Has anyone been able to test-drive a Z in the DC metro area lately? If so point me to a dealer that is willing to offer a drive.

I see now the dealers are getting inventory, it won't be too long before the discounting starts. Dead of Winter, best time to shop for a sports car or motorcycle.

I am getting close to being to afford a car soon, but need to drive a Z before I make my final decision between the Z and a S2000.


George

 

Haaa Haaaa Haaaaaa, man I can't stop laughing. Test Drive in the DC area???????? LOL. All are pre-sold, I don't think any dealer around here owns one. Surely nobody that pre-ordered is going to allow test drives in their new Z. Join the hundreds of others who bought the car sight unseen, and without ever touching the key.

 

All pre-sold? I don’t think so. I know that some are getting regular inventory now. Hopefully they will get off the gouging crap soon.

I just can't justify spending 35K on without driving it first.

I guess I will have to wait a few more months...sigh..

 

I really don't think you will see any test drives available for about another year. At my dealership, Z allotments are ordered all the way until July. Ask yourself this, who would buy a "test driven" Z. Maybe you could volunteer yours. I'm sure someone would appreciate it. Between the S2K and the 350 it is almost a no brainer, ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ.

 

It's not difficult if you are an educated consumer and approach the dealer as if you're serious and know just as much as they do if not more about the vehicle. I first called and made an appointment and walked in with my trusty folder. I test drove at Passport Nissan in Marlow Heights over a month ago.

 

1) Find someone else in the area willing to at least let you take a ride in it or even drive it if you're lucky, but don't count on it.

2) Get really lucky and find a dealer somewhere that will let you test drive one. Some people have had this happen to them.

3) Buy it without driving it first.

Wait a long time for either #1 or #2 to happen.... or just go with #3. Your choice.

 

Did you also buy one from Passport? They are around the beltway a bit from me. I will be taking some (use it or lose it) time off next month, maybe I will manage a test drive by then.

A year away from test-drives?.... HA HA now that's funny. These are not Ferrari's. There are way too many Nissan dealers around here for that.

George

 

Actually no, I ordered one from another dealer for 300 BELOW MSRP to arrive in late December. Passport wanted 3000 above MSRP for the ones on the lot, but they have some coming in for the month of Dec (first come, first serve) that you can negotiate for as low as about 900 over MSRP.

 

Just got back from Passport Nissan with my brand new Chrome Silver Touring that I bought off the lot. They have a couple of used ones that they bought at an auction that they will let you drive. I bought my car at MSRP but beware they paid alot for the used ones and they are asking for a big price. Talk to Eugene and tell him Tim sent you. Good Luck.

 

Thanks Tim, I will look up Eugene.

Auction cars...? I heard some dealers were buying those. Shortsighted and stupid IMO..They are going to loose their A$$'s on those.

I don't think most of the local Nissan dealers get it yet.

George

PS I test-drove a used S2000 at Carmax. Maybe they will end up with some auction cars.

 

Gotta be honest, after all the bs I went thru to get this car I am not that impressed. Everything I have read on this forum is true. The Bose stereo is defective and needs to be repaired, the squeaks are everywhere I have heard they are and the headlights are full of condensation. Don't get me wrong I still like the car but there are flaws. The head turning quotient is still there and it is kind of fast, but make sure you are aware of what you're getting. Just some friendly advice.

 

Interesting, I could live with that if the car feels right for me...hence the need for a test drive.

My local Honda dealer is offering $1000 off on 03 S2ks now, which is making my holding out for a Z even harder. .

George

 

I still contend that discounting will be here in earnest in the first quarter of 2003 and along with that will come test drives. Dealers do own cars for sale in northern VA. Browns Sterling Nissan had two yesterday that were preorders that were not picked up. IMO, they will sell for MSRP. If you doubt the availability of Z's, just check the Classified section of this site and Ebay. People and dealers are marketing plenty of cars for MSRP. It's only a matter of time before it goes to discounting below MSRP.

 

Nissan dealer on rockville pike in Gaithursburg just north of mont village ave has an copper one sitting out on the grass.

 

Sheehy Nissan in Annapolis has a black one for sale on the lot. Ask for Chris, the sales manager, tell em Mike sent ya! Good people!

 

the Pike. I went there a couple of weeks ago and talked to a sales guy there. He mentioned that they had cars coming in that weren't pre-ordered, not to mention they were happy to offer a test drive. So if you're happened to be in Bethesda...this shouldn't be too far from you. It's near Montgomery College. Had a silver Touring in the show room. Again, i was there a few weeks ago so this might be old news, but worth a try.

 

Thanks,

I will give them a try, I used to work on Gude drive.

George