Z06 - No Test Drives
07-30-2016, 02:13 PM
#1
Racer
Thread Starter
Z06 - No Test Drives
I'm currently in a 911 S. I love the car but was considering a switch back to a Z06 or possibly the upcoming GS. Dropped by a couple local dealers and got the same level of customer service at each one. Absolutely no test drives in a new Z06. I'm a middle aged guy who's owned a half dozen Corvettes over the years with plenty of $$ to spend wherever I choose. I understand their reasoning but I find it totally unacceptable. Why would I spend 100k + on a car I can't even test drive?
Porsche doesn't give you that kind of BS especially if you are a loyal customer. Heck, I was recently given a nice gift certificate to a five star local restaurant to test drive a 2017 911 S - 130k sticker give or take. Porsche is first class and it shows in how they deal with their customers. Chevrolet is not and it shows in how they deal with their customers. I will spend my money elsewhere and my next car will probably be another Porsche.
Porsche doesn't give you that kind of BS especially if you are a loyal customer. Heck, I was recently given a nice gift certificate to a five star local restaurant to test drive a 2017 911 S - 130k sticker give or take. Porsche is first class and it shows in how they deal with their customers. Chevrolet is not and it shows in how they deal with their customers. I will spend my money elsewhere and my next car will probably be another Porsche.
Last edited by WhiteKnight; 07-30-2016 at 02:16 PM.
Popular Reply
07-30-2016, 04:25 PM
People may get upset at this, but I'm going to call it as I see it:
The demographics of Corvette owners is mostly comprised of older folks who are finally "achieving" a dream. I doubt the majority of Corvettes are working "Director" level jobs that make $150k+ a year. On average, most Vette owners are middle/upper middle class at best; sometimes even blue collar folks who save up their money over the years and are finally able to buy their "dream" car. Because it took so long to achieve this goal, these owners will value and treat their car much better. They know the car inside and out. Every detail, option, HP, you name it. They will even go as far as customizing every detail to make the car their own. This is why most Vette owners will not buy a "used" vette or one that's been test driven by someone else (if they can help it). Smaller dealerships cant let you test drive for this reason. They will be out of the "1 allocation" they have for it.
Porsche drivers on the other end are usually (on average) younger and most successful businessmen/women who have an image to keep. Often times, these people aren't even car people, they just want something "nice" that screams "I'm better than you." You will rarely see a Porsche owner baby their car or customize it. They will drive it until they get bored and buy a better one in a couple of years. In fact, someone looking to buy a Porsche might walk into a dealership, point at a car and say "I'll buy that one" without even knowing a thing about the car or it's performance specs.
Now, I'm sure there is more to it than this, but here's my take: Dealerships will cater to their respective client market. Most people who walk into a Chevy dealership aren't going to buy a Corvette. The ones that are, will most likely buy the car whether they get treated well or not - so long as the "price is right." Because there is no extra profit margin for being nice, dealerships have less incentive to do so. Porsche (or any other luxury dealership) on the other hand will "kiss ***" to their clientele because that's the type of attitude and treatment the person (usually a Sr Manager/Director/CEO/etc) is used to getting. When all you have to do is stoke their ego a bit to sell at MSRP, that's easy money.
The demographics of Corvette owners is mostly comprised of older folks who are finally "achieving" a dream. I doubt the majority of Corvettes are working "Director" level jobs that make $150k+ a year. On average, most Vette owners are middle/upper middle class at best; sometimes even blue collar folks who save up their money over the years and are finally able to buy their "dream" car. Because it took so long to achieve this goal, these owners will value and treat their car much better. They know the car inside and out. Every detail, option, HP, you name it. They will even go as far as customizing every detail to make the car their own. This is why most Vette owners will not buy a "used" vette or one that's been test driven by someone else (if they can help it). Smaller dealerships cant let you test drive for this reason. They will be out of the "1 allocation" they have for it.
Porsche drivers on the other end are usually (on average) younger and most successful businessmen/women who have an image to keep. Often times, these people aren't even car people, they just want something "nice" that screams "I'm better than you." You will rarely see a Porsche owner baby their car or customize it. They will drive it until they get bored and buy a better one in a couple of years. In fact, someone looking to buy a Porsche might walk into a dealership, point at a car and say "I'll buy that one" without even knowing a thing about the car or it's performance specs.
Now, I'm sure there is more to it than this, but here's my take: Dealerships will cater to their respective client market. Most people who walk into a Chevy dealership aren't going to buy a Corvette. The ones that are, will most likely buy the car whether they get treated well or not - so long as the "price is right." Because there is no extra profit margin for being nice, dealerships have less incentive to do so. Porsche (or any other luxury dealership) on the other hand will "kiss ***" to their clientele because that's the type of attitude and treatment the person (usually a Sr Manager/Director/CEO/etc) is used to getting. When all you have to do is stoke their ego a bit to sell at MSRP, that's easy money.
07-30-2016, 02:19 PM
#3
Race Director
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07-30-2016, 02:23 PM
#4
Le Mans Master
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St. Jude Donor '15
Good luck! 
07-30-2016, 02:25 PM
#5
Racer
I'm currently in a 911 S. I love the car but was considering a switch back to a Z06 or possibly the upcoming GS. Dropped by a couple local dealers and got the same level of customer service at each one. Absolutely no test drives in a new Z06. I'm a middle aged guy who's owned a half dozen Corvettes over the years with plenty of $$ to spend wherever I choose. I understand their reasoning but I find it totally unacceptable. Why would I spend 100k + on a car I can't even test drive?
Porsche doesn't give you that kind of BS especially if you are a loyal customer. Heck, I was recently given a nice gift certificate to a five star local restaurant to test drive a 2017 911 S - 130k sticker give or take. Porsche is first class and it shows in how they deal with their customers. Chevrolet is not and it shows in how they deal with their customers. I will spend my money elsewhere and my next car will probably be another Porsche.
Porsche doesn't give you that kind of BS especially if you are a loyal customer. Heck, I was recently given a nice gift certificate to a five star local restaurant to test drive a 2017 911 S - 130k sticker give or take. Porsche is first class and it shows in how they deal with their customers. Chevrolet is not and it shows in how they deal with their customers. I will spend my money elsewhere and my next car will probably be another Porsche.
07-30-2016, 02:27 PM
#6
Melting Slicks
I'm currently in a 911 S. I love the car but was considering a switch back to a Z06 or possibly the upcoming GS. Dropped by a couple local dealers and got the same level of customer service at each one. Absolutely no test drives in a new Z06. I'm a middle aged guy who's owned a half dozen Corvettes over the years with plenty of $$ to spend wherever I choose. I understand their reasoning but I find it totally unacceptable. Why would I spend 100k + on a car I can't even test drive?
Porsche doesn't give you that kind of BS especially if you are a loyal customer. Heck, I was recently given a nice gift certificate to a five star local restaurant to test drive a 2017 911 S - 130k sticker give or take. Porsche is first class and it shows in how they deal with their customers. Chevrolet is not and it shows in how they deal with their customers. I will spend my money elsewhere and my next car will probably be another Porsche.
Porsche doesn't give you that kind of BS especially if you are a loyal customer. Heck, I was recently given a nice gift certificate to a five star local restaurant to test drive a 2017 911 S - 130k sticker give or take. Porsche is first class and it shows in how they deal with their customers. Chevrolet is not and it shows in how they deal with their customers. I will spend my money elsewhere and my next car will probably be another Porsche.
Take a flight up to Kerbeck in Atlantic City. They will be happy to help you out. Stay at the Borgata and enjoy your weekend while there.
07-30-2016, 02:30 PM
#7
Instructor
I'm currently in a 911 S. I love the car but was considering a switch back to a Z06 or possibly the upcoming GS. Dropped by a couple local dealers and got the same level of customer service at each one. Absolutely no test drives in a new Z06. I'm a middle aged guy who's owned a half dozen Corvettes over the years with plenty of $$ to spend wherever I choose. I understand their reasoning but I find it totally unacceptable. Why would I spend 100k + on a car I can't even test drive?
Porsche doesn't give you that kind of BS especially if you are a loyal customer. Heck, I was recently given a nice gift certificate to a five star local restaurant to test drive a 2017 911 S - 130k sticker give or take. Porsche is first class and it shows in how they deal with their customers. Chevrolet is not and it shows in how they deal with their customers. I will spend my money elsewhere and my next car will probably be another Porsche.
Porsche doesn't give you that kind of BS especially if you are a loyal customer. Heck, I was recently given a nice gift certificate to a five star local restaurant to test drive a 2017 911 S - 130k sticker give or take. Porsche is first class and it shows in how they deal with their customers. Chevrolet is not and it shows in how they deal with their customers. I will spend my money elsewhere and my next car will probably be another Porsche.
When you buy the P car, take it to the Chevy dealer that denied the ride and tell him Porsche let me drive this.....and I bought it. lol
07-30-2016, 02:30 PM
#8
Melting Slicks
Member Since: Dec 2015
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The 911 is just another Porsche in a sea of expensive cars, nothing special. Dealer has nothing to loose by letting you drive it, and everything to gain. A lot of the cars on the lot have a few test miles on them, but I doubt they tossed you the keys to a 918.
The Z06 is the cream of the crop in a sea of not so expensive cars....
Different game, with quite different players.
The Z06 is the cream of the crop in a sea of not so expensive cars....
Different game, with quite different players.
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07-30-2016, 02:32 PM
#9
I'm currently in a 911 S. I love the car but was considering a switch back to a Z06 or possibly the upcoming GS. Dropped by a couple local dealers and got the same level of customer service at each one. Absolutely no test drives in a new Z06. I'm a middle aged guy who's owned a half dozen Corvettes over the years with plenty of $$ to spend wherever I choose. I understand their reasoning but I find it totally unacceptable. Why would I spend 100k + on a car I can't even test drive?
Porsche doesn't give you that kind of BS especially if you are a loyal customer. Heck, I was recently given a nice gift certificate to a five star local restaurant to test drive a 2017 911 S - 130k sticker give or take. Porsche is first class and it shows in how they deal with their customers. Chevrolet is not and it shows in how they deal with their customers. I will spend my money elsewhere and my next car will probably be another Porsche.
Porsche doesn't give you that kind of BS especially if you are a loyal customer. Heck, I was recently given a nice gift certificate to a five star local restaurant to test drive a 2017 911 S - 130k sticker give or take. Porsche is first class and it shows in how they deal with their customers. Chevrolet is not and it shows in how they deal with their customers. I will spend my money elsewhere and my next car will probably be another Porsche.
Most Corvette owners don't want a new C7 that anyone else has test driven, so you can blame it on us.
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07-30-2016, 02:41 PM
#10
^
Yes, we have a winner! It's the fault of so many Corvette customers who refuse to purchase a car that has more than 1-4 miles on the odometer.
The mega (Kerbeck, McMulkin, Criswell, and other larger dealers can afford to have a demo around for a test drive, but the little guys, w/ only a handful of allocations a year, can't afford to do that.
Yes, we have a winner! It's the fault of so many Corvette customers who refuse to purchase a car that has more than 1-4 miles on the odometer.
The mega (Kerbeck, McMulkin, Criswell, and other larger dealers can afford to have a demo around for a test drive, but the little guys, w/ only a handful of allocations a year, can't afford to do that.
07-30-2016, 02:52 PM
#11
Team Owner
I'm currently in a 911 S. I love the car but was considering a switch back to a Z06 or possibly the upcoming GS. Dropped by a couple local dealers and got the same level of customer service at each one. Absolutely no test drives in a new Z06. I'm a middle aged guy who's owned a half dozen Corvettes over the years with plenty of $$ to spend wherever I choose. I understand their reasoning but I find it totally unacceptable. Why would I spend 100k + on a car I can't even test drive?
Porsche doesn't give you that kind of BS especially if you are a loyal customer. Heck, I was recently given a nice gift certificate to a five star local restaurant to test drive a 2017 911 S - 130k sticker give or take. Porsche is first class and it shows in how they deal with their customers. Chevrolet is not and it shows in how they deal with their customers. I will spend my money elsewhere and my next car will probably be another Porsche.
Porsche doesn't give you that kind of BS especially if you are a loyal customer. Heck, I was recently given a nice gift certificate to a five star local restaurant to test drive a 2017 911 S - 130k sticker give or take. Porsche is first class and it shows in how they deal with their customers. Chevrolet is not and it shows in how they deal with their customers. I will spend my money elsewhere and my next car will probably be another Porsche.
07-30-2016, 03:01 PM
#12
Le Mans Master
I've purchased several cars out-of-state and had them shipped, including my C7Z, and obviously never test drove them... Personally, it never bothered me as I already made a decision to buy.
I do understand those who feel like they have to take a car for a spin before making a purchase, and I'm sure if you look around you'll find a dealership to accommodate you.
I know that some of the forum dealers will be happy to oblige, and if it's a condition of purchase, then I guess that "other" dealer missed an opportunity to close a deal.
I do understand those who feel like they have to take a car for a spin before making a purchase, and I'm sure if you look around you'll find a dealership to accommodate you.
I know that some of the forum dealers will be happy to oblige, and if it's a condition of purchase, then I guess that "other" dealer missed an opportunity to close a deal.
07-30-2016, 03:08 PM
#13
But, if he allowed a test drive to someone who decided to not buy, he lost the opportunity to sell the car to a much larger Corvette demographic who insist on essentially no miles on the clock. There are a lot of tire kickers and test drivers out there who have no intention to buy. He weighed the options and probably made the much smarter decision.
I don't think the average Porsche buyer would be nearly as freaked out if the car had 30 miles or so on the odometer.
I don't think the average Porsche buyer would be nearly as freaked out if the car had 30 miles or so on the odometer.
Last edited by Foosh; 07-30-2016 at 03:12 PM.
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07-30-2016, 03:51 PM
#14
Intermediate
It is definitely a dealer thing. I generally deal with a very small dealership that is about 20 miles away. As a whole, they treat me great, and I love their service department. However, several years ago, I was ready to replace my suburban, and before I had them get the color I wanted from another dealership, I asked if I could test drive the one in their showroom. Their response was "Not today, the roads are wet, and we just detailed it, if it dries up tomorrow, you can come take it for a short test drive, but you can't take it home." I was kind of dumbfounded, but as I said, they have treated me very well since I bought my first corvette from them in 2003.
I just purchased a Z06 C7R from them, they had to purchase it from another dealership and still gave me GMS pricing. Had it been at their dealership, I am doubtful that they would have allowed a test drive.
Two days after I called them to see if they could get the car for me at GMS pricing, I happened to stop by a much larger dealership that specializes in Corvettes(they must have had 30-40 new Corvettes on their lot). My only purpose was to see the new Corvette Racing Yellow color, and hopefully pick up a Corvette book. It was about 10 minutes before closing, and they asked me if I would like to take a test drive. I said no, you are closing in 10 minutes, I don't want to hold you up. Their response was it's no problem, if you would like to drive it we'll throw a plate on it. My response was, well, if you insist, I would be happy to take a brand new Z06 out for a drive. They slapped a plate on it and handed me the keys...no license check, no insurance check...just here's the keys, enjoy!
After that experience, I really wanted to buy my car from them, but I had already put my usual salesman on trying to get it. I was half hoping that the small dealership couldn't pull off the deal so that I could go to the larger dealership. I was also talking to another owner at a local car cruise who had bought his corvette at the larger dealership. He told me they offered to allow him to take the car home overnight(they are probably about 40+ miles away).
Bottom line, it is all up to the dealer and how many corvettes they have sitting in the lot!
I just purchased a Z06 C7R from them, they had to purchase it from another dealership and still gave me GMS pricing. Had it been at their dealership, I am doubtful that they would have allowed a test drive.
Two days after I called them to see if they could get the car for me at GMS pricing, I happened to stop by a much larger dealership that specializes in Corvettes(they must have had 30-40 new Corvettes on their lot). My only purpose was to see the new Corvette Racing Yellow color, and hopefully pick up a Corvette book. It was about 10 minutes before closing, and they asked me if I would like to take a test drive. I said no, you are closing in 10 minutes, I don't want to hold you up. Their response was it's no problem, if you would like to drive it we'll throw a plate on it. My response was, well, if you insist, I would be happy to take a brand new Z06 out for a drive. They slapped a plate on it and handed me the keys...no license check, no insurance check...just here's the keys, enjoy!
After that experience, I really wanted to buy my car from them, but I had already put my usual salesman on trying to get it. I was half hoping that the small dealership couldn't pull off the deal so that I could go to the larger dealership. I was also talking to another owner at a local car cruise who had bought his corvette at the larger dealership. He told me they offered to allow him to take the car home overnight(they are probably about 40+ miles away).
Bottom line, it is all up to the dealer and how many corvettes they have sitting in the lot!
07-30-2016, 03:51 PM
#15
Originally Posted by WhiteKnight
I'm currently in a 911 S. I love the car but was considering a switch back to a Z06 or possibly the upcoming GS. Dropped by a couple local dealers and got the same level of customer service at each one. Absolutely no test drives in a new Z06. I'm a middle aged guy who's owned a half dozen Corvettes over the years with plenty of $$ to spend wherever I choose. I understand their reasoning but I find it totally unacceptable. Why would I spend 100k + on a car I can't even test drive?
Porsche doesn't give you that kind of BS especially if you are a loyal customer. Heck, I was recently given a nice gift certificate to a five star local restaurant to test drive a 2017 911 S - 130k sticker give or take. Porsche is first class and it shows in how they deal with their customers. Chevrolet is not and it shows in how they deal with their customers. I will spend my money elsewhere and my next car will probably be another Porsche.
Porsche doesn't give you that kind of BS especially if you are a loyal customer. Heck, I was recently given a nice gift certificate to a five star local restaurant to test drive a 2017 911 S - 130k sticker give or take. Porsche is first class and it shows in how they deal with their customers. Chevrolet is not and it shows in how they deal with their customers. I will spend my money elsewhere and my next car will probably be another Porsche.
07-30-2016, 03:52 PM
#16
Melting Slicks
For what it's worth when I was looking to buy my Z51 all the dealers around me totally sucked, they barely spoke to me never mind a test drive. On the plus side that's how I found this forum, found Kerbeck and got an awesome deal I would have never got locally.
07-30-2016, 04:17 PM
#17
Burning Brakes
When I was lookin for my C7 LT1 NRB, I had two dealers insist I test drive the C7 Z06. I test drove one knowing I wasn't going to buy it, and refused to test drive the other. Call GM and complain. That's BS.
07-30-2016, 04:25 PM
#18
People may get upset at this, but I'm going to call it as I see it:
The demographics of Corvette owners is mostly comprised of older folks who are finally "achieving" a dream. I doubt the majority of Corvettes are working "Director" level jobs that make $150k+ a year. On average, most Vette owners are middle/upper middle class at best; sometimes even blue collar folks who save up their money over the years and are finally able to buy their "dream" car. Because it took so long to achieve this goal, these owners will value and treat their car much better. They know the car inside and out. Every detail, option, HP, you name it. They will even go as far as customizing every detail to make the car their own. This is why most Vette owners will not buy a "used" vette or one that's been test driven by someone else (if they can help it). Smaller dealerships cant let you test drive for this reason. They will be out of the "1 allocation" they have for it.
Porsche drivers on the other end are usually (on average) younger and most successful businessmen/women who have an image to keep. Often times, these people aren't even car people, they just want something "nice" that screams "I'm better than you." You will rarely see a Porsche owner baby their car or customize it. They will drive it until they get bored and buy a better one in a couple of years. In fact, someone looking to buy a Porsche might walk into a dealership, point at a car and say "I'll buy that one" without even knowing a thing about the car or it's performance specs.
Now, I'm sure there is more to it than this, but here's my take: Dealerships will cater to their respective client market. Most people who walk into a Chevy dealership aren't going to buy a Corvette. The ones that are, will most likely buy the car whether they get treated well or not - so long as the "price is right." Because there is no extra profit margin for being nice, dealerships have less incentive to do so. Porsche (or any other luxury dealership) on the other hand will "kiss ***" to their clientele because that's the type of attitude and treatment the person (usually a Sr Manager/Director/CEO/etc) is used to getting. When all you have to do is stoke their ego a bit to sell at MSRP, that's easy money.
The demographics of Corvette owners is mostly comprised of older folks who are finally "achieving" a dream. I doubt the majority of Corvettes are working "Director" level jobs that make $150k+ a year. On average, most Vette owners are middle/upper middle class at best; sometimes even blue collar folks who save up their money over the years and are finally able to buy their "dream" car. Because it took so long to achieve this goal, these owners will value and treat their car much better. They know the car inside and out. Every detail, option, HP, you name it. They will even go as far as customizing every detail to make the car their own. This is why most Vette owners will not buy a "used" vette or one that's been test driven by someone else (if they can help it). Smaller dealerships cant let you test drive for this reason. They will be out of the "1 allocation" they have for it.
Porsche drivers on the other end are usually (on average) younger and most successful businessmen/women who have an image to keep. Often times, these people aren't even car people, they just want something "nice" that screams "I'm better than you." You will rarely see a Porsche owner baby their car or customize it. They will drive it until they get bored and buy a better one in a couple of years. In fact, someone looking to buy a Porsche might walk into a dealership, point at a car and say "I'll buy that one" without even knowing a thing about the car or it's performance specs.
Now, I'm sure there is more to it than this, but here's my take: Dealerships will cater to their respective client market. Most people who walk into a Chevy dealership aren't going to buy a Corvette. The ones that are, will most likely buy the car whether they get treated well or not - so long as the "price is right." Because there is no extra profit margin for being nice, dealerships have less incentive to do so. Porsche (or any other luxury dealership) on the other hand will "kiss ***" to their clientele because that's the type of attitude and treatment the person (usually a Sr Manager/Director/CEO/etc) is used to getting. When all you have to do is stoke their ego a bit to sell at MSRP, that's easy money.
Last edited by Bui; 07-30-2016 at 06:41 PM.
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07-30-2016, 04:26 PM
#19
Le Mans Master
I was able to test-drive a used one. A few miles don't matter on a used car, but they do to someone buying a brand new one.
07-30-2016, 04:38 PM
#20
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I got a test drive on the one I bought. It wasn't a Z06, but when I called the dealer and asked if they could match the offer I got from a dealer on the forum he got back to me and said he could and asked me if I would like him to bring it over to my house for a test drive? I live 5 miles away from the dealer. Of course I said yes. So I decided to buy it and he came back to me the next day with the car and the papers to sign and we had a done deal. I thought that was pretty good service.
Last edited by joemessman; 07-30-2016 at 04:38 PM.
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