First, I apologize if this question has been asked to death already...if the information is already out there in another thread, then please point me in that direction. So, here goes...

Which Bay Area dealers, preferably in the South Bay, will allow test drives of the 350Z? My friend is interested in buying one, and we called and stopped by Steven's Creek Nissan last night, but were told that test drives aren't allowed until you fill out the paperwork (i.e. you get to drive it once you buy it). This is a departure from previous policy, as the same dealer let me test drive a '03 model last year...so I don't know if they're just doing this because they're only starting to get a limited supply of '04 models in. But, for whatever reason, "no test drives" was the policy we were told.

My friend is looking to buy sometime this month, but wants to drive the car before deciding for sure. Any advice regarding which dealers will allow test drives is greatly appreciated. South Bay dealers are preferred, but he's willing to drive a bit if need be. Also, he wants the coupe, not the roadster.

Or, if anyone would be kind enough to let my friend get a few minutes of wheel time behind their 350Z, that would be awesome, too. I know this is a long shot, but if anyone's willing, please let me know. I have a S2000 that you could take for a spin in return, and of course, you have our gratitude.

Thanks...

 

I THink they meant, the initial paperwork... they just want to be sure that you are serious about it... talk to DOC, he'll help u out...

 

Seems like most SF BA members here are from the South Bay... San Rafael Nissan of the North Bay, you can most likely get free test drives with them, others have. But yeah, you really gotta look like a prospective buyer for any test drives to happen.

 

Z-INCOGNITO,

Now that I think back on it, you're right - I do believe they meant the initial paperwork, not the actual purchase paperwork. My mistake. The point of contention was the credit check. My friend didn't want to incur a credit inquiry just yet, since he has yet to drive the car and therefore can't be 100% certain that he wants it.

I did a search on "Doc", and found a recent post by longbowe (Bruce) indicating he's a fleet manager at Steven's Creek Nissan. I will have my friend contact Doc or Bruce and see if they can help us out. Thanks a lot for the tip...

 

yobri,

Thanks for the info...we will contact San Rafael Nissan and see what happens. Driving up there shouldn't be a problem. My friend would prefer to drive a bit farther rather than risk purchasing a car he ends up not fully enjoying.

Thanks again for the input, guys...keep 'em coming!

 

you can try boardwalk nissan. talk to russell. he let me drive a z and i didn't have to do a credit check or anything.

 

Also, a point at Stevens Creek Nissan is that the "no test drive" policy can hinge on several factors. If you know the GM personally, you should be able to get a drive. If you don't, you have to hope that Ronnie is in; he's more lenient about test drives. End of the month usually should be better, and certain sales consultants have more persuasion over the sales managers. Doc is your best bet for a test drive; or you could ask to speak to Ronnie, who's one of the sales managers. As for getting a deal, any sales consultant can get you the same deal as fleet; fleet just cuts through the haggling faster. Hope that helps!

 

mgl,

Thanks...will do. I've been browsing various threads, and it seems that Boardwalk Nissan has a pretty good reputation around here. We will definitely check them out.

 

longbowe,

Thanks. I also read your other post regarding the various sales personnel there, and it was very helpful.

I myself was interested in the Z a while back, and at that time, I was allowed to test drive a '03 model at Steven's Creek. I forget the name of the salesperson, but he was a semi-tall, relatively young guy who appeared (in my estimate) to be Middle Eastern. I was also originally told that test drives are not allowed, but after explaining that I need to drive a car before making any purchase decisions, he accomodated my request. I ultimately didn't like the Z as much as I had hoped, so I didn't end up buying it, but I did appreciate the fact that that particular salesperson (and also his manager) allowed me to try the car.

Yesterday, when we stopped by, we spoke with Koby briefly, and then his manager (I believe he was an African-American gentleman) told us of the "no test drive without a credit check" policy. My friend explained that he's never driven a Z, and needs to do so before making any purchase decisions, but they didn't budge. Unhappy with that, we left. My friend had also called earlier in the day to see if he could arrange to drive a Z, and the salesperson said he would call back, but never did.

All in all, my own experience with Steven's Creek Nissan, in the past, was good. However, last night's experience wasn't. We'll see how things pan out, but for now, he'll probably try to get a test drive and (if it comes down to it) purchase the car elsewhere. If he does decide to return to Steven's Creek, however, I'll keep your notes and advice in mind to try to ensure a better experience.

Thanks again!

 

Wow, ive never had any problems with any Nissan Dealers... i used to do test drives when 350Z's first came out and i didnt get my SS Z until last month... at some i did have to do some paperworks... just to see what the figures would be... but thts all... hopefully its not an age factor...

 

Z-INCOGNITO,

Not sure what it is...did you do your test drives around the South Bay? I've always figured that maybe car dealers around here are more stingy about test drives in general. When I was shopping for my S2000, and also when a friend was recently shopping for an EvoVIII, we initially had trouble getting test drives as well. It took some patience and some searching around to find dealers that were willing to allow a test drive, but we were ultimately successful. The Mazda dealer on Capitol Expressway has the same policy on their RX-8's.

I don't know if it could be an age factor. I would suspect possibly, but not necessarily...my friend and I are both relatively young (mid 20's), and we're techies, so we tend to dress down...we wear jeans and t-shirts to work, and that's what we wear to the car dealer. So, I guess it's possible that we just look like a couple of joy riders. But, I hesitate to blame it on that, because car dealers around here ought to be used to seeing sloppy-looking yuppies already. =)

Who knows...at any rate, based on you guys' suggestions, I think we've got some leads on more accomodating dealerships and salespeople, so it's looking good.

 

Good Luck... for some reason i never have any problems... Stevens Creek BMW was actually the best one... They let me test drive their Z4 (accompanied of course) but thats a rare one as most will not, without assurance that you are seriously considering a purchase...

Anyways, don't give up and tell your friend, good luck and be ready to get ADDICTED TO THE Z....

 

cyber_x, how does your friend feel about test rides? I admit that I'm not exactly one to let people other than very close friends drive my car; however, I am completely open to test rides, and have given a couple of them already. None of them has bought, yet, but no guy who's sat in my car has not wanted to buy one for himself.

Currently, the inventory at Stevens Creek is kind of scarce. If we haven't completely scared you guys away, do give us another shot in a week or so. We'll see if we can get the test drive, and if not, at least a test ride. Like I said, your best bets are at the end of the month, and since the end of this month is on a Friday, if you come on Friday evening and there's a need for us to beat away competition (we lost the #1 Nissan Sales title in September), even the toughest sales managers may be a little more amenable to seeing things our way.

By the way, Koby's a nice guy, but he's very new, so he doesn't get a lot of pull except with Ronnie, and Ronnie wasn't in today. Stan's Koby's manager, and basically regurgitates the "no test drive" policy. Regarding the "sloppy yuppies" bit, with the economy like it is, it's not altogether unlikely that that was a factor. And we *do* get a *lot* of requests to drive that never pan out.

I particularly feel bad about this one guy who came to test drive, and then burned us on a followup call for not letting him drive the Z. The GM was furious at me, but I told him that the GSM told us no drives, so there. I think that made him think a little, but he didn't really push the GSM on that. Overall, the strategy is right for our location: Because of our high volume, it's harder for us to gauge who's serious and who's not. Anyway, the guy I feel bad for ended up buying a 330Ci ... so I get the feeling that he probably got unlucky and was unable to get a test drive anywhere else.

Have your friend bring in two things: carsdirect.com printout (for the negotiation part); and an equifax printout, which is essentially what a credit app turns out to be. We'll still have to fill out an app eventually, but if he's got a good FICA score, say above 700, then it'd be easier to prove that he's serious.

All of this should work not only at Stevens Creek, but other dealers too. Little wonder. Dealers prefer to treat well a customer that they're fairly sure is serious. Same with people in general. This is why flashing c-notes gets more results on average than expressing one's best intentions in words.

Anyway, hope that helps, and best of luck to you and your friend!

 

longbowe,

Thanks once again...I truly appreciate your taking the time to reply, and to shed some light on how things work at the dealership.

I will run the test ride idea by my friend...he's looking to buy in a time frame of about a month to a month-and-a-half, so if he's unable to get any personal wheel time in a few weeks, I have the feeling he might just want to take you up on that offer. I must admit, a test ride could even be beneficial in that it will allow someone more experienced with the car to showcase a bit of what it can do. Regardless of what happens, your offer is very kind and very much appreciated - thank you!

I will relay your tips to my friend. By keeping in mind what you've told me, I'm sure we'll be able to ensure a better experience next time. We'll probably look elsewhere for now, but if we return to Steven's Creek, it will be due in no small part to your efforts and generosity in sharing information and addressing my concerns. I am sincerely grateful, and I'm certain my friend is as well.

Thanks again, longbowe and everyone else, for your suggestions. Hopefully my friend will soon be joining you guys as a Z owner, and I will then be joining as...um...a friend of a Z owner, I guess... =)