So did they let you drive it?
Yep......I did get to drive it.
This is where dealers are generally confused places. Told I could buy their car right away and then told by others I could not... not till September 1st. Told there was no key available to even check the dash lights, but later saw the car had been moved outside.
A woman who had a lease up on her Corolla was being assisted with a test drive.
So I asked to be a passenger, while still given the idea I couldn't drive it myself. So I became a passenger and by then they couldn't say I couldn't drive it if she just did.
She was short so I found it very comfortable and roomy sitting behind her, A taller driver would have made it confining back there for an adult.
It was an amazingly smooth and quiet drive. I mean you were aware of the undulations in the road, but they never jarred. Kind of a controlled sport car feel. The driver could not get over how much better the ride was from her Corolla. She felt like she was in a more expensive car. You could hear the engine during acceleration, but it was a pleasing, sporty sound. During steady cruising it was practically silent.
These impressions were confirmed during my test drive. It seemed pretty zippy driving the streets around the dealer and on the freeway. I didn't get the chance to drive it on any hills or a lot of curves so I am not sure how it will do there. It was very composed when I tried tight turns, however.
The only time it seemed a bit sluggish in rapid acceleration was in normal mode. Sport mode was a definite improvement if you wanted spirited driving. You could really tell the difference. It has that seven step set-up to it designed to feel the "shifts". You felt them, but it was very subtle and smooth.
I tried manual mode , but the car started beeping once because I was over revving it. Not the car's fault.....just my inexperience and not enough time to perfect technique during a test drive.
This is not a powerful car, just as others have reported, but it is definitely a fun drive!
Can't wait to get the opportunity to drive a manual!
A special shout out to the salesman who accompanied me on my ride....Lewez Iskaros. If you buy from I-10 Toyota Scion, buy through him! 877-907-ITEN.