test drive
04-11-04, 03:17 PM
#1
test drive
I'm planning to get another car. No, I'm not getting rid of either Lexus (unless I get an offer I can't refuse). I want another sporty but new car. Not many choices out there. I'm considering the G35, 350Z and the RX8.
I test drove the RX8 yesterday. I was surpirsed to discover I fit comfortable enough in it, I'm 6-2 275lbs, didn't think I would fit in the thing. Also discovered it has pretty good off the line power. Not great but very acceptable (I was in the 6 speed manual). Handling was pretty good as expected from a squat, low and relatively light car (it's not too light). Turns were stable. Tosses around decently.
Here's the big problem. No torgue(is that spelled right?) On the interstate, I was traveling at 90. Came up on some traffic. Saw an opening an tried to downshift and squirt through (the salesman was squirming a bit). I downshifted and hit the gas. Nothing. Very little acceleration. I like the look of it though, it's different.
It's now in third place because of the lack of torque.
I test drove the RX8 yesterday. I was surpirsed to discover I fit comfortable enough in it, I'm 6-2 275lbs, didn't think I would fit in the thing. Also discovered it has pretty good off the line power. Not great but very acceptable (I was in the 6 speed manual). Handling was pretty good as expected from a squat, low and relatively light car (it's not too light). Turns were stable. Tosses around decently.
Here's the big problem. No torgue(is that spelled right?) On the interstate, I was traveling at 90. Came up on some traffic. Saw an opening an tried to downshift and squirt through (the salesman was squirming a bit). I downshifted and hit the gas. Nothing. Very little acceleration. I like the look of it though, it's different.
It's now in third place because of the lack of torque.
04-11-04, 08:43 PM
#3
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Originally posted by RA40
I like the G35 or 350Z...if I had to pick just one, probably the G35.
I like the G35 or 350Z...if I had to pick just one, probably the G35.
It's a better value than the Z for sure.
04-12-04, 08:04 AM
#7
Lexus Fanatic
Re: test drive
Originally posted by reggiek
I'm planning to get another car. No, I'm not getting rid of either Lexus (unless I get an offer I can't refuse). I want another sporty but new car. Not many choices out there. I'm considering the G35, 350Z and the RX8.
I test drove the RX8 yesterday. I was surpirsed to discover I fit comfortable enough in it, I'm 6-2 275lbs, didn't think I would fit in the thing. Also discovered it has pretty good off the line power. Not great but very acceptable (I was in the 6 speed manual). Handling was pretty good as expected from a squat, low and relatively light car (it's not too light). Turns were stable. Tosses around decently.
Here's the big problem. No torgue(is that spelled right?) On the interstate, I was traveling at 90. Came up on some traffic. Saw an opening an tried to downshift and squirt through (the salesman was squirming a bit). I downshifted and hit the gas. Nothing. Very little acceleration. I like the look of it though, it's different.
It's now in third place because of the lack of torque.
I'm planning to get another car. No, I'm not getting rid of either Lexus (unless I get an offer I can't refuse). I want another sporty but new car. Not many choices out there. I'm considering the G35, 350Z and the RX8.
I test drove the RX8 yesterday. I was surpirsed to discover I fit comfortable enough in it, I'm 6-2 275lbs, didn't think I would fit in the thing. Also discovered it has pretty good off the line power. Not great but very acceptable (I was in the 6 speed manual). Handling was pretty good as expected from a squat, low and relatively light car (it's not too light). Turns were stable. Tosses around decently.
Here's the big problem. No torgue(is that spelled right?) On the interstate, I was traveling at 90. Came up on some traffic. Saw an opening an tried to downshift and squirt through (the salesman was squirming a bit). I downshifted and hit the gas. Nothing. Very little acceleration. I like the look of it though, it's different.
It's now in third place because of the lack of torque.
I'm really surprised the salesperson let you go that fast...for several reasons. First, the speed limit was probably well below that. Second, if this was a brand-new car, the RPM should be kept below 4000 or so for the first thousand miles. Third, in an accident under those conditions, the dealer's insurance might be questionable. Yours, I don't know...it varies with different policies.
But...your torque question. Mazda rotary engines are somewhat like Honda and Toyota VTEC engines....mostly high-RPM power and not much torque at low RPM. Like the Honda S2000, the power starts to kick in around 6000 RPM or so....which should not be done until after break-in anyway.
Now I know....your reply is going to be ....."Well, how can I really test the power on a new-car test-drive if the engine is so RPM-limited?" Yes...this is a good question.....but I'm not an engineer, and that is what the engineers say....to get proper seating of the piston rings (and of the rotor tip seals in a rotary engine) during break-in, you should vary the engine speed and not exceed 4000 RPM or so. I mean....you may not be buying that car....but someone else is.
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04-12-04, 03:59 PM
#8
Re: Re: test drive
Originally posted by mmarshall
90 on the interstate and you STILL wanted to accelerate?
I'm really surprised the salesperson let you go that fast...for several reasons. First, the speed limit was probably well below that. Second, if this was a brand-new car, the RPM should be kept below 4000 or so for the first thousand miles. Third, in an accident under those conditions, the dealer's insurance might be questionable. Yours, I don't know...it varies with different policies.
But...your torque question. Mazda rotary engines are somewhat like Honda and Toyota VTEC engines....mostly high-RPM power and not much torque at low RPM. Like the Honda S2000, the power starts to kick in around 6000 RPM or so....which should not be done until after break-in anyway.
Now I know....your reply is going to be ....."Well, how can I really test the power on a new-car test-drive if the engine is so RPM-limited?" Yes...this is a good question.....but I'm not an engineer, and that is what the engineers say....to get proper seating of the piston rings (and of the rotor tip seals in a rotary engine) during break-in, you should vary the engine speed and not exceed 4000 RPM or so. I mean....you may not be buying that car....but someone else is.
90 on the interstate and you STILL wanted to accelerate?
I'm really surprised the salesperson let you go that fast...for several reasons. First, the speed limit was probably well below that. Second, if this was a brand-new car, the RPM should be kept below 4000 or so for the first thousand miles. Third, in an accident under those conditions, the dealer's insurance might be questionable. Yours, I don't know...it varies with different policies.
But...your torque question. Mazda rotary engines are somewhat like Honda and Toyota VTEC engines....mostly high-RPM power and not much torque at low RPM. Like the Honda S2000, the power starts to kick in around 6000 RPM or so....which should not be done until after break-in anyway.
Now I know....your reply is going to be ....."Well, how can I really test the power on a new-car test-drive if the engine is so RPM-limited?" Yes...this is a good question.....but I'm not an engineer, and that is what the engineers say....to get proper seating of the piston rings (and of the rotor tip seals in a rotary engine) during break-in, you should vary the engine speed and not exceed 4000 RPM or so. I mean....you may not be buying that car....but someone else is.
04-12-04, 04:34 PM
#10
G35 = More luxurious, and a backseat
3-fitty-Z = Sportier, and cheaper
Performance is pretty much the same, I think the 350 is a little better. Styling could go either way.
It's a really tough choice, but either way you'll get an awesome looking, fast car with an AWESOME engine.
Oh yea, dont get an automatic...please...please dont
3-fitty-Z = Sportier, and cheaper
Performance is pretty much the same, I think the 350 is a little better. Styling could go either way.
It's a really tough choice, but either way you'll get an awesome looking, fast car with an AWESOME engine.
Oh yea, dont get an automatic...please...please dont
04-12-04, 04:41 PM
#11
Re: Re: test drive
Originally posted by mmarshall
...if this was a brand-new car, the RPM should be kept below 4000 or so for the first thousand miles....to get proper seating of the piston rings (and of the rotor tip seals in a rotary engine) during break-in, you should vary the engine speed and not exceed 4000 RPM or so. I mean....you may not be buying that car....but someone else is.
...if this was a brand-new car, the RPM should be kept below 4000 or so for the first thousand miles....to get proper seating of the piston rings (and of the rotor tip seals in a rotary engine) during break-in, you should vary the engine speed and not exceed 4000 RPM or so. I mean....you may not be buying that car....but someone else is.
Of course, when you do get the new car...drive it below the RPM range, etc, etc...because you own it now!
04-12-04, 06:15 PM
#12
Re: Re: Re: test drive
Originally posted by KVA
[
Of course, when you do get the new car...drive it below the RPM range, etc, etc...because you own it now! [/B]
[
Of course, when you do get the new car...drive it below the RPM range, etc, etc...because you own it now!
[/B]
04-13-04, 04:51 AM
#13
Lexus Fanatic
Re: Re: Re: test drive
Originally posted by KVA
If this is really the case, then wouldn't you expect the dealerships to not offer "test" drives in the new cars until it has passed the 1K mark? Personally I would care less about the car since I am merely "test" driving it, but would want to make sure that it meets my expectations when taking it out...and that includes lot's of acceleration, high RPMs, etc... If the car falls apart in the process, then I consider the "test" drive a valuable tool in ensuring that I am wisely spending my money on a competent product. I do agree that you probably should not go to an extreme and risk an accident, but definitely push the car, because it's too late once you have bought it to return it...it's not like a purchase from Costco or something. for a lot of people, this is the second largest purchase people make next to a home...you really want to make sure your decision is a correct one...and this is simply one of the tools to help that process.
Of course, when you do get the new car...drive it below the RPM range, etc, etc...because you own it now!
If this is really the case, then wouldn't you expect the dealerships to not offer "test" drives in the new cars until it has passed the 1K mark? Personally I would care less about the car since I am merely "test" driving it, but would want to make sure that it meets my expectations when taking it out...and that includes lot's of acceleration, high RPMs, etc... If the car falls apart in the process, then I consider the "test" drive a valuable tool in ensuring that I am wisely spending my money on a competent product. I do agree that you probably should not go to an extreme and risk an accident, but definitely push the car, because it's too late once you have bought it to return it...it's not like a purchase from Costco or something. for a lot of people, this is the second largest purchase people make next to a home...you really want to make sure your decision is a correct one...and this is simply one of the tools to help that process.
Of course, when you do get the new car...drive it below the RPM range, etc, etc...because you own it now!
Now, having said that,...... you do make one point: If you just drive like Grandma you're not going to know how it reacts in an emergency....which is why I usually do at least one or two hard corners during a typical test-drive....and I drive LOTS of new cars as a part-time auto consultant.
04-13-04, 08:55 AM
#14
I am not trying to be indifferent, I am just saying that the test drive, etc... is a part/cost of doing business and creating more sales opportunities because they believe in what they are selling...I would never go out to destroy a car, but I will want to make sure that the car is something I want and has all the characteristics I need. The test cars are simply a tool used in the sales process...and I would never buy the test car!
04-13-04, 09:33 AM
#15
Lexus Fanatic
Some dealerships have what are called "demonstrators" or simply 'demos" which are used specifically FOR test-drives and nothing else. (sometimes the salespeople take them home at night). After they get about 4000-5000 miles on them, the dealers unload them for way below list....but the miles on them and the fact that the they were demos and perhaps driven hard justifies the low price....and potential buyers know that.....or SHOULD know that.