Reason for Visit: Sales (Used)
I recommend this dealer: Yes
Employee(s) Dealt With: Mark Saunders
My Review of Jon Lancaster Toyota & Scion :
I haven't kept up with the latest technology in cars for over 13 year since I last purchased my Pontiac Montana in the fall of 1998. Mark explained many of the features and electronic controls in cars today and then specifically in the 2009 Toyota Camry XLE, which really sold me on the one I purchased. As we sat in the one that I eventually purchased, he reviewed the basic controls of the doors lock/unlock; hood release, turn signals, windshield wipers, cruise control, steering wheel adjustment, window wipers and washer, inside lights -- most of which was similar to my Montana.
The DRL and Auto control settings on the control arm for the headlights/parking lights was different from my Montana, which had no way of turning the running lights off, except through reprogramming. I like the location of on/off control for the fog lights on the same headlight control arm.
The car I wanted had to have fog lights since I knew how much I relied on them over the past 13 years during heavy rains or fog, especially on roads that have faded painted lane separator lines or no lines along the shoulder of the roads. I don't think I would have found the fog light control switch if Mark had not pointed that out to me, nor would I have wanted to search for it if they were needed while driving home.
He explained the multifunction display settings, the heating, cooling, air vent, and radio controls and display.
I'd say most car drives are familiar with most (if not all) of the features and their locations mentioned above. But I have to admit that the overview of the above items gave me confidence that I'd have no problems in safely driving the vehicle home. I did not realize how important that was until driving home and wondering what would I have done if the windows had fogged up and I didn't know how to use the electronic control and display to direct the air to the front windshield vents.
And he went on to explain the car security system and the importance of locking and unlocking the stearing wheel when turning the car off and on, respectively. I've never owned a car with a security system. I would not have known that information. The same is true of the air pressure sensors in the each of the wheel stem valves and the reset button on the inside of the glove compartment (do they still call it that?)
We went over the on/off switch, the opening, and closing, and the tilt control for the moon roof; the controls on the steering while ( I love the “DISP” display button for the multifunction display on the instrument panel.); the 'blue tooth' support; the driver and front seat controls; the storage compartments; the location of the 12-volt power outlets; the audio-in aux port and switch; the pass-thru knock out plugs for keeping wires out of the way; the convenient storage areas for small devices like an IPOD; the seat heater switches; hour and minute clock setting switches; the trunk unlatch lever; gas tank door unlatch lever; rear defrost; cup holders, the programmable garage door/gate openers; the spare tire and its location; the compass in the rear-view mirror; and the read window defogger.
I've probably missed other features that he mentioned.
I appreciated him mentioning the front-end protective covering available to protect the paint and metal from those annoying stones kicked up by other vehicle ahead of us, as well as the side protective strips to protect against nicks from other car doors being opened to fast or just caught by the wind.
Again, I was very appreciative of Mark spending the time to point out all the features and controls. That information adds to the enjoyment and feeling secure driving my new 2009 Toyota Camry XLE.
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