Sin City

How have Chevy dealers handled this traditionally?

Hard to get a test drive? How long after the first ones show up before they have one?

Also... will it probably be an auto as that's what most buyers traditionally have ordered?

runutzzzzz

I would bet that it would be near impossible to find a dealer that will have a unit to test drive in the first 3-6 months of release.

Maybe one of the large dealers like Kerbeck might offer one in the first few months.

rijowysock

a member here made a post about a dealer wanting to use their car on the floor after delivery (and many urged against that).... i would doubt any dealer would allow a test drive on such a new/in demand vehicle... which sounds not ideal for those curious.. but for the most part interested buyers should know how it drives...

i guess some would want to feel magnetic versus non magnetic susp first hand.. but i doubt test drives will be commonplace just because of miles and risk..

i remember when the E46 M3 came out, it was an entirely new everything M3 and most dealers wouldnt even let you sit in them... i thought that was a very backwards though process but they were always presold or sold quickly so i guess people didn't mind.

RickConti@Coughlin

we have the third largest allocation in the country and at some point yes we will have cars available and test drives will be offered on certain cars......it will be months though before I truly see this happening.....with the controlled distribution and the way orders go in , in advance, every car right now is sold.....

I know production numbers will be much larger than last year so will open up availability by spring next year......I'm almost out of 2013's....

Regarding auto's, that is mostly what they build and what I sell, but in the early stages of ordering, most of mine are 7 speeds...

BAD2000TA

Just sad.....

talon90

Said with my best southern drawl.........

"You're not from around here are you boy"?

Rick gave you an excellent answer but trust me when I tell you that he is among the minority as far as dealers go.

Most Corvette dealers other than the large forum dealers just don't see many Corvettes. Many if not most will sell single digit cars and for the most part none will have demo cars. The best chance any of these dealers have at a car for test drives is when someone trades in a used car and even then, understanding how particular Corvette owners are, they still try to keep mileage low. Test drives are few and far between.

I think the best shot most had at a test drive of a new Corvette was while GM had the Hertz ZHZ program running.

jimmyb

Rick,
I'm curious....When the C6 first came out, were more of your orders 6 speed manuals and then moved to more automatics later?

Jimmy

RedC7AZ

Rick, To clarify, what do you mean when you say "almost out of 2013s"? Does his mean you have sold most of your C6s?
Thanks

george vee

I checked Kerbecks site yesterday and they had 2 13's left. Just checked again and the have 5

jschindler

How about the Suitcase Editions? Certainly you will let people rag the crap out of them, won't you?

LFZ

Are demos out now?? Just how are these guys getting these cars right now?

Corvette ED

Two of my close friends own Chevy stores and this is their take on test drives. They do not let anybody test drive new Corvettes. Both say do you want to be the first one to drive it or do you want a car that other people have pounded before you?

Both said you can test drive a used C6 but not a new one. I asked what do you do if they say I won't buy it unless I can test drive it? Both said well I guess your not buying this one.

I agree with them. You get more people who just want to waste your time and drive your car. The next words out of their mouth is I have to think about it, or I got to talk to the wife. If you are a true buyer for a new Corvette I don't see the need to drive it before you buy it.

talon90

They are captured test fleet cars. GM executives, Corvette team members and select employees have these cars as daily drivers to qualify and shake down the build process. Additionally there are pool cars that other GM employees can request for driving, testing and development work.

There are no demo cars available to dealers or folks outside of those I have listed above. There are no customer cars or retail cars currently.

JoesC5

Shortly after the C6's went into production, my local dealer(Reliable Chevrolet in Springfield, MO) had our club over for a test drive session on a Saturday, Sept 4, 2004. We each got to drive a new C6 and then they fed us(thanks Wes!!!!!).

LFZ

Thanks for the explanation.

05dsom

I think he meant it's just sad that most people drive automatics. It's highlighted in Red.

harlold

In two years they will be more than happy to let you get behind the wheel and test drive.

All the "gotta have it now" guys won't necessitate test drives, so why allow them?

Once the buzz wears off and they are sitting on lots unsold, they will do what it takes to move them.

LMB-C6

I understand the whole tire kicking thing, but that's just absurd. They expect me to part with $60 Large and not test drive the thing? I have heard of ESP but do they expect me to have ESB (Extrasensory Butt) or something?

jschindler

I have bought cars without a test drive - such as when the C6 came out. On the other hand, I think it's a bit arrogant to suggest that you buy a $60,000 car on faith that you are either a Corvette person or you are not. It's easy to be cocky when it first comes out and they know they don't have to give test drives. They won't be as cocky two or three years from now.

RickConti@Coughlin

Thanks......I truly want the customer to drive...I'll never forget the training sessions I have attended over the years and the absolute thrill I got driving the next Vette....I was flying so high

....I need and want the customer to experience that....then you can have a real conversation about a potential purchase