[bronco]

Good morning guys, I know it is very early in the morning for some of you, but I could not wait to share my test drive experience from yesterday.

Here is how my day developed yesterday:

(NOTE: Keep in mind that I have already test drove all these cars a few months ago, except the Jaguar SR)

Woke up, and decided that I will go test drive the new G35 6 speed, the IS350, the 335i 6 speed, and a used Jaguar S-Type SR.

The G35 was a complete disapointment (the clutch is the worst I've ever driven)...I dont care how much cheaper than the BMW this car is, it is a NO NO for me!

The Lexus was OK car, but too smal for me and no 6 speed. Not to mention that there is no road feel. No offense you Lexus guys, but Lexus has some more work to do before I reconcider it for a sports sedan. The big LS460 is a different game.

The Jaguar was a monster! I almost got hooked to the handling and steering. Very sharp and sticks to the road like a wet spunge, and the torque just snaps your neck.

Then it was time for the 335i. It was already 5:15pm, but still called Gloal Imports and asked for a 6 speed 335 to test drive. I was told that they dont have one, but they have one that is an automatic. I decided to go check it out anyways, even tho I am buying a manual, I wanted to see how the 335 compares to the Jag's 410 pounds of torque.

We arrived at the dealership at arround 5:30pm. We were reffered to Mr. Rob Collini (QwazyWabbit here on e90post.com).
Let me tell you - Rob Collini is one heck of a guy :rocks:
He is top notch sales guy and really, really knows what he sells.
It is very hard to find a good sales guy these days that can answer all of your questions, and to see him talk about the car in question with so much passion and energy.

After he quickly intrroduced himself and grabbed the keys to the silver e90 auto (no sports packagage and no premium) we headed to the most impressive test drive I hve ever experienced.

Rob went above and beyond to show what this car is capable of doing. Even without the sports package, I was blasted by the way the car behaved and handled.

Rob was kind enough to let my father test drive the 335 as well.

I could not believe that the auto transmission worked so well, and that the 335 felt as fast as the Jaguar SR. The Jag had more corvette type of handling, where the BMW was wiggly and shaky, but I know this was in part due to the lack of sport pack.

By the time we came back from the test drive it was already past 6 pm, and even tho the official office hours on the dealership were 9-6 on Saturdays, Rob stayed with us and we went over some finance vs. lease, pricing, 2008 model etc. questions. I could not feel pressured to leave for one sec.

Anyways, I just want to say that I am definately NOT getting the Jaguar, because it was the only car of the above noted, and test driven, that was close to the BMW experience.

Combine the 335 performace, comfort, and style with the amazing treatment that we received from Mr. Collini, and you get a 100% winner

Have a great day!

[theYardie]

I generally don't trust sales guys (CA), so it's refreshing to read a post that puts a CA in a positive light. Good job for giving the man props.

[Romo]

Good cars sell themselves.............................

[ksfrogman]

I wonder what you might think of the G37. I drove a G35 auto, and was actually impressed. It definitely had a different road feel; felt a little more isolated from the road. I didn't care for the plastic appearance of the cockpit, but imagine the new G has been redesigned.

[achien]

while you are at it, test drive the Pontiac G8 too and tell us what you think...

[purplewidow]

all you have to do is look at the total cost of ownership...the bmw is actually cheaper to own than a g35 and the lexus thx to the amazing resale value of bmw's... all i know is a buddy of mine is a japohholic(lover of sti's evos and such) after i go my car and the announcement of the 135 he is even like screw the evo i am waiting for a 135....it is amazing how much my e92 335 impresses people when they get inside of it!!!!

[bronco]

Originally Posted by ksfrogman

I wonder what you might think of the G37. I drove a G35 auto, and was actually impressed. It definitely had a different road feel; felt a little more isolated from the road. I didn't care for the plastic appearance of the cockpit, but imagine the new G has been redesigned.

I havnt driven one yet, but I am sure it would have the same crappy cluth...Shame on Infiniti

[William]

I've been thinking about testing out the Jag. but not really
still I could tell you were typing that down with excitement

[Enkur]

I wasnt sure if you test drove a sedan or the coupe. But on the coupe the sports package only adds sports seat, ups the limiter and different wheels. The sports suspension is standard on the coupe.
Maybe you should go back and test drive the coupe to get the feel for the suspension.

Originally Posted by bronco

Rob went above and beyond to show what this car is capable of doing. Even without the sports package, I was blasted by the way the car behaved and handled.
I could not believe that the auto transmission worked so well, and that the 335 felt as fast as the Jaguar SR. The Jag had more corvette type of handling, where the BMW was wiggly and shaky, but I know this was in part due to the lack of sport pack.

[bronco]

Originally Posted by Enkur

I wasnt sure if you test drove a sedan or the coupe. But on the coupe the sports package only adds sports seat, ups the limiter and different wheels. The sports suspension is standard on the coupe.
Maybe you should go back and test drive the coupe to get the feel for the suspension.

it was a sedan --> "After he quickly intrroduced himself and grabbed the keys to the silver e90 auto (no sports packagage and no premium) we headed to the most impressive test drive I hve ever experienced."

I know I wrote a lot and it is easy to miss it.

[SpdFreak]

I spoke to some dealers, BMW and others.

Do they let you testdrive right away? Or did you have bs to them?

I haven't driven stick in a while but feel confident that I won't stall. Smoothness on the other hand won't be great...Practice makes perfect.

[GeorgiaTech335coupe]

the BMW dealership I went let me test drive right away, despite my age. No BS needed, my CA even insisted on letting my brother drive, too. He actually called to schedule another test drive when the 6speed wasn't available and when it started raining. It's been my experience that they rather let you test drive the car than try to explain how sweet it it.

[bronco]

Originally Posted by SpdFreak

I spoke to some dealers, BMW and others.

Do they let you testdrive right away? Or did you have bs to them?

I haven't driven stick in a while but feel confident that I won't stall. Smoothness on the other hand won't be great...Practice makes perfect.

I always take the easy way - I call them if I am in the area and in the mood of a test drive, and tell them that I am interested in the car and need to test drive it. So, far no BS

[allenone973]

Originally Posted by bronco

Good morning guys, I know it is very early in the morning for some of you, but I could not wait to share my test drive experience from yesterday.

Here is how my day developed yesterday:

(NOTE: Keep in mind that I have already test drove all these cars a few months ago, except the Jaguar SR)

Woke up, and decided that I will go test drive the new G35 6 speed, the IS350, the 335i 6 speed, and a used Jaguar S-Type SR.

The G35 was a complete disapointment (the clutch is the worst I've ever driven)...I dont care how much cheaper than the BMW this car is, it is a NO NO for me!

The Lexus was OK car, but too smal for me and no 6 speed. Not to mention that there is no road feel. No offense you Lexus guys, but Lexus has some more work to do before I reconcider it for a sports sedan. The big LS460 is a different game.

The Jaguar was a monster! I almost got hooked to the handling and steering. Very sharp and sticks to the road like a wet spunge, and the torque just snaps your neck.

Then it was time for the 335i. It was already 5:15pm, but still called Gloal Imports and asked for a 6 speed 335 to test drive. I was told that they dont have one, but they have one that is an automatic. I decided to go check it out anyways, even tho I am buying a manual, I wanted to see how the 335 compares to the Jag's 410 pounds of torque.

We arrived at the dealership at arround 5:30pm. We were reffered to Mr. Rob Collini (QwazyWabbit here on e90post.com).
Let me tell you - Rob Collini is one heck of a guy :rocks:
He is top notch sales guy and really, really knows what he sells.
It is very hard to find a good sales guy these days that can answer all of your questions, and to see him talk about the car in question with so much passion and energy.

After he quickly intrroduced himself and grabbed the keys to the silver e90 auto (no sports packagage and no premium) we headed to the most impressive test drive I hve ever experienced.

Rob went above and beyond to show what this car is capable of doing. Even without the sports package, I was blasted by the way the car behaved and handled.

Rob was kind enough to let my father test drive the 335 as well.

I could not believe that the auto transmission worked so well, and that the 335 felt as fast as the Jaguar SR. The Jag had more corvette type of handling, where the BMW was wiggly and shaky, but I know this was in part due to the lack of sport pack.

By the time we came back from the test drive it was already past 6 pm, and even tho the official office hours on the dealership were 9-6 on Saturdays, Rob stayed with us and we went over some finance vs. lease, pricing, 2008 model etc. questions. I could not feel pressured to leave for one sec.

Anyways, I just want to say that I am definately NOT getting the Jaguar, because it was the only car of the above noted, and test driven, that was close to the BMW experience.

Combine the 335 performace, comfort, and style with the amazing treatment that we received from Mr. Collini, and you get a 100% winner

Have a great day!

I work with Rob at Global and he is a great guy. most of us at Global (especially the young guys) are true enthusiasts and you can definetly count on me and Rob to show you a good time and make you a great deal on your next BMW....

[flush01]

i felt the same way, there's no competition for 335 in its class....

[bronco]

Originally Posted by allenone973

I work with Rob at Global and he is a great guy. most of us at Global (especially the young guys) are true enthusiasts and you can definetly count on me and Rob to show you a good time and make you a great deal on your next BMW....

I am waiting for the 2008 model to come out and then I am ordering. Thanks!

[achien]

Originally Posted by bronco

I am waiting for the 2008 model to come out and then I am ordering. Thanks!

Good luck with the wait...

[bronco]

Originally Posted by achien

Good luck with the wait...

Yeah....it is making me crazy. And once I order, I will have to wait moooooore

[allenone973]

you won't have to wait too much longer, we are already booked up on 2007 ordering for the coupes and convertibles. in about a month you can come see me and order your 2008!! ask for allen!

[bronco]

Originally Posted by allenone973

you won't have to wait too much longer, we are already booked up on 2007 ordering for the coupes and convertibles. in about a month you can come see me and order your 2008!! ask for allen!

I will probably be able to order in a month or so, but when will my order go in production?

[tomegun]

So you are just going to swoop in and take the sale from Rob?
I'm not saying you aren't good or just as good as Rob, but if someone treated me that good I would go back to them when it is time to buy.

[bronco]

Originally Posted by tomegun

So you are just going to swoop in and take the sale from Rob?
I'm not saying you aren't good or just as good as Rob, but if someone treated me that good I would go back to them when it is time to buy.

OK, lets not start a fight here

I think we all know where I will go when the time is right. But then again, it is a competitive world that we live in, and money TALKS

I was just asking informative questions, nothing else.