Preowned 2011 Dodge Avenger SXT is a Great Buy

The 2011 Dodge Avenger SXT represents great value in a pre-owned vehicle.

When I arrived at Waverley Chrysler in April of 2011 one of the first things I did was test drive all of the vehicles. Comparing them head to head I definitely developed some favourites among the lineup. The first favourite that I had was a 2011 Avenger SXT. I drove this vehicle back to back with the new 200 Limited and compared them. On paper the vehicles were very similar. Both models had the same motor and transmission as well as the overall dimensions. Dashes and options were very similar but driving these two V6's was as different as night and day.

I drove the Avenger SXT first. I had just driven a Charger SE, so I was familiar with the power of the 283hp Pentastar V6 in the Charger platform. I was pleasantly surprised with the Avenger. The Avenger differs from the Charger both in size and drive train. With a smaller and lighter frame, and front wheel drive, the Avenger seems to be pulling you forward and throwing you back in your seat at the same time. The Avenger SXT is built for drivers. The 2011 had a complete retuning of its suspension, including McPherson struts up front and multilink coils in the rear. The effect was a fun, sporty driving experience that left me calculating what I needed to do to make that vehicle my everyday driver.
Next I drove the Chrysler 200 Limited. The interior was very similar to the Avenger SXT including leather, sunroof and 6.5 inch touch screen media center. Compared to the beast that was waiting to be unleashed with the Avenger, the 200 was a very sophisticated ride. Comfort, quality, and smooth ride are hallmarks of the Chrysler experience and are all present in the Chrysler 200.
It's now 2012 and the new models are out and the 2011's are returning from rental companies and other programs. The vehicles that I test drove in April '11 are now on our lot as 1 year old certified pre-owned vehicles. The Avenger that I drove was retailing for about $ 29,000 cdn. Today that same vehicle sits on our lot with 27,000km and is selling for $19,980.
Here is the listing:

This Weeks Feature Pre-Owned Car:

2011 Dodge Avenger SXT $19,980 27,109 km

This nearly new Avenger SXT has a 3.6l Pentastar DOHC V6 matched with a 6 speed automatic transmission with autostick. At 283 hp this vehicle is rated best in class for power and still manages to achieve 42 mpg or 6.8l/100km highway fuel economy(2011 energuide consumption rating/Transport Canada). Avenger is also a Top Safety Pick by the Institute for Highway Safety. This particular vehicle has a long list of comforts like:

• heated front seats
• 8 way power driver seat
• power sunroof
• sirius satellite radio
• automatic temperature control

• as well as sporty style features including:
• 18 inch aluminum wheels
• dual exhaust with bright tips
• rear spoiler
• projector fog lamps
• leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls

This vehicle is a sporty driver and packs the punch of a V6 Charger or Challenger in a smaller lighter vehicle. The 2011 Avenger has a completely retuned suspension over earlier models and delivers exceptional sporty handling.

If you or anyone you know would be interested in this vehicle, email me at darrensomersall@gmail.com or call me at 204-802-8273. See more pre-owned vehicles at www.waverleychrysler.ca

The 2012 Dodge Durango - A Clear Winner

By Peer Merx
The 2012 Dodge Durango is a clear winner when it comes to the SUV market in that it clearly has something for everyone without eschewing what it is that makes an SUV unique. Sharing its running gear and platform technology with the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Detroit-built Durango has the following merits that earn it a place as the Best SUV 2012 has to offer: ample power & performance, reliability, stunningly good looks, utility, safety, and a great price.
In the power department, the Durango’s Pentastar V6 displaces 3.6L, but the advanced engine produces 290 horsepower at 6400 RPM and a potent 260 lb-feet of torque at a lowly 4800 RPM. It is worth noting that the torque and horsepower curves still provide a great deal of potency at the sub-2000 RPM range that is critical for towing.
In fact, Chrysler claims that 90% of maximum torque is available all the way from 1600 RPM up to the 6400 RPM peak. Those consumers that are serious about power and towing will want to take a look at the revamped 5.7L V8 Hemi that produces a thunderous 360 horsepower at only 5150 RPM and a tree-trunk yanking 390 lb-feet of torque at a generously low 4250 RPM.
Dodge has never been known for reliability, but the entire Chrysler family has been making enormous strides in this area in order to shore up a serious deficiency. While the verdict is out on the overall reliability of the new Dodge Durango for a few more years, the fit and finish speak volumes of the progress the entire Dodge family has made.
Add to this the proven track record of its easy to abuse platform mate, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, and it seems like a safe bet to declare the Dodge Durango a massive leap forward in terms of build quality and design. It may not yet be ready to challenge the Toyotas and Hondas of the world, but the new Dodge has a lot going for it.
One of the things that the new Durango has going for it is a great looking body. Gone are the mini-semi looking headlight flares that never quite captured the ponderous look of the RAM front end. In its place is a very elegant and clean design that still manages to pack in a reasonable amount of that Dodge attitude that the brand is so fond of marketing.
The good looks carry over into the inside of the vehicle where soft touch materials are available even on the lowly Express trim level all the way up to the aptly named Citadel.
Never before has a 3-row SUV looked or felt this comfortable at this price point, or been packaged so tightly. Competitors such as those from Detroit rival Chevrolet manage to bracket the Dodge Durango, such as the bigger but less comfortable Tahoe, or the less capable but more comfortable Traverse crossover.
This brings up an excellent point about the Duragno: it never sacrifices its truck-based SUV utility to save a penny or a pound. Even the V6-equiped models can town a very generous 6200 lbs while the Hemi-powered Durangos can tow 7400 lbs. Compare this to the Ford Explorer’s 5000lb, and the Durango seems as might as it looks.
Only a very well equipped Tahoe can tow more, but the price per additional towable pound is outrageous and the difference is a mere 1100 pounds and the fact that the Durango is downright nimble compared to the ponderous Tahoe, and only those that have the extra money to burn would even consider the Tahoe seriously.
Additional utility comes in the form of the storage options which include a sub-deck storage bin and an ample 85 cubit feet with both sets of rear seats folded down. Dodge claims that this is enough to room to stuff a 6-foot couch into the rear of a 2012 Durango, and that claim seems like it would hold water upon visual inspection of the cavernous rear cargo bay.
Even with all three rows of seats up, the sub-deck storage and rear storage room are sufficient for shopping or even for an out-of-town getaway with a few large pieces of luggage. Creature comforts such as cup holders, storage bins, a power rear litigate with remote control, and more are all available as well.
Bundle all this up in a vehicle with a solid frame, over a dozen airbags, electronic stability, four-wheel anti-lock breaks, and a bevy of high-tech accident avoidance features, and it is hard to tell if power, looks, utility, or safety are the prime focus of the engineers that created the new Durango.
One thing is clear: the best SUV 2012 has to offer is a great value. Starting with the RWD Express that comes in at just under the $30,000 mark all the way up to a loaded Citadel that starts at just over the $42,000 mark, it is hard to argue that you do not get more than you pay for with the new Duragno.
Dodge has something to prove, and it is doing it in the company’s typical bold fashion by offering an amazing deal on a vehicle destined to become legendary. It is also worth noting that the Hemi V8 is not all about power, but it can actually be quite fuel-efficient when cruising on level ground thanks to Chrysler’s cylinder deactivation technology, and that helps increase mileage to 14/20US gallons (16.6/10.0 l/100km), while the V6 still manages 16/23 US gallons (13.0/8.8 l/100km). Try getting that with a fully equipped Tahoe!
Peer Merx is an author on various blogs about SUVs and cars. He is expert in large SUVs such as best SUVs of 2012 and 6 passenger SUVs. Read more from him on http://www.bestsuv2012.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Dodge-And-Chrysler---Two-Great-SUVs&id=6889712] Dodge And Chrysler – Two Great SUVs

Dodge’s "Canada Value Packages" Deliver lots of Vehicle for Little $$$

Anyone who follows Canadian car ads knows that the new Dodge Grand Caravan and the Dodge Journey both start at $18,998. When you compare these vehicles with other value vehicles out there, Dodge delivers a whole lot of vehicle for the money.
Dodge Grand Caravan is a segment leader in the minivan category in Canada with more than 70% market saturation. This vehicle is the original minivan and has been around since 1984. Today’s vehicles have features that were unheard of in 1984, and the value version of this vehicle in 2012 has a lot more to offer and sells for a lower price. In 1994 the base Grand Caravan sold for $22,995. 18 years later the vehicle is selling for less and now includes power windows, keyless entry, cruise control, tilt steering, 3rd row stow n’ go, V6 power with 283 hp, electronic stability control, 6 speed automatic transmission and 36 mpg highway energuide fuel economy rating. You get all this including a 4ft x 8ft cargo area or seating for 7 passengers, 7 standard airbags, a CD/MP3 player and more. All of this in a base vehicle that is priced comparatively with a base compact car. Add in todays lower interest rates, and the Grand Caravan is more affordable than ever.
Based on the success of the Grand Caravan Canada Value Package, the folks at Chrysler entered the crossover market with the Dodge Journey and priced a Canada Value Package at the same entry price as the Grand Caravan. The Dodge Journey entry-level offering represents great value with its own lineup of standard equipment. Just one look at the keyless Enter n’ Go that unlocks the door whenever the key holder touches the handle, the Sentry touch start, or the U-Connect touch screen media center with USB port, and you see a well equipped vehicle that does not resemble a value package in any way. Standard equipment also includes automatic transmission, air conditioning, power windows, power locks, 7 standard airbags, tire pressure monitoring and electronic stability control, and an all new interior with soft touch materials.
With pricing and features found in Dodge’s two Canada Value Packages, it’s no wonder that both of these vehicles are Canadian segment leaders.

7 Steps to Buying a Used Car

If you have ever been intimidated by the process of buying a used vehicle, here are the 7 steps that will guide you through the pre-owned purchasing process:

1. Determine your needs.

If you are thinking about a used vehicle you probably have some idea of the type of vehicle you are interested in. Take a little time before you wade in to get some information on the vehicle that you are looking for. Also think about the features that you are looking for, and separate them into wants and needs columns. Are you going to be putting lots of mileage on the vehicle? If so then you may want to look at a low mileage vehicle. If you just drive to the corner store and back then a vehicle with high mileage will be less expensive and may have the majority of its miles from highway driving. Is warranty important to you? Take this into calculation when determining which vehicle to buy. Remember that the most expensive vehicle is the one you need to trade in right away because it doesn't meet your needs.

2. Determine your budget

How much do you want to spend? Are you making monthly payments or do you have cash allotted for this purchase? Studies show that 90% of vehicles are purchased with some sort of loan. If you are needing a standard car loan you may want to see your bank to qualify. They will tell you how much you are authorized to spend and at what rate. You can later shop this rate at the dealership you choose to buy from and get the best rate. Many people think that they can get more vehicle for their dollar if they buy older, but if it is a standard car-loan, most lenders will amortize vehicles only until they are 8 years old so an older vehicle will be amortized over a shorter period making the payments higher. If you are concerned with the overall price though the older vehicle may be the way to go. There are good sites on the internet for calculating payments for car loans. Use these to get an idea of what you will have to pay per dollar of car you purchase.

3. Do your homework

The internet is a great source for finding used vehicles. In addition to hundreds or even thousands of used car ads, there are reviews in print, on YouTube and on trade sites. Information about options and specs may be found on manufacturers websites, and consumer e-zines. Make sure to read the fine print on some dealer ads as the price listed often has conditions such as trade-in allowance or financing fees attached to it.

4. Talk to the Seller

If buying privately ask if the owner is the original owner or how long they have owned the vehicle. Find out as much about the vehicle as possible and make sure that the vehicle is safety certified from a licensed mechanic. Also ask if there are any mechanical issues at this time. Tell the owner that it is a little above your budget and ask if you can still come and see it. If they say yes then they are already primed for a lower offer.

If you are buying from a dealership ask as many questions as possible about the history and the options of the vehicle. If the salesperson is evasive or won't answer questions about price, move on. In both cases if you are interested set an appointment to see the vehicle. If you feel uncomfortable with the person on the phone for any reason, move on. If you arrive at the dealership and determine that you were misled, move on. You have to be able to trust the person that you are dealing with.

5. Test drive the vehicle.

Always test drive the vehicle. Let the owner drive it first. This may give you some insight into how the vehicle has been treated. Listen for noises and vibrations that may indicate suspension or brake problems. A safety certificate only indicates that the vehicle is safe to drive at this time. A private seller does not have to pass on recommendations made by the certifying mechanic for issues that barely pass such as brake wear or tire wear.

Take the vehicle, with the owner's permission of course, to a trusted mechanic. They will usually charge an inspection fee around $100 but this is money well spent whether there are issues or not. Use the test drive period in order to take down the current mileage and the Vehicle Identification Number. You will need these for the next step.

If you choose to buy from a dealer they will be able to show you the reconditioning report if it is a certified pre-owned vehicle. These vehicles undergo an inspection and all recommended repairs are completed, rather than just mentioned to the owner. This will give buyers peace of mind. The vehicle may be more expensive but you may feel comfortable that any issues found with the vehicle have not only been noted but fixed to manufacturers specifications.

6. See the Vehicle History.

Now that you have test driven the car, and asked the owner for any service or maintenance records, using the VIN, you can request a vehicle history report from a number of companies found on the internet. This will let you know if the vehicle has ever been in an accident, a flood, a fire, been rebuilt, or stolen. Never buy a vehicle without a history report.

7. Make an offer.

This is the part that scares most people. They feel they need to haggle and feel uncomfortable with this process. If you are responding to an ad where the price has been previously stated, you know what the seller is expecting. If you have done your homework you also know what the average asking price is. One of the most common mistakes people make is making a ridiculously low ball offer and sticking to it. If you offer thousands below the asking price and refuse to come up, you will seriously derail the buying process. Most dealerships advertise a low price in order to attract buyers. If you are lucky you may save hundreds of dollars but very few vehicles will have thousands of dollars of profit in them. If the price is not listed and the salesman will not answer your price questions then the onus is on you to make sure you know what the vehicle is worth. Do not be fooled by the discount they are offering. A huge discount on an over-priced vehicle may still be too high.

If you are buying privately ask the seller if his price is firm. You may be surprised. Often the seller will just need to get rid of it and may tell you this.

Congratulations, you are now ready to start the buying process with confidence. Good luck and happy shopping.

The 2012 Jeep Wrangler has more power for 2012

The vehicle that I tested retails for $31,910 plus freight, fees and taxes. It featured U-Connect bluetooth, sirius satellite, alloy wheels, and convertible soft top.

The Jeep Wrangler has long been known as the vehicle of choice for serious off-roaders everywhere. That is why a Jeep Wrangler was named "4x4 of the Decade" by Four Wheeler Magazine and "best new car for off-roaders" in 2010 by Cars.com. After my test drive of the new 2012 Jeep Wrangler unlimited Sport today I think it is a vehicle of serious consequence for highway and city drivers as well.

In 2011 Chrysler unleashed its V6 Pentastar engine as an option in many of its Dodge and Chrysler vehicles. It entered the Jeep line-up in 2011 as the V6 alternative to the V8 Hemi in the Grand Cherokee. To the surprise of many this vehicle delivered horsepower like a V8 and fuel economy like a 4 cylinder. In 2012 Jeep has put this successful power plant in its Wranglers, replacing the 3.8 L V6 that replaced the old inline 6 in 2007. Many Jeep aficionados have long-awaited the arrival of the new 2012 with its Pentastar engine and its 285 hp replacing the 202 hp 3.8L. In addition, the new motor is paired with a 5 speed automatic transmission which delivers smoother performance and better fuel economy.

On a warm September morning I finally got the opportunity to drive the new 2012 Wrangler Sport Unlimited and see for myself how it compared to previous models. If you haven't driven a Jeep lately, the first thing you will note is the reduction of noise, vibration and improved handling (NVH). This initiative made leaps and bounds for the 2011 model and continues in 2012. You will also notice the improvement in pick-up as you merge into traffic. At 202 HP the 2011 had no problem with speed. At 285HP the 2012 not only has speed but the smooth pick-up to get you there. From a dead stop the new 5 speed automatic gears up smoothly to cruising speed with no lag, no excess vibration or hesitation. In no time I was up to speed only to find myself quickly stuck in traffic. Large slow moving trucks followed construction equipment and everywhere mid day traffic filled in the road to create congestion--not an ideal condition for a test drive but a reality in modern city driving. Although you may buy yourself a Jeep Wrangler with visions of off roading and rough country trails, the truth is that the majority of miles are put on most Wranglers in situations much like I was experiencing today--city driving.

In an effort to escape gridlock I turned off the busy route and headed down side streets through an industrial area just to keep moving the Wrangler forward. The roads were rough and barricaded with recent resurfacing patches which meant sharp turns weaving around traffic and barricades. The Wranglers tight turning radius and responsive handling made this the ideal vehicle for scooting through road work during construction season. And if you live in a northern city like Winnipeg, there are only two seasons, winter and construction.

I also reset the fuel economy indicator prior to leaving the main road during this portion of the test drive. I was pleasantly surprised to see the fuel economy hovering around 11L/100km. Environment Canada rates this vehicle at 13.2L/100km city and 10.0 highway. This is an improvement from last years rating of 14.5 city and 10.0 highway. The difference in city driving can be attributed to the new powerful Pentastar engine matched with the new 5 speed automatic. My city mileage didn't spike until I left the industrial area and reentered traffic, and with it the burst of acceleration to get up to 80 kph as quick as possible. Overall this vehicle averaged about 15L/100km for my little test drive.

The particular vehicle that I drove had a soft top--a great feature regardless of where you live. If you live in a northern city you want to take advantage of as much summer as possible and there is no better way to do that than with the top down, or as in this case with the sunrider top open. With a release of two clips on the front, the top flips back and is strapped in place giving the driver and passenger full access to the elements without having to remove the whole top, a great option for a short ride on a 28 degree C day in September. And unlike other convertibles, the Jeep Wrangler can be purchased with soft top, hard top, or both and changed seasonally as you prefer.

The other thing that I loved about the Jeep Wrangler Sport Unlimited is that it is a true 4 door with seating for 5 plus luggage, groceries or whatever. And with the longer wheel base, this vehicle has an exceptionally smooth almost car like ride. The Unlimited has been around since 2007 but now in addition to being a rugged off-roader, Jeep Wrangler is now even more than ever a rugged family vehicle capable of delivering city and highway performance, decent fuel economy, and still delivering you to the heart of the wilderness if you desire.

Chrysler Prepares for a Strong Future

As the 2012‘s continue to arrive at the dealership, we hear lots of speculation and hinting from Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne regarding the future direction of Chrysler. For those who have been following for years, Chrysler and Fiat’s partnering lead to a complete revamp of all models for 2011. This lead to approximately 26% increase in sales of 2011 models over 2010’s. The 2010’s that did not change have been put on the chopping block.

What can we expect in the next few years?

The first new major product announcement made by Chrysler is the Dodge Dart. This replaces the Caliber in the compact market and will be released in 2012 as a midseason 2013. It brings a lot of new technology to the market and borrows its underpinnings from the relatively new Alfa Romeo Giulietta that is currently being produced by Fiat in Italy. Expect to see a Chrysler hatchback version of the Dart in the following year (2014) called the 100 to fit Chryslers new branding of its compact, mid, and full size models.

The Alfa Romeo DNA that finds itself in the new Dodge Dart has been slated to replace the previous Caliber underpinnings in its Jeep counterparts. Marchione has hinted that the Compass, the 200, the Dodge Avenger and the Liberty will all be relaunched in the next couple of years with similar Chassis’ to the new Dodge Dart.

Fiat and Chrysler have had a huge success with the Chrysler developed Pentastar Engine and hope to have similar success in the compact market with the revamped I4 to power all these new vehicles. The I4 World Engine that was used to power the compact and midsize models has been reengineered to be lighter, more powerful, more economical to run, and quieter. This new engine has been dubbed the Tigershark and will be debuting in 3 sizes and matched to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission.

In other Chrysler news, Marchionne states that Pentastar engine production will need to grow to 1.2 million engines per year. In two years Chrysler has produced 1 million engines. With a new production facility opening in Mexico, Chrysler was originally planning on about 1 million units per year. Watch to see Pentastar options in the rest of the models including Ram trucks in the upcoming years.

Journey R/T is a Sure Footed People Mover

By Darren Somersall It was a cool February morning that I was handed the keys of a new 2012 Journey R/T AWD crossover and asked to deliver it across town. It had just snowed for the previous two days leaving a nice snowy and slushy mess on the roads as the temperature hovered just below freezing. On the way to work I had driven a front wheel drive minivan that usually has great traction but found that it spun and had trouble getting started in the loose snow. I was looking forward to testing the AWD capabilities of the Journey R/T. The Journey that I drove had capacity for 5, but a 7 passenger option is available and is the roomiest 7 passenger in its class. With 2nd row Tilt’n Slide seating, and rear doors opening nearly 90 degrees, it’s also the most accessible. The great thing about Journey’s at all trim levels is the proximity keyless entry and push button start. Never having to retrieve the keys from your pocket, especially when you are carrying packages is an excellent feature. Once in the driver’s seat I merely touched the brake pedal and pushed the start button and the Pentastar V6 jumped to life. The first thing I noticed when I sat in the Journey was the comfort of the leather seats. They are contoured to fit your body and with the heated seat option it warmed up quickly. I also enjoyed exploring the large easy to navigate 8.4 inch U-Connect touch screen command center. I quickly found my favourite satellite radio station and turned it up. The model that I drove was equipped with U-Connect Bluetooth, Sirius Satellite and Garmin Navigation. As I pulled out of the snow I noted the responsiveness of the V6 as it accelerated quickly and nimbly cornered through the crowded dealership lot. There were no traction issues and I found the vehicle sure footed in a tight situation. As I left the dealership and merged into moving traffic I noted the pile of snow that had accumulated in the merge lane but found there was no slippage as I sped to match the traffic travelling at 80km/hr. The R/T is equipped with a 3.6 L Pentastar V6 with Variable Valve Timing that produces 283 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. This motor is rated as a Wards’ 10 best pick and has best in class power for mid-size crossovers. This engine is matched with a 6 speed automatic transmission, delivering a great combination of power and fuel efficiency. When merging in traffic or needing a quick burst of speed for passing, the Journey R/T delivers. Continuing with my drive I noted on a section of winding roads how responsive the steering was and how the sport suspension handled quick lane changes and turns. At no point did I feel restricted in my driving style by power or handling limitations, and when a recent snow fall is thrown into the mix, the sure footed AWD delivered road confidence. When I arrived at my destination, I reversed the vehicle into a tight parking spot. I found the rear back up camera coupled with park assist, (sensors that warn of items approaching your rear bumper as you reverse), guided me to within inches of the vehicle behind me. After my extended test drive of the Journey R/T I could easily see why Consumer Guide Automotive ranked the 2012 Journey a “Best Buy”, and the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada named it best SUV/CUV under $35,000. Journey was a 2011 IIHS Top Safety Pick, with best in class storage and power. No wonder that Dodge Journey has become Canada`s #1 selling crossover. Dodge Journey wins AJAC CUV/SUV under $35,000 Car of the Year The Canadian Automobile Journalists Association named the 2012 Dodge Journey as the CUV/SUV Car of the Year for the under $35,000 price category. See the results at: http://www.ajac.ca/web/ccoty/2012/comparison_category.asp?cat=126