The epic experience of a car test drive

The joy of a new car is an experience we rarely get to feel and something to be cherished. The new car smell, feel and pleasure of taking your first drive irrespective of the car is something to be remembered.  The magnitude of this event means for many the decision process is something that we invest more time in than a home purchase. Researching like a doctorate depended on it and questioning every step of the way.  Do you have the right manufacturer, spec, colour, alloy wheels, even cup holder type? Our cars may not be alive or indeed part of the family but the decision haunts us. Part of this monumental journey includes the test drive and the painful reality of entering the car dealership embracing the horror of car salesmen.  But need this be such a nightmare? Are all car showrooms a minefield of awkward interactions and bullet dodging heavy handed sales tactics?  To my relief and surprise the answer can be "no". A recent test drive at my local and friendly Ford dealership was pain free. Helpful sales staff. Patient. Understanding. Empathetic. Realistic. And certainly not the stereotypical pushy sales men. The result?  Thoroughly enjoyable experience and a customer who is not only an advocate of the brand but the dealership.