Car Salesman wanted to run Credit Check before Test Drive?

[leo222]

Was looking at some cars lately - Most dealerships were/are eager to have you test drive their cars, but I went to a Hyundai dealership, and they wanted to do a credit check before my test drive. I told them that maybe we could do it another day, even though my FICO score is above 700. When they check your credit for something like this, is it a hard pull, soft pull, or something else? I'm not looking to use up a hard inquiry on a freaking test drive.

[AllZero]

I'm guessing they would do hard pull inquiry?

I would pass. Don't sign anything. Maybe, lock, freeze your reports just in case. Get pre-approved financing at a credit union.

[Anonymous]

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@AllZero wrote:
I'm guessing they would do hard pull inquiry?

I would pass. Don't sign anything. Maybe, lock, freeze your reports just in case. Get pre-approved financing at a credit union.

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+1

Unless they are offering a promotional rate (0% or a really low APR promotion) through a captive lender, I would advise to always go into a car sale with prearranged financing of your own. Credit unions will often offer you the best terms. 

[leo222]

Thanks, I'll definitely pass then. I honestly have no problem with them seeing my score, but don't want to waste a couple hard pulls on a few test drives.

[Traveler101]

Do yourself and your wallet a huge favor. Shop yourself some credit unions for the best rate. When you go to dealer, you advise them you already have your finance lined up. Dont allow them to run your credit thru multiple banks. Even tho its considered 1 inq for price shopping, some algos dont pick that up. I did penfed. Got the best rate at the time. Line it up before you go, you will be happy you did!

[Traveler101]

Btw, another piece of advice. Start a few weeks before years end. Line yourself up a few options on vehicles and buy the last week of the year. Some cred unions offer a car buying service, penfed for example was trucar. I went into dealer the 30th of dec. Trucar had it at 4500 below sticker. I actually got 8k off. when you walk in with the confidence of finance, you can spend you time to focus on the best deal.

[pinkandgrey]

Interestingly enough, it was a Hyundai dealership where I encountered this as well. 

They wanted to run my credit but assured me it was a soft inquiry. Spoiler alert: it wasn't. 

[AllZero]

^ So how did it turn out?

[designated_knitter]

I've never heard of this before!  Obviously a salesman that doesn't want to sell a car!  I would be running out of there so fast -- I don't care if the car was free!

[pinkandgrey]

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@AllZero wrote:
^ So how did it turn out?

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I bought a Kia