First dealer I went to gave me the run-around when I asked. Really didn't worry about it at the second. I finally "test drove" it after the paper work was settled. Picked it up 2 days later after the loan was approved.

I would've pushed a little harder if I hadn't already driven a friend's automatic. I wasn't too worried about getting the 6MT w/out a test drive.

 

I can tell you this. I didn't test drive my Z but when I called around there was a couple of dealerships (little of out my way) in FL that dealers would allow test drive by appointment.

 

Bought mine w/o a test drive right off the showroom. Actually, the dealer wouldn't let me even though I had already agreed on the price. But, since I drove a track model a few weeks earlier I didn't mind. I put 10 miles on it.

 

Saw one October 2 (dealer would not even let me sit in it), ordered from a different dealer 2 days later (without sitting in or driving in one).............no regrets!

 

Pre-ordered two weeks before getting to see one at the Toronto Auto Show. Didn't actually get to sit in one until I got mine, 7 months later. My "test drive" consisted of taking my preorder out for a run halfway through the PDI.... protective tape and everything still on... just enough done to make it roadworthy...

And what a great drive it was!!!!

 

Well I remember that my Z had the tape on it and plastic on the covers and some lady sat in it. Since the doors were open because I was picking it up. The dealer quickly escorted her out of the car.

I had 4.6 miles on the car when I got it.

 

I have been to three seperate Nissan dealers (one of them had over 10 Zs). Not one of them as even offered a test drive. After wasting time at the Nissan places I went to a Honda dealer. Within 5 minutes I was test driving a red S2000 BY MYSELF. If Nissan continues treating me like they have been, I will not hesitate to buy a S2000.

 

I ordered it and signed the papers before I got into mine. (6 mi when I drove her off the lot)

It is all about the legacy. 2 previous Z's, I was 99% sure this one was not going to let me down. (And, of course, it has not)

Oh yeah, I knew ALOT about this car before I bought it too. I don't think what I did was risky or foolish in any way. That is why the car has a "Z" on it - it is continuing the legend.

If a dealer does not want you to test drive a Z, then they are not taking you seriously and I would walk. I was offered all kinds of test drives, but they were all for autos and I turned them down.

 

which dealers did you go to so I can avoid them

 

Oxnard and Simi Valley

 

I didn't test drive the car, but my mom got to ride in one with a salesman from another dealership, while he drove it. She said he went up to 110, and she was freaked out, so I was sold.

 

Heh, I remember that Fuddrucker's "test drive." I saw the Z at the auto show too, I made my preorder shortly afterwards if I remember correctly. That was a year ago! Man times flies.

 

I ordered mine back in april of 02, then waited 6 months to get. First time I saw the inside of one was about a month before I picked mine up. When mine arrived in Miami it was one of 2 on the showroom. First time I ever sat in one was when I started her up for the first time, she had 10 mi on her and the rest is history.