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Comments
Using the trip computer, I noticed some interesting mpg numbers (3.8L), on level ground with light winds:
60 mph - 35 mpg
65 mph - 31 mpg
70 mph - 26 mpg
75 mph - 22 mpg
I can see now why Nixon set the national speed limit to 55 during the oil crisis in the winter of '73-'74.
http://www.wieck.com/public/*2PV_045102
Description of my van:
not garaged,average scratches, crack in the front bumper, paint is excellent, interior is excellent,
rides very much like new.
Replaced:
Struts/shocks (last 30K)
Oil change every 3K
Tires only have 18K (very good)
Transmission ($2000 repairs under warranty-55K)
Water Pump-55K
Power Steering Unit-60K
Power motors replaced-3 under warranty
Summary:
The van is still a good running vehicle and looks very nice. However I want a new one!!
Ques:
1) Can I get $5500-6000 (more) in the metroplitan NY area? If not how much?
2) Does it pay to trade it in??
3) Looking for a new 2003(or new 2002)GC Sport 3.3L-16"alloys, CD,rack,captain chairs,cloth interior, power drivers seat,spoiler. Anyone bought one recently "ALL IN" 8 1/2% tax for $24-25K???
Comments please (especially about the value)!!
Thx,
Opa
Try asking in the Real-World Trade-In Values discussion for value advice.
Steve, Host
Any comments? I live in Metropolitan NY area but would appreciate any comments.
Thanks,
Opa
Three hours later I got a phone call-sounded very interested. Next day (Sun.) the caller road tested the car and gave me my asking price plus $1 dollar=$5,000.
I received no other calls and bought a new 2003 GC ex on Tues.
Ain't life beautiful!!!
Opa
What price did you end up paying and with any options? I am starting to see some good prices for new 2002 TC Limited.
Ext Warranty-7/85K/$100 Ded.=$1,260 add'l
(28 free oil changes/roadside/loaner)
couple xtras N/C
4.49%/60 mos.
Major standard features: include 3.8L V6, quads, 16"alloys,touring susp, pass side power slider, power lift gate, cloth, split bench, CD, abs 4 wheel disc, rack, keyless entry, removable center console, rear A/C, power drivers seat
Only option I paid for was: xtra power driver slider
My shopping included 6 phone calls to Sales Managers =3 very good deals and 2 internet inquiries which =1 excellent deal.I made a few follow up calls and got the price down and was offered 4.09%/60 mo. from one dealer.
A few days later I visited the best 2 dealers (price/professional/finance rate) and left 2 deposits. Bottom line I got a better deal from one and finalized the deal on the same day.
I requested the 2 dealers to complete "my form" which requested best price, finance rate, monthly rate, various extended warranty prices and finally asked for a commitment of free pin stripe, oil changes, other freebies. Both dealers were a little shocked about the form but complied. We negotiated off my form.
Winning dealer: Merrick Dodge, Merrick, LI, NY
NOTE: I suggest you start with the sales manager and work down.
Good luck,
Opa
http://lighting.mbz.org/tech/bulbs/bulb_types/bulb_types.html
I CONTACTED CHYRSLER AND RECEIVED AN E-MAIL-"SORRY".
Everything you said is perfectly logical. However, 9 out of 10 customers in my position just give up after the first try. My experience is that you must continue your fight until the last round. The final bell has not rung yet!!
I will take whatever I can get. Consumers are too easy when dealing with Corporate Giants!!
I will not let this sour me for the sake of $9/month for 60 months. I enjoy the challenge!!
Thx,
Opa
Steve, Host
Oh well, the rest of the writeup was complementary. Especially notice: No maintenance issues, no repairs.
Steve, Host
I was more concerned about the loose stuff running around on the floorboards. I have similar problems with my van even though I have a little box that fits under the "purse" net between the seats. I'm not sure how they parcel out the test cars in the garage in Santa Monica - could be that the manuals are kept in a file cabinet somewhere.
And the fonts have been tweaked some since the latest site upgrade, but they shouldn't be changing much now. The last time it happened someone was messing with the style sheets and didn't check with the right person I guess.
Steve, Host
Having driven a GC for almost 7 years ('96 LE and '03 ex) I dont know if I can ever go back to a passenger car.
I can tell you that in Austria last year I drove a '02 Chrysler Voyager on the Autobahn at 180 kilometers (that's 110 mph) and it was smoothhhhhhh and quietttttt!!
Please keep sharing the adventures/opinions of other mini van drivers (good and bad).
Thx,
Opa
But we're planning on adding a wagon to the fleet here in Boise. That'll be interesting since we've mostly only driven vans since '89.
Steve, Host
Steve, Host
This means not only the Vito, but any other vehicle "that make sense," he said.
http://www.autonews.com/article.cms?articleId=41553
So the next Dodge van might be a caravito... or a vitavan. Dodge styling with MB engines and trannies might be an irresistible combination.
http://www.mercedes-benz.com/e/ecars/transporter/vito/personen/tr- ansp_pers_vito.htm
http://www.mercedes-benz.com/e/ecars/transporter/vito/personen/vi- to_l/vito_l.htm
http://www.mercedes-benz.com/e/rv/marcopolo/default.htm
http://www.mercedes-benz.com/e/rv/vitof/default.htm
I saw a Vito in North Carolina last year. Very impressive vehicle. It was a small diesel that got 32-25mpg.
Fewer parts = less weight = better mpg? ;-)
Steve, Host