Parts of the Stockade District, General Electric and Scotia are within the 100 year flood plain (shown in orange). Red areas are the 500 year flood plain.
While in recent years I’ve cut back due to the calories in favor of water and cider vinegar, still nothing beats an ice cold glass of milk. Or on a cold night before bed, a warm glass with lots of cinnamon and ginger.
Not only is it healthy for the body, it’s good for the land that keeps it working. It keeps open space open, fields from becoming overgrown and supporting a wide variety of species. It keeps rural people employed, protects tradition and keeps land working producing feed and forage for cattle.
Continuing my exploration into trucks, I asked Google AI on how it thinks I should plan a visit to the dealership to test drive some trucks and get a price quote that can be start of the negogation process and comparison to other trucks. I am thinking of doing this next week when things are quiet at work, but it could change based on weather.
To avoid spending the whole day at the dealership, you should separate your evaluation phase (the test drive) from the documentation phase (getting the quote).
Step 1: The “Digital Handshake” (Before You Leave)
Before driving to the lot, call the dealership and ask for an “Internet Sales Manager.”
Verify Availability: Give them the specific stock numbers or VINs you found online. Ask them to physically lay eyes on the trucks and confirm they haven’t been sold.
Set the Appointment: Explicitly state: “I am coming in at [Time] to test drive stock #XXXX and #YYYY. I have other appointments scheduled and only have 90 minutes. I’m not buying today, but I will need an itemized Out-the-Door quote to take with me for my final comparison.”
When you arrive, skip the showroom floor and go straight to the reception desk to ask for your specific contact.
Visual Walk-Around: Before getting the keys, do a 5-minute visual inspection. Look for “lot rash” or transport damage. For a Super Duty, check the bed for fifth-wheel prep packages if that’s a requirement for you.
Features Check: Sit in the cab and verify the tech features (SYNC 4 screen, camera system, trailer brake controller).
Step 3: The Targeted Test Drive (Minutes 20–50)
A standard test drive should take about 15–30 minutes.
Route Control: Don’t let the salesperson dictate a “loop” around the block. Take it on Central Ave for stop-and-go handling, but ensure you get it on I-90 or the Northway to check for high-speed “death wobble” or cabin noise.
The “Silent” Drive: Ask the salesperson if you can have a few minutes of quiet to listen to the engine and transmission shifts without the radio or sales pitch.
Step 4: The Quote Request (Minutes 50–75)
Once the drive is over, do not sit at the sales desk unless they are ready to print the quote immediately.
Request the Buyer’s Order: Say, “I’ve decided this is a top contender. Please print out an itemized Buyer’s Order for this VIN with all taxes and fees included.”
Deflect the “Commitment” Talk: If they ask “What will it take to get you to stay and buy today?”, respond with: “I am sticking to my process of collecting OTD quotes from three specific trucks. I will be making my final decision by [Day] once I’ve compared the bottom-line numbers.”
Step 5: The Clean Exit (Minutes 75–90)
If the salesperson goes to “talk to the manager” and doesn’t return with a piece of paper in 10 minutes, they are likely using a stalling tactic.
The Follow-up: Hand them your card and say, “It looks like you’re busy. Just email that itemized Buyer’s Order to me by the end of the day so I can include it in my final comparison.”
Walk Out: Leaving at your scheduled time shows you are a disciplined buyer who cannot be easily manipulated by “time pressure”.
