So last night my wife and I went to the premier of the Boxster Spyder and the GT3 RS at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Both cars were quite impressive, the RS had the club sport kit. Grey with red.
What I didn't expect was my wife telling me to get a GT3...we don't even own a Porsche, but have been planning to buy a Cayman S, or "whatever" special Cayman comes out next spring. But she is serious. She suggested we go test drive a GT3 soon, but I told here that I don't think any dealer allows their GT3's to be test driven, much less by someone who has never bought a car from them...
Am I wrong?

 

If you show up ready to buy and they know it, I would be shocked if you cannot wrangle a test drive.

My suggestion -- call ahead of time and discuss your concerns with a sales person or sales manager... if you are clear about your intention to purchase something but not without driving it etc... they might be not very forthcoming over the phone as I am sure they get a lot of "can I test drive your GT3" calls from all types of people but if you are cool and they are cool a test drive should not be out of the question...

I test drove mine and I had never purchased from the dealer...
called ahead, discussed the car, discussed price, then said I would visit for a test drive... then i was clear about test driving... I said "I am 33, showing up in an M5, and would be paying cash for the car if we can agree on price -- are you going to give me any bs about taking it out for a test drive?" this question came after 30 mins of discussion clearly showing my interest etc... he said no problem... dealer is 2 hours away so I wanted to get it out in the open before I drove all the way there... ended up test driving three cars with no problem -- salesman came with me which I prefer...

you will love it
nice wife

 

PJS makes some good points.

You may also want to call around to see if you may be able to score a test drive in a used GT3. If you get the chance to drive a MK1 997, I'd imagine it's a close enough comparison to make a purchase decision.

 

Yes, some will let you test drive used ones - I know, because I have and let me warn you - you will definately NOT want to buy a Cayman once you experience the GT3 and yes it IS that big of a difference.

 

how often did our wives tell us to go buy a GT3??

I say just go buy one without the test drive...I know of many women who like to change their mind without any reason...

BTW I've ordered an RS, and I have never driven any GT3 before.

 

you're very lucky to have such a wife. you want a GT3 or an RS? two very different animals in the 997.2 version. you won't be able to test drive the .2RS. however, there are many GT3 sitting in dealers showroom. if you show them you are a serious buyer, i bet you can get a test drive.

 

I would buy another without a test drive...
My initial test drive was all of 10 mins and I was sold...

 

i test drove mines after i paid.

 

JUST GO BUY IT!!!! trust me, you will not be dissappointed.

hurry, before she changes her mind.

alan

 

Yes, I'm very lucky to have the wife I do. She's Serbian, and such an angel - If I could clone her I'd be a very rich man! She won't change here mind...she's the definition of stability.
Oh, I'm looking at just a GT3...24 hours ago it was a Cayman!

 

Make it clear how serious you are and that you won't consider a purchase without a test drive, they'd be foolish not to let you go out at least for a short drive. You really have to spend a little bit of time in a GTx car before deciding whether it's for you or not, and try to drive it back to back w/ the C2S, Cayman S or whatever Porsche you're considering.

 

This is a no-brainer situation. Approval from great wife, you'll love the GT3!

 

Just do it!! You'll find them both to be keepers!!

 

I went to look at a GT3 recently and was greeted with hesitation on a test drive on a 2010. Since this is only in the consideration stages for me; thats fine.

Did get a test drive in used 07 and can tell you that its a no brainer. Best driving car ever.

If you are not that experienced though, you may be just as happy with a little less sharp of an instrument. I would say test drive several models and then form your own impression.

My impression was less comfortable for longer travel and when in traffic due to sharper ride and higher noise levels. Unmatchable on mountain or coastal roads or on the track. I am speaking from feel and enjoyment rather than speed. My personal choice since the test drive would be GT3, then Caymen/ Boxster, then 911S.

 

I didnt even know test driving a gt3 is a problem...i drove into the local stealer and just browsed around...then a sales rep came up to me and offered me a test drive without me asking. I thought I would have to leave my gf behind since I came with her and it was a two seater, but the sales rep gave us the keys and just said have fun.