350Z testdrive experience.....HORROR!!

[Black Knight]

On sat, I went with a couple of friends to STEVENS CREEK NISSAN to testdrive the new Z...track model. The sales guy had been calling me for the last few weeks to go over and said testdrive was okay. When we got there, 4 of us in 3 cars: NSX, new M3 coupe and S2000. My original sales guy was busy and got another to help us. We indicated that we will NOT be buying that day and that he makes this point clear to his manager. We were honest with our intentions and the new sales guy was pretty cool about it. He went in to talk to his manager and said we could testdrive under one condition.....that I allow his manager to testdrive my nsx. I was cool with it and gave him a thumbs up. He took my keys and went to his manager. He came back in about a minute and said his manager was just joking and said we could take the car out. We handed him our licenses and he went in to make some copies. He came back again and this time, his manager came out with him.

This is the intense part. His manager asked "so who's the buyer??" I said we already indicated to the sales that we were not ready to buy that day. He said "well, come back when you're ready then" Oh, did we feel the rage surging within us......he basically lied to us, wasted our time and made us look stupid with our back and forth conversation. We asked him why he was breaking his promise to potential customers....4 of us!! He gave a bunch of BS about how a customer wants a virgin car and others wanting to testdrive. They had at least 5 in stock on the lot. Since when did the 350Z become an exotic car selling for $5k over and no testdrives????? We said forget it because we know of another dealership that will allow testdrives.

My point is this...we were told over the phone that we could testdrive the car. Then, when we show up, I was cool about the exchange of cars for testdrive. Last but not least, they made copies of our licenses and brought our hopes up to the climax. Then, the roller coaster ride dips all the way down into the abyss. What a dealership and attitude.

Selling over MSRP is fine since I've bought my S2000 over MSRP with a sales guy that I've never met. However, he was sincere from the start and service was top notch.
I could honestly say I value the service and attitude from my car dealers rather than buying with a grudge.

I bought my NSX because I testdrove it and my Acura sales guy patiently worked with me for 4 months before I've accepted the offer. If I promise to buy in order to testdrive, I take the car home the minute after I sign. What is the definition of testdrive?????

Anyone with an experience like this???


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'98 Blue NSX-T

 

[Bobby C 01TA]

The guy defineitly shouldnt have told you that you guys could drive the car and then get your information etc and come back and say that crap he said..Thats a big thumbs down. The 350 isnt a supercar or anything but since they are still pretty rare, many dealers wont let customers drive it unless they are uhh "serious" about buying. You're pretty lucky to have driven the NSX before you bought it..did you buy it new or used and how old was it? Cars like NSX's Z06's vipers etc are those cars that are hard to get a test drive in. People who buy those cars know what they want and know that thats what they want. But nonetheless, you're right.. manager was a shmuck.

 

[Black Knight]

Originally posted by Bobby C 01TA:
Cars like NSX's Z06's vipers etc are those cars that are hard to get a test drive in. People who buy those cars know what they want and know that thats what they want. But nonetheless, you're right.. manager was a shmuck.

I've actually driven many of those cars in brand new condition. In fact, I just testdrove a brand new Viper GTS ACR package about a month ago. They had two identical ones in stock. They just took some info for the credit check and that was it. I took the car for a spin and a funny thing happened. As we came to about half a block away from the dealership, the Viper started slowing down. I punched the gas a bit and no response. I thought I had shifted into 4th instead of 2nd gear. Nope, the car was completely out of gas and died right on the spot. I guess I had pushed it too hard during the testdrive..LOL. Anyways, I was glad we were only about 1/2 block away so the sales guy ran back to get some gas.

I can understand no testdrives for a car that is not on the lot and on backorder, but how can a buyer resist not testdriving a car that is on the lot...not to mention more than 5 of them. Though $40k may not be a big chunk of change, but it would be a burden if you didn't like it after you've bought it. I'm sure many car enthusiasts out there have had a total change of mind before and after the testdrive. I know I have many times. The knowledge and actual experience behind the wheel could be totally different sometimes.

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'98 Blue NSX-T

[This message has been edited by Blue Knight (edited 13 January 2003).]

 

[ak]

I don't know why you are mad. If I was selling my car, I wouldn't let some joe schmoe drive if he tells me he doesn't intend to buy the car. I hate dealers in general, but I don't think they did anything wrong here.

 

[8000RPM]

Originally posted by ak:
I hate dealers in general, but I don't think they did anything wrong here.

What they did wrong was that they were mis-leading about the test drive and didn't make their 'policy' clear upfront.

They basically told lies in order to get Blue Knight to show up at the dealership and then failed to hold up their end of the bargain.

 

[NSX2NV]

Last week I purchased a 03 Infinity QX4 and while waiting for the paperwork decided to check out a few cars. The 350Z was in the nissan showroom next door and I had a chance to look and sit inside. The outside doesn't look to appealing to me at first glance but it'll grow on you. The one in the showroom had a nice wing on it and I'm sure "Stillen" will come out with a bodykit soon. The interior is a totally different story. The dash is made of plastic. Looks very cheap. The fit and finish is no where close to the NSX. There was a little compartment that opened up (for NAV sytem which is not avail in Canada yet) that must've had 1/2" of play on the lid. The guage cluster actually moves with the telescopic steering but it looks very bad. The trunk has a huge brace in it that won't allow you fit any large objects in it. Overall for the price and performance it may please some people but after owning an NSX these cars cannot even be remotely compared to each other. Something that I liked at the infinity dealer was the G35 coupe. 285 HP 2 dr 4 seater this may be a nice daily driver with a touch of class. It was priced at $48,000 CDN. I may have to trade the is300 for this.

 

[ak]

Originally posted by 8000RPM:
What they did wrong was that they were mis-leading about the test drive and didn't make their 'policy' clear upfront.

They basically told lies in order to get Blue Knight to show up at the dealership and then failed to hold up their end of the bargain.

Did he indicate that he was not interested in buying the car when he was talking on the phone? Oh well, either way, dealers will be dealers. Whenever I go to a dealer, I assume they are trying to deceive you and make you buy. He should just have said, yeah I'm interested, then leave after test drive. Eye for an eye kinda thing.

 

[Black Knight]

We told them from the beginning that we testdrove the G35 coupe, liked it but will not make a final decision until we testdrove the Z. The sales guy completely understood our intentions. It was the manager that was the screwball. It's basically this....

come in and we'll let you testdrive....flaked
let me drive your nsx first....flaked
took our licenses.....flaked

see the difference???

Like what 8000RPM said, we weren't upset that they didn't allow testdrives. They shouldn't play such a game just to get us over. I wouldn't have gone if the sales guy said no testdrives over the phone. I've already sat in a Z at another dealership and heard the engine. Just didn't like the feeling of being tricked.

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'98 Blue NSX-T

 

[Joel]

BlueKnight,

Don't get too discouraged. The 350z forum is replete with stories like this from potential buyers and even they can't get a test drive in. Some of the owners are even adamant about siding with the dealers in that they pre-ordered their cars back then, sight-unseen. Their argument is that they didn't get a test-drive in before getting their cars, so why should anyone else? Bear in mind though, that this mentality is in the minority so don't go over there and start bashing people.

 

[spartan2-3]

I dont think the dealer lied to you, I think they changed their mind about handing you the keys to their Z.

If I were the manager, I would not have allowed you to test drive the car either, regardles of what my salesman said on the phone..

Before you get upset ask yourself these
questions?

Are you and/or your friends seriously considering buying 4 350Z's/G35's?

Did you and your friends bring your "nice toys" to the dealership to "flaunt" and show them, "yes we can afford the Z"?

or did you bring it for trade-in evaluation?

I think the dealer knows you and your friends are there for joyrides. You guys were an obvious tire kicker

I totally understand your frustration but I think ak made alot of sense.

If/when you do get the Z or G35, go by that dealer and prove them wrong..

just my .02



[This message has been edited by spartan2-3 (edited 13 January 2003).]

 

[Joel]

Here's an idea:

Go to the Z forum(s) and put up a post offering a Z owner to test drive your NSX and in turn, you can test drive his/hers.

Catch:

1. No stupid stunts or red-lining (unless you want to of course).
2. You cruise in the cars together.

I'm sure you'll get a few takers! After all, who can resist the opportunity to drive an NSX?!

 

[NSXTC]

Well, he is a Nissan dealer- to him, the 350Z is an exotic!

 

[insx]

That is what you get dealing with NISSAN dealers here in US.

If you check the forum regarding Nissan dealers you will find tons of bad experience posts: http://forums.freshalloy.com/ubbthreads/postlist.php?Cat=&Board=UBB5

If you want good experience, you should deal with reputable luxury car dealers

Why would you buy a 350Z anyway?
You have NSX and S2000?
You can smoke 350Z anytime anywhere, right?

So which exhaust did you finally buy?

We should meet sometime

I just wondering do people in SF bay area hang out?

Cause the East Bay area owners almost hang out every week.



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--
'03 MDX Starlight Silver/Ebony
- 260 HP -> miles start to climb
'94 NSX Brooklands Green Pearl/ Onyx
- 10k miles
- GruppeM Intake & Exhaust V.3
'01 M3 Laguna Seca Blue/ Grey - 5k miles
'93 300SE MBZ - 97k miles and running strong

 

[huckster]

unsolicited advice, but you posted that this little foray upset you, so here goes.

SERIOUS buyers do not go shopping in a group like a bunch of junior high girls going to the ladiesroom. He probably took a look at a bunch of guys looking to drive a 'Z' after telling him they werent buying today and he thought, 'these schmucks are looking to jump in my car, take turns showing off and overrevving and they are not even gonna buy it".

I wouldnt have let you joy ride either, if it was my car. Dealers arent in the business of letting anyone drive new vehicles for free. They have to decide who the real buyers are.

 

[wctsao]

Some dealers just can't tell the difference between a real buyer and a "tire kicker". I told a dealer that I was interested in his NSX and wanted to test drive it. The sales person agreed and I drove 3 hours to get there.

When I got there with a friend of mine, the manager refused to let me drive it because it didn't believe I was serious. Why would I drive 3 hours just for a joyride. I even showed him my out of state license. Probably thought it was fake.

I told him that there was another NSX I was considering so I began to leave.

Right when I was about to leave, he came running back apologizing but would only let me ride in the car if he was driving.

Needless to say, I didn't buy the car and a week later, purchased the other NSX.


[This message has been edited by wctsao (edited 14 January 2003).]

 

[Black Knight]

Thanks for all the inputs. I guess from the dealer's point of view, a no buy is a no testdrive in this case. I did manage to head to another dealership where they USED to allow testdrives...how do I know this? Both of their touring packages have at least 150 miles on them. I don't think the internal people alone have put the miles on them. This is what they told me. They said it will be hard to justify the $5k premium on a car with 150 miles. I totally agree. I've enjoyed their honesty. That's the difference. Though they've given others before a chance to testdrive but I didn't hold them against the obligation to let us testdrive. Then again, honesty and dealerships are just a water and oil mix....

I'm not upset anymore of course, just hope that others don't fall into the same situation. I've dealt with too many dealers so my patience runs thin quickly.

Just to clarify....NSX will always be number 1 in my garage. I've already sold the S2000. I was looking for a second car as a daily driver. I will never replace the NSX...period. Therefore, there's no need to worry about losing another NSX member. I'm here for good.



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'98 Blue NSX-T

 

[kenjiMR]

I just posted a message on the 350Z forums to see if anyone was interested in a test drive trade.
Blue Knight, since we both live here in the Silicon VAlley, maybe we can see if we can do this together.

check: http://www.350zforum.com

I'm granturismo.com.

 

[Black Knight]

Originally posted by kenjiMR:
I just posted a message on the 350Z forums to see if anyone was interested in a test drive trade.
Blue Knight, since we both live here in the Silicon VAlley, maybe we can see if we can do this together.

check: http://www.350zforum.com

I'm granturismo.com.

I figure we could also get a local gathering together for a group drive. Let's see how they hang. Did anyone see the November issue (??) of Bestmotoring on the 350Z? The performance should be pretty good....nice brakes and handling.

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'98 Blue NSX-T

 

[Black Knight]

Originally posted by insx:
That is what you get dealing with NISSAN dealers here in US.
If you check the forum regarding Nissan dealers you will find tons of bad experience posts: http://forums.freshalloy.com/ubbthreads/postlist.php?Cat=&Board=UBB5

thanks for the laughs...they're ridiculously funny. now i know why nissan has been doing so bad and tries to come back with 5 new vehicles in the next two years (infiniti included). this was my first experience with nissan in this capacity so i just have to blame myself for not knowing better.


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'98 Blue NSX-T

 

[nordygirl]

Spartan 2-3,

Do you work at a dealership? You seem to know what you're talking about. Or have
this happened to you before?



[This message has been edited by nordygirl (edited 14 January 2003).]

 

[insx]

Check this 350Z from Tokyo Show tons of Modified 350Z plus others http://www.gnakata.crosswinds.net/net_files/2003_tokyoautosalon/zs/

 

[8000RPM]

Nice pics, though I still prefer the styling of the previous generation Z better than the current one.

The headlights on the 350Z remind me of those on the Celica.

 

[Black Knight]

some say the previous Z looks nicer, others say the new one.

i liked some pics of the old Z and some of the new Z, but i especially liked all the pics with a girl next to the Z. in short, the girls looked the best.....

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'98 Blue NSX-T

 

[ss5153]

Worser experience due to salesman but...

When I was 20 years old in 1999, I saved about 15K dollars from working part time, while still driving my dad's 95 Toyota Corolla going to college. I decided I want to buy a new Honda Prelude. So I drove to the Honda dealership, the Serramonte, Colma, and was looking around. No one helped me, and it was on a weekday. Maybe because I looked young. So I decided to go inside and ask one of the salesman. I still remember his name, Adam Guzman. I told him that I'm interested in the Honda Prelude and that I would like a test drive. Then he told me to come inside to fill out this credit application. So I did what he asked me to do, and then he told me to wait. About 15 minutes later, he came back to me telling me that I don't have enough credit history and that they do not allow test drive. I was so piss, because I knew they were stereotype me or something, but I told him, I was a cash buyer. Out of frustration, I look for the nearest manager. I told the manager that Adam checked my credit report and told me I could not test drive the car. I told him I have cash ready in my bank account. The manager spoke with Adam for a second and then the manager apoligized to me for his behavior. Then the manager escorted me with another sales lady, and she was happy to provide me with a test drive. I test drove the new 1999 Red Honda Prelude Semi-Auto. While I was test driving the Prelude, I was not concentrated, since I was so pissed off at the first salesman. Then when we got back to the dealership, I told the sales lady that the car was good, but I have to think about it.

I got my NSX last year 2003, and I called the same Honda Dealership asking for Adam, but he no longer works there. I think he works at Toyota now. If he was there, I plan on driving my Formula Red NSX there to test drive the S2000 to piss him off. End of my story...

 

[Meeyatch1]

I don't know why you are mad. If I was selling my car, I wouldn't let some joe schmoe drive if he tells me he doesn't intend to buy the car. I hate dealers in general, but I don't think they did anything wrong here.

Yes the dealer did do something wrong. Telling a lie that the 350Z was able to be test driven by them eventhough they were not buying on the spot, and then turning around and saying 'no' once they got there is a BIG problem. That means their word as a dealer is worth about as much as a pile of....well, you get the point.

Also, you are an individual. They are a car dealer, so selling cars and giving test drives is part of what they are supposed to do. It is a little different when you are just a person selling your own car.