Getting the dealership run-around on test driving

awkwardturtle · 11-17-2011, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red__Zed

He was wearing this:

Dude, I'm not gonna lie, I find it pretty sad/pathetic that you stalk me on other forums. Way to rip off a picture of a spoiler that I was mocking up... the same spoiler a member on the other forum offered me $600 for after I spent $250 making it.

As for the other questions/comments, I think I was dressed fairly well. I certainly didn't walk in with ripped jeans and a hoodie, just average everyday clothes. I drove in in a decent car that's very clean/excellent condition that's worth a solid 15-16k on a trade-in. The only reason I told him I hadn't started my job yet because he was insistent on running a credit check to make sure they would finance me the money, and I told him I'd probably not get approved since I'm not going to have any income coming in for 3 weeks. I even told him I had multiple people readily available to co-sign, so it wouldn't be a big deal. I realize that's not the answer he wants to hear, but c'mon, any person in sales should have the foresight to recognize that you can't make all of your sales THAT DAY. How can he expect me to even bother coming back to him when I walk in to buy one now?

And yeah, I can understand wanting to keep mileage low, which is why a lot of dealerships tend to have a designated test car. This is exactly why when I bought my SI when I was 17, the 'new' car I drove had almost 300 miles on it, and the salesman told me to romp on it.

And not to mention, I live in a town with literally the highest Physician to non-physician ratio in the country. You HAVE to expect a lot of young people with rich parents that are willing to buy them anything. I had a relatively crappy car in high school, and I drove a brand new Civic SI. I would think anyone with half a brain would instantly assume a younger-20 year old guy driving a nice/decent car in this city either had the means to buy the car, or had parents who were willing to.

What I do find funny, however, is that their internet sales guy just got back to me about a quote request I sent in a week ago and asked me to come in and test drive a Z

I truly hope that other guys sees me when I do.

vividracing · 11-17-2011, 01:42 PM

I test drove an STI at 15, without even having my permit. Find a new dealer

Next time, go in with a nice pair of jeans, some clean sneakers, and a polo. I know it's lame that you gotta dress up to test drive a car, but it's just the way it is.

theDreamer · 11-17-2011, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by awkwardturtle

Dude, I'm not gonna lie, I find it pretty sad/pathetic that you stalk me on other forums. Way to rip off a picture of a spoiler that I was mocking up... the same spoiler a member on the other forum offered me $600 for after I spent $250 making it.

People are on multiple forums, not hard to find others. Especially if you spend more than five minutes looking at people posting.

As for the other questions/comments, I think I was dressed fairly well. I certainly didn't walk in with ripped jeans and a hoodie, just average everyday clothes. I drove in in a decent car that's very clean/excellent condition that's worth a solid 15-16k on a trade-in. The only reason I told him I hadn't started my job yet because he was insistent on running a credit check to make sure they would finance me the money, and I told him I'd probably not get approved since I'm not going to have any income coming in for 3 weeks. I even told him I had multiple people readily available to co-sign, so it wouldn't be a big deal. I realize that's not the answer he wants to hear, but c'mon, any person in sales should have the foresight to recognize that you can't make all of your sales THAT DAY. How can he expect me to even bother coming back to him when I walk in to buy one now?

You made your own mistakes, you told him you had no job, you were not going to pass the credit check. Why would you tell him this? Never discuss finance until after you are happy with driving a car and testing it first. You dug your own grave.

And yeah, I can understand wanting to keep mileage low, which is why a lot of dealerships tend to have a designated test car. This is exactly why when I bought my SI when I was 17, the 'new' car I drove had almost 300 miles on it, and the salesman told me to romp on it.

The idea of 'low' mileage is nice, but really it is a 30k car. Now if the car has 500-1000 miles already then that could be an issue as the dealership at that point will want to get it out quickly.

And not to mention, I live in a town with literally the highest Physician to non-physician ratio in the country. You HAVE to expect a lot of young people with rich parents that are willing to buy them anything. I had a relatively crappy car in high school, and I drove a brand new Civic SI. I would think anyone with half a brain would instantly assume a younger-20 year old guy driving a nice/decent car in this city either had the means to buy the car, or had parents who were willing to.

You know what happens when you assume?

What I do find funny, however, is that their internet sales guy just got back to me about a quote request I sent in a week ago and asked me to come in and test drive a Z

I truly hope that other guys sees me when I do.

Internet sales guys usually are volume sellers so they will say anything to get you in and buy. Which is good for you because they will let you drive, can usually get the best price because they sell more and are more relaxed because they meet quotas quickly.

b1adesofcha0s · 11-17-2011, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vividracing

I test drove an STI at 15, without even having my permit. Find a new dealer

Next time, go in with a nice pair of jeans, some clean sneakers, and a polo. I know it's lame that you gotta dress up to test drive a car, but it's just the way it is.

That's usually what I wear when going for a test drive.

Though I've always wondered what would happen if I showed up to test drive a sports car dressed as the Stig.

theDreamer · 11-17-2011, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b1adesofcha0s

That's usually what I wear when going for a test drive.

Though I've always wondered what would happen if I showed up to test drive a sports car dressed as the Stig.

Sir, we would like to offer you a test drive in our new Porsche 911 GT3 RS, can you please make your way to our private track. Thanks.

b1adesofcha0s · 11-17-2011, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theDreamer

Sir, we would like to offer you a test drive in our new Porsche 911 GT3 RS, can you please make your way to our private track. Thanks.

It would be so funny to just walk up to a dealership like that and strike the Stig pose in front of the car you were there to drive. Don't even say a word and just stand in front of it until the salesman brings you the key

6MT · 11-17-2011, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b1adesofcha0s

It would be so funny to just walk up to a dealership like that and strike the Stig pose in front of the car you were there to drive. Don't even say a word and just stand in front of it until the salesman brings you the key

Swish!

Cafiax · 11-17-2011, 02:40 PM

I live in Canada and I've never experienced this problem before. When i was buying my Z sure I had my dad there but he was just looking at a Maxima when i was dealing with the salesman. He did have a coupe at the time because I bought my Z near the end of the year. I was 18 at the time but the salesman offered to let me test drive a roadster which was fun. Sealed the deal and went home and waited as they transported a Z from another city. I took a buddy of mine to a Mazda dealership to look at the RX8 It was just him and I and the salesman pretty much begged us to test drive it. I wasn't even interested in test driving the rx-8 but the salesman urged me to test drive it also even though I was not interested in buying the car at all. After test driving the rx8 ive got to say, our Z is much more fun to drive hehe. The rx8 just didnt feel like it had enough low end torque. Overall just find a dealership that's willing to deal with you and not stereotype based on your age. Don't ever put up with anyone treating you without the respect that you deserve.

AlexRaymond19 · 11-17-2011, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by awkwardturtle

I stopped by my local Nissan dealer the other day.. totally blown off on wanting to check out and test drive a Z.

I'm 22 years old, and realize I'm young and look even younger than I am, but I'm still pissed about this. I brought in my car, indicating I wanted to trade that in, which knocks about 16 grand off of what I would need to acquire in a loan. With savings, I can almost buy a new Z base package outright.

I explained to the guy that I'm starting a job in about a month from now, I have my trade-in fully paid off, etc. He flat-out told me that dealerships do not allow test drives of 'sports cars'. Surely you guys took out your Z before buying it, right? I told him that I couldn't spend 30-40k on a car in good faith without knowing I would enjoy it, first. He basically gave me his card and told me to call him if I changed my mind. Anyone else have this experience, or do I just need to go to a different dealer? I neglected to bring any parents along because I'm financing this on my own, but my dad seems to think I need to bring him along to be taken seriously. I hope that isn't the case...

Thanks

Same exact thing happened to me... If there is not another dealer close by this is what you so. Print off your account balance, or better yet just bring in a cashiers check from your bank in the amount of the down payment you want to use. I put 15k down on my Z and thats what i did. They didn't even waste their time calling me back or replying to my email until i showed up with the check... Its shitty that they do that, but such is life. If you look young they just think you are in for a joy ride...

AlexRaymond19 · 11-17-2011, 03:27 PM

Dont get all butt hurt that this happened to you, where you can get some pay back is after you buy the car all dealers have survey and stuff that you fill out, just give them a bad review for that reason.

bleufiend · 11-17-2011, 08:30 PM

Like the others have said. Find a new dealer. I took out my 350z I bought when I was 22. And I bought this 370z at 27. No hassle for a test drive on either. I asked to go for a spin and they happily retrieved the key so I could take a spin in a car they hoped to sell.

Nixlimited · 11-17-2011, 09:56 PM

My only test drives are of GTM's SC and TT cars, haha. I wonder if the stock one is going to be a big disappointment... ;-)

awkwardturtle · 11-17-2011, 10:14 PM

@ theDreamer.. I'm not even sure how to respond to you.

Yes, people are on multiple forums. My point is that it's pretty pathetic that this guy keeps coming into my threads and trying to make jibes at me based off of my posts in another forum. That's sad/pathetic. I dont' even see that kind of childish crap on a civic forum, where the average age is surely less than what is is over here.

And secondly, I didn't just announce that I wasn't starting my job for a few weeks just for the hell of it. He wanted a credit check before I test drove it. At that point, what do you really expect me to say? I had two options, decline and leave the dealership, or explain my situation. I chose option B.

I'm over it, though. Plan on going in and talking w/ the internet sales guy this sat. No harm, no foul.

eastwest2300 · 11-17-2011, 11:30 PM

Just be a prick, most of those dudes are pricks, dont take any sh*t, and be ready to walk if they're not singing your tune.

theDreamer · 11-18-2011, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by awkwardturtle

@ theDreamer.. I'm not even sure how to respond to you.

Yes, people are on multiple forums. My point is that it's pretty pathetic that this guy keeps coming into my threads and trying to make jibes at me based off of my posts in another forum. That's sad/pathetic. I dont' even see that kind of childish crap on a civic forum, where the average age is surely less than what is is over here.

And secondly, I didn't just announce that I wasn't starting my job for a few weeks just for the hell of it. He wanted a credit check before I test drove it. At that point, what do you really expect me to say? I had two options, decline and leave the dealership, or explain my situation. I chose option B.

I'm over it, though. Plan on going in and talking w/ the internet sales guy this sat. No harm, no foul.

You still picked the wrong option, option C is no credit check.
Never let them run your credit before you just test drive a car, at this level of price range. If they do not feel you are 'able' to purchase the vehicle then walk away because you are going to run into issues the whole way through with them. You honestly set yourself up and dealing with the internet sales guy might get you a test drive but he might still see you walk in and go, need to run your credit.

11-17-2011, 01:42 PM	#47 (permalink)
vividracing The370Z.com Sponsor Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Gilbert, AZ Age: 37 Posts: 7,306 Drives: 350Z,370Z,GTR Rep Power: 38	I test drove an STI at 15, without even having my permit. Find a new dealer Next time, go in with a nice pair of jeans, some clean sneakers, and a polo. I know it's lame that you gotta dress up to test drive a car, but it's just the way it is. __________________ Rocky @ Vivid ♦ 480.966.3040 x236 ♦ Rocky@vividracing.com Email, PM, or call me directly for aggressive The370Z.com member pricing!!!

11-17-2011, 02:40 PM	#53 (permalink)
Cafiax Enthusiast Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Canada - Richmond Posts: 291 Drives: 10 Nissan 370z PW A7 Rep Power: 14	I live in Canada and I've never experienced this problem before. When i was buying my Z sure I had my dad there but he was just looking at a Maxima when i was dealing with the salesman. He did have a coupe at the time because I bought my Z near the end of the year. I was 18 at the time but the salesman offered to let me test drive a roadster which was fun. Sealed the deal and went home and waited as they transported a Z from another city. I took a buddy of mine to a Mazda dealership to look at the RX8 It was just him and I and the salesman pretty much begged us to test drive it. I wasn't even interested in test driving the rx-8 but the salesman urged me to test drive it also even though I was not interested in buying the car at all. After test driving the rx8 ive got to say, our Z is much more fun to drive hehe. The rx8 just didnt feel like it had enough low end torque. Overall just find a dealership that's willing to deal with you and not stereotype based on your age. Don't ever put up with anyone treating you without the respect that you deserve. __________________ 2010-PW-370z Fast Intentions CBE 18" res + HFC, K&N Typhoons Intakes(Gen 3 Stillen soon), 20mm H&R Front - 25mm H&R Back, Shine Auto(Sunline)

11-17-2011, 03:27 PM	#55 (permalink)
AlexRaymond19 Track Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Maine Posts: 771 Drives: 2010 Nissan 370z Rep Power: 14	Dont get all butt hurt that this happened to you, where you can get some pay back is after you buy the car all dealers have survey and stuff that you fill out, just give them a bad review for that reason. __________________ 2010 370Z Touring MT \| Stillen \| Motordyne \| Momentum\| Z1 \| Fast Intentions \| Advant Garde \| RE11 \| Swift \| SPC \| Quaife \| Whiteline \| Evo R \| 322RWHP 259ft-lb Mustang

11-17-2011, 08:30 PM	#56 (permalink)
bleufiend Base Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 200 Drives: 370z MB Spt/Tour 6sp Rep Power: 14	Like the others have said. Find a new dealer. I took out my 350z I bought when I was 22. And I bought this 370z at 27. No hassle for a test drive on either. I asked to go for a spin and they happily retrieved the key so I could take a spin in a car they hoped to sell. __________________ Z34 owner formerly Z33. OZOC FTW.

11-17-2011, 09:56 PM	#57 (permalink)
Nixlimited A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: San Diego Posts: 1,235 Drives: 15 GT-R / 11 Prius Rep Power: 25	My only test drives are of GTM's SC and TT cars, haha. I wonder if the stock one is going to be a big disappointment... ;-) __________________ Car Sold! Pleasure being a part of the Z community. New ride: 2015 GT-R - 647 WHP / 641 WTQ (e85) & 543 WHP / 519 WTQ (91)

11-17-2011, 10:14 PM	#58 (permalink)
awkwardturtle Base Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: minnesota Posts: 98 Drives: 07 Civic SI Rep Power: 13	@ theDreamer.. I'm not even sure how to respond to you. Yes, people are on multiple forums. My point is that it's pretty pathetic that this guy keeps coming into my threads and trying to make jibes at me based off of my posts in another forum. That's sad/pathetic. I dont' even see that kind of childish crap on a civic forum, where the average age is surely less than what is is over here. And secondly, I didn't just announce that I wasn't starting my job for a few weeks just for the hell of it. He wanted a credit check before I test drove it. At that point, what do you really expect me to say? I had two options, decline and leave the dealership, or explain my situation. I chose option B. I'm over it, though. Plan on going in and talking w/ the internet sales guy this sat. No harm, no foul.

11-17-2011, 11:30 PM	#59 (permalink)
eastwest2300 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2010 Location: South FL Posts: 90,818 Drives: '16QX70/'21 Supra3.0 Rep Power: 2684549	Just be a prick, most of those dudes are pricks, dont take any sht, and be ready to walk if they're not singing your tune. __________________ Infiniti QX70 & Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium*

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