[emory2001]

I’m considering attending one of the Ride & Drive events, but I despise high pressure sales. Is it truly just an exploratory event or do they try to get you to buy/reserve a car? I’m in no way ready to commit to a purchase. I’m just trying to make a well informed decision now that more EV options are coming out, even though I really like the Ariya on screen.

 

[HotAirMN]

My wife and I attended an event in Minnesota last weekend. There was zero sales pressure. It was set up in two areas 1) that showed the pro Pilot parking demo and 2) a small coned off test track with an acceleration area, braking, sharp curve, winding curves, rumble strips and then a stop. You had to fill out some registration paperwork and a waiver. Then whoever was driving had to take a Breathalyzer test to prove you wouldn't destroy their car lol. A Nissan rep did the parking demo then he handed us off to another rep and he was a passenger while I drove, my wife was in back. Went through the track twice then he asked my wife if she wanted to drive. Then she did the track twice.

They answered any and all questions we asked. It was structured but not rushed. Then we could go into an air conditioned tent with a Ariya inside where you could look everything over in great detail. get inside, ask questions, etc. There were Nissan reps there as facilitators but at ours, they also had some factory and design reps that had worked on the vehicle design team for 5 years. I spoke with them for about 30 min asking all kinds of questions. That was very interesting. They also had snacks and drinks available in the tent. They asked you to fill out an iPad survey about your test drive while inside. Upon leaving they gave you a small brochure about the Ariya.

All in all it was very informative and well done. It was great finally seeing and driving the car too! Not one person mentioned anything about buying the car or dealerships. A lot of common questions you heard were, "so when will it be arriving". General response was, October time frame to the US but no other specifics were offered. We are very glad we went.

 

[Ridera]

I had the same experience as HotAirMN at the Ride and Drive in Northern VA

 

[Kalvin]

Welcome to the forum @emory2001 and @HotAirMN, what Lightning spec are you guys after? Surprised to hear they had people take a breathalyzer test, that's a first for me. Better safe than sorry I guess.

 

[Jack]

Just finished a Ride and Drive in MA. There's zero sales pressure. Their reservation system is full anyway. They have reps on hand to answer questions.
I learned a few things. (1) there are a couple of Ariya trims I've never heard of before...(a) engage and empower. Who knew? (b) there is no regular size spare tire; no donut size spare and no self-sealer tires, either. They give you a can of fix-a-flat type stuff. Seriously. I'm quite surprised by that. At least the Bolt comes with self-sealing Michelins (c) there's -no- regen mode which will bring the vehicle to a stop without braking. I was surprised by that, also.
(d) there's no V2L. It was never advertised to have that but still, I was hoping that with the serious delay in the rollout, they might have been able to add that. No dice on that. The driving course is in the parking lot. It's miniscule. It's not like you're taking this on a test drive through a few city blocks or freeway. It's over in about two minutes. The most value for me in attending was to see the vehicle in person, finally. Ariya strikes me a substantial vehicle in terms of size. It has a relatively high ground clearance and it has tall sides around the front engine compartment so it seems large. The inside appearance seems upscale with nice appearing materials...a synthetic leather. The driver's armrest is nearly useless, though. It's place about 1-2" too low on the door. The top of the armrest is nearly level with the top of my leg so I would have to actually lean to my left in order to get my forearm low enough to lay upon the armrest. This is very curious and tad disconcerting. It will not be of any use, comfort wise, for the driver. I saw the ocean blue model with black top. It looks beautiful. Plus, their chart indicates that the evolve comes in more colors than what appears on the nissanusa website. The reps at the event said the dealer you specified when you made your reservation can modify your order.
Finally, I'd say this vehicle is much bigger and more upscale that the Bolt, as an example.This vehicle will impress many friends because it's a nice car. And oh, the drive around the track did seem to send a lot bumps into the cabin more than you'd expect. Anyway, that's my synopsis.

 

[cybergem99]

Just finished a Ride and Drive in MA. There's zero sales pressure. Their reservation system is full anyway. They have reps on hand to answer questions.
I learned a few things. (1) there are a couple of Ariya trims I've never heard of before...(a) engage and empower. Who knew? (b) there is no regular size spare tire; no donut size spare and no self-sealer tires, either. They give you a can of fix-a-flat type stuff. Seriously. I'm quite surprised by that. At least the Bolt comes with self-sealing Michelins (c) there's -no- regen mode which will bring the vehicle to a stop without braking. I was surprised by that, also.
(d) there's no V2L. It was never advertised to have that but still, I was hoping that with the serious delay in the rollout, they might have been able to add that. No dice on that. The driving course is in the parking lot. It's miniscule. It's not like you're taking this on a test drive through a few city blocks or freeway. It's over in about two minutes. The most value for me in attending was to see the vehicle in person, finally. Ariya strikes me a substantial vehicle in terms of size. It has a relatively high ground clearance and it has tall sides around the front engine compartment so it seems large. The inside appearance seems upscale with nice appearing materials...a synthetic leather. The driver's armrest is nearly useless, though. It's place about 1-2" too low on the door. The top of the armrest is nearly level with the top of my leg so I would have to actually lean to my left in order to get my forearm low enough to lay upon the armrest. This is very curious and tad disconcerting. It will not be of any use, comfort wise, for the driver. I saw the ocean blue model with black top. It looks beautiful. Plus, their chart indicates that the evolve comes in more colors than what appears on the nissanusa website. The reps at the event said the dealer you specified when you made your reservation can modify your order.
Finally, I'd say this vehicle is much bigger and more upscale that the Bolt, as an example.This vehicle will impress many friends because it's a nice car. And oh, the drive around the track did seem to send a lot bumps into the cabin more than you'd expect. Anyway, that's my synopsis.

I attended the event in LA today. There was zero sales pressure and the team was patiently answering the questions. The Nissan rep i spoke to said there is V2L on Ariya (he said they have it in Leaf for years). The interior felt premium compared to the other same segment cars (ID4, HI5, MACHE, MY). I was told Nissan has been testing this vehicle for years and to expect the best-in-class battery management system.

 

[emory2001]

Just finished a Ride and Drive in MA. There's zero sales pressure. Their reservation system is full anyway. They have reps on hand to answer questions.
I learned a few things. (1) there are a couple of Ariya trims I've never heard of before...(a) engage and empower. Who knew? (b) there is no regular size spare tire; no donut size spare and no self-sealer tires, either. They give you a can of fix-a-flat type stuff. Seriously. I'm quite surprised by that. At least the Bolt comes with self-sealing Michelins (c) there's -no- regen mode which will bring the vehicle to a stop without braking. I was surprised by that, also.
(d) there's no V2L. It was never advertised to have that but still, I was hoping that with the serious delay in the rollout, they might have been able to add that. No dice on that. The driving course is in the parking lot. It's miniscule. It's not like you're taking this on a test drive through a few city blocks or freeway. It's over in about two minutes. The most value for me in attending was to see the vehicle in person, finally. Ariya strikes me a substantial vehicle in terms of size. It has a relatively high ground clearance and it has tall sides around the front engine compartment so it seems large. The inside appearance seems upscale with nice appearing materials...a synthetic leather. The driver's armrest is nearly useless, though. It's place about 1-2" too low on the door. The top of the armrest is nearly level with the top of my leg so I would have to actually lean to my left in order to get my forearm low enough to lay upon the armrest. This is very curious and tad disconcerting. It will not be of any use, comfort wise, for the driver. I saw the ocean blue model with black top. It looks beautiful. Plus, their chart indicates that the evolve comes in more colors than what appears on the nissanusa website. The reps at the event said the dealer you specified when you made your reservation can modify your order.
Finally, I'd say this vehicle is much bigger and more upscale that the Bolt, as an example.This vehicle will impress many friends because it's a nice car. And oh, the drive around the track did seem to send a lot bumps into the cabin more than you'd expect. Anyway, that's my synopsis.

Thanks for the honest assessment. I always appreciate that over misleading positivity. I’m planning to drive and compare a few different EVs before deciding. I’m coming from a Lexus NX which is just slightly bigger than the Ariya and the competition’s MY, but I can downsize a bit because my husband will be switching from a sedan to full size SUV about the same time.

 

[Jack]

The rep who told me there's no V2L was the regional manager's boss. We spent quite a bit of time around the vehicle. If it has V2L, that would be a surprise to Nissan.

 

[Jack]

I attended the event in LA today. There was zero sales pressure and the team was patiently answering the questions. The Nissan rep i spoke to said there is V2L on Ariya (he said they have it in Leaf for years). The interior felt premium compared to the other same segment cars (ID4, HI5, MACHE, MY). I was told Nissan has been testing this vehicle for years and to expect the best-in-class battery management system.

The rep who told me there's no V2L was the regional manager's boss. We spent quite a bit of time around the vehicle. If it has V2L, that would be a surprise to Nissan.

 

[Znarlz]

Just attended the drive event in Pamona. ZERO sales pressure.
Actually, our driver let us know he would not be getting an Ariya, or any EV really, because he prefers long distance driving without extended breaks for re-charging. He also told us not to expect our car until Q2 of next year. Definitely not trying to woo us in anyway.

 

[Forest]

Just attended the drive event in Pamona. ZERO sales pressure.
Actually, our driver let us know he would not be getting an Ariya, or any EV really, because he prefers long distance driving without extended breaks for re-charging. He also told us not to expect our car until Q2 of next year. Definitely not trying to woo us in anyway.

I’m considering attending one of the Ride & Drive events, but I despise high pressure sales. Is it truly just an exploratory event or do they try to get you to buy/reserve a car? I’m in no way ready to commit to a purchase. I’m just trying to make a well informed decision now that more EV options are coming out, even though I really like the Ariya on screen.

I attended the MA event on 7/17. Like others here the event was well managed and organized.
I was looking to see if the Ariya could be the car for my husband and I. He has a back issue and the passenger seat needs to be very comfortable and adjustable.
I found the car to handle well in picku, cornering, sudden swerves. I thought the regen could be better. Could feel bumps more than we like.
Interior average. I thought the copper accent bar seemed cold and the Japanese screen too plastic looking. The driver seat very comfortable with power adjustments. The passenger seat was manually adjustable, not as comfortable as we hoped. I think this is true for most trim levels. I reserved the Evolve and it is true for that.
The car reminded me of the RAV 4 I had, and I don’t want to go back to that.
I am leasing a Leaf right now and looking for the next EV. It has come down to the ID4 for me, given price and equipment and comfort.
I canceled my reservation. The refund was issued in 2 days.

 

[Jack]

I attended the MA event on 7/17. Like others here the event was well managed and organized.
I was looking to see if the Ariya could be the car for my husband and I. He has a back issue and the passenger seat needs to be very comfortable and adjustable.
I found the car to handle well in picku, cornering, sudden swerves. I thought the regen could be better. Could feel bumps more than we like.
Interior average. I thought the copper accent bar seemed cold and the Japanese screen too plastic looking. The driver seat very comfortable with power adjustments. The passenger seat was manually adjustable, not as comfortable as we hoped. I think this is true for most trim levels. I reserved the Evolve and it is true for that.
The car reminded me of the RAV 4 I had, and I don’t want to go back to that.
I am leasing a Leaf right now and looking for the next EV. It has come down to the ID4 for me, given price and equipment and comfort.
I canceled my reservation. The refund was issued in 2 days.

Interesting commentary. Given the competition, the range of Evolve still keeps it in the running. It's more of a passenger vehicle than a utility vehicle when compared to Bolt. The deep rear cargo area of the Bolt is very handy to transport taller items. It would be nice if Nissan discussed the inevitable battery replacement because I don't want to end up in a situation where the replacement battery is costing $$$$$. Obviously, that requires forward looking analysis but it could provide reassurance if Nissan would address that.

 

[Forest]

Interesting commentary. Given the competition, the range of Evolve still keeps it in the running. It's more of a passenger vehicle than a utility vehicle when compared to Bolt. The deep rear cargo area of the Bolt is very handy to transport taller items. It would be nice if Nissan discussed the inevitable battery replacement because I don't want to end up in a situation where the replacement battery is costing $$$$$. Obviously, that requires forward looking analysis but it could provide reassurance if Nissan would address that.

Yes, we decided we could give up some range in trade for comfort because it is needed for health. Also went with AWD.

 

[Jack]

Yes, we decided we could give up some range in trade for comfort because it is needed for health. Also went with AWD.

Interesting. I actually downgraded from awd platinum to the evolve due to (1) increased range (2) less complicated powertrain (3) less $ (4) evolve eligible for state EV rebate and platinum not (5) evolve available in a more desirable color. By the way, my info says both front seats in evolve are power-equiped. Right now, I'm looking for a self seal tire for the Ariya but haven't found a manufacturer that makes one for the Ariya.

 

[Forest]

Interesting. I actually downgraded from awd platinum to the evolve due to (1) increased range (2) less complicated powertrain (3) less $ (4) evolve eligible for state EV rebate and platinum not (5) evolve available in a more desirable color. By the way, my info says both front seats in evolve are power-equiped. Right now, I'm looking for a self seal tire for the Ariya but haven't found a manufacturer that makes one for the Ariya.

Huh. Information at the event was the opposite! Found the ID4 pro s AWD to be a few hundred more than the Evolve. Worth it to us for the power seats and AWD.