Any dealers with a Cupra 280 DSG as a test driver?

Hugo Nebula

Active Member
Dec 7, 2007
290
0
Manchester
Are there any dealers, apart from Lookers (see below) in the North West or nearby (so, Stoke, West Yorks, etc.) that have a Cupra 280 DSG available as a test driver?

I had a very quick round-the-block go in one in the Lookers showroom in Stockport. I asked about an unaccompanied test drive, but the 12 year old salesman said, "umm, I'll have to ask my manager". After asking his manager by carrier pigeon given the length of time he took, he came back with, "no dealer will give you an unaccompanied drive". Which is a lie. 'Cos I've been on ones before.

I liked the very brief time I had in the Cupra, and I'm tempted to go with my heart and splurge out on one, but not on the basis of a quick, 'up to the roundabout and back' drive with a 'droid sitting next to me.

Another title for this thread could be, "why can't dealerships sell cars?".
 

chrisRibiza

Active Member
Sep 27, 2007
1,194
51
I personally wouldn't expect to get an unaccompanied test drive, especially in the new cupra. Could you not ask if you could go on a slightly longer accompanied test drive?

Why do you want an unaccompanied one? I am sure most dealers will think it is so you can rake the car as fast as you can....
 

tony323ci

Lovin' it
May 15, 2011
975
1
Nottingham
What biker means is the coppers caught him after 3 hours :)

When I bought my FR from Seat Derby they offered to let me have the car for an afternoon so yes it can be done suppose it depends on the dealer and perceived risk I guess if you were 17 and turned up in a clapped out Corsa the answer would be a big fat NO
 

Rob66

Full Member
Apr 25, 2004
1,620
93
UK
Mine offered to let me have the car for the day - but I have bought 3 cars from them so they know and trust me...
 

jaredg

Guest
Seat gave me a car for a week, and every car I've ever test driven has been unaccompanied. Maybe you were wearing a hoodie?
 

Moonhead

Active Member
Apr 3, 2014
176
0
Stoke-on-Trent
Stoke SEAT have a Cupra SC DSG for test drive. I went out with the salesman there, Brett Niemczyk, so wasn't unaccompanied, but he was quite happy for me to take it pretty much where I wanted for around 30 minutes and also didn't mind me opening it up and throwing it round some roundabouts.
 

Hugo Nebula

Active Member
Dec 7, 2007
290
0
Manchester
Seat gave me a car for a week, and every car I've ever test driven has been unaccompanied. Maybe you were wearing a hoodie?
A week! That's about the length of time it takes me to get bored of a car!

I wouldn't be seen dead in a hoodie. I'm a middle-aged man (when did that happen?), and I was dressed in my best M & S cardie. No, I think it's just Lookers; they're in the business of fleecing pensioners rather than selling cars.
 

Hugo Nebula

Active Member
Dec 7, 2007
290
0
Manchester
Stoke SEAT have a Cupra SC DSG for test drive. I went out with the salesman there, Brett Niemczyk, so wasn't unaccompanied, but he was quite happy for me to take it pretty much where I wanted for around 30 minutes and also didn't mind me opening it up and throwing it round some roundabouts.
As well as the drive, I like to just sit in a car park, fiddle with the controls and the radio, generally have a good look around, and just see if I can get really comfortable and relaxed in the car. I can't do that with someone I don't know in the car with me.
 

Moonhead

Active Member
Apr 3, 2014
176
0
Stoke-on-Trent
As well as the drive, I like to just sit in a car park, fiddle with the controls and the radio, generally have a good look around, and just see if I can get really comfortable and relaxed in the car. I can't do that with someone I don't know in the car with me.

I'm sure they would be very happy for you to just sit out the front of the dealership in the car on your own. They are really good and couldn't fault them whatsoever. Make sure you get a quote through CarWOW first though for a big discount!
 
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JohnNW

Guest
Are there any dealers, apart from Lookers (see below) in the North West or nearby (so, Stoke, West Yorks, etc.) that have a Cupra 280 DSG available as a test driver?

I had a very quick round-the-block go in one in the Lookers showroom in Stockport. I asked about an unaccompanied test drive, but the 12 year old salesman said, "umm, I'll have to ask my manager". After asking his manager by carrier pigeon given the length of time he took, he came back with, "no dealer will give you an unaccompanied drive". Which is a lie. 'Cos I've been on ones before.

I liked the very brief time I had in the Cupra, and I'm tempted to go with my heart and splurge out on one, but not on the basis of a quick, 'up to the roundabout and back' drive with a 'droid sitting next to me.

Another title for this thread could be, "why can't dealerships sell cars?".

Seat Stockport are next to useless and apart from a short accompanied test drive they didn't seem to understand the term "discount".

One thing you could try is emailing Seat customer services and saying you'd like one for half a day and see what they come back with. The dealers seem to respond a bit better when they've been poked by head office!
 

boltonredgt

Active Member
Mar 25, 2014
146
0
Bolton
Lookers in Manchester are a lot better than Stockport.I could not wait to test drive a Cupra and Stockport got theirs before Manchester so I went down to test drive. Was given 15 minutes assisted and then they tried to push for a sale. As I had test driven a FR on my favourite road for about an hour albeit assisted, I wanted to get mine from Manchester. I have ordered mine from Manchester. The test drive in the manual FR gave me a feel for the gearbox as it is basically the same and it seems there are no manual Cupras in the country. I must admit that after the longish drive in the FR gave me and insite into how the Leon performs and so the 15 minutes was enough to sell the Cupra to me. This was after test drives in a Focus ST, Golf GTI, M135i, Astra VXR and Megane.
 

ZBOYD

Looking up at the stars!
May 19, 2001
9,468
15
Cheshire
www.seatcupra.net
Have you tried David Cooks in Oldham/Chadderton, not sure if they have their demo on the road or not yet, but give them a call to see. Family owned dealership, and I've been very happy with the service I have received. Certainly recommend them.

Been to Lookers a couple of times, and pretty much agree with everything said about the place. More interested in selling me all the extra services and insurances than actually selling me a car.
 
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chrisjgill

Active Member
Dec 13, 2007
411
19
Skipton
I use RM Fisher in Galgate (nr Lancaster) and the last time I was in having a service they let me take the FR 184 out on my own.

But I have put a lot of work their way so again they trust me

I am in for my MOT tomorrow so I am going to see if they will let me out in the Cupra 280

Cant wait!

Later in the day I am then off to JCT 600 nr Menston (west Yorkshire)

I have never used these guys but I was able to book a test drive via their websites with ease
 

Ema-Lou

Active Member
Jul 23, 2008
24
0
RM Fisher in Galgate have a Cupra 280 DSG. Plus lots of very good back roads around there to give it a good run and see what it can do.
It is Veeeeerrryyyy fast. Certainly put a smile on my face! :p
 

MarkE

Acceptable in the 80s
Jul 20, 2003
1,705
0
Lancaster
www.markeaston.org
RM Fisher in Galgate have a Cupra 280 DSG. Plus lots of very good back roads around there to give it a good run and see what it can do.
It is Veeeeerrryyyy fast. Certainly put a smile on my face! :p

Glowing review, anyone would think you worked there...

Agreed, speak to RM Fisher and I'm sure they'll sort you out. Picked up SEAT #4 from them this week and, in 11 years, they've always been awesome to deal with.
 
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Ema-Lou

Active Member
Jul 23, 2008
24
0
Glowing review, anyone would think you worked there...

Agreed, speak to RM Fisher and I'm sure they'll sort you out. Picked up SEAT #4 from them this week and, in 11 years, they've always been awesome to deal with.

Hahaha whatever gave you that impression MarkE!? :whistle:
Shhhhhhhhhh;)
 

chrisjgill

Active Member
Dec 13, 2007
411
19
Skipton
I wasnt allowed to take the Cupra out on my own which was a shame. Also I couldnt get any deal on the 280.

However I am in for MOT and new brakes next April so might see if any deals can be done
 
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