Denied a GT86 test drive because I wouldn't commit to buy

[Ved]

Bit of a strange one, this and you'll be bored reading this as much as I was experiencing it so apologies in advance....

I managed to get a couple of hours out from looking after the new nipper today so went for a drive over to Toyota to have a look at a GT86 in the flesh. I've always like these and seeing GFWilliams' TRD encouraged me to see what they're like to drive.

Anyway over to the local dealer I pop where they've got no less that five used ones and a brand new one in the showroom. As this'll be taking the family around on occasions I first checked the rear seats, then the boot space, folded the seats down, had a sit and generally got comfortable - all while a salesman watched and waited just itching to come and say hello. As soon as I got out he pounced and asked when I wanted one. A bit forward but maybe that's his style.

Anyway, I said I was a fan of the car and liked that they'd put something fun to the line up and that I'd already driven the BRZ recently but wanted to see the differences in how they drove as well as the options and equipment. After about 15 mins of taking me around the cars and pointing out a few things that could be added, I asked what the lead-time was on arranging a test drive - expecting a few days. As soon as I mentioned that he steered it back to the 'deal' they had to put in place. Not that I'd talked about money yet, I wanted to know about the product. Again, "when I can see how it compared to the Subaru brother?" No point driving it as I may want a different colour to the ones they have there and they may sell by the time I'm ready to buy... Right.. Ok...

Needless to say I knew I was onto a loser here so thanked him for his time and, for one final attempt at grasping what his potential customer wanted, asked if he minded if I went to look at the TRD one they had on display. Apparently this was code for me going by myself and him sodding off back inside.

A short message to Toyota and they're going to see about a test drive for me. What a faff for such a simple request. If I do get one it won't be from there.

[Ved]

markmullen said:

Serious question. If the test drive was enjoyable would you have bought the car?

And a good question! It would have persuaded me to seriously consider it. I wouldn't have bought it on the spot no, but then I never have after a single test drive. Experiencing a few cars is generally the first thing I do so I know what's realistically on my list, then I can go after the best deals after justifying them via manmaths2014.xls.

To compare this, when I bought my first STI in 2007 they handed me the keys, told me to enjoy myself, avoid the speed cameras and come back to talk further if I liked it. I bought that car a week later.

[Ved]

markmullen said:

littlebasher said:

And if he didn't like the way it drove, would that make him a timewaster?

Not at all.

I am just guessing Toyota dealers are being besieged by time wasters just wanting a smoke around in a GT86 and are as such being picky as to who gets a demo.

I thought the same but since I'm mid-30s, turning up in a nice car, dressed reasonably well, talking about a new baby, ISOFIX seats, luggage space, warranty, parking sensors, servicing packages and how it'd be a third car I'd have hoped he'd have seen me as less of a risk than a 17 year old with a DriftWorx hoody on

I even had a nice hair cut an hour before too. Can't win with some people

Edited by Ved on Saturday 22 February 23:13

[Ved]

Excellent comments and experiences on this topic so thanks for joining in. I had some very nice messages from Toyota GB last night who're nothing but encouraging in wanting to get me into a car so it seems that it's not company policy more of the perception of a rather poor salesman. They were outright excited at the prospect too. Since my grandad was one of the first people in the country to deal with and service Toyotas and I've a long line of them in my motoring past it's nice to see enthusiasm reciprocated. They're also going to take this up with the dealer, which is nice of them.

Oddly enough the chap I was trying to deal with at the unnamed dealership near me asked me what I did for a living, which is also sales, and he related his unwillingness to demonstrate his product before a deal was in place to my own line of work. This is where I felt he exposed himself as a bit clueless at selling emotional products. Qualification of a customer is the first thing I do too but there is also a hidden gem that I find works better than any sales pitch on ROI, TCO or other lines of anachronism selling. The best way to know if a product is fit for purpose it to [b[try[/b] it and do so against your own requirements on your own terms - do you buy speakers and amps without auditioning them? In my company we offer a 99 day trial and with some small guidance it's generally much more successful than just talking about figures - they can wait until they're hooked on how great the product is

With a car it's an attachment far beyond just the numbers, particularly sportscars, so maybe they're more experienced at selling white goods, I don't know.

I wasn't a tyre kicker at all and do have a genuine interest in the car. I'm in no position to buy this weekend but as I did get a little tired of the Impreza while I was out I'm not considering options. I did sit in a M135i too, by the way, and thought it was lovely inside. But I digress...

[Ved]

If I may, you're highlighting the problems a lot of us face.

turbotoaster said:

Its our job to qualify if your worth our time, we dont owe you nothing, you come to us because your interested in something we have, our job is to convert as many people/companies as possible to buying.

You owe everyone who steps into your business courtesy and respect regardless of your endgame. I also am commissioned on sales but everyone, regardless of their appearance and attitude, gets my time and expertise and willingness to help - the last thing on my mind is my next pair of shoes this poor sucker is going to pay for... If they're doing the what's your best price over the phone they're doing their qualification of your current stock. Regardless if they go for it or not it's a quick answer and they're on their way.

turbotoaster said:

and thats the most important thing to us, not your happiness, not customer service, but numbers, thats what keeps the bosses happy and our bank balance, that might seem short sighted but to give you an idea about myself.

It's certainly not short-sighted as you need to provide for your family and grow the business. But while it may be the most important to you the customers are not thick enough to believe you work for free and being generous, within reason, goes a long way with people, particularly if you're one of a larger crowd offering the same thing.

As simplistic as it sounds if you have one hundred Starbucks on a road you'll frequent the one with the warmest staff and most welcoming attitude. To think you can't adopt this would be a shame and it may not be just the customers who're missing out on this type of interaction.

[Ved]

daemon said:

I look forward to the O/P coming back with pictures of his shiny new GT86 in the next couple of days.

Once Toyota get back to me next week I'll let you know how I get on. I'm busy this week so it might be a bit longer to make a decision if that's ok with you

If I like it and the OH signs off on it it's possible but as usual my heart is point at Subaru, mainly because they just got on with telling me about the car while we were out for a drive.

[Ved]

9mm said:

My tin of custard says that you won't be buying a new one of either within the next six months. I'm very happy to be proved wrong but I think the only new thing we'll hear about will be an excuse why you didn't buy.

Right. Thanks. The last thing I care about is proving anything but thanks anyway. M&S with vanilla, if I do buy one btw.

Edited by Ved on Sunday 23 February 18:35

[Ved]

Thanks Kev very kind offer Great username. Band or cause?

They mentioned being able to retro-fit parking sensors and that the standard stereo took iPhones directly and also had the same quality as the upgraded nav unit, is that true?

Edited by Ved on Sunday 23 February 18:34

[Ved]

But the salesman said they'd sold more cars than any other Toyota dealer. He actually read a report that morning and everything!

[Ved]

s3fella said:

Op, the salesman rightly or wrongly didn't qualify you As a Potential purchaser.

But be realistic, with a new family, do you real lye ant to be dropping g 20k odd on a warm sports hatch?

You'd do better to Dave your pennies, kids are well pricey, and see how you are when kids grown up a bit.

I think the salesman probably sized you up about right, you were interested in ticking your fancy, but you're not going to buy one. And you'd be mad to. Get yourself a decent estate car is my advice. With kids you need space to take st around

This would be a third car. I've an estate and saloon doing the usual family stuff and both are doing well I wouldn't entertain it if it wasn't financially viable.

[Ved]

woody2846 said:

David just buy my BRZ that I have in stock. I won't refuse you a test drive and I can make a fairly good coffee.

On a side note I have only just seen your email- we have been having some internet issues so sorry will reply back tomorrow.

Ha thanks buddy The BRZ was really nice actually so I wouldn't turn down seconds. I'm actually down your way on the 6th so I'll try to pop in. I won't be doing anything until the blue beast lands in May

[Ved]

Quick update for you all.

Toyota GB have been brilliant and have been in contact with the dealer who's keen to assist me so hopefully I'll be able to sample the car and then discuss options and prices afterwards over a cuppa.

Great customer service and a nice turn around in only two days.

Edited by Ved on Tuesday 25th February 15:45

[Ved]

s3fella said:

They ain't stupid, they figure if you don't buy one now, the entire community of PH will think of you as a Walter Mitty Billy Bullstter.
Make sure you buy it in a resellable colour, PH will do you a discount on the ad!

Haha I think that'll be the only discount I get in all of this!

Well I've never said I was going to buy one just yet, just that it's a potential one to get so there's no BS in the air on that front or any other. I do hope it's as good as everyone says and at the very least I'll leave with more information than went in with. Now, do I go back to the same branch or another one a few miles away just to get a fresh perspective on their approach?

[Ved]

Good grief it's like a playground! Don't read too much into edits that clarify things I've already said and don't insinuate I'm trying to hide things (what I can't imagine) by doing it after I posted.

Edited, btw.

Edited by Ved on Tuesday 25th February 16:46

[Ved]

simo1863 said:

some of the opinions on here are a bit odd.

Surely the OP doesn't have to prove anything to anyone regarding his finances. It's a Toyota, not a Bentley. Apparently some salesmen know better than anyone who can't turn up with an impressive bank statement and you can dream on if you don't! Luckily I know a few who value 'prospects' and realise such potential even if a few are just looking for a spin in something they've no intention of buying.

I do have some new Loake Chesters turning up tomorrow though, maybe that'll help I didn't order any custard though...!

Leptons said:

Ok. Apologies if this has been said but...

You've driven a BRZ, it's the same car. Why do you need a test drive to make your mind up?

Excellent point but from what I hear they are set up a bit differently with the Toyota being a bit more harsh and the BRZ suspension has a bit more give in it to add a bit more traction, which I actually liked. I've had four and a half Toyotas and three Subarus in the past and I'd like to see what both has to offer both in car and service.

Edited by Ved on Tuesday 25th February 17:14

[Ved]

andymc said:

No doubt that bums on seats sell cars, did the O/P buy the thing after all this?

Out tomorrow with the sales manager who was very apologetic and helpful on the phone. They've got a TRD demo, well over what I value the cars at, but they'll let me have drives in whatever I'd like. 30 mins on my own if I chose to as well. He also apologised for the actions of the first chap and said that's not how they do business so good customer service has me back on side.

Will let you know how I get on.

Edited by Ved on Wednesday 26th February 15:33

[Ved]

Back from a very informative session with Toyota and had a TRD demonstrator for an hour, identical to GFWilliams' car. It is different to the BRZ and a lot stiffer and slippy which is probably down to the larger wheels and the road surface today but while it's nicely detailed I did find the exhaust very boomy and it sounded very harsh too. The standard one is much better I feel.

Anyway yes I'm a complete time waster because I didn't buy it there and then - what a tool, huh?

I did get a good deal in place although this wasn't on a car I wanted due to some scratches on the interior and the wrong colour. It was also £2k more expensive than a dozen others I've found with a quarter of the miles on it but there is room for more negotiation. Oddly enough the BRZs are about £4k more expensive for the same thing...

So to summarise:

Impressive car but I think the standard one, and perhaps the BRZ, is better
Financially there is something to be had, just not on the stock they have in right now
If I replace the Impreza this could be one of the replacements

So sorry to the moaners but you won't see custard today. To the rest, thanks for your comments and experiences.

Thread done.

[Ved]

9mm said:

Well, that was predictable. As I said, you won't buy new in the next six months either.

I had best buck my ideas up and spunk 20k without consideration or thought next time. I didn't say I'd buy new and your opinion really is water of a ducks back. It's my money and time and I'm doing exactly what I've done for the last 16 cars I've bought which is to drive a few, visit some dealers for a chat, find what I like the most and make a commitment when ready.

Edited by Ved on Thursday 27th February 14:55

[Ved]

NPI said:

andymc said:

and the color issue?

I can't quite work that out from his post but wasn't that a different car?

To clarify this, they offered a silver non-TRD one for £21k (£22k on the sticker) with 12.5k on the clock on a 13 plate. This car, while being a nice enough colour, wasn't one I liked and it also had damage to interior panels and generally was not the best condition.

This morning at 4am, after feeding the nipper, I thought it best to find out what other Toyota dealers had both for information and as a bargaining tool for when I talked figures - I believe I'm allowed to do this as we're not in North Korea Up in Derby they have an identically spec'd car (half leather, navigation, all black interior) but in grey, which looks the biz and with only 3,250 miles on it for under 19k, before negotiation. Had this been there and would have been given a high-ball offer on my STI (unlikely as it's 10 years old) I'd be starring into a pint glass seriously considering it. However, I used this as an example of what I could get and asked if they ever had a grey one in stock at that price and mileage to please contact me as I would be interested.

Not that means I'm any less of a time waster to some But them's the facts. And reason I had the TRD was that's their only demonstrator and was offered it for an hour rather than a 15 min accompanied one with the sales chap, who was magnificent today by the way, and I only had a limited time away from home to conduct all of this before returning. No doubt I'll be asked to justify why I didn't wait until my new daughter was old enough to feed herself, at some point

Hopefully that puts this now farcical thread to bed.

BTW - none of the sarcasm was aimed at you, Andy

Edited by Ved on Thursday 27th February 17:21

[Ved]

I haven't spoken to them yet but I think I will pop in when I'm on my way up North next. The local dealer has been great and I'd rather give them first crack of the whip, so to speak. Sadly going more than 30 mins away from home at the moment is very tricky as we've a new daughter and my partner is housebound for a few more weeks due to the birth so a visit in person may have to wait a bit.