some 350Z questions

Hi all,

1st post on this forum. I'm currently a BMW 5 series ('91 535i) owner looking to upgrade to something sportier.

I'm currently considering the MINI Cooper S and the 350Z (I know, I know, very very different cars.) :D

I've already test driven the MINI and love the way it handles, looks etc. If the Z hadn't caught my attention a few months ago, I would have put the deposit down and then gottten my car sometime next year (I'm sure most of you know that the Cooper is even hotter than the Z right now).

However, after reading about the Z. Seeing a few from afar on the freeways, I cant deny that the Z is LOT more car for almost the same amount of money. So, I've decided that a 350Z will be my next car.

:smoka:

Here, finally, are my questions:

1. Has anyone been able to convince the dealer to give them a test drive prior to finalizing the deal? I understand that the car is new etc. but I still think a potential customer should be able to test drive the car before deciding. The salesman should be able to distinguish between a serious buyer and someone looking for a free drive!

2. Have you been paying a lot over sticker? There are many BMW dealerships charging well over sticker for the Cooper S. However, the place I took my test drive at was strictly MSRP. I'm sure there are Nissan dealerships like that too.

3. This one is for the long-term Nissan/Infiniti owners. I've only owned European autos till now (Volvo, BMW). Are you guys happy with the service and the dealerships? Who's the best dealer in the Atlanta area in your opinion?

Thanks for your responses.

Here in BC, Canada I have my deposit down for a February delivery date. All cars that have already arrived have gone straight to customers but my dealer told me I would get a test drive, when mine arrives, and subject to liking it, would then proceed to write up the paperwork. If I don't like it, my deposit is returned in full and I walk away. I guess they don't mind ordering the car for me with only a small deposit down because if I walk away there is enough demand that they can sell the car without problem. My dealer also gave me MSRP for the brand new car and that's the main reason I jumped ahead into it.

I've heard from here and other boards that some dealers are gouging, but that is probably after someone cancelled their order and they decided to play highest bidder wins with the remaining members on the list.

I had the same experience as our Canadian friend. I actually preordered my car back in Febuary and picked it up in the beginning of Sept. The dealer gave me MSRP and only asked for $500 down, refundable if I didn't like the car when I got it. Since the cars were made to order the dealership didn't have any to let us test drive. This was how most of the greater Minneapolis dealers operated.

If you want to get a test drive you may have to call around a bit. I know the dealer I bought my Z from had 2 people back out of their deals so he now has 2 on the floor. They are pretty easy going and would let people test drive if they thought they could get a sale out of it.

Good Luck