All very good and valid points jsisabella.

The test drive element will probably keep the need for dealerships around, at least until the habit of test drives go away like with many other products like you've pointed out for computer equipment.

I know that Chrysler has tried using car rental companies as outlets for their customers to try out cars a while back when they owned a stake in Dollar.

I frankly think that if manufacturers started striking deals with car rental places, I'd much rather "test drive" a car for a weekend or a week rather than a 15 min cruise around the area of the dealership. GM's weekend test drive last year was probably the closest recent attempt.

The relationship I have with my dealer is more one of service and support rather than sales anyway, I know what I want when I buy a car and I don't need any selling to convince me.