maybe its rare because the stealerships dont let anyone test drive thus deterring buyers.

i drove a 350z, and yes, they offered to let me test drive one. all i have to say is that its an ok car, but it just doesnt give me the feel that the s2000 gave me. the 350z felt sluggish to me so i didnt like it.

 

A dealer should let you test drive a used one with the salesman riding shotgun. Don't count on getting to test drive a new unless you can seriously show the $$$ to buy it. It definately helps to be older to be trusted with the car.

 

EXACTLY!!! Don't get offended by this people. I don't think many understand or realize that the high percentage of people that come in to test drive cars NEVER buy them. There are more people out there who just want to drive the car, pretend they are serious, and have NO INTENTION of buying it. They want the experience. Hell, I've done it before, so I'd never get offended by a refused test drive.

The salesman are human, as we are, and they have seen too many people test drive, and walk away. When it comes to sports cars, it happens far more often. Most test drives don't end with a purchase unfortunately. If you let them know you are serious, and you really are serious, more often then not they will pick up the vibe, and not hesitate.

It's unfortunate that joy ride test drivers with no intention of buying a car ruin it for the seirous people at times, but if you truly are DEAD serious about buying, they will let you test drive. I only test drive now when I'm serious, and I NEVER get turned down. PROVE to them that if you like the car, you are wanting to buy NOW, not possibly in the future.

 

I'm 24. When I went to test drive my car (I test drove 2 that day at 2 different dealerships). I always started by asking stupid questions just to see how much the salesman knew. I progressively made them more technical. By the end of it, I showed to them had done my research. I didn't just walk onto the lot and go "Oh that car looks awesome I want to test drive it". The salesman didnt even ride with me. I did 105 on I-485, yes it was stupid but I had to push it some (And I couldn't do that with a salesman). I live in Charlotte (I think it says you live in Columbia) Expand your search. Show them your knowledge. and you wont have to flash any knowledge. Just never say "I heard these things will go like 140mph stock". They wont let you test drive it then . Good luck

 

I was 21 when I purchased my first S2000 and I got a test drive within 20 minutes of being in the dealer. Mind I drove to the dealer a beater (Tercel) that was making some noises. I think a lot of factors go into play with letting people test drive top of the line cars. Age, looks, how you direct yourself, and so on...

 

If you show you are serious about buying the car, they will let you test drive it. The easiest way, though, is to call them up and schedule a test drive on the phone. I don't think any dealership would deny you a test drive appointment over the phone (and if they did, they probably are not a dealership worth buying from anyway).

Although it sucks, salesmen WILL judge you just by looking at your age and by guessing how much money you have and how serious you are about actually buying the car. Remove those variables from the equation by setting up the test drive before they actually see you

 

Technically I'm in Sumter which is just east of Columbia. I'm def willing to go outside of my local area though. Like a perimeter of Raleigh NC/Knoxville TN/Atlanta GA/Savannah GA. Maybe as far south as Jax FL, depending on who I can talk into going with me assuming I like it as much as I think I will.

I'd like to test drive it to see if I even like it. I test drove a MR-S a while back because I had a MR2 that I loved to death but decided to sell when I joined the military. Mistake. The Toyota MR-S just didn't have the type of power I was expecting and didn't give me the same feeling my old MR2 did. My MR2 was the supercharged stock version (1988). It was such a blast to drive even though it looked like a door stop.

I've been trolling for a good bit on this forum so I've been trying to do my research so I'll know if the stealership employees are full of s*** or not. I'm not going to buy a car w/o driving it and I don't want to lie to them and say "Yes, I am serious about buying this car" then drive it and be like "Oh this car isn't for me." Then I'll look like a dick and a liar.

I'm just frustrated I guess. Oh, I in NO WAY expect any sort of special treatment for being military. It's weird because it's just this car. This car is my "Elanor" (Gone In 60 Seconds anyone?) This is the only one I can't seem to drive and compare to other cars I've driven. I've got 2 friends back where I'm from that have one/had access to one (parent) but never got to drive either one. I'd really like to compare it to my buddies RX8 because I drive it occasionally (he even gave me the spare keys ).

I guess I really really really don't want another FWD car. I currently have a 93 Accord which I'll probably keep as like a foul weather/errand car and leave the S2000/similar sports car and the bike for blasting around town having fun in and lookin more presentable to teh ladies

 

Did you exceed 6k rpm on the engine?

 

I believe you deserve RESPECTFUL treatment for being in the military. For one thing, it shows you are willing to put your life on the line for your country. And, at a minimum, it shows you are a responsible person and not some bum! I wouldn't blame a dealer for wanting you (or any customer) to take the test drive in a used S 2000. You can't take a new one into VTEC until its broken in. And if you don't VTEC an S 2000, you really can't get the feeling of what the car is about. If I were you, I'd call and ask for an appointment to drive a used S 2000 that a dealer may have advertised. Then, I'd show up in my uniform, and ask that a salesman accompany you on the test drive to explain things. Under those circumsatances, I sure do hope you get your test drive.

 

I got a testdrive In a 2006 Cobalt SS fully loaded with recaro's brand new by myself in 2006. I was 17 (I guess it's the sideburns lolz) never asked for a license or anything, I have diesel Facial hair idk, maybe cause I showed up in a nice car and they could tell I was serious and I knew more about the car then the salesman did lol. I don't see why a dealer would turndown business some huge chains do that though. I mean they can move a car in many ways cash,loan,trade-in+cash I mean to me the dealer is lame try another one!