Test drives are one of the most important parts of buying a new car, but they usually only last a few minutes. That’s far from ideal, especially when consumers are looking at shelling out tens of thousands of dollars.
Nissan and Turo are aiming to fix that thanks to a new partnership which will allow potential customers to test drive models for days, not just minutes. The companies say this will enable people to see how a vehicle “suits the needs of their lifestyle by driving the roads they frequently travel, running errands, and getting input from their family and friends.”
Dubbed the Nissan Experience Test Drive, the cars are booked on Turo and will include a mix of privately owned vehicles as well as “hundreds” of others from over 40 Nissan dealerships. The former will allow customers to test drive a vehicle in a no-pressure sales environment and talk to owners about their experience with Nissan.
The partnership sounds like a good idea and the managing partner of Tim Dahle Nissan, Tyler Slade, said “The more time that people can spend with a Nissan vehicle, the better. You just can’t experience everything that our vehicles have to offer, especially new technology, with a drive around the block.”
While the rides aren’t free, customers who participate in the program will be given a $300 credit that can be used towards the purchase of a new or certified pre-owned Nissan vehicle from an authorized dealership.
The pilot program will be available in Turo’s three most active areas – Los Angeles, Salt Lake City and Northern New Jersey. Nissan is also planning a similar program in Canada with tests in the provinces Ontario and Quebec.
