Car swag the perfect gift for motorheads
Probably the last place you would think to purchase a gift for someone special is at a dealership. Guess what? We are the perfect stop in your gift-buying journey.
New car dealerships offer a wide assortment of products and services that would delight any car lover on your shopping list. From satellite radios, car covers and car-cleaning products to Bluetooth/hands-free headsets and new tires, dealers have something for every automotive enthusiast. Many dealerships offer branded merchandise, including die cast model cars, winter jackets, umbrellas, snow brushes, road emergency safety kits, coffee mugs and hats.
A jacket or a steel coffee mug with a Chrysler, Mercedes Benz or Honda logo on it would be a welcome gift for anyone who drives one of those brands.
Auto manufacturer websites offer brand merchandise, complete with photos and payment options. Merchandise on these websites can be ordered from the parts department at a local dealership and picked up within a day or two.
Dealers also carry a full line of automobile accessories that would make an ideal gift or stocking stuffer.
Think parking assist sensors, Bluetooth speakers, chrome grilles and wheel locks, lift kits, LED headlights, roof racks, floor mats, seat covers and remote starters.
If nothing in the parts department strikes your fancy, try the service department. Gift certificates are available for oil changes, engine-tune ups, performance wheel packages or scheduled maintenance.
For the auto tech geek on your holiday list, a mobile phone call mount, USB phone charger, alarm system, backup camera, dashboard camera or a GPS system would make a perfect gift.
For those who like to pamper their vehicles, most dealerships offer detailing services for interiors and exteriors. Check out dealership websites for these services starting in the $50 range and up, which are available in the form of gift cards/certificates.
Gift cards/certificates are appreciated during the holidays. Cash-strapped motorists are glad to redeem them in January or February, when their holiday bills are coming due.
If a friend or family member is ready to buy a new car, consider purchasing an extended warranty, a prepaid maintenance plan, a service contract, paint and fabric protection, or an anti-theft security system. Any of these items would add value to the purchase.
With the arrival of colder weather, a perfect gift idea is a set of winter tires. Some dealers sell out of winter tires in late December or early January, so why not install a set of winter tires today for a friend or family member — as an early holiday gift.
Of course, the ultimate gift from a dealership would be a new or pre-owned vehicle. Maybe your child is starting post-secondary school next year or one of your vehicles needs to be replaced. A new car could be a gift for the entire family.
December is a popular month to buy a new car because of generous dealer and manufacturer incentives, such as low finance and lease rates, generous cash credits and factory rebates.
These incentives may end on Dec. 31, which means that the current model year vehicle pricing may change in the New Year.
Still undecided? Consider a raffle ticket in support of Prostate Cancer Canada to win a brand new 2018 Acura NSX (visit www.rocktheroadraffle.ca.).
All dealerships would be happy to assist you and recommend the perfect gift item for the car enthusiast on your list this year.
If you have some last minute stocking stuffers to buy, visit your local dealership and check out the diversity of products and services that are widely available and affordably priced. This column represents the views and values of the TADA. Write to president@tada.ca or go to tada.ca. Susan
Gubasta is president of the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association and is president/CEO of Mississauga Toyota. For information about automotive trends and careers, visit carsandjobs.com.