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[Tarazet]

I've gotten almost addicted to going to car dealerships pretending I was doing comparison shopping, conning my way into test drives and then finding a way to leave. I do this almost every weekend and sometimes during the week if possible. It's been extremely informative, both in terms of learning about cars and in terms of learning about dealerships, not to mention great fun. Here's a list of what I can remember driving (oh, and it's worth noting that whenever possible I drove a stick-shift):

Acura RSX Type-S
Chevrolet Corvette '01
Chevrolet Colorado 5-cyl
Chevrolet Monte Carlo
Chrysler Crossfire
Dodge Magnum Hemi
Dodge Neon '03
Ford Mustang '00
Ford Focus
Ford F-150 4door
Kia Rio base (no power steering, radio, or A/C)
Honda Accord V-6 manual
Honda Civic
Honda Civic Si
Honda Element (the one I actually bought)
Honda CR-V
Honda Pilot
Honda Prelude '01
Honda Odyssey '04
Mazda 3 sedan
Mazda 6 h/b
Mazda Miata
Mazda MX-5 Mazdaspeed
Mazda B2300
Nissan Altima 3.5SE
Nissan Xterra
Mercedes-Benz C320 4Motion
Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart SportBak
Pontiac Grand Am
Pontiac GTO '04
Saturn Ion coupe
Scion tC
Scion xB
Subaru Impreza WRX
Subaru Legacy GT '05
Toyota Celica GT convertible '99
Toyota Camry V-6
Toyota Corolla CE
Toyota MR2 Spyder
Toyota Tacoma '04
Toyota Tacoma '05
Volvo V90 '02
VW GTi VR6

Obviously, I can't really get away with test-driving cars that cost more than about $30K. No one would believe I could afford it... but a couple of times I've gotten away with driving a used example, like the '01 Corvette.

So what should I go and try out?

 

[Tazznum1]

I absolutely hate test driving a car. I had to do it last week, that's enough.

 

[Tuvoc]

Mazda MX-5 Mazdaspeed(tu tu tu tu turbo!)
Pontiac GTO '04 (make sure its an M6 though, the autos arent as fun)
Dodge Magnum Hemi
VW GTi VR6

 

[Team Rancid]

One of those VW Toureg's looks fun. Try the 10 cyl.
Put on a suit and try some more costly ones!

VW Toureg's looks fun. Try the 10 cyl.
H2

 

[Matlock]

What you really want to do is drive a jaguar.

 

[Tarazet]

Mazda MX-5 Mazdaspeed(tu tu tu tu turbo!)
Pontiac GTO '04 (make sure its an M6 though, the autos arent as fun)
Dodge Magnum Hemi
VW GTi VR6

I already drove those, that's why I listed them.

I was thinking of going to BMW and Lexus and sampling their lightly-used section, perhaps an '02 330i and an '03 ES330, but there are other dealers down that way too...

 

[alejob]

The Pilot looks like a nice car, drive it and tell me how it feels

 

[AirBrian]

2005 Ford Mustang GT (if you can find one)
2005 BMW 545i
2005 Infiniti G35 Coupe
2005 Mazda RX-8
2005 Nissan Maxima
2005 Nissan 350Z

 

[Tuvoc]

holy shit, you test drive slut.

I think Air Brian has the right idea. Go out and drive the beasts! The only cars I could add to that would be the Subaru WRX STi and the Mistu. Lancer EVO. You should also hit up chevy and see when they release the Cobalt SS. That car looks fun.

 

[Tarazet]

The Pilot looks like a nice car, drive it and tell me how it feels

Can you people not read? I've driven all of those cars. Also, my dad has an RX-8 so I've definitely driven an RX-8.

The Pilot is the only really big SUV I've driven, and it was a lot less intimidating to drive than the F-150 I tested. Very good handling for such a beast, good power too. The rear seats are kind of balky to move around, it takes quite a bit of practice compared with the easy flip-ups in my Element.

Okay.. I'll drive a 330i, a G35 and an ES330 (because for some reason, I like them a lot) ... then I'll report back again.

 

[Spike Spiegel]

2005 Ford Mustang GT (if you can find one)

Yes, do this one, then get back to us with a detailed report.

 

[Wellington]

How do you get out of it after the fact? I wouldn't mind doing this at all. :lol

 

[Celicar]

Test driving cars is boring. beh

 

[Nemrael]

People will believe that you can afford a car over $30k if you ask questions that a rich person would ask, such as the classic: "What advantages does this motor car have over say, a train - which I could also afford?"

Don't forget to wear your monocle...

 

[Desperado]

Matlock you bastard.

 

[Tarazet]

Okay, here's what I drove, in this order:

'04 Lexus ES330
'03 Infiniti G35 coupe manual
'02 BMW 330Ci manual
'05 Ford Mustang GT manual

Lexus: Boring, but it had an instant impression of luxuriousness that I imagine a lot of people would just gobble up. Driving it was a very relaxing and demanning experience. Not a car for those who enjoy driving. Also, there was an annoying creak coming from the center console which really disappointed me.

Infiniti: Much more exciting, to say the least. I've never driven a Z variant so this was a real eye-opener. The interior was rather intimate, to begin with. I was comfortable in all of these cars, but this one, the least so. The seatbelt didn't wrap around me, because the anchor was hard and wouldn't bend. The transmission felt firmer (better) in the detents than the BMW did, but the engine was rougher, and the sounds were a little out of character. But the appeal of the immense thrust this car has, together with the gorgeous styling, make this car very hard to ignore.

BMW: I had an extremely hard time finding a stick-shift 3-series of any kind. The local BMW dealership had only one '05, and it was loaded with so many options that the sticker stretched to an eye-opening $49,000, unacceptable in light of the new 3 coming out next fall. I found this one in a shady "dealership" run out of a private household which was apparently headed by the Silicon Valley's Russian mafia contingent. Once the drive was over, I was happy to get out of there with my life. The 3.0-liter straight-6 was much smoother than the Infiniti's V-6, but it was much less powerful. The steering and the pedals felt like firm muscles, wonderful to feel and operate, which made the floppy and balky shifter a major disappointment. I felt more comfortable flinging this car around than my previous benchmark, the 4-cylinder 5-speed Accord, but it didn't feel as lively, as eager, or as tight. For that matter, it didn't feel any faster, either. This was a disappointment.

Ford: A new Ford dealership just opened in my hometown, a really good one from the looks of it, and as a christening gift from the maker they received several GT 5-speeds. I drove a white one, and the car's popularity was revealed to me when I saw it already had 149 miles on it. This car is fantastic. The interior is darkly sensual; the three-spoke wheel resigns itself to your lap, the two large gauges recline menacingly, the handbrake lever curls like a snake stirred from its bed, and the round gearshift knob is canted ever so slightly towards you, the driver. You sit low and peek through a low roofline, like a hot-rod, but it's not confining even for a 6-footer like me. The transmission is perfect through and through, with a smooth clutch takeup, extremely short throws, and an appealingly mechanical feel. And the power! It's not as powerful as the GTO, but it feels more powerful, and when you heel-and-toe downshift to slow down for a stoplight, the exhaust rumbles and pops angrily. I thought the handling was fine, I didn't drive it like a madman or anything but the car never scared me. I had to strain mightily to keep from buying it, thus plunging myself into credit and insurance hell for all eternity. Highly recommended.

 

[retardboy]

Lets go with an Audi A4 please.
or a Saab 93...

 

[Tarazet]

Lets go with an Audi A4 please.
or a Saab 93...

The A4 is nothing more than a tarted-up VW Passat. And unfortunately, the nearest Saab dealer is a very long drive from here.

 

[Chony]

Lets go with an Audi A4 please.
or a Saab 93...

An Audi S4 would even be better.

I would wait until the Audi A5 comes out, it has the lamborghini engine in it.

 

[videogamer]

.

 

[Vormund]

I absolutely hate test driving a car. I had to do it last week, that's enough.

And look what you ended up with.

*RUNS*

 

[AirBrian]

Okay, here's what I drove, in this order:

'04 Lexus ES330
'03 Infiniti G35 coupe manual
'02 BMW 330Ci manual
'05 Ford Mustang GT manual

Ford: A new Ford dealership just opened in my hometown, a really good one from the looks of it, and as a christening gift from the maker they received several GT 5-speeds. I drove a white one, and the car's popularity was revealed to me when I saw it already had 149 miles on it. This car is fantastic. The interior is darkly sensual; the three-spoke wheel resigns itself to your lap, the two large gauges recline menacingly, the handbrake lever curls like a snake stirred from its bed, and the round gearshift knob is canted ever so slightly towards you, the driver. You sit low and peek through a low roofline, like a hot-rod, but it's not confining even for a 6-footer like me. The transmission is perfect through and through, with a smooth clutch takeup, extremely short throws, and an appealingly mechanical feel. And the power! It's not as powerful as the GTO, but it feels more powerful, and when you heel-and-toe downshift to slow down for a stoplight, the exhaust rumbles and pops angrily. I thought the handling was fine, I didn't drive it like a madman or anything but the car never scared me. I had to strain mightily to keep from buying it, thus plunging myself into credit and insurance hell for all eternity. Highly recommended.

Awesome, you got to test drive a GT. Couple of questions:

1) What did you think of the steering wheel size?

2) Did you notice the classic "Mustang Hop" on any bumps?

Those were the only two significant negatives after test-driving one. I'm not sure if I'm just being picky, but I felt like the steering wheel was too big. I have a 2000 GT, and I'm sure that my wheel is not that large.

I noticed that the rear suspension seems much improved from my limited drive, however I didn't get a good chance to test the hop on bumps thoroughly. What was your opinion?

How did you like the dash lights? Get a chance to play with them at all?

 

[fart]

the prius is like driving a lazy boy.

definitely drive an rx8. your list is also missing the r32, evo, sti, forester xt. ok, so i have a thing for awd.

the volvo v70 R is also pretty sexy for a wagon. i don't know how poor you look, but if you can look like a rich hippy or a trust fund bohemian, you might be able to drive one.

you can see how i doomed myself to a life of absurd consumer debt.

 

[videogamer]

.

 

[fart]

sorry, i don't get excited at all by the little energy saved screen. my mom loves it, however.

do you really want to be my mom?

 

[videogamer]

.

 

[Socreges]

So, what should I go and test-drive today?

*bown-chicka-bown-bown!*

 

[Tarazet]

Awesome, you got to test drive a GT. Couple of questions:

1) What did you think of the steering wheel size?

2) Did you notice the classic "Mustang Hop" on any bumps?

Those were the only two significant negatives after test-driving one. I'm not sure if I'm just being picky, but I felt like the steering wheel was too big. I have a 2000 GT, and I'm sure that my wheel is not that large.

I noticed that the rear suspension seems much improved from my limited drive, however I didn't get a good chance to test the hop on bumps thoroughly. What was your opinion?

How did you like the dash lights? Get a chance to play with them at all?

1) I thought it was completely appropriate. The original Mustang's wheel was very large and thin-rimmed, and this is in keeping with the reborn-'64 1/2 concept. It's hardly excessive, at any rate.

2) No, I didn't. I know hobbyhorsing when I feel it, my Element does it and the Mustang didn't. The ride quality is as good as the Infiniti I drove, not quite as good as the BMW.

 

[Error Macro]

holy catfish, andy!


And you had better td a Magnum Hemi. They're so damn nice.

 

[Tarazet]

*bown-chicka-bown-bown!*

You pussied out. You no longer have the right to attempt to mock me.

 

[Socreges]

You pussied out. You no longer have the right to attempt to mock me.

Actually, that was out of the small amount of compassion I have for your predicament. Now I'm just sticking to subtle slams.

Oh, and "pussied out" under these circumstances.... I'm struggling to find the appropriate linguistic connection, but I know it's out there! :lol

 

[Tarazet]

Actually, that was out of the small amount of compassion I have for your predicament. So now I'll just stick to subtle slams.

Oh, and "pussied out" under these circumstances.... I'm struggling to find the appropriate linguistic connection, but I know it's out there! :lol

Damn our language, using the same slang for an animal and for a waste of 15 seconds.

 

[Socreges]

Damn our language, using the same slang for an animal and for a waste of 15 seconds.

For your relief, my posts don't require that you reply.

Unless you're talking about the third variant of "pussy". In which I'm not surprised that you'd consider it a waste of time, lest it be attached to something with four legs.

 

[Tarazet]

For your relief, my posts don't require that you reply.

Unless you're talking about the third variant of "pussy". In which I'm not surprised that you'd consider it a waste of time, lest it be attached to something with four legs.

I'm fairly sure that would use more than 15 seconds, unless you've just uncovered something else about yourself besides the fact that you adore a moron.

 

[TheOMan]

I've gotten almost addicted to going to car dealerships pretending I was doing comparison shopping, conning my way into test drives and then finding a way to leave. I do this almost every weekend and sometimes during the week if possible. It's been extremely informative, both in terms of learning about cars and in terms of learning about dealerships, not to mention great fun. Here's a list of what I can remember driving (oh, and it's worth noting that whenever possible I drove a stick-shift):

Acura RSX Type-S
Chevrolet Corvette '01
Chevrolet Colorado 5-cyl
Chevrolet Monte Carlo
Chrysler Crossfire
Dodge Magnum Hemi
Dodge Neon '03
Ford Mustang '00
Ford Focus
Ford F-150 4door
Kia Rio base (no power steering, radio, or A/C)
Honda Accord V-6 manual
Honda Civic
Honda Civic Si
Honda Element (the one I actually bought)
Honda CR-V
Honda Pilot
Honda Prelude '01
Honda Odyssey '04
Mazda 3 sedan
Mazda 6 h/b
Mazda Miata
Mazda MX-5 Mazdaspeed
Mazda B2300
Nissan Altima 3.5SE
Nissan Xterra
Mercedes-Benz C320 4Motion
Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart SportBak
Pontiac Grand Am
Pontiac GTO '04
Saturn Ion coupe
Scion tC
Scion xB
Subaru Impreza WRX
Subaru Legacy GT '05
Toyota Celica GT convertible '99
Toyota Camry V-6
Toyota Corolla CE
Toyota MR2 Spyder
Toyota Tacoma '04
Toyota Tacoma '05
Volvo V90 '02
VW GTi VR6

Obviously, I can't really get away with test-driving cars that cost more than about $30K. No one would believe I could afford it... but a couple of times I've gotten away with driving a used example, like the '01 Corvette.

So what should I go and try out?

Awesome man. A couple of friends of mine would dress up in suits on the weekends and go to test drive Mercedes, BMWs, and various high end sports cars. I don't see the SRT-4 on your list. Go test drive one of those bad boys and let me know what you think.

Also, your review of the Mustang just put on my car shopping list. I've heard that a sportier version with an independent rear suspension will be coming out soon. If it meets my needs and handles well, it'll be hard ot pass this up considering the significant discount I get. It's really too bad Mustangs don't come with All Wheel Drive.

How did you like the Prelude? That's what I currently drive. Also, if you can track down an EVO, I think you'll get a kick out of that beast. If you can drive a WRX STi right after to get a feel for the differences and see if you like one better than another (if you haven't already).

 

[Gek54]

I show up in a Lexus and the bitches at Mitsubishi still wanted to run my credit before letting me test drive an EVO. I would have bought one on the spot if they hadnt done that bullshit.

 

[Tarazet]

Awesome man. A couple of friends of mine would dress up in suits on the weekends and go to test drive Mercedes, BMWs, and various high end sports cars. I don't see the SRT-4 on your list. Go test drive one of those bad boys and let me know what you think.

Also, your review of the Mustang just put on my car shopping list. I've heard that a sportier version with an independent rear suspension will be coming out soon. If it meets my needs and handles well, it'll be hard ot pass this up considering the significant discount I get. It's really too bad Mustangs don't come with All Wheel Drive.

How did you like the Prelude? That's what I currently drive. Also, if you can track down an EVO, I think you'll get a kick out of that beast. If you can drive a WRX STi right after to get a feel for the differences and see if you like one better than another (if you haven't already).

The Prelude seemed very serious and adult in mood, which is totally opposite from what I expected. I wasn't able to drive a stick-shift, which probably didn't help. But I liked the car a lot, and I happen to think the design looks even more attractive today than it did when Honda pulled the plug.

I almost drove an SRT-4. I did fire it up, but the salesman moved me over to a Magnum Hemi for some reason and that's what I drove. It was pretty great, I hear people are trading their imports in for that bad boy...

 

[AirBrian]

1) I thought it was completely appropriate. The original Mustang's wheel was very large and thin-rimmed, and this is in keeping with the reborn-'64 1/2 concept. It's hardly excessive, at any rate.

2) No, I didn't. I know hobbyhorsing when I feel it, my Element does it and the Mustang didn't. The ride quality is as good as the Infiniti I drove, not quite as good as the BMW.

Yeah, I guess I'm just being picky. I really didn't have a problem with the size that much except on the highway -- it felt a little too loose to change lanes doing 65 mph. But I guess it is a nice homage to the throwback.

That's good to hear that you didn't have any hopping either. I was really impressed with the ride and it looks like Ford successfully reduced that as much as possible. Anyone in the market for a new car really needs to test drive one.

 

[Heezzi]

http://www.ga-forum.com/showthread.php?t=30357

 

[Tarazet]

I'd like to bump this, because I'm eager to answer any questions that anyone might have about any vehicle I've driven. I actually worked for one of the biggest Honda dealerships in the country for about a month last summer, I managed to sell one Civic LX and two Civic Hybrids in that time (both stick-shifts, *grin*), but I became intimately familiar with the whole range of cars, including the S2000. I just never drove an Insight, because I never actually saw one in the time I was there, and, in fact, they still don't have any as far as I know. It is supposedly still in production, though.

The short list of cars that I was completely floored by, usually because the manual trans was so seductive that I had to swallow hard to walk away with my money intact, goes something like this:

Acura RSX Type-S 6-speed
Acura TSX 6-speed (hands down, my favorite, best handling car I've ever driven)
Ford Mustang GT 5-speed
Honda Accord EX 5-speed
Mazda 3 5-speed
Mazda RX-8 6-speed (Dad got one of these)
Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Sportbak 5-speed
Nissan Altima 3.5SE 6-speed
Toyota MR2 Spyder