GRM memebers test drive database?

I figure other people would be interested in this, too. Let's say that you're thinking about buying a used car and looking at different possibilities. You'd like to test drive a few different cars without dealing with CL people or your looking at something that's a bit of a project and would like to try a better kept example. I'm talking older cars that you wouldn't find at a dealer.

For example, let's say you're trying to decide between an R50/R53 MINI and an NA Miata. Different cars that have different characteristics, both of which are new to you.

You could (in theory, this is just an idea at this point) find localish GRM members who have one of those that you could test drive for a bit to get the feel. Nothing longer than a normal test drive, but you're dealing with someone who'd taken care of the car and not pressuring you to sell. Plus, you get the insight into issues, concerns, problems and advantages of the marque from the owner.

Would anyone else find that valuable?

And yes, I have an ulterior motive because I'm thinking about one of those two as a first car for my son. While I can tell him that a MINI has similar characteristics to my Fiat 500T, he's driven enough different cars to know what he doesn't like so he's concerned about not liking it. Being 15, he thinks he wants an S, while I think a standard Cooper would be just as fun. I also think he'd enjoy a Miata too, but can't really show him that without driving one.

Ninja Edit: Forgot to include my own fleet! 2013 Fiat 500T, 2014 Fiat 500L and 2015 GMC Sierra single cab with the 5.3l and tow package. Heck, I'd even let someone to a test tow with the truck if they're looking for something like it.

-Rob

Id be game. Driveway currently contains a base model nb, early mazda5, and three seriously built American pro-touring cars that dont have an open market equivalent.

I cant let anyone drive the 12 focus company car.

Outside charlotte nc

I did exactly that, with my R53 MINI, for pointofdeparture. He was thinking about one, I'm local, he drove it.

Right now, I don't have anything GRMy, unless someone is considering a first generation Expedition.

I'd let someone drive my '85 MR-2 or '93 240SX (but I'd prefer that they ultimately purchase the 240SX from me).

This could be sort of similar to the "on-the-road-assistance" sticky if set up correctly. Heck, most of my fleet isn't particularly interesting but I'm exceptionally free in giving co-drives in the CSPish Miata.

I like this idea....except I live in the boonies. C5, miata NA, 944, 7.3 power stroke crew cab dually and a few oddities. None of them are super nice but it might be useful to drive before buying a "beater". This also reminds me of a similar notion that I thought might not work because of my relatively inconvenient location....a database of tools that could be shared with a trusted group. Tools not used constantly ....and I could borrow tools I don't use often enough to purchase. (Drywall lift, auto rotisserie, 15 ton jackstands as examples of what I've loaned or offered to loan out recently).

If anyone wants to test drive a Nissan Leaf in metro Detroit, I'd be happy to help.

If anyone wants to drive my 458 Italia in Southern California let me know.

I'd be in. Currently we have (that actually drive) 2011 Honda Odyssey 2001 Volvo V70 T5M with mods. About an hour north of Detroit, 20 mins south of Flint.

Sure, I'm in CNY with an '09(8.5 gen) Civic LX-Sport sedan. Not sure who would want to drive one, but I digress.

2009 Honda CR-V EX-L in the DC beltway NoVa side.

See signature. I'm halfway between Detroit and Lansing.

This is a great idea

I like the idea, although the closest members to me in are 2.5 hours away and 5.5 hours away - yay for living in the middle of nowhere in New Mexico!

I'd be interested. The fleet has grown immensely lately. I've got a '13 Honda Fit (for now... planning to sell), '07 Civic Si sedan, '05 Mazda RX-8 sport (no sunroof), and a 2000 F150 std cab/bed/V6 manual.

Edit: I'm in the suburbs of Chicago.

I'm down, though my current fleet isn't much fun... 2015 Ford Edge that the wife uses, 2014 Dodge Caravan C/V work van, and a mostly assembled 1969 Lotus Elan that belongs to my father (I'm just the family mechanic). I'm about 30 30 minutes east of downtown Toronto, ON, Canada

Sure. '99 Civic Si near Detroit.

Sure. 02 SAAB 9-5 Aero and an 06 Merc R350.

I'm down. Currently the operating fleet is:

• 2012 Skyactive Mazda3 Hatch
• 2005 Mustang V6 Vert

Once I get it fixed, I'll add the 2005 C6 Vette

I was kidding about the 458 obviously.

I have an x308 xjr y'all are welcome to test drive and/or buy it. When the conquest is done y'all are welcome to ride shotgun. Located in southern California.

I'm in. Located near Charleston, SC. Presently in the fleet, are a 05 Chevy Colorado, 00 Jeep Cherokee, 88 Suzuki Samurai, 89 Ford Thunderbird SC, 06 Ford P71 Crown Vic, and a 03 Ford Mustang GT. Kind of a eclectic mix, but y'all are welcome to take them for a spin.

I guess I could offer up a 56 Ford B600 too, but trust me, it drives like a bus.

would it be worthwhile to add a column to the on-the-road-assist-list with "test driveable vehicles"?

Who wants to drive a 16' Versa? It even has crank windows. That has to count for something.

Maybe we should have a request thread or a sticky?

I'll start, although I mentioned it already.

The boy turns 16 at the end of May. He really wants a MINI. I think he'd like a Miata, also. Anyone within 200 miles of Austin, TX own either to take for a small test drive? He's been driving my Fiat 500 standard and my wife's 500L standard for 10 months and has about 10 years of driving experience. So, not some newbie first driver that will be learning on a clutch for the first time.

I'll even buy you a beer or dinner or a gift card for the test drive.

-Rob

I'd happily volunteer my vehicles, but no one really lives nearby and everyone already has an NA miata and a P71 it seems.