smooth1 Posted June 13, 2011 Posted June 13, 2011 Ok, I'll start from the beginning, and try to keep this brief. I like to test drive alot of cars and trucks. Pretty regularly. Recently there's been some threads here regarding the new Jeep, and how Chrysler/Dodge is changing their line up for the better. GM and Ford are rolling out new models and better quality, blah blah blah. I like to be able to speak from first hand knowledge and expereience, so I like to keep up with them and drive them when ever I get a chance. I decided to test drive the Dodge Durango and the new Jeep Grand Cherokee. I get to the dealership and find a sales person. I spent about a half an hour looking them over in the show room, climbing in and out of them, sitting in the back and moving things around. One of the things I kept asking myself is if I would like the extra room the Durango offers? Will it fit in my garage? Even if I don't get a Durango, would I want a larger SUV? Hmmm. So I go over to the Jeep Grand Cherokee and give it the go through as well. I have to say, both are very nice. Dodge is definately going in a new, and much better direction. The toy package the Jeep offers easily rivals that of the Mercedes. So afterwards, the sales person asks if I would bring my ML up to the front so the buyer can take a look at it so we can get some numbers. Knowing how the game is played, I said "sure." and went to the parking lot and brought the MB up to where he was standing, he pointed to a parking stall and I parked it there, got out and handed him the key. He had brought he Grand Cherokee around and we simply hopped in and went for the test drive. I test drove a Dodge Durango Citadel with the 5.7 liter Hemi V8, a Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland with a 5.7 liter Hemi, and a Limited V6. When we got back from the test drive, I noticed that my ML wasn't in front where I left it and assumed the buyer test drove it and parked it somewhere else. We were discussing the Grand Cherokee when the sales person I was talking to disappeared for 10 or 15 minutes, then came back and asked if I would follow him. He guided me down a hall to the service dept. and as I turned the corner there were 4 or 5 people who looked to be management, another salesperson who was sitting on a bench, a huge sparkly blue Dodge Ram 1500 and my Mercedes Benz. They were all standing at the rear of the vehicles, so as I approach one of the managers starts to apologize, and then of course I see it. The liftgate hatch has a huge dent in it next to the license plate. The rear window is cracked, the taillight is smashed, the rear view camera lense thing is hanging by the wire, and there is sparkly blue paint all over the place! Yeah, I'm curling my toes in my shoes to keep from blowing my lid at this point. They explain that their staff member over there backed the truck into my ML when their buyer was test driving my car. ( This is where I kept asking myself how are the insurance companies going to handle this?) So, upset, in some shock at the realization that my SUV isn't even driveable now, what are we going to do? The GM offers we go to his office. Once we get there, we start talking. His first real question was, so is there a way we can settle this or do you want t file insurance claims? That's when I said, yeah, I guess I don't have a choice, I'll call the police and file an accident report for them. Then he asked again, if there was something we could do that would avoid all that embarrasment and maybe help save his job also. So, now understanding where he was going with this, I asked him "well, what did you have in mind?" so he asked if I would be open to the deal of the century on anything he had on the lot. ( I'm no fool. "Deal of the Century" and lots of leverage.......let's see where this goes. The police can always be called afterwards.) So he brings the salesperson I was working with in and he starts sending him on info errands and files. I said we might be able to do something with a Jeep Grand Cherokee, but I want what want, and it has to be everything, or forget it. So, to make a long story short, and to save you the in office battle I went though, they are ordering for me, a new Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 290 hp V6 4x4 fromm the mfgr because they didn't have, nor is there one anywhere in the US (LOL!) that has everything I wanted in the color package I wanted, (Dark Charcoal with black leather interior), I'm unfortunately not allowed to discuss the financial terms of our arrangement as part of the deal. But I can tell you that my payment went down, and the loan is for 3 months longer than what I had remaining on my existing loan when I drove in,, and comes up to $450.00 less than the amount I owed the bank when I drove in. And they are "buying" the ML from me. They also threw in 5 years of "Dodge Total Care", so the next 5 years is all free oil changes, belts, brakes, tires, anything that is maintenance, and extended the warrentee 5/50 as well. How do you say no to that? It was either take this deal, or file the insurance claim, get it repaired, maybe su the dealership or not, and then have an SUV that now has an accident in it's history report, not to mention all the hassles I see in the future with this path. So I agreed, and took the deal. The next funny thing that happened was we walked out of the office shook hands and everyone took a deep breath that I was going to work with them and no insurance companies and police reports along with bad media, and possible dealer ranking consequences, when I asked, ok, so what am I going to drive until my new Jeep gets here? They all froze. LOL!! Right! so he tells the slaesperson to pull a Jeep Patriot or Liberty up so he can sign it out for me to drive until my new one comes in. And of course I had a problem with that. I explained that I use my vehicle for my job as well for clients and residential and dinner meetings, etc. etc. So I asked for and recieved a new Dodge Durango to drive until my Jeep comes in. So I get to live with a Durango for 2 to 3 weeks until the Grand Cherokee comes in. How the @#$%!!! did this happen???? (Shaking my head) Stuff like this only happens to me.
ArmyofOne Posted June 13, 2011 Posted June 13, 2011 Awesome deal, and congrats on the New Mopar(s). I have converted yet another one. LOL!
LEXIRX330 Posted June 13, 2011 Posted June 13, 2011 Cool Smooth...that is a hell of a deal! Do you think you will miss the ML? By the way I have a friend that has bought 3 Lexus vehicles from the same dealership. He found an is350c black on black...that was a CPO at their lot. He called and said I want that car. I will be there in 3 days let me give you a payment for the car now. Do whatever you need to but make sure it says "sold"… The salesman/woman in this case assured him that the car will be moved off of the lot so it would not be sold and the car was "his" she also assured him that since he had been such a great customer no payment was necessary and they would square things away when he got there in a few days. So long story short! He drives up there to get his IS350C and wouldn't you know it...IT was GONE/sold! He was furious...spoke to the GM...and he of course apologized repeatedly and explained that the car had been moved to their storage facility but the car had not been entered in the system as sold. So another salesman sold the car. This is the same Lexus Dealership that I use and they have always been great to deal with. When the GM was done they put him in a brand new IS350C exactly the way he wanted for just a couple of grand more than the CPO! Stuff happens just make the best out of every situation!
cduluk Posted June 16, 2011 Posted June 16, 2011 You have GOT to be kidding me!!! That's AWESOME! I've actually witnessed a similar incident happen at my local Lexus dealer a few years ago. I was in the service area and noticed one of the service people driving someone's RX out of the garage door, but he stopped while the door was coming back down and the rear window shattered, along with the spoiler and tailgate. Instantly the owner cried out, "MY CAR!!" and ran over to it... I don't know what happened after that but i'm sure he got taken care of. I think it was nice of Jeep to do that for you, i guess one hand washes the other! That is indeed great irony!
dcfish Posted June 16, 2011 Posted June 16, 2011 Great move you Smooth Nice deal, I would love to have a Grand Cherokee, Congrats
smooth1 Posted June 16, 2011 Author Posted June 16, 2011 So, I go to the dealer yesterday to drop off the things that weren't in my ML as I wasn't expecting to sell it or trade it in when all this happened. So I didn't have the cargo cover thing, and the spare key etc. etc. I go down there today and drop them off and the salesperson I was originally dealing with was there and we had a few moments to chat more. During this conversation, he reveals that I was in fact the second accident to occur in the last 60 days! Apparently one of the service people hit a Dodge Grand Caravan coming into the dealership and they are currently in a heated lawsuit over this already. So, when Chuck, (the salesperson I'm talking to) said they called him back there, he said he never heard so many cuss words in a row before. they keep talking about how lucky they are that you were willing to just keep this in house.
SW03ES Posted June 18, 2011 Posted June 18, 2011 Talk about turning a bad situation into a good situation! See, I told you about the new GC! You scoffed at me about it LOL. Its a really nice vehicle, I can't find anything else at the price point I like nearly as much...
ArmyofOne Posted June 27, 2011 Posted June 27, 2011 When do you get your new wheels? MAN those are some sweet rides.
smooth1 Posted June 27, 2011 Author Posted June 27, 2011 Talk about turning a bad situation into a good situation! See, I told you about the new GC! You scoffed at me about it LOL. Its a really nice vehicle, I can't find anything else at the price point I like nearly as much... I agreed with you....LOL!!.. what I did say was don't buy a first year model, which due to the forces of nature, I have just done. I'm hoping this will be the exception to the rule of course and my ownership experience will be a good one. But even as this is going on, I am somewhat skeptical and when I look at this deal I kind of shake my head. I still can't believe this is happened! When do you get your new wheels? MAN those are some sweet rides. I should know later today, maybe tomorrow. I know right? They have me in a 2011 Durango now. I've had it now 2 1/2 weeks. ( 800 miles on it so far! ) While it's much better than any Durango before it, and funny, it's really nothing like the Durango before it, so after it being gone from the line up for 2 years, I would have thought that would have been a good time to just rename it. I don't know. That's just an observation point. While living with this I've discovered: 1) I really don't like the retaining hinge points of the doors. The first point is about a quarter of the way open which isn't really enough room to move in and out of. the second hinge point doesn't really hold the door at all and the third point is all the way open, which in car lot parking stalls easily reaches other cars and trucks. So I find myself having to hold the door alot and being more careful. 2) The steering wheel and dash alignment. I actually have this same problem with alot of other cars also, including my Lexus IS 350, although not as much or as bad as the Durango's. My issue is that when you put the steering wheel where you like it, you can't see the gauges at all. And if you put it where you can see the gauges, it feels like your reaching up to the steering wheel. 3) When I select the USB port for my ipod and set it up to play my music lists, any time I turn the vehicle off and get back in, it defaults back to FM radio. I have to reselect the USB and then reselect the playlist to play again. Stupid. 4) The driver seat has developed a tick in it when I lean back. I think it just has a loose bolt somewhere. 5) They decided to put these really dumb red LED rings around both gauges! I just figured out how to turn them off though, so I'm liking the gauges much more now. 6) No hatch glass opener. Only the whole liftgate opens. 7) The standard cloth seats really suck. 8) The side pocket storage in the doors shape makes it really hard to get things back out. 9) The center armrest compartment is pretty cheesy still and doesn't feel as solid as I think it should. On the other hand: 1) I really like the new suspension and steering. It stays on point much better, and the center weighting much more precise. Just the steering alone is 1000% better than any other Chrysler I've driven before. 2) The brakes are much improved as well. They have a good sense of feel to them. 3) The 3.6 liter V6 makes 290 hp and 260 feet pounds of torque. For this being a 5000 lb. truck, it move it around just fine in my opinion, and I'm currently averaging 19 mpg. A good surprise for a change. 4) Uses alot of Mercedes parts inside. The switch plates, the center digital info center, the air vents, and more all come directly from the ML. So of course they work nice, and look great. 5) The cabin is pretty quiet for a base model SUV. 6) I like the front end design. I also like the profile, but I hate the rearend view.
SW03ES Posted June 27, 2011 Posted June 27, 2011 2) The steering wheel and dash alignment. I actually have this same problem with alot of other cars also, including my Lexus IS 350, although not as much or as bad as the Durango's. My issue is that when you put the steering wheel where you like it, you can't see the gauges at all. And if you put it where you can see the gauges, it feels like your reaching up to the steering wheel. This is a BIG problem in the new Grand Cherokee too. With the steering wheel properly aligned both the speedo and tach are 1/3rd obstructed...
smooth1 Posted June 27, 2011 Author Posted June 27, 2011 The Dealership is Lucky it wasn't your Lexus Oh they are VERY lucky it wasn't the Lexus! I don't even want to think about if that had happened!
LEXIRX330 Posted June 27, 2011 Posted June 27, 2011 2) The steering wheel and dash alignment. I actually have this same problem with alot of other cars also, including my Lexus IS 350, although not as much or as bad as the Durango's. My issue is that when you put the steering wheel where you like it, you can't see the gauges at all. And if you put it where you can see the gauges, it feels like your reaching up to the steering wheel. This is a BIG problem in the new Grand Cherokee too. With the steering wheel properly aligned both the speedo and tach are 1/3rd obstructed... X5's are like that too... It doesn't matter where I put the freaking wheel I can't see the gauges. It's weird...
smooth1 Posted June 27, 2011 Author Posted June 27, 2011 And all this time I thought it was only me! LOL!! Like maybe only my arms extend under my shoulders and everyone else has longer necks?
LEX-SV Posted June 27, 2011 Posted June 27, 2011 Nice outcome on the accident/situation. The JGC is a winner, I've driven the new V6 and like it very much.
smooth1 Posted June 30, 2011 Author Posted June 30, 2011 So, I have an update on this whole fiasco! They were originally telling me that the truck would be here in about 2 or 3 weeks. I never really gave it much thought. So, now that 3 weeks have gone by, and when I call them I seem to get the full run around the city, not just the block. My question was if they said it would be here in 2 or 3 weeks, and it's been 3 weeks, what did you order and from whom? Has it shipped out yet or is it still sitting there? All I seemed to be getting was that glass over look when you ask your 12 year old child why the cat is bald and the back yard grass is all painted blue...... ""UUUhhh, I dunno..." But I'll say that I remained patient and I haven't been a jerk, but that doesn't mean I'll accept vague answers and be allowed to be pushed around. So, after asking "What is on order?" they finally answered...." Nothing." Chrysler has stopped taking orders for 2011. They tried to get mine in, thought they would be able to, but can't. So, my next question.....What are you doing now then? They said they WERE trying to locate a vehicle that fit my requirements and color. They really thought they wouldn't have a problem locating one, it would just take a couple extra days and some extra work..........But they said they have combed the US and nothing. Last week when we spoke he said they did have one, but the report came back.....Hail Damaged. So they had to keep looking. My next question.......So what's next?....Where is my ML so I can call the police and we can get the report done for the insurance companies. I was told ok, and taken to the back lot where my ML was sitting. I asked if they would call them for me and I would just wait there. He said ok and left. I would say about 20 minutes later the GM came out and of course started to give me the whole apology paragraph. I really just told him that the only reason he wants to apologize to me is to make himself feel better. It has nothing to do with me. This was a matter of what you will do and won't do, not a can or can't scenario. And I walked away and got in my ML and sat there. After another 10 minutes he sent a salesperson out to ask me to come in to his office. I explained that I wasn't really interested in hearing their apologies already and really just want to get this whole nightmare over with. He left and came back and asked me to talk to the GM again please. So I got out and walked in to his office. I didn't say a word he did all the talking. Basically he said I was exactly right about the apology, and he felt terribly embarrased. He said he's "never been called out like that before." So, after talking with me he called the owner again, then spoke with some "John" person on his staff, and said (I'll quote here) " John has a fully loaded Overland 4x4 in Silver with black leather interior. They already have it at another lot and can have it here in 5-7 business days." exact same price they already negotiated on my behalf. This truck would have been another $5 or $6K. It has everything the Limited does and alot more. I will make the phone call and make this deal happen right now on your say so." I asked to see the window sticker and go over everything again. He said no problem, called some people in, within a few minutes I had the invoice in my hand, along with the vin number and complete option and standard features listed on this specific truck. I looked it over. I have to say in my head I'm looking at this option package and thinking to myself I would be really stupid and stuborn to not give this another week for such a great possible outcome. So I said ok and signed it. He picked up the phone, spoke with some Jeremy person and my truck will be getting loaded up Monday, and should be here by the end of the week. It's coming from Maryland or New York. So, now I'm getting a Silver 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4x4 with black leather interior. Basically the same color combo I have now with the MB. I can live with that. But now, I'll have a fully loaded top of the line everything GC! It even comes with the fully adjustable air suspension system now! (I'm on the fence about weather or not to be happy or afraid of this option. I've heard alot of conflicting stories about air suspension systems.) So we'll have to see. But I guess it also further upgrades the leather, and has tons of options I may never even use, but hey.....at this point it's free! I'm not really a person who jumps at the word "free". I like knowing that everything I own I earned. But in this case, I think I have earned this. So, I have to wait another week. I'm still driving their Durango. What's one more week.
SW03ES Posted July 2, 2011 Posted July 2, 2011 Cool...I was thinking coming from the ML the Overland would be a better fit anyways... Hopefully it works out!
flop170 Posted July 4, 2011 Posted July 4, 2011 glad ur getting it all worked out man.... crazy story... very crazy
smooth1 Posted July 6, 2011 Author Posted July 6, 2011 Ok, so it finally came in today. 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4x4 : It had 8 miles on it when I picked it up this morning.
LEXIRX330 Posted July 7, 2011 Posted July 7, 2011 Looks great! I won't share my experiences that I have had with jeeps! But that has been years ago. I did love both of the Jeeps I had too.
RX350lover Posted July 7, 2011 Posted July 7, 2011 Nice, from the rear at a 45 degree angle, it has some design characteristics similar to the RX350. Silver is nice, when it is dirty you see it less.
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