I believe a test drive is essential before considering buying a car (or motorcycle for that matter). Some cars feel right to me and some don't. I first test drove an Evo while visiting Okla City back in November. Three of us took turns driving in both city and highway traffic and managed to "respect" the future owner by not abusing it. I was concerned the ride would be too harsh, but it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought....just firm and tight. The turbo lag was something I didn't expect, but it's a hoot when the turbo spools up, you hear the whoosh and it SHOOTS you ahead. I couldn't wipe the grin off my face afterwards! I thanked the sales person for his time and made the comment, "Driving this car is what sells it." To him it was like no BFD. At least the test drive let me know I wanted an Evo and it would just be a matter of time & finances 'til I bought one here at home. You just need to find the right dealership and tell them straight up you don't know if you'd consider buying one until you know how it drives. Keep your poker face. I bought one 2 weeks ago. Good luck!

 

Similar to what the other guy said. If you get problems or anticipate them, roll up in something nice, or look nice ( Oakley's work nicely) and talk like you mean business. Age doesn't matter if you know what you're doing.

I walked up to my mitsu dealer, when I was 18, with some nice clothes and some oakley's (drove my dad's '03 Bullitt). Guy walked outside, I said I had 10k to put down on an Evo, but i'm not buying unless I can test drive it, if you won't let me drive it i'll go elsewhere.

I was sitting in an Evo within seconds

You just gotta talk the talk and walk the walk. lol

Now i'm 19 and had my evo for 7 months.

 

It's not that they won't let you test drive it period, it's that you have to prove that you are willing to buy the car, and for most people that means running your credit to see if you would even be approved for it. My dealer was the same way, they wouldn't let me test drive it UNTIL we had a deal worked out and I was approved for the financing. Then I had the option to test drive it and say yes or no to actually buying it.

I can see both sides, it's frustrating for people who don't want to go through the hassle of working out a deal just to drive it, but now that I'm an owner I'm really glad that not just any joe-schmoe off the street was able to drive my car before I bought it. It came from Mitsu with 5 miles, was on the lot for over a month, and I bought it with 7 miles on it.

 

It's the dealer not the car. If you go there try very hard to prove that you are buying the car based on the test ddrive. If they want to they can let you drive it. By the way I would bet every one who sells at Mitsu has driven this car.

 

Go in with a wad of cash in your pockets. When they ask you what you have in there say "my pockets got the mumps"

 

it really depends on the dealership and the salesman u're dealing with...i didn't even tell them that i'd buy from them, i just want to test drive and they let me.

 

well I straight up went to the dealer, told the salesman that I was choosing between the Evo8 and the RX8 and needed a test drive before I made a decision. I said I already put money down on the RX-8 and was very serious. The salesman was more than happy to test drive his BOSS's Evo8 with me and decided to just copy my driver's license for liability issues. He continued to take me out on the streets, find a secluded street and asked if it was ok for him to floor it... he DID FLOOR it and man my head flew forward then back, and then he let me drive the evo. Thats my story. He was a really down to earth salesman that you dont meet everyday, he was really cool and enthusiastic and definately didnt care how old I was...

 

I test drove an Evo twice and im only 19

 

You know, its kinda sad really. I personally, had zero problems with my OKC dealer.

However, there are cars just sitting on lots, not making money, and they reject a guy who has a similiar car currently, and shows interest. That's just not good business IMO.

 

I don't care how old the guest is, only that they are serious and capable of buying. I'm glad no one drives before their credit is approved because I don't want my customers who do buy one to get one that a bunch of jerks have ragged on. The buyer generally always appreciates it as well.

 

And people wonder why Mistu gets a bad rep.

Assblasting dealers like that need to be fired.

 

Hmm...I'm trying not to take offence to that statment. My daily driver is an SRT-4. I would hardly compare that to something like a civic. (not that you did) I'm just saying your evo and my srt's owners manuals probly recomend about the same upkeep on ours cars. I now I'm just 18. I catch alot of flack because of this, and the type of car I drive. I drive responsibly. I just wanted to see if it might be worth trading my srt in for the evo's awd. thats all.
P.S. Why would I brag about 120 in an EVO when I can say I've already done 155 in my SRT?