Test driving an AT in 2 hours, any tips?
 

I'm going to test drive an AT FR-S in a couple hours, and I was wondering if anyone has tips/suggestions on things to try out or features to play with. I am actually leaning towards a manual but I have minimal experience (couple hours on an old silvia about 4 years ago) and don't want to stall the car repeatedly. I've also heard some pretty raving reviews about the auto, so I figured I would give it a shot. Unfortunately, this test drive is in the flat and straight Chicago burbs so there's really no fun terrain to drive around in. :thumbdown:

Put it in manual mode and turn sport mode on. (Not NSC sport - thats a different function)

but try all 4 modes:

Drive
Manual mode
Drive with sport mode on
Manual mode with sport mode on

its 4 different personalities.

The pedal on the right is the gas.

test drive the auto....but buy a manual....it really completes the whole driving experience.....:burnrubber:

This is true - I've heard the same thing.

drive it like you stole it or at least exactly how you plan to drive it after break in

Drive it like you stole it.

EDIT: Beat me to it :[

Couple of suggestions:

Drive it in Full Auto in both normal and sport mode. You'll notice a big difference if you have a good stretch to accelarate in. Not going to notice a signficant difference if in traffic, and Sport mode can actually be a little rough.

In full auto/nonsport (normal driving mode) keep your foot in it, and downshift with the paddles after it upshifts into 2nd or 3rd. That will give you a feel for how well the transmission responds to your inputs and show you the revmatching. It takes a little getting used to remembering which paddle is which though, particularly if you are new to it.

Do a full manual launch (lever in pulled left into manual) in either regular or sport mode. Pick a higher RPM to switch (say 4000RPM unless it's over 1K miles) and try to match the tach with your shifts. Don't forget you have to shift in this mode, its not going to do it for you.

I wouldn't do anything too drastic in terms of RPMs because remember if you don't buy this car someone else will. I doubt its over 1K miles yet.

Rip the e-brake

There is another pedal on the left but I'm not sure what it is for...

The hell you say! 2 pedals? What will they think of next? :iono:

Shoo! I bet those crazy engineering fools will make a pedal we gotta press just to change a gear! :burnrubber:

That's the seat belt tightener. Hit it hard, seat belt tightens around your neck.

If you are in manual mode using the paddle shifters, be careful when you are turning. You can lose the paddle when the wheel turns and rev the car way too high (over 5k for me, 17 miles on the car).