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Test driving some cars. Looking for suggestions
- Thread starter Laws00
- Start date
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Vanillalite
Ask me about the GAF Notebook
Good luck! I know this is a big deal, and it isn't the easiest or most pleasant experience.
ThatGuyAgain
Member
Make sure you think about what you want to use the car for and pick a car that best fits that use.
Meaning, if you think you may have a long commute (or plan to do a lot of driving) then you may want to look at eco friendly options. If you want to tote bikes, skis, etc and do a little bit of offroad than you may want something a bit more rugged. If you wan the ability to throw potted over-sized items that you buy you may want something that has a bed on it. etc etc
Meaning, if you think you may have a long commute (or plan to do a lot of driving) then you may want to look at eco friendly options. If you want to tote bikes, skis, etc and do a little bit of offroad than you may want something a bit more rugged. If you wan the ability to throw potted over-sized items that you buy you may want something that has a bed on it. etc etc
Laws00
Member
I got kinda busy with the dentist, calling for an appointment and getting it done that same day
Anyway I think this didn't go well. Lol
Went to Subaru. Was like do you have any BRZs. The guy was like yes we do but come sit down. Talked him what I was looking for what I already looked at and drove. Went over all this crap and all I asked was do you have a BRZ. Told the guy I didn't care already drove the Impreza. I don't need to drive again. He finally said ,"what is going to get get my business today." A BRZ for like the hundredth time. Went back to see. Didn't have any. Okay I done. No I gave him my drivers license because of the test drive. No he. Makes a copy forgets it. Gets his manager. The manager comes to talk to me. Tries to get me into an Impreza which was okay but not what I wanted to try. Finally shook everyone hands and got the fuck out of there.
Went Toyota/scion no one came out AGAIN. I pretty much said fuck them. At this point it's like 2 something hadn't eaten since 7 am and been at the dealership I just gave up for the day.
Came home 30 minutes later the Subaru guy calls me asking if I want to test drive a car doesn't say which kind of car (maybe it's a BRZ) I'm like no. So I just give up cause he isn't taking no for answer and I'm like next Wednesday at 1 am since I'm off work.
Didn't test drive anything I was interested in. But next week hopefully I'll go to the mall and on the way back there are some dealerships. Learning the hard way mother fuckers are vultures. And the dealership I am interested in is a scumbag which no one will come out and talk to me. I shouldn't have to make an appointment to test drive a car (Toyota/scion) to get someone to come out to talk to me.
Anyway I think this didn't go well. Lol
Went to Subaru. Was like do you have any BRZs. The guy was like yes we do but come sit down. Talked him what I was looking for what I already looked at and drove. Went over all this crap and all I asked was do you have a BRZ. Told the guy I didn't care already drove the Impreza. I don't need to drive again. He finally said ,"what is going to get get my business today." A BRZ for like the hundredth time. Went back to see. Didn't have any. Okay I done. No I gave him my drivers license because of the test drive. No he. Makes a copy forgets it. Gets his manager. The manager comes to talk to me. Tries to get me into an Impreza which was okay but not what I wanted to try. Finally shook everyone hands and got the fuck out of there.
Went Toyota/scion no one came out AGAIN. I pretty much said fuck them. At this point it's like 2 something hadn't eaten since 7 am and been at the dealership I just gave up for the day.
Came home 30 minutes later the Subaru guy calls me asking if I want to test drive a car doesn't say which kind of car (maybe it's a BRZ) I'm like no. So I just give up cause he isn't taking no for answer and I'm like next Wednesday at 1 am since I'm off work.
Didn't test drive anything I was interested in. But next week hopefully I'll go to the mall and on the way back there are some dealerships. Learning the hard way mother fuckers are vultures. And the dealership I am interested in is a scumbag which no one will come out and talk to me. I shouldn't have to make an appointment to test drive a car (Toyota/scion) to get someone to come out to talk to me.
TheAbsolution
Member
You're not going to like this but you should make an appointment.
That way you at least know they have the car you want. And it shows to the salesman that you are serious.
Why don't you go to cars.com or something and find the car you want in your area, that way you walk into the dealership already having a good idea what you want?
Also strange that you could go to a car lot and no salesman came out to help you. in my experience I can barely set foot on a car lot without a salesperson coming out of the woodworks.
Liquidsnake
Banned
Ive never enjoyed driving so much,
And I have had a 370z, a G35, a Jaguar.........
This is so much fun.
Laws00
Member
Never thought about them. I'll give them a look right now.
It's just been Toyota/scion dealerships that haven't gone outside and talk to me when we were near the door at the lot for like 20 minutes.
Yeah yeah. I know but I just find it strange that they've been the only ones that haven't gone out to talk to me. Lol
Laws00
Member
Oh I hate you. Lol
Ive never enjoyed driving so much,
And I have had a 370z, a G35, a Jaguar.........
This is so much fun.
AlmostMilk
Member
Came here to mention this. The new Mazda's are great valued cars now. It would help if you mentioned what specifically you wanted out of a car for better advice. All I can say is that anybody out there who still thinks that Honda/Toyota are the only good reliable cars on the road are stuck in the past. Yes they are great cars but most manufacturers have improved especially the American ones. Anything American made after 2008 is good and after 2012 is very good. I drive a 2013 Ford Focus and love it. Highly recommended. If you want something more sporty check out the ST version. The best fuel mileage I have gotten out of it on a trip was 44mpg. I work in a auto shop and have worked on many Toyota Camry/Corolla and I really don't think they are anything special.
Kurt Angle
Member
FRS would be the sexy pick, but not very practical (2 seats, 2 doors)
whatever you do, Dont buy domestic
whatever you do, Dont buy domestic
I bought a Toyota Prius C earlier this year for driving around the city and I'm really happy with it. It's not powerful or anything, but it drives very smoothly and it seriously does get ~50 mpg. I love it. The regular-sized Prius should be within your budget too.
So, there's my suggestion.
So, there's my suggestion.
Laws00
Member
They don't know that. I just want to test it. Maybe I'll fall in love with it.
And I thought it was 4 seater. The 2 doors yes
Liquidsnake
Banned
You will. My brother bought one, because he loved it. Sold his GTi, SOLD his GTi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
can the people saying don't buy domestic/american give a good reason why? when was the last time, if ever, that you drove an american car? all three american car companies have stepped up there product lines since the 90s, and ford at the very least has had a solid line up of cars for like a decade now, and they are only getting better.
i'm one of those people that has owned four cars and all of them have been american brands(three fords, one dodge) and have never had any issue whatsoever. especially loved my previous fusion and my current mustang.
i'm one of those people that has owned four cars and all of them have been american brands(three fords, one dodge) and have never had any issue whatsoever. especially loved my previous fusion and my current mustang.
Dammit, I never considered the Focus but then fell in love with it after seeing it.
So whats the deal breaker? That stupid fuel cap. Why Ford WHY???
AstroNut325
Member
Are you open to EVs? A pre-owned Leaf can be had for about $20K.
Or a PHEV like a Chevy Volt? Not sure where you are, but in Los Angeles 2012+ Volts can be had for around $20K as well.
Or a PHEV like a Chevy Volt? Not sure where you are, but in Los Angeles 2012+ Volts can be had for around $20K as well.
TheAbsolution
Member
Its almost as if they refuse to believe that car companies have generally gotten better.
Many probably have never even owned a car. They just go by what they hear from others.
They won't give a good answer.
My dad's 98 expedition has around 250k miles on it and it's barely starting to show signs of dying. Same with the 05 focus he had. He put 200k miles on it before my mom totaled it. Everyone I've met that has owned an american car within the last decade hasn't had major problems.
Kurt Angle
Member
buy domestic if youre a fan of garbage build quality, horrible reliability, exterior styling from detroit, interiors from toys r us, awful turn radius, unnecessary bulk, terrible mpgs, no resale value and if you wanna impress your hot cousin by hanging some truck nutz
otherwise, be smart, be brian connor, be import.
otherwise, be smart, be brian connor, be import.
this isn't the 1980s anymore bud.
BoboBrazil
Member
Car salesmen have definitely changed the last few years. I've been to several dealerships and most of them never want to approach you now unless you go inside to get them. They definitely don't seem hungry to make money.
ghostofsparta
Member
You say you're interested in an FRS. Would you actually take it to the track or autocrossing? That's the only time an FRS is fun. It has weak low end power so you have to get it revving high to have fun, and of course the great handling shines on a course.
I own a 2013 Civic Si and it's perfect for me. I have no intention of tracking my car. I just want something with pep to get around town. It has better low end torque than the FRS/BRZ and about the same high end power. 3000 dollars cheaper, they hold their value better, and come in a 4 door.
I own a 2013 Civic Si and it's perfect for me. I have no intention of tracking my car. I just want something with pep to get around town. It has better low end torque than the FRS/BRZ and about the same high end power. 3000 dollars cheaper, they hold their value better, and come in a 4 door.
None of that's true except for the amazing Detroit styling.
MisterNoisy
Member
Usually I'd ask what your budget and requirements are, but based on the post, I'm assuming $18-25K and 'must be a car'.
The default answer is Toyota Corolla - it's not terribly exciting, but it covers all the bases and if you just want good reliable transportation, it's hard to beat. The Honda Civic is a good alternate choice in the 'appliance' category. If you want the peace of mind of a long warranty, I'd say Elantra/Elantra GT or Forte/Forte Koup. Go one step up to a Sonata if you feel you need more room.
If you want something more fun to drive, it gets more interesting, but the Mazda 3 and Ford Focus are great stepping-off points.
BoboBrazil
Member
Corolla is the sweet spot for what you get for the money. You can get a brand new 15 corolla s plus for around 18k. Don't go for the le model.
SliChillax
Member
I just traded the Boxster I had for a BMW M235i which will be delivered on Thursday. I always lean towards German cars. I'd rather buy something used but exciting than new and dull.
Rex Griswold
Member
It was until a few years ago. At least in regards to GM vehicles. A friend of mine has an '06 Chevy Equinox and the thing is literally starting to fall apart. My '01 Jeep Cherokee was in great shape even until the day I sold it.
Anecdotal evidence I know, but many cars I've seen under the GM umbrella from before 2010 tend to be in bad shape, and I see a LOT of cars every day working at a gas station(a Costco one too, so literally hundreds of cars every day). Chrysler group cars tend to be a mixed bag, along with Ford, but neither of them I would stuff under 'generally bad shape'. I'd also like to point out that Japanese manufacturers are not immune to this. Pre-2010 Mazdas get a mixed rep, and nobody I talk to likes their Nissan(outside of GTR owners).
Basically, when manufacturers of $20k purchases fuck their customer base for a decade or two that leaves a vile taste in people's mouths, and people talk about that. The 80s and 90s were not good to GM/Ford owners, and they're still feeling that reputation today.
AstroNut325
Member
I know several people who own Chevy Volts and none of them have had anything happen mechanically or electrically. Just basic maintenance. I would highly recommend you take a look at the Volt at least.
A buddy of mine with a Volt has gone over 2 years without needing to visit a gas station!
you need to take control - you are spending up to 30k, you own them.... if nobody comes out, get inside and grab someone... when you find car you like, email closest 5-6 dealers to get the best price and play them for it.
salesman are paid for sales only, so they can get quite annoying and pushy - but dont take it like that, understand that it is your money and they will jump when you say so, for that 30k. You are in control here, you are the master.
So lets not hear again that you were waiting outside for someone to come out.
For cheaper cars, there arent many discounts... but something up to 30k, you will get a nice discount... You can get 33k-35k vehicle discounted to 30k.
p.s. if you make appointment, you will have the car available and there will be way less pressure.
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