Opel 3 day test drive.

Dub13

I heard about this the other day on the raido,they will let you test drive any of there new cars for 3 days... :eek: not bad.You just have to have be over 21 and have a full driving licence.

Has anybody taken them up on this offer...?if so any Terms & Conditions we should no about...?

prospect

Sounds good...
I have bought 3 cars from new in my time (prob won't ever buy from new again) and twice i walked away from a deal because the sales rep wouldn't let me take the car overnight, (under my own insurance, and leavin gmy car in the dealership).
But most other times a dealer will give you an overnight test drive if you really push them, or arrange an overnight for you with the distributor.

fletch

I am 21 & 6 months....I wonder does that count as being over 21.....I wouldn't mind thrashing a nice new Astra for a few days or maybe a nice Vectra 3.2i GSI

ando

guys are gona be taking the cars for 'the weekend trip to galway' or whatever and ripping the guts out of the engine. Would you buy a test driven car with 400 miles on the clock?

Balfa

ando wrote:

Would you buy a test driven car with 400 miles on the clock?

Yes.

What's the worst they can do in 400 miles?? Everything's under warranty anyway, so what's the problem?

Dealers over here usually let you take a car for up to a week.

L5

ando wrote:

Would you buy a test driven car with 400 miles on the clock?

No.Not for a full new car price.For a substantial discount, then yes. ~1000-1500 off the new price.

smiaras

This post has been deleted.

ando

hmm the Opel Astra Sport hatch looks the dogs dangles, look at that windscreen!!! I think I'll be taking that for 3 days

mike65

Three Days in an Opel *shudders*!

Mike.

ando

totally ot, but why is it that the english call it vauxhall? and is it only them that does it?

Ernie Ball

ando wrote:

totally ot, but why is it that the english call it vauxhall? and is it only them that does it?

Correction: 'why is it only them WHAT does it?'

gaui3d0pnbz86o

ive signed up but heard nothing, just wanted it for the laugh more then anything(but if they put enough petrol in it then ill have a couple of days free motoring), rather then acutally buying.

want for the opel astra. will let you know if i hear anything

Hal1

How much for the new astra and whats the lowest engine size? where are they doing this offer? thanks.

mike65

ando wrote:

totally ot, but why is it that the english call it vauxhall? and is it only them that does it?

Its an historical anomoly - Vauxhall goes back to the mid 19th century they started making cars in 1903 in the late 20s they were bought out by GM. Meanwhile GM had thier European marque Opel which for years operated alongside Vauxhall in the UK and Ireland In the late 70s/early 80s Vauxhall ceased designing its own cars and became Opel UK for all intents and purposes.


Mike.

Guy:Incognito

I assume you need your own insurance for this, or is anyone over 21 with a full licence eligible, whether currentlydriving or not.

gaui3d0pnbz86o

in the terms and conditions it says if you have comp insurance you can transfer no security required, otherwise a valid credit or laser card needed for security. doesnt mention anything else about insurance requirements.

@hal1 go to www.opel.ie and select million mile test drive, read the terms and conditions and register for a car off your local opel garage or ring the number on the site either

samo

My car has been off the road for the last 2 days getting a new bumper put on and rented a compact 4 door - ended up with an 05 Astra. Wouldnt have minded getting this free for 2 days as certainly didnt enjoy paying €55 for the pleasure of driving it but there you go!

Car looked fantastic externally and interior wasnt bad but pretty disappointed with the engine, not very responsive and a bit spongey feeling overall and not great on fuel economy either. Didnt compare very well with the (old) focus to my mind but packed with loads of extras which was good.

At least the good thing is if you were genuinly interested in buying this car it would give you good peace of mind before buying it whether you really liked it or not so kudos for Opel for that!

Our man in Havana

Is there anything to stop ppl just taking advantage with no intention of ever buying one?

gaui3d0pnbz86o

nothing in the one term and condition anyway

fletch

I ordered a 3dr Sport Hatch for a few weekends time. I assume its going to be the 1.4 and not the 2.0 Turbo but here's hopin.....either way can't wait to give it a right good thrashin!

DukeDredd

Done this a few weeks ago.

Turns out it's all done through Enterprise Car Rental. They supply the cars (all Opels obviously) and Opel pick up the tab for the 3 days rental. You actually have to sign the Enterprise car rental agreement before you take it away. Each garage has one of each model. Bog standard ones i might add. The vectra is a 1.6 Litre. No choice on what spec you get. Oh and they have horrible yellow stickers all around the car saying "Join the Opel Million Mile Test Drive - Phone xxxxxx" - kind of embarrasing really. But then again, my car had been in the garage having a few things done for a couple of days so i saw it as a free replacement while it was being done!

Turner

Just applied for a vectra for the 1st july weekend. going away for the weekend and it would be class to swan around in it

DukeDredd

It's cool to have a free car for a few days alright but just be aware of the bright yellow stickers all around the car! Really takes away from the experience IMO.

ciarsd

DukeDredd wrote:

It's cool to have a free car for a few days alright but just be aware of the bright yellow stickers all around the car! Really takes away from the experience IMO.

just peel them off

fletch

DukeDredd wrote:

It's cool to have a free car for a few days alright but just be aware of the bright yellow stickers all around the car! Really takes away from the experience IMO.

Won't bother me....I'm only 21 and I'm gettin a a brand new car to spin around in for 3 days! For Free

Aside : Do you have to fill out some survey after?

SouperComputer

nice!

Just booked a Vectra for the 12th july. Should be fun racing that against the 97 passat!

DukeDredd

fletch wrote:

Won't bother me....I'm only 21 and I'm gettin a a brand new car to spin around in for 3 days! For Free

Aside : Do you have to fill out some survey after?

Nope, nothing to fill in after. They walk around the car with you to make sure you're happy there's no dents or damage on it and they do the same when you bring it back. Standard car rental stuff...

Milo

Have done this twice so far getting a corsa both times. Took the first one to Galway (from Dublin) and the second (same car same garage!) to Achill. Got the car the first time with 306km on the clock and gave it back with nearly 1200km and the second time got it with 3500km gave it back with just short of 4500km. The dealer didn't even check! He just had a look at the body to make sure there was no scratches!

If you don't have your own insurance the garage will put you on theirs for the 3 days.

The Astra's are all gone according to your one on the phone as they are the most popular cars! Lots of friends of mine have gotten Merivas and Zafiras and one a Vectra but no Astras!

Usually takes them within a week to phone you back to organise it..just have your licence number and credit card details handy!

SouperComputer

i filled out the form online yesterday and got a call at 9.10am today.

Wife has a vectra in a week too. Oh my god this just asks for abuse!

MrPudding

SouperComputer wrote:

i filled out the form online yesterday and got a call at 9.10am today.

Wife has a vectra in a week too. Oh my god this just asks for abuse!

I filled in the form yesterday also. Will have a zafira (I know, but I have kids) in a couple of weeks.

MrP

byte

So, when you get the car for 3 days, do any of you really want to buy one afterwards? Eg, get attached to the new car and think of buying it (I assume that's the whole idea behind the scheme)

DukeDredd

byte wrote:

So, when you get the car for 3 days, do any of you really want to buy one afterwards? Eg, get attached to the new car and think of buying it (I assume that's the whole idea behind the scheme)

Kind of - if you do drive an older car like myself it's difficult to hand it back alright! But i wouldn't just jump straigh in. I hear other cars the same price are much better than the Vectra.

Dub13

When is this offer over...?

fletch

Have to say after havin the 3dr Astra for the weekend, I will never look my nose down at an Opel again. The car handled beautifully, was quick for a 1.4, sound system was top notch.
My only criticisms were the brakes lacked feel, the heater controls were too low and the C pillar created a huge blind spot. Other than that, the car looked great, was very comfortable & an enjoyable drive.
Certainly changed my perceptions of Opel

Our man in Havana

Dub13 wrote:

When is this offer over...?

14th July This Thursday.

MrPudding

I had the Zafira over the weekend. I really hated the gearbox, really clunky. I wouldnt buy one.

MrP

Dub13

fletch wrote:

Have to say after havin the 3dr Astra for the weekend, I will never look my nose down at an Opel again.

So some good is coming out of this for Opel....

SouperComputer

picking up a vectra tommorrow, should be fun

fletch

SouperComputer wrote:

picking up a vectra tommorrow, should be fun

Very enjoyable red lining her through the first 3 gears it has to be said

stratos

They still call it vauxhall in uk so as people think it's an english company.
the name actually comes from a country house.
To make a long story short foxhall became vauxhall, where a marine engine company set up business.
They started making cars got bought by GM, the world has Opels the UK has Vauxhalls!
Potted history.

fletch

So my Dad picked up his Vectra yesterday....went out 4 a spin in it last nite. What an awful awful car....took it to a roundabout....was doing 10mph slower around it than we can comfortably do in our Mondeo & the thing felt like it was going to topple over....would certainly not make me rush out & buy a Vectra. Gear change is horrible, engine is gutless(1.6) and brakes (like d astra i had) lack feel but are nonetheless powerful. Only nice feature is havin cruise control

Jason_G_KE30

I just gave them a call at 1850 200 856 because the window wouldn't open up for me, if anyone is interested the offer is practically finished, and you would have to pick up the car today and have it back to them on Friday!

SouperComputer

So my Dad picked up his Vectra yesterday....went out 4 a spin in it last nite. What an awful awful car....took it to a roundabout....was doing 10mph slower around it than we can comfortably do in our Mondeo & the thing felt like it was going to topple over....would certainly not make me rush out & buy a Vectra. Gear change is horrible, engine is gutless(1.6) and brakes (like d astra i had) lack feel but are nonetheless powerful. Only nice feature is havin cruise control

First impressions:

I thought the overall grip was pretty good. The seating position is a bit high so it "feels" a bit unstable at first, thats just perception though. I thought the body roll was okay and the grip was quite impressive for its size. The transition to understeer was smooth and turn in was positive. Out of interest, what tyres and wheels are on your car?

Gear lever I could live with, but the clutch feels like its not there!

The indicators drive me nuts, I much prefer the older "mechanical" type of lever.

Brakes lack feel under gentle use but give nice feedback when pressed hard and definatly work effectivly.

The engine is quite odd. Powerband is nice and even, no peaks really. By no means a quick car but the engine + gearbox provide a smooth ride. According to Opel, peak power is at 6000RPM IIRC. The engine does not sound at all happy above 5500 and seems to run out of puff at 5200. Bringing it up to 6000 just feels like all you are doing is generating heat. The redline is 6500, not a hope in hell im bringing it that far, it sounds far too strained!

After driving it for a while, Ive found it to be a comfortable car that handles relativly well, although it it not an involving car at all. However, the interior is horrid! The numbers on the speedo are a bit small for my liking. The sound system is decent.

Overall its not too bad, but at 26K ish, Id rather buy a classic and have some change left over to run and insure it!

fletch

SouperComputer wrote:

First impressions:

I thought the overall grip was pretty good. The seating position is a bit high so it "feels" a bit unstable at first, thats just perception though. I thought the body roll was okay and the grip was quite impressive for its size. The transition to understeer was smooth and turn in was positive. Out of interest, what tyres and wheels are on your car?

The tyres were 205/55/16s Bridgestone Turanzas....it wasn't really the tyres that posed the problem, it was the body roll that was quite severe.

SouperComputer wrote:

Gear lever I could live with, but the clutch feels like its not there!

seems to be a common trait with Opels, the Astra I had, the clutch was really light but that wouldn't bother me too much

SouperComputer wrote:

The indicators drive me nuts, I much prefer the older "mechanical" type of lever.

Agreed! And so did everyone else who drove the car

SouperComputer wrote:

Brakes lack feel under gentle use but give nice feedback when pressed hard and definatly work effectivly.

They are very strong indeed but again, I prefer my pedals with a bit more feel....initially it was difficult being smooth with the brakes

SouperComputer wrote:

However, the interior is horrid! The numbers on the speedo are a bit small for my liking. The sound system is decent.

The dash was just tacky....looks like in about 3 years all the paint will start chippin off....one saving grace for the Vectra was the cruise control which my dad doesn't have on the Mondeo

SouperComputer

Same boots on the car I had too.

LOL, the cruise control was funny to use on the M50, it spent more time off than on!

Still WTF where they thinking with that dash?

fletch

SouperComputer wrote:

Same boots on the car I had too.

LOL, the cruise control was funny to use on the M50, it spent more time off than on!

You didn't try going up any steep hills in 5th at <30mph....I did & the whole car just died!....liked the way the cruise control would return to your preset speed after you accelerate.....very handy when you need to overtake....u can still have the cruise on....plant it...overtake and let the car gradually return back to your previous cruising speed

SouperComputer

no, didnt try the CC uphill. Tried 4 or 5 clicks of handbrake though. Seemed like the CC was limited to apply up to 25% throttle or so.

Anyway, last day with her. Ill miss her a bit, hopefully other manufacturers will do the same plan, would be nice to get a comparison with the others in the same class.

WizZard

I had the Meriva for 3 days and the Astra Sport for 3 days. I am another person who will never look down my nose at an Opel again.

The Meriva was dire, but the Astra was a dream. I loved it and even haggled afterwards with the sales guys about the price, but I think for the price they are charging you can get more of a car.
I miss it though...

fletch

WizZard wrote:

but the Astra was a dream. I loved it and even haggled afterwards with the sales guys about the price, but I think for the price they are charging you can get more of a car.
I miss it though...

Aw I miss it too! It felt so racy....loved how high up the side windows were....really made you feel like you were low down & safe too.
Here's hopin alright that the other manufacturers do the same but not very likely.