Angelus1243

I think it does come down to perception as well. Not necessarily what you're wearing, but how you act as well. Do a bit of research so it looks like you're serious about what you're buying. [Engine, similar competition cars] I wouldn't think too many people just wander into a Benz dealership on a whim, and buy a car without knowing anything.

I went into a BMW dealership with a female friend to test-drive a new 328xi, when I saw a Z4 and decided, what the hell let's see how it compares to an S. I'm a young guy, don't look rich or anything and I said "I've been looking into getting a roadster. I've test driven a few Boxsters and s2000's, but I'm looking for something a bit more refined with more low-end torque. I hear the Z4's straight 6 is pretty good for that."

5 minutes later, me and my friend are cruising around for an hour in a brand new $70,000 list price Z4.

The Gasman

Hell, I know of multiple people that got to test drive Lamborgini's solo from the Lambo dealer. Some in California.

y2ks2k

Ya, I was sitting in a Honda fit that was "new" with over 300 miles on it. They let me drive it as long as I wanted but I told the guy "wtf, I wont buy a car with 300 miles on it". Chances are the dealers were also using it to run around with (and probably beat it to hell).

rockville

Best I've had:
Porsche: Used Boxster.
Ford: New Contour SVT - Subsequently that dealer earned a spot on my all time never recommend list but the sales lady and test drive were great.

Worst:
Nissan: Turn right, go straight. Repeat 4 times.

Of course all these test drives should be considered in context of independently owned and operated dealerships. I would not necessarily assume that good or bad treatment at one Ford, Porsche or Nissan dealership will be indicative of my treatment at others.

plutonium239

I've had solo test drives in an rx8 and is300. It has a lot to do with age and how you present yourself and possibly the car you pull into the lot in. Pull up in your slammed civic with your hat on sideways....gtfo.

Carbon Blue

clawhammer

I had a solo test drive (well my co-worker came with me, but no salesman) in a Porsche 911 today. My coworker bought a car from the dealership, and he told the salesman that I've been thinking about getting a 911, and asked if I could drive one. When we showed up at the dealership to take delivery on his car, there was a 911 waiting for a test drive.