Hmmmmm I'm Starting to Ponder something here.

[007s 'Vert]

I was at the Dodge dealership the other day and was checking out a Jeep Wrangler for my wife and sitting right next to it was a Challenger, at first I didn't think muck of it because I thought they were around $46K but the sticker in the window was $31k so I naturally thought it was a V6 but the salesman (nice helpful guy)told me it was the V8, i was surprised. I said that I thought they cost a lot more than that and he told me that the SRT8s were the expensive ones and they have a big block in those. Well for shits and grins I decided to check the car out further, turns out the car has a much larger trunk then the Camaro with folding seats that are actually a bit larger than the Camaro when it comes to room in the back seat. So far I was rather impressed. I sat in the front seat and was rather impressed at the total layout and feel of the dash and interior layout.
Next thing you know the salesman asked me if I wanted to take it for a test drive, that really made me do a double take, I told him I was unemployed so it would be a waste of time for him, he STILL wanted mw to try it out. Now.... I'm telling you this because even when I had a job I couldn't get ANY Chevy dealership to give me a chance to take the Camaro out for a test drive, and it didn't matter how much I begged.
The Dodge salesman sad that he actually gained customers that were sold on the Camaro and couldn't get a test drive even when they were actually there to buy the Camaro, so they went over to Dodge and test drove the Challenger and ended up buying one.
I have been a "die hard" Camaro fan all my life and I will always like the Camaros but I will refuse to buy ANY car that the dealer isn't willing to let me try out first, Chevy will let me try any other vehicle they make but won't let me try out a Camaro, there is something wrong and that really chaps my hide so now I am finding myself courting the idea of getting a Challenger, The car is comfortable, has a trunk(not like the little glove box that the Camaro has, I have a 2004 Monte Carlo that has a trunk on it that you can park the Camaro in), has a spare tire(gotta have that), beautiful interior, offers a V6, and two V8s (the mid V8 is affordable and is 375 hp which is plenty for me) and the same gas mileage to boot.
I thought I would never say this but I think my next car might have a HEMI in it. I love the Camaro and I love the looks, but I also love the looks of the Challenger about as much, this is going to be a tough choice but unless Chevy gets there shit together and start promoting their Camaros they just might lose me as a customer, and I have ALWAYS bought a chevy, dont worry though I am not getting a Ford(them things don't like me)
The main things that really have me clinging onto the idea of getting a Camaro is the upcoming convertible, the 100000 mile warranty, the stylish looks, oh! and of course.......it's a Chevy.....'nuff said there.
I live in Athens Georgia and if anybody here knows anywhere I can get a test drive in a Camaro or know of any tricks as to convince the dealer to give me a test drive in one then that would be greatly appreciated. I AM going to test drive both the Camaro and the Challenger BEFORE I make my decision though even though I am still leaning stronger to the Camaro, And you hot rodders out there it has nothing to do with which car is faster or has more horsepower to me, it is all about the actual feel of the car and what I feel comfortable with, I know the SS is a lot faster car than the 5.7 liter Challenger but at age 45 I am not into street racing, or out there just trying to prove a point. I just like that for the same price I will end up paying for a V6 Camaro- I can get a V8 Challenger and still get all the bells and whistles I can get in the Camaro at no extra cost. I am not here to start a flame war I am open to ideas, suggestions and opinions. if you dont see me around here much then you will be able to find me in the Challenger forums.
DT11

[jeepguy_1980]

Now that there are plenty of Camaros on the dealer's lots, it's not hard to get a test drive.

[007s 'Vert]

Originally Posted by jeepguy_1980

Now that there are plenty of Camaros on the dealer's lots, it's not hard to get a test drive.

I tried just last week and they still refuse to let me have a test drive.

[LazyYoYo]

i'd try telling them your story you jsut told us, never know. i personnally never drove one before i bought mine, first drive was for my free tank of gas.

[daphatgrant]

Depending on what you want in a Challenger the price can go up rather quickly. Make it a manual and the price goes up $1K. I'm a fan of both cars and never plan to race my Camaro but dollars to horses you can't beat the Camaro. Best of luck with what you decide, both cars are gorgeous but like you said, I'm a Chevy guy .

[jeepguy_1980]

Really? I bought mine less than 2 weeks ago. I went to 2 dealers. I told the second I had already test driven every engine/tranny combo and that I wouldn't buy a car from them and they still insisted I drive one of theirs.

First dealer (the one I got mine from) never even asked to see my license and I had only been on the lot for about 5 minutes.

[BackinBlackSS/RS]

Surely there is a dealer that will give you a test drive. Don't cheat yourself out of this amazing car because of a stupid dealer. Find one that will let you test drive it. If after you still feel like getting the Challenger then have at it. Good luck.

[ron10]

depends on the dealer you go to.

[katatonia]

Originally Posted by 2011DropTop

I tried just last week and they still refuse to let me have a test drive.

I test drove camaros at 3 different dealerships. One in Jacksonville, FL- Claxton, GA and Savannah, GA.

Only the one in Jax required the salesperson to go with me.

That's sad- I wouldn't have bought one if they wouldn't let me drive it first.

Bought mine in Claxton but they had to go to Athens to pick it up.

[007s 'Vert]

I for sure will keep trying, I really want to know what all the hype about the Camaro is about.

[Darth_Emma]

If you start out telling them you're unemployed and not really looking for a car, they're not likely going to press you to take a test drive in a Camaro. On the other hand, Chrysler is having a much rougher time financially than GM right now. They are likely to be a bit more under pressure to sell cars. (Please don't flame me for that. I mean no offense.)

If you tell a chevy dealer you are seriousy interested in buying a Camaro, I'm sure you would get a test drive. I had no problem at all getting a dealer to let me drive a V8 Camaro. He handed me the keys and said "have fun."

[Xploite]

In Tenneessee any dealer will let you test the Camaro. My dealer rode with me the first time and gave me the keys and said have fun the second. Find yourself a better dealer.

[007s 'Vert]

Any of you Bull Dawg fans here in Athens here that have a Camaro? if so did you get a test drive?

[Ein17]

Generally any dealer will let you test drive one if you are serious about buying one that day. Just sell the story, say you went to so and so they have one just like this for this price can u match it? and get into how you would like to test drive one before you buy it.