teased & unpleased

[Laika]

Originally Posted by TheSt|G

She did say in the OP she isn't going to buy one anytime soon.

Certainly wouldn't be interested in having her drive mine.

I can't tell if it's pathetic or just disgusting with the amount of guys throwing themselves out there to let a stranger drive their car just because she might be an attractive blonde female. I could have made this same thread and got the exact opposite reaction.

[wbradley]

I caught the not buying any time soon thing but let's face it that doesn't mean no intention to buy ever. I have worked in car sales in the past and it sucks for salespeople to get tied up with a non-selling opportunity. However depending on what you tell the salespeople, normally you shouldn't find it impossible to do a road test. Things aren't that transparent that you can't come across as possibly being ready sooner.

I won't give my opinion on test driving cars I can't/won't purchase any time soon but ultimately I won't tie up commission salespeople that I know I will not buy from.

BTW petite young woman, blonde, brunette or otherwise, will get a lot of interest from the guys here. Like one female guppy in an aquarium.

I preordered my FR-S with first right of refusal when it arrived if it turned out to be hideous. If they had a first FR-S program here I most likely would have qualified for the swag having ordered the day preorders started.

[fistpoint]

I applaud the "no test drive" on limited availability vehicles. The dealers around me that do allow them have a specific car set aside for this, or have already sold that particular vehicle.

Look around your area, I'm sure at least one of them will have a demo or allow a test drive on a near zero mileage hachi-roku.

[BanzaiZee]

I can't believe I just read this while thread. (Don't judge...)

Not gonna lie, I got interested in this car because my friend posted a review of it on facebook. What reeled me in was the fact it was a Scion (aka affordable), a coupe, and it seemed to be getting a lot of positive feedback.

Ended up reserving an unspoken-for whiteout FRS, no test drive until it arrived, and signed papers the same night. I have absolutely no regrets. So far I've put in a couple thousand miles on it, went to a regional meet-up, learned how to drift... Pretty much turned me into a gearhead!

Now I forget where I was going with this...... KTHXBYE

[diirk]

I think a lot of it has to do with your appearance and demeanor.

I went to the local subaru dealer and test drove a BRZ. I told them from the start that I wouldn't buy it since it was an automatic. They said they don't normally allow test drives without a deposit or at least a credit check. I said no to both but they let me drive anyhow.

In my case being older pays off. I can pretty much test drive anything I want without issues. When I was younger I would make a point of dressing a little nicer and arriving in a decent car. I made a point of knowing what I was looking at and typically knowing more then the salesperson, which shows intent. But, I never lied about my intentions. Usually I'd say that I'm looking at several cars and narrowing down my choices.

A fairly young woman going in to a dealership will usually not get treated as seriously as an older guy. Not saying that's right or fair, but it's true. Maybe check around to see if you can find a female salesperson, you're more likely to be taken seriously.

Again, I want to reiterate, I don't think this is right, but it tends to happen. I personally make a point of not doing that to women, since it happens to my wife all the time. She knows more about cars then most salesmen, has raced professionally, is usually taller (6') and more mature (over 30), and still gets treated like she's a dumb blonde. Total BS, but it happens.

[BoostedWrbBrz]

Originally Posted by JERZgrl88

Rant of the day: I guess I am just behind on all of this....Let me tell you about my little "situation"

-I don't own an FR-S (probably not going to buy one anytime soon but I truly LOVE the car and droll over it every time I see one).
-I have only physically sat in one at a dealership.
-Upset that a road test was never arranged. I have no idea how it rides.
-I've watched a bunch of YouTube vids about driver experiences and reviews..etc...but it's all a tease for me.
-NJ (south/central) isn't filled with tons of these yet so it's hard to find someone who wants to show me what the FR-S is capable of. I have one friend who might buy, but he's trying to sell his s13 Silvia first.
-Wishing there was someone: aka a friendly guy/gal nearby that could pick me up and give me a quick ride (I'll be happy with a few donuts in a parking lot or a couple laps around a housing development). I'm easy to please.

Alright......just kidding about the picking me up part...unless I run into someone at a Wawa or a gas station I still might just ask anyway. Be prepared for a short little blonde girl tapping on your window to ask for a quick ride...I'll buy you a sandwich in return. Or even a coffee, if you'd like.

Anyone in this same boat? I feel like most people on this site already own a FR-S. Don't mind my random rant. I just want to drive it already, without dealing with salesmen and contracts! Sick of them calling me (the dealership wants me to commit to buy the car BEFORE I test drive it...LOFL. Figure that one out.

I live in seaside heights and hang at the wawa. Or big lots once in a while with my FR-S. people approach me to see it all the time. Haha.

[ill86]

Shouldn't have to put money down for a test drive. That's lame. I can understand the dealerships point of view but if you're a serious customer, why not?

I see no reason why you wouldn't like it. Pony up and buy one.

[einzlr]

Originally Posted by diirk

Again, I want to reiterate, I don't think this is right, but it tends to happen. I personally make a point of not doing that to women, since it happens to my wife all the time. She knows more about cars then most salesmen, has raced professionally, is usually taller (6') and more mature (over 30), and still gets treated like she's a dumb blonde. Total BS, but it happens.

Kudos to you and sorry (and a little pissed) to hear the treatment your wife gets They usually treat me pretty well once they notice I'm an enthusiast and not another soccer mom. I'm not blonde though; maybe that works to my advantage

[JERZgrl88]

Originally Posted by TheSt|G

She did say in the OP she isn't going to buy one anytime soon.

Certainly wouldn't be interested in having her drive mine.

Actually, I am interested to buy. I just don't spend time on this site reading new threads and reviews for no reason whatsoever. And I hate to burst everyone's bubble but the 'random' gas-station test drive thing was a joke. I like to have a little fun with my writing.... guess I had too much free time that day I would never step in and approach a stranger like that, maybe just to say 'hi' and give them kudos for their ride. That's about it. Don't get your hopes up so much Sorry, I am officially not accepting rides from any of you. Thanks for those who offered, creepers and all.

The title of the thread obviously brought you here...so if you don't like it then oh well... Sorry (not really) for being a girl, interested in this car, yet half of you are just disrespectful and not getting the whole point of my OP. Let me rephrase:

My concern was why I'd have to sign a contract to buy the car just for a test drive. I 100% understand the dealers point of view, limited vehicle situation, but what about a customer's perspective or needs? I wanted advice/guidance from everyone for tips on where else I should go or what other options would be. Maybe I wasn't clear enough?

Perhaps that one simple test drive can tie the knot and finish the sale for me...who knows. A new car (in my situation) is a long-term relationship. Somewhat like moving into a new apartment or buying a new phone. You're not just going to move in to an unfamiliar place without going for a tour would you? Or buy a new phone without making a quick trip to a phone store and mess around with the display model...call me crazy but I personally want a hassle free test drive, most likely to confirm my decision for a final purchase. NBD, right? The dealer shouldn't have to know my status beforehand. I should be treated with the same respect whether I want to buy today, in a week, a year or never.

Today I am going to contact other dealerships via internet and see what they can do for me. Fingers crossed I will hope for the best! Thanks to the people who PMed me with some helpful info.

[wbradley]

The initial thread got A LOT of reaction.

Now that you have more fully elaborated on your situation, you seem very reasonable.

Bottom line, there is no guaranteed sale for any dealership and you have to treat people decently if you expect them to give you their business.

That doesnt mean salespeople should not try to somewhat "qualify" any prospective client, but there is a factor which might not be tangible that opens up opportunities for some whereas others immediately kill it.

Either way I am sure there is clear communiction before anyone starts taking out cars for test drives.

[jarviz]

Originally Posted by JERZgrl88

My concern was why I'd have to sign a contact to buy the car just for a test drive. I 100% understand the dealers point of view, limited vehicle situation, but what about a customer's perspective or needs? I wanted advice/guidance from everyone for tips on where else I should go or what other options would be. Maybe I wasn't clear enough?

I never heard of signing anything to test drive a car.

I test drove a mercedes C300 about half a year with absolutely no intention on buying the car. I just walked, said I'm interested in this and this, would like a test drive to make a decision and they gave me a spin.

I walked into a toyota dealership on the FRS release day (got a phone call 2 hours after it arrived in their shop) and was the first to see/touch the car. They didn't want to give me a test drive at first because it didn't have plates yet (not sure if this is a BS excuse or not) but I said, soooo you want me to buy the car before test driving it? they gave me the keys a minute later.

Actually a hyundai stealership wanted me to commit to buying the car and signing some papers before I could test drive the Coupe. I told them f8ck off. they had a whole bunch of other violations of business standards but that's a different story.

Either way, you should be allowed to test drive a car with no issue or hassle. I'm wondering if it's got anything to do with you being a girl or looking so young that they don't think you will actually buy the car. sexist bastards.

on a more humorous note what if I can tease AND please??

[Fortney]

Come on out to Southern California and I'll let you drive mine!

[jadewbj]

I know it is common for dealers here to not let you test drive the EVO and the STI. They require a credit check and a refundable deposit to prove you are legit. They get a lot of joyriders.

[DanoFA20]

Originally Posted by JERZgrl88

I am not trying to put any money down just to drive it. I don't understand why I'd have to do that. The dealership is in Freehold. Maybe things have changed since then... My next plan is to road trip around the state and check out other dealerships. Maybe I'll have better luck elsewhere?

if you dont mind taking a small trip they have one or 2 at my local dealership im up by Newpaltz New York

all they need is a copy of your license thats it go have fun driving on the roads around the town

if i had one id be happy to give you the run around in it. i never get people asking me for rides i like that actually. lol