How to get a drive to see which one I like?

[blueg33]

I am in the market ofr one of the following:

996tt
997 c2S
996 c4s

Apart from a quick spin in a 996tt 5 years ago, and a Cup Car I have not driven any of these 911's. I want to see if I prefer the Tiptronic tt to the manual, I want to see how the other drive so that I can decide which to buy. Without driving them how can I tell which is the 911 for me?

The problem - so far the dealers all say, agree the deal and then you can drive the car. Seems like a bigger waste of time for them than if they just let me drive them. They are talking about p-ex valuations, finance (I wont need any) etc. If I agree a deal and I don't like a car I will just walk away. It seems like madness and a waste of my time too!

These are all indy's, will a main dealer be different?

Very irritating!

[spyderman8]

I got the same B/S when I was looking for a GT3 - nearby dealer had one exactly as I wanted but wouldn't let me test it. I think you just need to find a better class of dealer.

[gibbon]

blueg33 said:

I am in the market ofr one of the following:

996tt
997 c2S
996 c4s

Apart from a quick spin in a 996tt 5 years ago, and a Cup Car I have not driven any of these 911's. I want to see if I prefer the Tiptronic tt to the manual, I want to see how the other drive so that I can decide which to buy. Without driving them how can I tell which is the 911 for me?

The problem - so far the dealers all say, agree the deal and then you can drive the car. Seems like a bigger waste of time for them than if they just let me drive them. They are talking about p-ex valuations, finance (I wont need any) etc. If I agree a deal and I don't like a car I will just walk away. It seems like madness and a waste of my time too!

These are all indy's, will a main dealer be different?

Very irritating!

Go to a better dealer. I spent an afternoon with Paragon, was a very good experience, i did not know if i wanted a c2, or a c4s 996. I drove both there. As it happens, i didnt buy a car there, but they were polite, helpful, follow up email etc. When im looking again, i would have a good look at their stock. Surely they are not alone in that approach.

[sundayjumper]

I went to look at a car at Northways, I didn't want to test drive it but they virtually forced me to.

After two more visits I ended up buying it. So I guess the sales technique works

[Actus Reus]

OPC will let you drive them - so find two local OPCs I'd say and inspect their stock. If you can't find a 911 with tip, maybe a Cayman or a Box will be there that has it... Either way I certainly found that Hatfield were very happy to receive a mail in advance listing which cars I wanted to drive and then, on the day, the 911 and Boxster S I wanted a go in were ready to roll... (though that was where they stopped being any use so I bought from East London, who weren't ready to let me drive until a 2nd visit).

[nickd01]

Where are you based? I'm sure someone might let you have a go in their car if you arrange insurance etc?

I'm in west London with a manual TT if you wanted to try one out.

[sy247]

911 virgin let me drive my 996t before I agreed to buy it no problem

[blueg33]

Thanks guys. I have been looking at Midlands based indy's. As you say I need to find a better class of dealer, with the right models in stock

Heart is currently saying "996tt". Head says "drive the cars first you idiot "

[nickd01]

blueg33 said:

Thanks guys. I have been looking at Midlands based indy's. As you say I need to find a better class of dealer, with the right models in stock

Heart is currently saying "996tt". Head says "drive the cars first you idiot "

Having had a 996TT for the last 4+ years, I'd get a 997 C2S with PSE.

[blueg33]

nickd01 said:

Having had a 996TT for the last 4+ years, I'd get a 997 C2S with PSE.

Interesting - why would that be your choice? I have had mixed feedback on this, thats why I decided I want to drive several. Having sat in them IMO they are similar enough inside for the interior not to be a big issue.

[Actus Reus]

Each to their own I reckon - rather than a C2S I'd get a Cayman S with PSE and trouser a couple of grand

[blueg33]

Actus Reus said:

Each to their own I reckon - rather than a C2S I'd get a Cayman S with PSE and trouser a couple of grand

Driven a Cayman S (mate has one) Its not for me. Feels too tame after the Tuscan

[Actus Reus]

Then a tt is probably more like it than 997 C2S I'd say - just don't think a 911 offers significantly more drama than a Cayman S otherwise, though granted they're more of a challenge to learn.

[SonnyM]

OPC West London had the best sales technique ever (courtesy if the wonderful Anita) - take me out for a test drive in a low spec Boxster, then give me the keys to a brand new RS60 for the weekend with no conditions apart from "have fun". That is how to sell a car.

[Nano2nd]

Had this when I was looking at exiges, couldn't get a test drive for love more money, I got the "you won't be disappointed" speech at a couple of dealers... Err well actually I think I might, I've got a silly fast v8 sierra that is significantly quicker doen the quarter than everything else in this showroom and oh it also sounds a hundred times better, not to mention one of the best, highest quality sports cars ever made(911) I think there's a good chance your fibreglass 4 cylinder kit car might be a dispointment! Numpties!

All the decent cars ive bought the seller has gimme in the car, I've fell I love and made a purchase!