location if you wish – I am sure it will help other traders.

I like to pull out onto the busy road where I live as it can be a little difficult. I am not sure why I drive first – If you think they should drive 100% with me as the passenger, and other friends/relatives in the back that is fine with me.

My main objective is to present the car at its best, be friendly and courteous, create no dangerous situations and close the sale.

I have closed many sales where I drive off first, quickly switch when we reach a quiet area and then the prospect can drive for the remainder of the test drive (15 Mins Max).

I am told by a local used car dealer who is a millionaire and has been selling used cars for 27 Years to not allow them to do Motorway Junctions (Long Highway Trips) as you will not sell the car. He still today lets his prospective customers drive off unattended ( in £7000 BMW’s).

If the prospect is a young girl who has brought the Father/Mechanic friend/Uncle along to check the car the Father/Friend/Uncle usually drives with me in the passenger seat and the young girl in the back, sometimes the girl will insist on driving, I always ask who wishes to drive – it is not always the buyer.

As I have only been trading for a short time – I am no expert – I just have to guess and use trial and error.

I would like to know in detail the safest, best and most profitable way to conduct a test drive. I think that this is one of the most important stages of the business.

Many thanks for your reply.

Kind regards

Clive R Ashford
Cheltenham
England

Steve here again…

So the Police recovered Clives stolen car and thats a good thing.

Again folks: Go with potential buyers on the test drives!

Stay tuned for Part 3 because Clive will be telling us what condition the car was in when he got it back.

See you soon. 8-)

Steve