A complete stranger just let me flog his 2012 CTS-V

"TFen" (tfen)
11/15/2014 at 15:50 • Filed to: None

Actually, he encouraged it. I'll be smiling for a week.

That's all I got.

(Car looked just like the one pictured)

Edit: Here's the complete story

I work at a car dealership. Gentleman walked in looking at the 2015 Genesis, tells me he drives a CTS. I mentioned that I admire how Caddy has turned it around and how I'm really into Corvettes. We chat for a bit and he takes out the Genesis for a quick spin.

As we're pulling back in to the dealership, I notice a CTS-V in the lot - turns out it's his and he also owns some Vettes. We shared a few laughs and as we're finishing up and I'm walking him out, he throws me the key. I look at him with the "are you serious / smiling like an idiot" look and he gives me the reaffirming nod.

As I nervously start it up he instructs me on how to shut off traction and stability controls - I knew it was going to be good lol. He changes it into sport mode and tells me to have at it.

I didn't really wan't to kill it(I'm still pretty nervous) but he was encouraging it. I hit it and OMG I've never felt anything like it. The car was incredibly composed and well mannered... until I stomped on the accelerator - what a feeling! I've driven a decent array of vehicles in the 400-450hp range, let me tell you: that extra 100HP really makes an unbelievable difference.

I took it easy around the corners but had a slightly embarrassing but totally bad ass moment when I fishtailed/drifted the car while turning left after the stop sign. 556HP can really get away from you in a hurry, especially with all assists turned off. I followed it through, though and completed the turn without too much drama, he just chuckled and didn't think anything of it.

It was a short drive but definitely an experience I wont soon forget. It was so much better that it was completely random and during an otherwise quiet shift at work.

And to think, I almost called in sick today.

DISCUSSION (10)

Skif6996 > TFen
11/15/2014 at 16:18

This ain't Twitter, man! Give us the whole story!

TFen > Skif6996
11/15/2014 at 17:30

As I nervously start it up he instructs me on how to shut off traction and stability controls - I knew it was going to be good lol. He changes it into sport mode and tells me to have at it.

It was a short drive but definitely an experience I wont soon forget. It was so much better that it was completely random and during an otherwise quiet shift at work.

And to think, I almost called in sick today.

Gizmo - The Only Good Gremlin, but don't feed me after Midnight > TFen
11/15/2014 at 22:47

Good for you!

I did pretty much the same thing for a friend who has lusted over my car for the last three years. So I decided to surprise him on his birthday last week. Took him out for a romp in the ELWOOD XLR-V with some tight windy roads and then a highway launch or two. About 30 miles from our destination, I got out and told him to do what I just did... for himself. He was giddy and couldn't stop talking to himself. Unlike your ride, I never turn all the safeties off for an unknown driver - well over 500+ RWHP/TQ gets sideways fast. Like you, he broke the tires loose once, the nannies smoothly got him back under control and I just smiled. Passing gear on the highway made him scream like a schoolgirl. It was cold outside, but he drove the whole way with the windows down, radio off so he could hear the exhaust go from a deep bass rumble to outright thunderous at full song. We arrived at our destination and he just sat there withe the car in park idling (I think he just needed a few minutes to peel his fingers off the wheel), but he was savoring the thrill, storing it in his memory for all time - he had driven his dream car and this one was the wildest, fastest, loudest of them all. His facebook post afterwards, "I'M IN MY DREAM CAR. SHOOT ME IN THE FACE AND I'LL DIE HAPPY."

Blunion05 drives a pink S2000 (USER WAS BANNED FOR THIS POST) > TFen
11/16/2014 at 01:07

Now you know what it's like to drive a ZL1 :) Although both cars may still give a different experience.

Driver > TFen
11/16/2014 at 11:14

Um, which Genesis was he looking at? Did he buy it?

TFen > Driver
11/16/2014 at 16:06

2015 Genesis Sedan Premium (Base car in Canada - includes AWD). He needs a secondary sedan - the wife is scared of the V (rightfully so) and doesn't want to drive the family truckster all the time. He'll be keeping the V for another couple years.

Also, he burns about $400-600 in gas per week in the V ($1.40 / litre here) so he doesn't mind having another nice sedan to commute it.

He didn't buy it, as he was legitimately just checking out his options. He was blown away by the price($45,000 CDN) and remarked that the interior was lightyears ahead of the "cheap plastic" interior of his $90,000CDN Caddy (his words - I thought the interior was fine).

He told me to shoot him an email with pricing, etc. I'm sure he'll be back for "round 2". I'm really not a pushy sales guy, I'm convinced it's the key to my success. Plus, strangers don't let sleezy sales guys hoon their $90,000, 560hp, tire melting toys haha.

TFen > Gizmo - The Only Good Gremlin, but don't feed me after Midnight
11/16/2014 at 16:17

Great story! I'm sure it was just as rewarding to him as it was to you.

"SHOOT ME IN THE FACE AND I'LL DIE HAPPY."

That pretty well sums up the feeling as you park it.

TFen > Blunion05 drives a pink S2000 (USER WAS BANNED FOR THIS POST)
11/16/2014 at 16:21

What was amazing about the Caddy is how quiet and composed it was before I stomped on it. I don't imagine the ZL1 to be quite so "Jeckel and Hidean", but I could be very wrong.

Driver > TFen
11/16/2014 at 16:51

I have lusted after the CTS-V's since they debuted. My Gen Coupe was way more in my price range, though and no complaints. I sold cars a zillion years ago and I am familiar with how resourceful one needs to be for success. Diligent, honest work is rewarding, good on you!

Milkman's Son > TFen
11/16/2014 at 17:42

GM used to let you do this in Vegas for $5 and a clean breathalyzer.