You’ve done your research. You’ve Googled, compared, watched videos, and looked through brochures. Not only do you feel confident about the make and model of the vehicle you’re interested in, but you have a good idea about the features you want, too!
The only piece left is the test drive. A test drive is the best way to ensure the vehicle that looks so good on paper is as good in reality.
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, though, test drives gave everyone pause. Now, following health and safety recommendations, our team at Lincoln of Troy on West Maple Road knows that one way to keep everyone safe for test drives is to schedule them ahead of time. You still get all the advantages of test driving the vehicle of your dreams - by appointment. Call or visit our website today to schedule yours!
Kicking the Tires
Our team at Lincoln of Troy understands that buying a car is a real investment. Especially in this unusual time, we find many are spending more time looking online, researching, and reading online before coming into our dealership. We appreciate the amount of time that takes. Overall, our customers are very well-informed about not only the vehicle in which they are interested but in specific features and available offers. That’s exciting!
At the same time, we know there is no better way to make up your mind than a test drive. We want our customers to have every opportunity to ‘kick the tires’ and see for themselves what the vehicle looks and feels like - in person.
We recommend that you get situated behind the wheel, and before even turning the key (or inserting the fob), you sit quietly for a few minutes. Take the time you need to answer some crucial questions for yourself.
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How does your back feel against the seat?
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Do your legs fit comfortably under the steering wheel?
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Can you naturally and comfortably reach the console or the touchscreen?
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Do the controls for the turn indicator, windshield wipers, air/heat make sense, and are they easy to operate?
Take the time you need to make any necessary adjustments. Did things improve? How comfortable are you now? Sit in both the front passenger’s seat and the rear seats. How do they feel? Can adjustments be made?
We have all the time you need to sit, adjust, relax, and ponder. We are on your timeline, not the other way around.
Like It or Love It
We want you to LOVE your car, not just like it. Besides, you are likely going to be driving this vehicle for the next three years or so. It needs to be something you look forward to traveling in.
After you’ve settled into the vehicle and had a real opportunity to think about comfort and feel, think through your routine and then try out the safety features. Based on interactions with our customers, think through these questions while you’re still sitting in the lot:
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Where would I put my dry cleaning?
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Is the cupholder convenient for morning coffee?
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Where is the turn indicator? Controls for the windshield wipers?
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If I pick up takeout, is the console in the way?
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Where is my blindspot?
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Is it difficult for me to get in and out of the vehicle?
Some of these may sound like silly questions, but you know that some of these answers can be problematic. We want to try and help you think through every contingency so that when you drive off our lot, you are in LOVE with the vehicle you’ve chosen.
Let’s GO!
You’ll never know until you GO! We want you to take your car on the road.
If you think you’ll be driving in neighborhood conditions, with lots of stops and starts, then we want you to test the vehicle in a neighborhood. If you think you will be highway commuting, we need to go to the highway for a test drive.
You need to see how the vehicle handles. Is it smooth and quiet, or too loud? Does it need a soft touch on the pedals, or do the brakes require a little more? How does it handle on the highway? Can you pick up speed easily to pass another vehicle?
You will undoubtedly want to test some of the safety features in your vehicle. Go through the driver-assistance technology features and see how they perform. Does the car let you know when someone is in your blind spot? Is the vehicle easy to park? When backing out of a parking space, can you see using the rearview camera? If you gently drift into another lane, do you hear the warning alert?
A test drive is one of the most valuable tools you have when buying a car. We want you to feel confident, secure, and happy about the investment you’re making. Take all the time you need. We are here for you.
Bumper-to-Bumper
Walk around the car and look it over. Are there any imperfections at all? If you are buying Certified Pre-Owned, you need to look over the CARFAX statement. Inspect the seats and cargo area. Pop the hood and take a peek. Are there squeaks or whistles? We have no secrets and want to know that you feel confident.
Questions Answered
The test drive is the perfect opportunity to ask us all your questions. Just like before a doctor’s appointment, go ahead and write down any questions before you come into the dealership. As we talk and look at our inventory, you will likely have lots of questions to ask. That’s great! We have the answers.
At Lincoln of Troy, your schedule is our schedule. Take a look at our inventory. Make your list of questions. Call us to schedule a test drive, and let’s get out on the road. You won’t regret it!