Automobile Retailers

On Wednesday, I discussed an article written by a person who thought the drinking and driving laws were unconstitutional. As controversial as that is, I found another article by the same person saying that the group Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is actually angry at the wrong group of people.

The basis of his argument is that the group “distorts” figures and statistics to make their cause sound better. For instance, an alcohol-related incident includes even incidents where a drunken pedestrian was struck by a sober person driving a car. In fact, he says, the National Highway Traffic Safety Association has found that about 12 percent of all alcohol-related incidents involve drunken pedestrians and bicyclists instead of a drunken person behind the wheel of a car.

Another one of his major points is that sober drivers cause far more accidents than drunken drivers. If that’s true, he says, why aren’t sober drivers breaking the law just as much as drunken drivers?

Being a safe driver isn’t about playing word games and manipulating statistics. It’s simply not safe to drink and get behind the wheel of a car. Your local Buick dealer cares about your safety. When you visit their lot, you’ll see all kinds of safety features on the new and certified pre-owned vehicles in the inventory. But as the driver, you still have a responsibility to be conscientious and courteous so we can all stay safe on the roadways. Regardless of how somebody tries to convince you otherwise, do everybody a favor and don’t get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking. It’s simply not worth it.

When you go to Burger King, you can “Have It Your Way.” When you get your haircut, you tell the stylist or barber exactly how you want it cut. But when it comes to spending thousands of dollars on a car, most people are willing to settle for something that’s not exactly what they want. Why is that? It’s perfectly normal to order a customized car from your dealer if you’re willing to wait for it. If that sounds like something you want to do with your next purchase at your local Mercedes-Benz dealer, here are some ways to get it done.

Know what you want. If you want to order a customized car, know exactly what you’re looking for before sitting down with the dealer. Make a list of the things that are most important to you. Your list should include the interior and exterior colors and any additions you want included.

Know what you can afford. Unless you’re very wealthy, you probably can’t afford every option available. Prioritize your list and only include the things you know you can afford. Also, consider its resale value in a few years. If you simply want the car that you want and you aren’t concerned about its value, get the options you want.

Know your options. Some options aren’t available with other options. You might not be able to get a black interior with a black exterior with some manufacturers. Study the manufacturer’s brochure and know what you can and can’t have together in one car.

Know the time constraints. When you custom order a vehicle, it could take two to three months before it’s available for delivery. If you’re currently in a lease, this could pose a problem if you wait until the last minute. Make sure you plan ahead of time so you don’t end up in a quandary.

Know the dealer. Create a good relationship with the dealer you’re ordering through and they’ll keep you updated on the progress of your customized vehicle. You might even get a break on the price because your car won’t be taking up lot space. Make sure the dealer is willing to work with your wishes so you can get exactly what you want.