Tag Archives: test drive

Buying a Car – Test Drives (2)

Posted on by
1

See part one here

Lexus IS250 – 2008

What I liked: Overall it is a very good looking car, (if you haven’t noticed by now, a cars looks are very important to me). That it has four doors, having driven a door two for 8 years I know there are times when four would really come in handy. It had a very functional interior; many cup holders, little storage spaces, and logical layout for controls.

What I disliked: The drive was very mundane for a car that is marketed as “sporty.” Lack of power and lose steering did less than impress.

Other notes: Basically reminded me of driving a really nice Camry…

Mercedes C300 – 2008

What I liked: Not much, the Mercedes badge on the front?

What I disliked: Wow was I underwhelmed with this car, I had never driven a Mercedes, maybe rode in one once, but I expected much more. I think I have been in Fords nicer than car I test drove. Overall the car was just a let down, maybe because this is their entry level model? I could write a list of everything I disliked or just save us both the time and say see below…with that said, see below.

Other notes: Drove like…an overpriced four door sedan.

Infiniti G37 coupe – 2008

What I liked: Intuitive controls for the radio, A/C, etc, luxurious interior and kick ass factory Bose sound system. The 330hp engine and the mean growl it made when I punched it. I believe it shares its engine with the 350z, which is one of my favorite sounding cars.

What I disliked: no sunroof, breaks seemed a little weak for a car with that much power, driver seat head rest is in the way of checking for blind spots, and really small back seats. Overall the car certainly felt used, more so than the other 2008’s I drove even with only 37k miles on it. That makes me wonder if it was just the particular car I drove or if all Infinities hold up questionably over time.

Other notes: Out of all the cars I have driven so far this had the best combination of luxury, performance, and price

 

 

 

Buying a Car – Test Drives (1)

Posted on by
Reply

So instead of just blogging about the financial aspect of buying a car (see New vs. Used) I figured why not have a little fun and write about the test drives as well. If nothing else it will help me keep a record of what I liked or disliked about each car and ultimately help me chose what to buy.

Dodge Challenger RT – 2009

Now, I drove this car over a year ago (I wasn’t lying when I said I had been thinking about buying a car for a looooong time) so my memory may be a little rusty but I’ll do my best.

What I liked: The power, this guy had a kick! With a V8 hemi it would certainly be fun to drive. The exterior styling, this is one mean looking car, I especially like the front.

What I disliked: The interior styling, it’s just very bland, all one color, and nothing really to get excited about. No additional features beyond the standard power windows, locks, and a CD player. It might have had an AUX (iPod) input but I can’t remember, I’m sure it’s at least an option. The price, you are paying for great power and exterior styling in an otherwise ordinary car.

Other notes: The test drive was lackluster and I pretty much was only able to drive in a straight line, I would need to drive again to judge handling and overall drivability

BMW 328i Coupe – 2010

I was looking for a 2008 or 2009 model but, unfortunately the dealer did not have any in stock. However, he told me the 2008 – 2011 models of the 328i were all pretty much the same except for some options and small exterior styling cues.

What I liked: This is one sexy machine, I am a huge fan of the exterior styling of both the coupe and convertible 3 series models, the sedan is OK until you see its backside (wtf happened…). The interior was very nice, leather seats, nice trim, dual zone climate control, sunroof, power everything, etc. It just felt good to be sitting in the drivers’ seat, and actually got me excited about the car. The car itself just felt solid, I don’t know how else to explain it, perhaps it’s the build quality, but when you shut the door there is a solid thud, opposed to an echoy slam like some other cars. Immediate power when the gas was pressed, no waiting for the engine to rev up for the power to kick in.

What I disliked: For some reason I couldn’t figure out the damn radio, I kept turning it to AM and couldn’t switch back, I’m sure the sales guy was laughing at me in his head. Actually the whole control panel for the A/C – radio was a little confusing…maybe I’m too used to my simple controls. I thought the car would be a little peppier than it was, I didn’t feel the umpfh of being pushed back in my seat when I punched it. It was hard to tell how fast I was going.

Other notes: At first I wasn’t too impressed with the test drive but the more I think about it the more I like the car, I would certainly need to give it another test drive before I could say I would buy one.