In the wild, wild west of today’s car industry—where electric vehicles zoom past gas-guzzlers and every dealership is yelling “zero-percent financing!”—figuring out what customers really want isn’t just nice-to-have. It’s survival. Whether you’re a dealership desperate to turn tire-kickers into buyers or a carmaker chasing the next big innovation, the secret sauce starts with one thing: killer surveys.
But let’s be real—boring, robotic questionnaires get ignored faster than a “30-day low APR” email. That’s why we’re breaking down 5 essential survey scenarios for the automotive world, packed with templates so fun and functional, your customers might actually enjoy spilling their guts. Let’s dive in!
*1. Car Buying Intentions: Decoding What Your Customers Really Want *
Before someone commits to a car, their brain is a whirlwind of “what-ifs.” How much are they actually willing to spend? Do they care more about a trunk big enough for a weekend camping trip or a touchscreen that syncs their playlists? This survey is all about peeling back the layers of their dream ride—without making them feel like they’re taking a math test.
⚙️ Survey Template: The “Dream Car Explorer”
- Budget Breakdown (No Judgment Zone!)
What’s your total spending sweet spot for a new ride (including fees and insurance)?
□ Under $20k
□ $20k–$35k
□ $35k–$50k
□ $50k+
□ Still daydreaming, tbh
- Life Mode On: What’s Your Vibe?
If you could design your perfect weekend getaway car, which features would be non-negotiable? (Pick all that scream “you”)
□ Space for 3 dogs and a kayak
□ A/c so cold it’s basically an igloo
□ Self-parking (because parallel parking is evil)
□ A sound system that turns every commute into a concert
□ Other: _________________
- Prioritize Like a Pro
Rank these factors from “must-have” to “meh” (1 = top of the list, 6 = whatever):
□ ___ Brand rep
□ ___ Gas mileage (or electric range, eco-warriors!)
□ ___ Cool tech like lane assist
□ ___ Seat comfort (no numb bums, please!)
□ ___ Safety ratings
□ ___ Looks that turn heads
- Wishlist Time!
If money were no object, what’s one feature your dream car has to have? (Go wild—flying mode optional but encouraged!)
Pro Tip:
Throw in a funny optional question like, “Would you rather your car have a built-in coffee maker or a mini-fridge?” It breaks the ice and reveals real lifestyle priorities.
*2. Test Drive Satisfaction: The Make-or-Break Moment *
A test drive is like a first date—small details matter big time. Did the acceleration make them feel like a race car driver, or did the brakes feel like stepping on jelly? This survey isn’t just about “was it good?” It’s about “what made your heart race (or your eyebrow raise).”
Test Drive Satisfaction
*⚙️ Survey Template: The “Test Drive Truth Bomb” *
- Power Play
How’d the engine feel? Did it purr like a kitten or growl like a tiger that skipped coffee?
□ Felt like I could conquer mountains!
□ Meh, just got me from A to B
□ Cough Let’s not talk about the hills…
□ Didn’t test drive (why tho?)
- Annoyance Alert
What made you go “hmm” during the drive? (Choose all that apply—no sugarcoating!)
□ Wind noise louder than my teenager’s playlist
□ Touchscreen that hated my fingers
□ Seats that felt like concrete blocks
□ The salesperson talked more than my GPS
□ Other: _________________
- Sales Sidekick Score
Did your sales buddy actually help, or were they just there for the free coffee?
□ Explained every button like a car genius
□ Mumbled something about “good mileage”
□ Mostly just stared at their phone
- Buying Vibe Check
After this drive, where do you stand?
□ Ready to sign papers!
□ Need to compare with that shiny SUV down the street
□ Nope, not the one.
Pro Tip:
Add a playful emoji scale for fun: “Rate the test drive experience from to !” It makes scoring feel less like homework.
*3. Sales Process Sleuthing: Turn “Meh” into “Wow” *
From the moment they walk into the showroom to the dreaded “let me talk to my manager” dance, the sales process is a minefield of opportunities to impress—or irritate. This survey exposes the heroes (and zeros) in your team.
*⚙️Survey Template: The “Sales Superhero Quiz” *
- First Impression FTW
How’d we do when you first walked in?
□ Greeted me like a long-lost friend—loved it!
□ Said “let me know if you need help” and vanished
□ Crickets… seriously, where was everyone?
- Brain vs. Bluff
Did your sales rep know their stuff, or were they winging it?
□ Knew more about the car than the owner’s manual!
□ Sort of… maybe?
□ I think I could’ve taught them about hybrids.
*3. Deal Transparency Check *
Were all the fees (like that mysterious “documentation charge”) crystal clear, or did they feel like a magic trick?
□ Showed every penny—no surprises!
□ Mumbled numbers fast, like they were hiding something
□ Wait, there was a fee for what?
Pro Tip:
End with a lighthearted question: “If your sales rep were a superhero, what would their power be? (Bonus points for creativity!)” It adds personality and hints at strengths/weaknesses.
*4. After-Sales Lovin’: Turn One-Time Buyers into Lifelong Fans *
Maintenance, repairs, and that dreaded “check engine” light—post-purchase service is where loyalty is made (or broken). This survey isn’t just about fixing problems; it’s about creating fans who’ll shout your name from the rooftops (or at least leave a 5-star review).
*⚙️ Survey Template: The “Service Squad Report Card” *
- Speed Demons (or Sloths?)
How long did your service take? Faster than a pizza delivery or slower than molasses in January?
□ Quicker than my morning coffee run!
□ About what I expected
□ Took so long, I started growing a beard.
- Tech Talk 101
Did the mechanic explain what they fixed, or did they speak in alien?
□ Showed me the old parts and everything!
□ Said “it’s all good” and handed me the bill
□ I’m still confused… what even was wrong?
- Perks Patrol
Did we spoil you with any cool extras? (Free loaner car? Coffee that doesn’t taste like mud?)
□ The loaner SUV was nicer than my own car!
□ Got a free sticker—woohoo?
□ Nah, just the basics.
Free loaner car
Pro Tip:
Add a “Would you recommend us to your worst enemy’s cousin?” question with a scale from “Absolutely not” to “100% yes!” It’s cheeky but gets the point across.
*5. Brand & Competitor Clues: Stand Out from the Crowd *
In a world where every car brand claims to be “the future,” how do you make sure customers see your magic? This survey digs into what your brand means to them—and where your competitors are slacking.
*⚙️Survey Template: The “Brand Bragging Rights” *
- Word Association Time!
When you hear [Your Brand Name], what’s the first word that pops into your head?
□ Cool □ Reliable □ Boring □ Innovative □ Luxe □ Other: _________________
- VS. the Competition
How does our brand stack up against [Competitor Name]?
□ We crush ’em in style!
□ They’re better at… idk, maybe discounts?
□ Honestly, I can’t tell the difference.
- Dream Brand Tweak
If you could change one thing about us, what would it be? (Be nice… but honest!)
Dream Brand Tweak
Pro Tip:
Use emojis to visualize brand perception: “Which emoji best describes our brand? , ️, ️, or ?It’s fun and surprisingly insightful.
*Wrapping Up: Make Surveys Suck Less (Yes, It’s Possible!) *
The key to great surveys? Act like you’re chatting with a friend at a BBQ, not interrogating them in a boardroom. Mix in humor, skip the jargon, and let customers be themselves—you’ll get real answers that drive real change.
Ready to level up your survey game? Surveymars has all these templates(and more!) ready to roll, with tools so easy, even your tech-averse cousin could use them. Today and start turning customer feedback into your secret weapon.
P.S. Remember: No one hates surveys—they just hate bad surveys. Yours? Gonna be the cool kid at the party.
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