For longtime Dave Sinclair customer and St. Louis native Matt Schnaare, trust in a dealership is everything. Having purchased multiple vehicles from Dave Sinclair Ford and Lincoln over the years—including a 2003 and 2004 Lincoln Aviator, one of which has now surpassed 478,000 miles—he knew where to turn when shopping for a new SUV.
Most recently, Schnaare purchased a 2024 Lincoln Nautilus, but he immediately ran into an issue with the vehicle’s programming and brakes that led to unexpected challenges. He approached sales manager Tony Galibert with his concerns, and without hesitation, Dave Sinclair Lincoln took back the vehicle and issued him a full refund—no hassle, no arguments.
Schnaare’s experience illustrates why Dave Sinclair Lincoln decided to formalize what they’ve always done, leading to the development of The Sinclair Promise. But for Dave Sinclair Lincoln, this isn’t anything new—it’s the way the family has always done business.
About The Sinclair Promise
For generations, the Sinclair family has lived by this philosophy: ‘If it’s not right, we will make it right.’ Thanks to the company being family-owned, they have the freedom to prioritize people over policies.
“Buying a Lincoln at Dave Sinclair isn’t just about the vehicle—it’s about a luxury, white-glove experience where customer satisfaction is guaranteed,” says Megan Sinclair, dealer principal for Dave Sinclair Lincoln. “We put the customer first, and everything else always falls into place.”
It’s thanks to those decades of trust and a commitment to doing things differently that they are able to offer initiatives like The Sinclair Promise as an exclusive customer benefit.
Here’s how The Sinclair Promise works:
- Purchase any new or certified pre-owned vehicle. The Sinclair Promise applies to all new Lincoln models and certified pre-owned vehicles at Dave Sinclair Lincoln.
- Drive with confidence. Customers have time to ensure the car fits their lifestyle and expectations.
- Return within seven days or 1,000 miles. If the vehicle isn’t the perfect match, customers can bring it back.
- Customer-centric solutions. Whether an exchange or another solution is needed, the dealership prioritizes making it right.
The Sinclair Promise is not just a marketing initiative—it’s a fundamental value that guides how the dealership operates. Whether it’s a brand-new Lincoln or a certified pre-owned vehicle, customers can buy with confidence knowing they have the flexibility to return it if it’s not the right fit.
Megan Sinclair recalls talking to her father and store owner James Sinclair after Schnaare returned his vehicle. She mentioned how surprised Schnaare was that the company took back the car without hesitation. “I told him it just seemed obvious to me,” Megan recalls. “It was a brand-new car, and Matt wasn’t happy with it. I didn’t think he should be stuck driving something he didn’t want.”
James Sinclair agreed, saying it’s just the way they’ve always done things. It was a simple conversation, but it made them realize they should let more people know that’s how they operate. That’s when they decided to formalize The Sinclair Promise, making it clear from the start that nobody has to keep a car they’re not happy with.
“We’ve always taken care of customers behind the scenes when issues arose,” Megan says. “It’s what my grandfather, Dave Sinclair, instilled in us from the very beginning. We decided it was time to make it official, to put a name on what we’ve always done and reinforce our commitment to customer satisfaction.”
It’s that reputation that has made Schnaare a longtime buyer with Dave Sinclair Lincoln and why, despite the issues with the 2024 model, he felt confident enough to use his refund on purchasing a 2025 version of the same car.
“Part of the reason I’ve always turned to them when buying a new car is just how recognizable Dave Sinclair is—I remember seeing him standing there on the TV while I was growing up. They’ve always been very reputable,” Schnaare says. “And now what I’m seeing is the next generation following those same patterns and commitment to service.”
Unlike corporate-driven dealerships that prioritize policies over people, Dave Sinclair Lincoln’s family-owned and operated structure allows them to put customer needs first. The Sinclair Promise is an extension of this philosophy, ensuring that every customer feels valued and respected.
This post was created by SLM Partner Studio on behalf of Dave Sinclair Lincoln. Visit Dave Sinclair Lincoln online to learn more about The Sinclair Promise and to see why the company has been trusted for generations.
