About a month ago I went to testdrive a CR-Z (hybrid). The sales manager rode along, but would not let me take the car more than one exit on the interstate.
I also testdrove a Prius, and it was the same deal.
I said to both these guys, "I spend all my time on the interstate. How am I supposed to see how it runs & what kind of MPG the car gets in that situation, if I'm only allowed to go one mile?" The Honda guy pointed to the EPA sticker and I responded, "That doesn't mean much. We know Hyundai, Ford, and Honda were all sued for dishonest numbers on that sticker." (Honda was later found 'not guilty' upon appeal.) Both Honda & Toyota salesmen said little except to direct me back to the store.
Anyway both dealers lost a sale.
I refuse to buy a ~25,000 dollar car without a proper drive to make sure it is a nice & smooth-running vehicle. What is it with dealers today that they shoot themselves in the foot & willingly lose a sale. When I worked in sales I bent-over backwards to accommodate the customer & keep him happy.
I also testdrove a Prius, and it was the same deal.
I said to both these guys, "I spend all my time on the interstate. How am I supposed to see how it runs & what kind of MPG the car gets in that situation, if I'm only allowed to go one mile?" The Honda guy pointed to the EPA sticker and I responded, "That doesn't mean much. We know Hyundai, Ford, and Honda were all sued for dishonest numbers on that sticker." (Honda was later found 'not guilty' upon appeal.) Both Honda & Toyota salesmen said little except to direct me back to the store.
Anyway both dealers lost a sale.
I refuse to buy a ~25,000 dollar car without a proper drive to make sure it is a nice & smooth-running vehicle. What is it with dealers today that they shoot themselves in the foot & willingly lose a sale. When I worked in sales I bent-over backwards to accommodate the customer & keep him happy.