Test Driving

[Cro]

I went test driving today with Dal, for a bit of fun and for scoping out some options as it looks like I’ll be cancelling my Passat order. I’ve realised over the last couple of cruises that I still crave a car that has power…

First onto the Holden/HSV dealer in Wollongong to test drive a GTS/Senator. Salesman greets us, asks us if we want a drink/coffee and what car I’m interested in.

I ask for info about the GTS/Senator and this guy knows his stuff. For the first time ever at an Australian car dealer I’ve met a salesman that actually knows EVERYTHING about the product he is selling. We go for a drive and I ask if I can take it up Mt Kiera, sure no problem. The guy is calm and collected, and doesn’t seem to care that I am trashing the hell out of this 20km old car. What a car too, this thing handles like a dream with the magnetic ride control, it is very comfortable in it’s very supportive full electric seats. The engine is VERY torquey, if anything it has too much power as it’s hard to get used to in a 1 hour test drive. At the end of the test drive I get a great price with a few options and am blown away at the level of customer service this guy and his manager have given me. I’ve been to Euro dealers that have been less enthusiastic than these guys.

Onto Ford to test drive a Typhoon and a GT for a comparison. Salesman greets us and asks me what I am interested in. I say I am interested in either a GT or a Typhoon. Salesman informs me that he doesn’t have a GT in stock, but has a Typhoon in the showroom. I ask him if I can take it for a drive and he tries to talk me out of it. “It’ll take me half an hour to get out of the showroom”, “I’ll only take it around the block”, etc.. I say I want to take it up Mt Kiera, and he flatly says that I can’t do that.

Fine, thanks for wasting my time.

Go a couple of doors up to VW and Audi.

Get given the keys to an R32, take it for a spin (by ourselves) enjoy the handling and power but can’t wait to get back to the dealer. My fat arse just doesn’t fit into those Recaro’s…

Tell the Audi man I want a comfortable four door car with some performance. After trying a few cars on for size he gives me the keys to a $130,000 (my new record) Audi A6 3.2L Quattro. I knew it wasn’t going to be very quick but we still took it for a drive by ourselves up Mt Kiera. Unfortunately it ran out of fuel on our way back, just 300 meters from the dealer… Got a Jerry can from the dealer and a lot of apologies and we were on our merry way to the next Ford dealer in town.

These guys had an Auto GT in the showroom, but refused to take it out for some reason…fine we’ll go to the FPV dealer in Bowral.

They had an Auto Typhoon and a Manual GT in stock, but the arrogant c...ckhead said some crap about it being illegal to take it out today, insurance, blabla get stuffed.

Go home, and find out we still have enough time to make it to Warick Farm. What do you know, they have an Auto Typhoon, and they will take us out for a drive in it. So we get down the road and the salesman tells me that I can’t take it above 4000rpm. I have a bit of an argument with him, and ask Dal if he wants to drive it instead. I just don’t see the bloody point considering the car I own won’t spend much time below 5500rpm.

So all in all, we have 1 very co-operative HSV dealer (+ 3 others I’ve been to beforehand), 1 great Audi/VW dealers (+ 4 others I’ve been to) , and 4 sh*thouse FPV dealers (+ 3 others I’ve been to).

Now to my problem…Which car do I get?

I am in-love with a new Passat that MAY (unconfirmed) come here in 12 months time. It’s called the R36 (http://www.vwvortex.com/artman/publish/vortex_news/article_1871.shtml), it outperforms the XR6Turbo I had in every department. But I can’t wait that long, so I need to get an interim powerful car that won’t loose its value. The only car I can think of the Falcon AU III TE50/TS50 in manual form.

Cons; there is a lot of hassle finding such a rare car. No warranty on the Falcon, and I don’t know for sure if the R36 will be coming here.

HSV Senator or GTS in Auto. It outperforms the R36, Every FPV model (in every department), and many other manufacturers. Equipment levels are very high, in fact the only thing it doesn’t have from my wish list is heated seats.

Cons; Being an Aussie built car, the build quality is crap, the after sales service is crap and the resale value is pathetic.

It’s a Holden, I haven’t ever owned one yet and I’m not sure I want to go down that path..

Am I wrong about the after sales service? The pre-sales service I have received from all the dealers I have been to has been sensational.

Auto FPV GT or Typhoon. I have a soft spot for these cars, owning 2 XR6Turbo’s, I have always admired the FPV range. I know their limits; I know almost everything about them.

Con’s; I can’t find any dealer who will get off their arse and let me drive them, I’ve been stuffed around by a countless number of Ford service centres and Ford themselves, very low equipment levels compared to the competition, and build quality, service, resale is crap.

I’ve also tested out other cars, but the ones listed above are the ones I like the most.

What’s your opinion?

[DBOSS]

Cro I can you a drive in a GT/GTP/F6 when ever you want and more than likely you will get the keys thrown at you,just let me know when you want to go

CYA JEFF

As for the poll you either want a GT or a F6 V8 or 6 that's up to you?

[jetute]

I have been back to my ford dealer numerous times.... They let me drive what I want and they do no come with me for the drive..... I find they have great pre sales service.. its just a pity the after sales service sucks

I have never been refused a test drive or been told not to hammer it.... if they were only as kind when I want warranty work done

[did_4m41]

how about get a used BMW M3? (different driving experience) or u just want a new car?

[Dagabond]

Dont you need a job first....

I'd wait for the R36 or you'll just be kicking yourself and I'll probably get a kicking for saying this but...

It looks and sounds like a 'cheaper' but better alternative to a RS Audi.

Edited 03/02/07 02:06 PM by Dagabond

[Cro]

lol

Job is just a minor detail

Plenty of offers, I'm just waiting for the right one

Second hand M3 sounds good, but with a kid on the way I want 4 doors and something with warranty. 75-80k max.

Jet, Different states = different dealers. My dealer in Canberra was the best ever for the pre and post sales They aren't around anymore though :(

Jeff, I'll take you up on that offer

[phantomchic]

cro

you have your heart set on the Passat

do whatever it takes to get you through and float your boat till it arrives, provided its a definate arrival date.

I suggest you drive one of micks,,, he can't drive em all at once.

shazzy

[EZ2CME]

If you were in brisbane I could get you a test drive. My mate and my brother both put there names down on a typhoon today at the same dealer I bought my T from. When my brother went for his test drive he had it sideways and tested it out thoroughly. The salesman didn't care as long as he didn't take it to stupid speeds.

[Flukey]

What would the vdubya sell for in Oz Ivan?

[Cro]

Comparing it say the UK, Germany, and a fully optioned current top of the line Passat in Aussie I reckon about 65 - 70k + onroads.