OPC Test Drive Etiquette
Discussion
I'm looking at either a 991 S or a 997 Turbo. Never driven either but feel bad about taking a test drive knowing that I only intend to buy one.
Am I being soft? I know it might sound a bit daft but I don't want them to think I'm a time-waster. I had a bad experience at an OPC once where, because of my youthful looks (!), I was spoken to quite rudely by a salesman who I suppose assumed that I was just after a quick go in a 911. He chilled out afterwards when he realised that I already had one and was just looking to upgrade, but wouldn't go back there again.
What is the etiquette in these situations?
Am I being soft? I know it might sound a bit daft but I don't want them to think I'm a time-waster. I had a bad experience at an OPC once where, because of my youthful looks (!), I was spoken to quite rudely by a salesman who I suppose assumed that I was just after a quick go in a 911. He chilled out afterwards when he realised that I already had one and was just looking to upgrade, but wouldn't go back there again.
What is the etiquette in these situations?
JasonRIx said:
I'm looking at either a 991 S or a 997 Turbo. Never driven either but feel bad about taking a test drive knowing that I only intend to buy one.
Am I being soft? I know it might sound a bit daft but I don't want them to think I'm a time-waster. I had a bad experience at an OPC once where, because of my youthful looks (!), I was spoken to quite rudely by a salesman who I suppose assumed that I was just after a quick go in a 911. He chilled out afterwards when he realised that I already had one and was just looking to upgrade, but wouldn't go back there again.
What is the etiquette in these situations?
Just go in and tell the your situation, you want to buy a car but not sure which one, you'll be fine!Am I being soft? I know it might sound a bit daft but I don't want them to think I'm a time-waster. I had a bad experience at an OPC once where, because of my youthful looks (!), I was spoken to quite rudely by a salesman who I suppose assumed that I was just after a quick go in a 911. He chilled out afterwards when he realised that I already had one and was just looking to upgrade, but wouldn't go back there again.
What is the etiquette in these situations?
If you're serious, ask for a proper test drive, not just 20 minutes around the block. And if you're not taken seriously, then walk away and find another dealer. I've got no love for salesmen who won't sell.
Still, I had a strange experience last year: I went in to the VW dealer with my wife to follow up with the order on the mk7 GTI (which we had just placed a week or so ago). My wife just happened to glance at a Tiguan, and then the dealer started the sales spiel about the Tiguan ... I know he wants to sell, but we'd ordered the GTI, paid the deposit, etc. and just wanted to know if there was an update on the delivery date. I suppose he knows that he can shift all the GTIs that they can get, but I was a bit irritated. And I really, really don't want a bloody Tiguan. They're not exactly comparable are they?
Still, I had a strange experience last year: I went in to the VW dealer with my wife to follow up with the order on the mk7 GTI (which we had just placed a week or so ago). My wife just happened to glance at a Tiguan, and then the dealer started the sales spiel about the Tiguan ... I know he wants to sell, but we'd ordered the GTI, paid the deposit, etc. and just wanted to know if there was an update on the delivery date. I suppose he knows that he can shift all the GTIs that they can get, but I was a bit irritated. And I really, really don't want a bloody Tiguan. They're not exactly comparable are they?
Don't worry about it. Just try both.
Last year I wanted to get back into a Porsche. Didn't know what I wanted tbh. I previously had a Boxster S & two 911s. I quite fancied something completely different. So off to my local OPC - had a macan for two 1/2 days. Came back after dropping off macan & took out a CGTS which was great. Placed a deposit on the CGTS & after three months wait I decided to cancel order, I got my deposit back & bought a 997 gen 2 instead. but already changing to a new Boxster Spyder.
Last year I wanted to get back into a Porsche. Didn't know what I wanted tbh. I previously had a Boxster S & two 911s. I quite fancied something completely different. So off to my local OPC - had a macan for two 1/2 days. Came back after dropping off macan & took out a CGTS which was great. Placed a deposit on the CGTS & after three months wait I decided to cancel order, I got my deposit back & bought a 997 gen 2 instead. but already changing to a new Boxster Spyder.
when I was test driving at the OPC they had an internal memo from PorscheGB visible on the wall saying " big push on 911 test drives, try and get to 50 by month end"
So the bloke and I went out in a 991.1 Carrera PDK and a 997.1 Carrera S tiptronic, on the premise of trying PDK and Tiptronic gearboxes alone
The I tried a 997.1 manual, a convertible, and the chap couldn't have been more helpful. about 45 mins in each.
I was smart and respectful and he took me seriously.
I eventually bought from somewhere else and he rang me last week to remind me that they'd gladly offer trade-in when the time came..
And of note, I drove the BMW i8 some while ago, again on a sales push from BMWUK/dealer, and after an accompanied hour driving, the bloke offered a full day with the car unaccompanied.... He said, take it for the day, go into the Lakes, tell me what you think. (Didn't like it at all -engine noise fabricated through the speakers!!)
So the bloke and I went out in a 991.1 Carrera PDK and a 997.1 Carrera S tiptronic, on the premise of trying PDK and Tiptronic gearboxes alone
The I tried a 997.1 manual, a convertible, and the chap couldn't have been more helpful. about 45 mins in each.
I was smart and respectful and he took me seriously.
I eventually bought from somewhere else and he rang me last week to remind me that they'd gladly offer trade-in when the time came..
And of note, I drove the BMW i8 some while ago, again on a sales push from BMWUK/dealer, and after an accompanied hour driving, the bloke offered a full day with the car unaccompanied.... He said, take it for the day, go into the Lakes, tell me what you think. (Didn't like it at all -engine noise fabricated through the speakers!!)
JasonRIx said:
I'm looking at either a 991 S or a 997 Turbo. Never driven either but feel bad about taking a test drive knowing that I only intend to buy one.
Am I being soft? I know it might sound a bit daft but I don't want them to think I'm a time-waster. I had a bad experience at an OPC once where, because of my youthful looks (!), I was spoken to quite rudely by a salesman who I suppose assumed that I was just after a quick go in a 911. He chilled out afterwards when he realised that I already had one and was just looking to upgrade, but wouldn't go back there again.
What is the etiquette in these situations?
My experience is polar opposite from two midlands based OPC - one didn't want to talk to me and the other lent me a car for the whole weekend. Guess which I brought the vehicle from.... I suggest you be honest and hope the salesman isn't an idiot Am I being soft? I know it might sound a bit daft but I don't want them to think I'm a time-waster. I had a bad experience at an OPC once where, because of my youthful looks (!), I was spoken to quite rudely by a salesman who I suppose assumed that I was just after a quick go in a 911. He chilled out afterwards when he realised that I already had one and was just looking to upgrade, but wouldn't go back there again.
What is the etiquette in these situations?
Here is how it went for me...
I turned up at the OPC in a works van, unshaven and unkempt, in muddy boots and work clothes. I apologized for my dress to the sales man, who offered me a coffee and sat me down for a chat. I said I was interested in a second hand 911. An hour later I placed an order for a brand new 991 S. I have since bought another PTS GTS.
Still need to build the relationship more though to get a 991 R.. bummer...
I turned up at the OPC in a works van, unshaven and unkempt, in muddy boots and work clothes. I apologized for my dress to the sales man, who offered me a coffee and sat me down for a chat. I said I was interested in a second hand 911. An hour later I placed an order for a brand new 991 S. I have since bought another PTS GTS.
Still need to build the relationship more though to get a 991 R.. bummer...
Hi, I walked in and explained what I was looking for, ie a new Black Edition and was offered a 911 for the weekend as an extended test drive. 300 miles and 2 days later I dropped it back, said I would think about it etc.
A week later I did order the new car, but they were delighted to offer test drives. Go for it!
A week later I did order the new car, but they were delighted to offer test drives. Go for it!
I was upfront and told them i was thinking of replacing my evora with a Cayman Gts, but unless it was clearly better I would be getting another evora.
Salesman was fine about it, he even came in the evora as I back to back droves the cars on the same route. He didn't cry either and I gave both cars a good workout.
Salesman was fine about it, he even came in the evora as I back to back droves the cars on the same route. He didn't cry either and I gave both cars a good workout.
I was interested in a Tesla, I8 or Panamera Hybrid. Tesla took me for an accompanied 2 hour test drive, Porsche lent me a Panamera for 3 days and BMW delivered an I8 to our home on a Friday and collected on the following Thursday.
We bought a Panamera. It went back in to the OPC a couple of months later for some work and they lent us a 911 Carrera S for four days.
I'll be asking for an extended test drive in a Turbo S when they get one. I really fancy one and would think a test drive would convince me it's a good idea. Porsche know how this works so no doubt would be happy to hand over the keys
We bought a Panamera. It went back in to the OPC a couple of months later for some work and they lent us a 911 Carrera S for four days.
I'll be asking for an extended test drive in a Turbo S when they get one. I really fancy one and would think a test drive would convince me it's a good idea. Porsche know how this works so no doubt would be happy to hand over the keys
Edited by foxsasha on Sunday 6th March 17:50
Gassing Station | 911/Carrera GT | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff