by Most modern car buyers only have a few minutes to test a car before signing a contract. But for some, a test drive can last a day or even longer. This is a great opportunity to get to know the car better, but such trips also carry plenty of risks. That is exactly what a Canadian driver testing a Toyota Corolla found out the hard way.
A prolonged test drive spiraled out of control
The incident occurred on July 17 at around 6:15 p.m. on Highway 97C near Elkhart, east of Merritt. According to the British Columbia Highway Patrol, officers clocked a gray Toyota traveling at 172 km/h (107 mph) in a 110 km/h (68 mph) zone. When the car was stopped, a 30-year-old driver from Vancouver explained that he and his girlfriend had set off on an overnight test drive from Vancouver to Kelowna. That is about 770 kilometers round trip — so the car check turned out to be extremely thorough.
“The driver told police that he and his girlfriend were on an overnight test drive from Vancouver to Kelowna,” said Sgt. Michael McLaughlin of the British Columbia Highway Patrol. “This vehicle successfully demonstrated that it can exceed the speed limit and that it fits on a tow truck’s platform.”
Instead of returning the Toyota to the dealer as planned, the driver received a substantial list of penalties. Police issued him a ticket for excessive speeding in the amount of 483 Canadian dollars (approximately 351 US dollars). This penalty is provided for exceeding the limit by more than 60 km/h (37 mph). In addition, the driver had to pay for the car to be towed, and the registered owner of the Toyota was responsible for the mandatory seven-day impoundment.
Financial consequences were severe
Authorities also reminded that a speeding conviction would result in increased insurance rates for at least three years. In total, the financial blow to the driver could reach nearly 2,500 Canadian dollars (about 1,820 US dollars). Whether the potential buyer returned to the dealer to complete the deal remains a mystery. The British Columbia Highway Patrol said it had no information on whether this Toyota found its new owner.
What this means for buyers
This story is another reminder that extra time behind the wheel during a test drive does not cancel the rules of the road. Even if the car is being tested in real-world conditions, it is worth remembering: serious speeding can cost not only your impressions but also your money. Especially when it comes to a dealer’s car, because the punishment can hit the wallet of both the driver and the owner. Moreover, higher insurance premiums will remind you of this trip for years to come. So a long test drive is a great opportunity, but only if it stays within the law.
