So, you want to take off on a road trip and explore somewhere you’ve never been – or maybe you want to visit the town where you grew up or visit faraway friends.
The thing is, you don’t want to drive your old car and put all those miles on it – or maybe you’re taking the family and there’s not enough room in your car for everyone and their luggage plus your best canine friend.
You could buy a new car, or you could rent one for the trip, which gives you the opportunity to experience the ultimate test drive– and you might just want to buy one after that.
Jeff Sarat, general manager at Sarat Ford Lincoln in Agawam says the options at his dealership are plentiful. “We’re not a traditional dealership,” he adds. What that means, according to Sarat, is that the dealership is versatile – with a selection of not only new Fords and Lincolns, but also used vehicles, rentals, and loaners. Add to that, a huge parts and service department.
The rental fleet, housed at two locations – Agawam and Chicopee, offers a choice of SUVs, passenger or cargo vans, sedans, and pickup trucks, which are often rented for tailgating at Gillette Stadium or for picking up a large purchase such as a gas grill. Ford Expeditions and Explorers are the most popular choices for rental, with the Expedition being the top choice, Jeff says. “It fits seven people and their luggage comfortably.” It’s a great choice not only for a day trip to the beach, but for a one-or-two-week vacation.
Cargo vans, says Jeff are great for packing up your student to move in or out of a college dorm.
To get the best deal or choice of rental vehicle, Jeff recommends reserving weeks or months in advance, especially for the summer.
This year marks the 96th anniversary of Sarat Ford Lincoln, which was founded by Sarat’s grandfather John on the same street corner where the dealership stands today. Jeff’s father, Jack later took over the dealership and still works there today.
While the mission and values of the family dealership may not have changed over the years, the vehicles have. You could say they are not your grandfather’s – or even your father’s cars.
Jeff Sarat explains that a lot of new models have been remodeled and redesigned. “When you’re driving to the beach, you can take your hands off the wheel, and the vehicle takes over,” he says. For those who feel intimidated by this technology, Jeff says the car will slow down or accelerate, depending on traffic.
The 2025 Lincoln Navigator says Jeff, “is an absolutely beautiful vehicle, reengineered with technology.” He explains that while Lincoln added more technology, it reduced the number of buttons that are visible. For example, if you are the only one who drives the vehicle, you can hide the power mirror switches in another screen, so you don’t have to adjust the mirror every time you drive.
Ford and Lincoln have also added BlueCruise, which allows you to drive hands free on approximately 750,000 miles of highway known as Blue Cruise zones across the United States and Canada. Driver tip: the vehicle asks you first.
“Once you try it and get used to it, it’s absolutely amazing,” Jeff adds. The Mustang EV, for example, he says, is so technologically advanced, if it senses there is no vehicle next to you, it will change lanes automatically when you use the blinker, and if someone cuts in front of you or traffic slows, it will stop.
Electric vehicles such as the Mustang EV are getting better and better, Jeff says, adding that the dealership is selling more EVs than ever before. The first thing people ask about is where can they charge the car, he says. Ford has customers covered. “When you buy a new EV, Ford will give you a really good charger and install it at your house.” In addition, there are 16 charging stations at Sarat Ford Lincoln, and Jeff points out that no matter what kind of vehicle you drive, you can charge it there.
“Everyone’s biggest worry is about charging, but at Sarat, there is always a charger open,” Jeff says.
If you’re ready to hit the road on your next adventure, why not check out a ride that will get you there in comfort and style, while you create memories along the way.
Sarat Ford Lincoln
245 Springfield Street
Agawam, MA
413-786-0430
Saratford.net
“Once you try it and get used to it, it’s absolutely amazing,” he adds. The Mustang EV, for example, says Jeff, is so technologically advanced, if it senses there is no car next to you, it changes lanes, and if someone cuts in front of you, the vehicle stops.
"The 2025 Lincoln Navigator" says Jeff, “is an absolutely beautiful vehicle, reengineered with technology.”