One of our goals for spring break was to begin test driving vehicles for Kaitlynn. With her 16th birthday approaching, we knew she was going to need a car and we wanted her to get some experience driving a smaller vehicle because she had only been driving Jeff's large Expedition for the full year. We had already decided that the Explorer model was a good car for her and I had been searching for one in good shape with low miles for quite some time. It just so happened that when we were ready to look, there were 2 blue Explorers that met our criteria. I shared the listings with Kaitlynn and coached her on calling the dealerships to set up a test drive appointment.
When the day arrived, Connor joined us and we set out for our first appointment at a dealership near Sugar Land. I continued coaching Kaitlynn on the things to look for to make sure she was ready for the conversation with the sales associate as well as the test drive. It occurred to me that I had never been in the passenger seat while Kaitlynn drove, so this would be an adventure for both of us, ha! It took us a while to finally see the first Explorer because it was being serviced, but they finally drove it out and it looked super nice. After a quick inspection of the vehicle, it was time for the test drive. Kaitlynn got into the driver's seat, I was in the passenger seat, and Connor and the sales associate were in the back. As Kaitlynn adjusted the seat and mirrors for the test drive, she looked over at me and pointed down at the pedals. In a moment that will live in infamy, she said, "This one's the gas, right?"
Say what? I stared at her with the blankest look on my face. "Are you being serious?" I asked. She began explaining that they felt different than what she was used to, but the rest of us in the car were incredulous and wondering if she should be doing this test drive after all! Turns out it was just her nervous jitters and she managed the test drive just fine, though not without some serious anti-anxiety measured breathing on my part.
We liked the car and thought it was a decent option for Kaitlynn. The sales guy tried to have a negotiation discussion with us, but we had another car to test drive across town. So we headed toward the next dealership and laughed off Kaitlynn's test drive debacle the entire drive there. The next vehicle was even nicer than the first, and it was for sale at the beautiful Sewell dealership in West Houston. When they brought the Explorer over, we were all taken aback at how nice it was, and it only had 20k miles which made it feel and look brand new. After a quick test drive, we all agreed that we loved it. I made a quick call to Jeff who was on his way home from a golf outing. Before we knew it, Jeff arrived and agreed the vehicle was a great fit due to the condition and low miles, if not for the budget (ha). After a quick handshake and some paperwork, the deal was done!
It took us a couple days for the dealership to get the car fully serviced, but when it was time to pick up Kaitlynn's new car, they rolled it into their delivery area with a fresh bouquet of flowers and a huge red bow. Talk about incredible service! Kaitlynn was beyond excited and happy, and it all still felt a bit surreal at how smooth the process had gone and what a great vehicle she was getting. Check out her new ride - awesome!
The funny thing about Kaitlynn's new car is that it's like the mini version of my own Expedition. Parked side by side, they looked like mama and baby. How cute (and how fitting)!!
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