The 4X4 Test Car Page

Manufacturers of aftermarket kit often need to borrow vehicles so they can create their accessories.  It can be difficult to find vehicles for this purpose, and I'm often asked to help source a car or two.  So I thought I'd create this page to bring together those that have the cars and those that want to borrow them.

Each case will vary, but here's a typical process:

How does it work? 

1. The aftermarket manufacturer will want access to your vehicle, usually just to measure it up for an accessory or perhaps even decide if making the part is feasible.  This may take a day or so.

2.  If all's good then they'll manufacture the part and then need your car back for a test fit. That may take longer than normal as it'll be the first time and the process will be documented.

What's in it for me?

At the very least you can expect a free or discounted accessory, and perhaps other discounts.  You also get a very professional install as the original engineers are involved. Any damage will be put right by the manufacturer, just as it would be in a normal service or accessory fitting.  You also get the accessory first, you are helping others with the same vehicle and you make useful industry contacts.  Unfortunately, there's not enough margin in this business to pay for your time or expenses. 

Personally I have picked up a few accessories this way and arranged similar deals for friends.  Now I'm widening the pool of potential vehicles.

What's the downside?

You need to give up your car, typically for a few days, and the product fitted may be refined in production after it is fitted to your car.

List of current manufacturer callouts

This list is current as of Feburary 2012.  If you have a vehicle that fits these criteria then contact me, or if you are a manufacturer and want to be added then also contact me.  Please share this page around so lots of people see it.  If demand picks up I'll write a better system with alerts and so on.

Contact me if you are interested in helping, I'll put you in touch with the manufacturer and you can negotiate a deal from there.