I've got a '95 BMW 325ic that now has 80k miles on it, and I'm thinking it's time to trade it in (before those expensive bimmer repairs start popping up). I've been to three Honda dealers, and could not get a test drive out of any of them. One dealer responded to my test drive question with the answer "you have to buy it". Another dealer gave me a nice story about how a prior customer took one for a test drive, "damaged" the car, didn't buy it, and they were "stuck with a damaged car". His offer was to schedule an appointment where the sales manager would "take me for a drive in it". GRRRRR.

I know the car is popular and these dealers don't have to lift a finger to get someone to purchase one, but I just can't see buying a car without driving it first, especially this performance-oriented drivers car! Any recommendations on how to get a test drive from a dealer?

BTW, I'm 38 and I'm serious about trading up, not just out for some joyride.

Thanks for the help.

 

not really. dealers won't do it, but maybe one of us on the board will - depending on where you live of course.

 

Where do you live, JD? If you are close to anyone on this board perhaps they would take you for a spin or even let you drive their baby.

 

If you're really serious about buying one, put down a deposit (throw some cash in their face) and demand that you test drive it. If that doesn't work, take the offer of having the manager take you out. Maybe along the test route, you can convince him/her to let you drive.

I test drove S2000s at 2 different dealers, both of which I had my name/deposit at well ahead of time. To my surprise, they had no problem letting me drive it.

 

JD,

I talked to a couple of dealerships and neither allow the cars to be driven without a check in your hand. You don't actually have to commit to buying it, but you must provide strong evidence that you intend to sign a contract immediately. Expect to be limited to a run around the block until the contract is signed.

The stooks that I looked at all had less than 5 miles on the odometers because of this ---- mine only had 1.3 miles.
I think it is a good policy for the buyers since it keeps joy riders away.

My dealer commented that all of the stook shoppers knew far more about the car than anyone at the dealership. I get the impression that most of us have a good idea about the car without a test drive.

JD, I honestly can't picture anyone not loving this car. Go in with your financing already complete from PeopleFirst.com (my loan was 7.25%) or your credit union, tell the dealer you have a check and want to buy an S2000. Negotiate your price, and then tell them that it is contingent on a satisfactory test drive. If you don't like the car, walk away...I guarantee that this won't happen!

Good luck!

 

You wil have a better feeling for the car if you drive one that is alredy broken in from a member. Most dealers will not let you do a test drive, and even if they did, you won't experience vtec, or the handling prowess of this machine. I can't imagine that you will get much of an idea about how the car functions by doing a drve around the block from the dealer.

 

I've heard many dealers not allowing test drives. As the other members have stated. However, I've (unfortunately) heard the contrary that people actually "dogged" the car out on their test drive and then purchased a different S2k from the dealer. Well, I have to tell you. I have owned close to a dozen vehicles in my short life. All of which I test drove before purchasing. I have never believed in buying a car, ever, before a test drive. I have researched this car intensively on this site and others. I have also been in a Honda family for most of my life. I literally did not sit in any S2k until after I purchased mine. At the dealership I actually could have taken a test drive before the purchase but to tell you the truth I was so convinced about this car and have been very loyal to Honda that I didn't. If you feel that you've done enough research on this car and love it that much go to the dealer deposit in hand (as others mentioned) and be prepared to buy you Stook. Good luck!

 

Just find a used one at a dealer in your area. That's what I did a few weeks ago. Worked out great! I just searched the classifieds one Sat. morning, found one at a local Honda dealer, called to schedule a test drive, and went down there. Sure, you'll have to spend a little while convincing the guy you don't want to buy it today, but no big deal...

Good luck!
Ryan

 

I can see the "value" in denying test drives, but it just doesn't seem right to buy a $33000 item without being able to try it out. My story was actually quite different- I was just on my way home last March, with a little free time on my hands, and I was passing Sunnyside Honda and noticed a white StooK in the window. Stopped in, they essentially "made" me test drive it, (I said maybe not today, it's kinda cold- but they moved some other cars out of the way in the showroom and pulled it out) And I ordered a silver one that day. Good move on their part! (MSRP, too) But, I guess it depends on the demand in your area, time of the year, etc. The suggestions to find a member close to you makes sense. Another story- when I was looking to buy my previous car, I had hesitations going from a '88 CRX to a Jeep Cherokee, and the dealer let me take the Jeep home OVERNIGHT. Bought one the next day for $280 over invoice.

Good Luck! (you're gonna love the StooK)

 

Depending on my hair length at the time, I look anywhere between 18 to 22.

I have never had a problem test driving even $90k cars from any dealer.

Here is what I do.

I call the dealer first and ask for one of their senior new-car salesman. I try to look for a 'mature' salesman.
Usually such a salesman will not yank you around and is serious about providing you with information about the car and will not use the phrase "come down today and I'll promise you a great deal". If I get some jerk off over the phone I just hang up and call back for another salesman.

Then over the phone, with this salesman, I make sure they have the car I want in the exact color and options I want.

If they do, I schedule a meeting time and go down to the dealer to test drive the car.

Never had a problem getting a test drive with this method. The salesman usually has the car ready for me before I arrive..

Hope this helps...

If not you can always go test drive a used S2000 at one of the dealers...

Kai