"You can't test drive it. Company / owner prohibits non-employee drivers."

[sushidog]

Since they don't allow test drives ask if they would be willing to pay for your mechanic to inspect the vehicle? They can't possibly expect you to buy a "pig in a poke." If no then ask for 10 days right of inspection, so that if within the first 10 days of ownership you find the van unsuitable you can return it for a full and complete refund. That way they know you are a serious buyer and not just a tire kicker.

I'll bet given these options they relent and let you test drive it. If it were me, I'd test drive it right over to a mechanic, (or have him do so) and have the shop put it up on a rack and check things out. That's the only way you will know for sure what you're getting. Plus then you can use the mechanic's estimate of needed repairs as a tool to negotiate a better price.

Chip

 

[Weight]

I had a vehicle with no plates and no insurance. The title was in my name. Should I permit Joe Shitpack to drive on the road? Should I pay for a mechanic for his benefit? It is a used car from a private owner, even if the owner is Scarfo Electrical Contracting. Get real. You want road tests go to a dealer.

 

[Wabbit]

I had a vehicle with no plates and no insurance. The title was in my name. Should I permit Joe Shitpack to drive on the road? Should I pay for a mechanic for his benefit? It is a used car from a private owner, even if the owner is Scarfo Electrical Contracting. Get real. You want road tests go to a dealer.

On these occasions that you sell these "nope, can't test drive it" vehicles, are you asking blue book price? If so, would you buy a vehicle you couldn't test drive?

 

[user 423]

State auctions don't allow test drives either but the prices paid are usually much lower than blue book.

 

[user 15857]

Over the past ~20 years I've bought half a dozen vehicles from our state surplus program, and they never allow driving any vehicle.  I could inspect, start, check all the systems, shift gears, turn the steering, smell the transmission fluid and everything else but drive.  In each case I was successful in buying at auction, the vehicle was a good buy.  But, the purchase prices were all well below the lowest KBB value.  I would only consider going to check it out if the asking price was substantially discounted below lowest KBB prices.

 

[VanDwellerMod]

The OP has asked that this thread be closed as it has run its course.  She said that the answers were helpful.  Thank you.