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Comments
Anyway, they're giving me an invoice of $29,417, and are adding $100 profit (this can vary from dealer to dealer in this chain) and $289 dealer handling/prep. I decided to enhance the LXI with heated seats ($213), trailer tow prep ($208), front and rear stabilizer bars ($21), and load leveling ($247). So my overall price is now $30,495 plus taxes (5.8% where I live in a Denver suburb). To everyone reading this, please let me know what price you are looking at paying for a comparable vehicle.
I'm also opting for the 0% financing rather than the $1500 rebate. The 0% requires that you put some money down, typically around $2000. You can also choose .9% financing, which doesn't require anything down. The 0% is scheduled to last for a couple weeks, while my sources tell me that the .9% will run through April 3rd.
The other thing I'd like to have on my van is something Chrysler doesn't manufacture--a rubberized cargo mat that extends from the back of the van to the back of the mid-row captains chairs. (I'll be removing the rear bench seat.)
I need this room for storing photographic equipment. If anyone knows who makes customized mats like this, please let me know. So far, I've only found mats that extend from the rear door to the back of the bench seat.
To everyone thinking about buying a Chrysler T&C, I recommend reading comment #65 by Disneydarby, posted May '99. It's the most sobering testimonial I've encountered. Print it out, show it to salesmen and service managers, and make sure you're comfortable with their responses before buying a T&C. Then tell them you have no intention of allowing any dealer to victimize you the same way these folks were. There are lemons out there, as comments on this web site will attest! You've got so many parts that make vehicles work these day, and while they have extremely low failure rates individually, when you combine them all together, it's quite remarkable that the whole damn thing works as long as it does! (I have a masters degree in statistics, and I remember having fun in class computing such probabilities.)
I have a question about your figures on the LXI--
I read your post with interest today because I test drove--and really liked--a T&C outfitted exactly as you describe. When I got home I priced it out according to Edmunds info and got an invoice price of $29,317. This was on a FWD model and goes like this:
Base................. 25905
Pkg 29Y.............. 2945
29Y Mfr. Discount.... - 850
Wheels/Handling Grp.. 21
Trlr Tow Prep........ 208
Heated Seats......... 213
3.8L w/Traction...... 285
-------
28727
Dest Charge 590
Total............... 29317
Adding $100 dealer profit to this, as you mentioned, gives me your figure of $29417. But I've already included prices for the options, which I assume means that either you're talking about an AWD model or the dealer is trying to charge you twice for the options. Can you clarify this?
I'm probably going to take a shot at buying one of these later this week, so we'll see how it goes.
Now onto your question about pricing details on the LXI. For the most part, your prices agree with mine except for the following:
I've got load leveling, which costs $247, dealer handling and prep at $289, $20 for something they call Owner Communication Program, and two other figures I haven't been able to figure out yet: F40 Denver Metro-PPA at $160, and P40 Denver Metro-PPA at $305. I don't know what the hell the last two figures mean, but they are apparently not "optional." My 29Y package figure is $50 more than what you quoted, by the way.
I'll clarify these items tomorrow with the dealer and post another message.
What's interesting is that this price and spec sheet I obtained at a John Elway Autonation dealership clearly specified that the final price did not include a $1500 rebate. That was what they claimed over the phone, but they wanted to renig when I went there in person. They couldn't believe that one of their salesmen quoted me the price we're discussing here WITHOUT the rebate. THEY WANTED TO CHARGE ME AN EXTRA $1500!!!!! Well an hour--and a couple bottles of free pop--later (which they supplied in a feeble attempt to force that deal), they changed their story and apologized. They told me that I was right after all. They were unfortunately, "rather confused." I asked them if they could put that in writing, which they did. Then I promtly walked out, and went to another John Elway dealership. Now these folks looked and looked at the price sheet and finally told me that they would honor the terms. They were a little reluctant becuase the first dealership said they only add $100 profit, whereas they add more like $600.
Anyway, all the salesmen you meet are bunch of scumbags. Count on it. I say print out the worst testimonials you can find on this site, and show the bastards that advertising writers who compose their brochures are living in some kind of fantasy land (and probably drive Mercedes). Most of us on this site, I'd wager, know a hell of a lot more then the vast majority of salesmen you'll talk to. (At this point, I find myself educating THEM about the fine points of the Y package vs. Limited, etc...)
Despite all this, I'm going to take the plunge and buy the LXI. Most consumer articles and mags you'll read say that reliability has been going steadily up on GM vans. Crash test stats aren't exactly grade A, but according to a recent auto magazine, the Chrysler vans have reported among the fewest mortality/injury rates compared to vans in general.
The T&C Limited AWD came with towing prep, which has auto load leveling feature, does not affect ride quality at all. Handling and braking on this vehicle is amazing for its size, I was impressed. Had the vehicle for two days now and haven't found a single flaw yet. The fit and finish is outstanding. Of note, all seating arrangements are quite confortable except for the center of rear seat which has a stiff backing and no head rest.
I read these forums with great interest and the information gathered here was very informative. My recommendation is do your research and enjoy your purchase.
Anyway, I think you'll enjoy the LXI Y package with all the amenities. The only thing I'd like which I can't get is disk brakes on all four wheels which the gentleman above discussed (the LXI has disks only on front).
But the Limited has only one interior color-taupe. Tough if you don't like it. The other thing I didn't like about the Limited seats is the suade leather on the doors and on the sides of the seats. I prefer regular leather on all surfaces. Easier to clean. Suade is a higher maintanance material that gets dirty more easily. And when suade gets scuffed up and builds and oily residue, it looks like crap. Fortunately, the LXI has only smooth leather surfaces on all points of contact.
Thanks, everybody, for all your input. And thanks to Edmunds for making these forums available. This is one of the best places to do your homework... I have only one other request. If anybody knows where I can get a rubberized mat that will go from the back of the LXI to the back of the mid-row seats, please let me know. (I'll be removing the rear bench seat to store photo equipment.) This is probably an aftermarket item.
We bought our T&C LX on 2/12/00. We had attempted to buy the same van in December, but could not get them to deal. We got a price on just the van and then sprung the trade on them later.
Went back on 2/12 and the sales droid was no longer employed there. New salesman came back with a price $400 higher than previous offer. I had already told him he had to go lower. When I asked why it was higher, he told me my trade had depreciated by $400. Luckly, I had my file with me, with the trade in numbers from December and from February. The difference was $15. Needless to say, he quickly realized I had the upper hand. Told him to make it up on the next customer, if he wanted to sell the van he would have to agree to my terms.
My point is this: do your homework and hunker down for the long haul like Mark in Denver says to do. I actually enjoy making them mad. My wife and I rehearsed what we were going to do before going in. When I bumped her on the foot, she said, "Hey, those guys at XYZ said they would beat any offer, lets go on over there." As we were walking out, they ran over too us and gave me what I wanted. $100 over invoice, plus 0.9%.
While waiting on the paperwork, we heard some poor guy buying based on payment. The salesman next to us said, "Hey I can get you that payment you want, no problem." He took the poor guy from a 36 month payment to a 60 month payment on a Jeep.
The point is the dealers will make it up on uninformed buyers. Do your homework, shop around, have your file ready and you will wear them down and usually get what you want.
Sites like this one make it so easy to do your research and have the upper hand when you walk into the dealer.
By the way, we love the T&C LX. It drives like a dream and the Sound system is great. I actually like taking my wife out on a date in it.
Good luck out there.
We bought the 2000 T&C LX, with the 3.3.
Here is what is on it:
Base Price: $26,360
Climate Group III $ 475
Covenience Group IV $ 240
Value Plus Audio $ 720
Roof Rack $ 215
16" Alum wheels $ 265
Destination $ 590
Total $28,865
Value Plus Audio Discount -450
Total MSRP $28,415
We paid $26300, which was not quite $100 over invoice. This included theregional advertising fee, but still felt we got a good deal.
Good luck.
The most interesting thing I discovered during all of this happened when I called the Chrysler Finance HQ (1-800-CHRYSLER). After I asked whether it was true that there was 0% financing available, the rep told me "I am unable to answer that question, sir." I pressed him a little by asking "You mean that you can't say whether there _is_ or _isn't_ 0% financing available?" to which he replied "That's correct." Weird. Oh well, after talking to the sales manager at one of the John Elway outlets it became clear that Chrysler is pitching different deals in different parts of the country and doesn't want to get into a big issue over it. I guess when you're a corporation of that size, that's part of the game.
Probably going to spring for a T&C LXi this weekend, that is of course if the right deal can be struck!
Thanks everyone...
JeepDude
While I was at the dealership I checked with the service department to see what had been done on this car and I found out that the front rotors and rear brakes were replaced in July 1999 due to a vibration noise. Is this something I should be concerned about?
I am also looking into an extended warranty on the vehicle. Has anyone ever worked with Warranty Direct? I would appreciate your comments or suggestions.
Looking for someone to take over the LOW lease on it.
I got it for my wife (Had a SUV before this)..She is not thrilled with driving a minivan.
Located In Long Island, NY
32 payments left...only 367.00 total per month.
If interested, e-mail me at:
David2u@att.net
I test drove at Dick Hannah Chrysler in Vancouver. Noticed they had a dealer markup of $1995 on top of MSRP. Something to the effect of "Market Adjustment". Odd that Chrysler would offer a rebate/.9% financing on the vehicle.
I haven't begun negotiations yet and was wondering if you found a dealer in the area that would deal with you? Good Luck.
It's very luxurious and fun to drive
noise emanating from the front passenger side
windshield. This 'noise' starts around 40 mph and
becomes constant there after. The dealership
service tech says it is the gasket around the
windshield, and he's in the process of replacing
it.
I was hoping to find others who may have
experienced this same problem along with your
suggestions. My wife and I really like the T&C,
putting a deposit ($500.00) down to have the
dealership find just the right combination of
color and options only to have this problem surface.
This particular LXi sat at a nearby dealership
for 6 months! My dealership searched for a week,
informing me they were not having luck finding
what we wanted!!! Low and behold they found
it, with one additional option (handling package).
Don't believe I am bound to 'this' vehicle, but I
am becoming disillusioned by this wind problem so
much for the T&C sound proofing and quality
control.
Any advice would be appreciated SOON AS POSSIBLE.
How did you get a price for your trade without visiting the dealer to have them appraise it?
I knew what I was approximately going to get, but I was equipped with values from the Web (Kelly Blue Book, NADA, etc.). I truthfully represented the trade and understood that a deal would be contigent upon the accuracy of my claim. Most dealers were OK with this.
The dealer that I bought from is located about 40 miles away. The salesman who provided me a bid via one of the buying services, offered to come meet me to look over the trade. He did and we continued negotiations via phone and e-mail. He ultimately gave me the price and trade that I was looking for. He had to get the van from another dealership one hundred miles away, drove it to my house, we filled out the paperwork and he drove off with my trade. It was great!
carpoint.com
autobytel.com
carsmart.com
autoweb.com
From these sites, I got access to seven "local" dealers (some were within 50 miles -- that was OK because they seem to be the most anxious to deal). I live in a major metropolitan area in Ohio. This is definitely the way to go if your time is limited. Ask each dealer for their best price and then start playing them off each other. Like I wrote earlier, I never had to go to a dealership at all. This whole process took about a week (I also had a trade which made things a little more difficult). Be aggressive and let me know how it goes!
Thanks.
Sorry, no comments here about the suede.
We too are purchasing limited w/suede.
I too am concerned children 4 & 9. We do take
excellent care of our cars and never had a van
before. I'm sure next years model 2001 will not
have it and why on earth they put it where they
did noone knows. But if you need the 0.9 financing this is the way to go. Advise...take care of suede the best you can... ever see a old suede coat...Well what can we say... Enjoy the T&C.
I just bought a 2000 LXI Y package(silver) and paid $200 above invoice. I originally wanted to buy the car at invoice but told the dealer I would do it if they included two accessories. A set of Spider Chains which are expensive (best price $290). They are made in Sweden and make putting chains on fun. We take the LXI into the mountains and have already used them. They are amazing and my 6 year old and I can put them on in less than 60 seconds. The other item is the rear spoiler which I think looks good and helps make my LXI just a little different from all of the others. Price for the spoiler is $170 and they had to paint it silver. Both were installed by the dealer and they paid for that too. In all, I think we got a good deal with the .9% financing and are very pleased with the quality and performance.
What is the Y package? I believe the car comes with leather is that correct? What other options came with the car? I am trying to educate myself to save time at the dealer. What was the price you paid if you do not mind me asking?
Thank you for your help.
batill1263@aol.com
Please let me know if i got a good deal! thanks.
Did you put anything towards the reduction of the cap?
Thanks
I have a 2001 LXi with the 3.8. Tried 89 octane for about two weeks. Did not notice a difference in performance, and mileage dropped by about 0.2 mpg to 17.1 average. Not a definitive test, by any means, and there are no hills here in South Jersey, so it's hard to floor it under heavy load conditions without taking off. My decision is to stick with the 87 and pocket the savings.
Still, 89 will probably get the most out of a 3.8. If you want to try it, stick with the higher grade for a couple tanks. It apparently takes a while for the computer to advance the timing. The performance will actually decrease slightly until the spark is advanced. But again this probably won't be noticeable.
If anyone has seen power output ratings for the 3.8 using REGULAR grade fuel, I'd be interested.
11. 23-59-98
DEC 98
Front Door Glass Adjustment/Windnoise
www.alldata.com/pro/TSB/13/991309EP.html
KarenS
Vans host
Help!
DMaGill
In general, the T&C should have enough sound insulation to keep out the normal wear sound of friction material against the rotor. In addition to Cesarp's advice, I would let your trusted brake mechanic drive the van to demonstrate the noise before he inspects the brakes.
I called the Chrysler 800 number. The customer service rep. called the service manager and received the same line I did. "Normal noise due to metallic pads with no asbestos." She recommended I take my van to another dealership. I will do that.