Cartrast
Is This Your Business?Author: Kaitlyn Short
While many car dealerships bombard consumers with the latest, most expensive cars on the lot, Cartrast is changing things up and making the car buying experience more enjoyable.
Cartrast lets consumers choose precisely which vehicles they want to drive and allows them to test drive it for as long as they need. You can even test-drive vehicles back-to-back, so it’s easier to compare and decide which one is right for you. Car shoppers can choose from several different vehicle packages, but consumers should expect to pay anywhere from $39 to $59 to test drive their selected vehicles (guests are free).
Keep in mind that all drivers must be over the age of 25 and have a valid California driver’s license. Family, friends, and other guests (such as children) are welcome to come but must be accompanied by a registered driving guest.
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The Good
- Vehicle Selection
- Packages and Pricing
Vehicle Selection
Cartrast has a decently large selection of vehicles to choose from. The company even offers a variety of electric cars. Currently, drivers can choose from the following cars:
- Kia Niro EV
- Ford Mustang Mach-E
- Hyundai Kona Electric
- Nissan Leaf Plus
- Tesla Model 3
- Chevrolet Bolt
If you prefer something a little more family-friendly, you’ll want to check out the following minivans:
- Honda Odyssey
- Chrysler Pacifica
- Kia Carnival
- Toyota Sienna
Additionally, drivers can now schedule a back-to-back drive session of the following SUVs:
- Ford Escape
- Honda CR-V
- Volkswagen Tiguan
- Jeep Cherokee
- Nissan Rogue
- Jeep Compass
- Mazda CX-5
- Toyota RAV4
Those looking to drive more luxurious vehicles can sign up for the Cartrast Premium lineup.
Packages and Pricing
Cartrast is upfront with how much it will cost to test-drive its vehicles.
Cartrast’s setup allows you to easily test-drive similar vehicles and compare them back-to-back. If you sign up for The Cartrast Minivan/Family SUV Experience, you can quickly try driving several different makes and models all in one place. This is great because it eliminates the hassle of going to multiple dealerships and filling out various forms for each company.
Cartrast’s pricing is even simpler, with several packages (the minivan, compact SUV, compact sedan, and electric cars) only costing $39 for a single driver and $49 for a couple.
The price will go up should you want to test drive the premium company SUVs and sedans. However, once you’ve decided on the perfect car, you can hire Cartrast specialists to work with the dealership in your stead.
Once you’ve chosen the vehicle you want (including color and additional features), Cartrast will track down the vehicle for you (if an exact match isn’t possible, you'll get the closest match) and negotiate with the dealership for you. Cartrast will then provide you with all the information (financing options, pricing, etc.) and walk you through what should happen if you purchase the car. This service is only $99 and can significantly reduce the stress that comes with car shopping.
The Bad
- Reservations Required
Reservations Required
Consumers can’t just stop by a Cartrast location and drive any vehicle they see on the lot. Cartrast requires all customers to schedule a day and time to come and test drive its cars, SUVs, and trucks.
The Bottom Line
Cartrast gives car buyers a unique opportunity to test-drive a variety of vehicles in one place. Instead of traveling from dealership to dealership, Cartrast has a slew of minivans, compact SUVs and sedans, as well as luxury cars, electric cars, and premium SUVs, sedans, and trucks.
The company is upfront with its pricing and promises not to bombard you with pushy salespeople. If you’re interested in making the car buying experience more convenient and enjoyable, try out Cartrast.
