The participant may not be charged for any preparation fees, delivery and handling charges, service or overhead fees, or any other such delivery fees under this Program
Does that mean no destination charges? or does that mean no additional fees added on top of (invoice -1%) + dest + $75 program fee? Can anyone who recently purchased using friends discount confirm?
With equivalent incentives as in February ($3250) and a lower money factor, the Signature package will become a very good deal.
Where is the extra $750 of the incentives coming from? I see the $1500 rebate + extra $1000 for lessees, but haven't seen the extra $750 published. Is this marketing support or would that be in addition to any marketing support?
or does that mean no additional fees added on top of (invoice -1%) + dest + $75 program fee?
Correct. The destination charge is part of the MSRP on the window sticker. Refer to it as the Monroney label in front of a salesman if you want to impress them. Also, the $75 is a documentation fee. There is no program fee for the Friends discount.
The discount is approximately 1% below invoice, so don't look up the invoice on Edmunds and go into the dealership with an exact dollar on paper and tell them that's what you're supposed to pay. The Friends discount is printed right on the invoice - look for the PP (Preferred Pricing) code.
Where is the extra $750 of the incentives coming from? I see the $1500 rebate + extra $1000 for lessees, but haven't seen the extra $750 published. Is this marketing support or would that be in addition to any marketing support?
Chrysler added an additional incentive during the last week of February on GC's and T&C's. An additional $750 was available if you were a returning Chrysler cusomter (any Chrylser, Jeep, Dodge product) or if you were a returning minivan segment customer (another competitor's minivan). This additional incentive never showed up on any of the typical incentive locations (Chrysler website, Edmunds, etc.)
The $750 additional incentive must have carried over to March because I've been working a deal over the past several weeks and the dealer yesterday said the total rebates were still $3,250 so I guess it carried over into March.
Tedebear - many thanks, you are a wealth of information.
One more question in regards to: Documentation fees are allowable under the respective governing State in which the vehicle is titled. Documentation fees may not exceed those normally charged on any other sales transaction.
In regards to the friends program, does this mean they can charge $75 + their standard doc fee or is the doc fee capped @ $75?
Does anyone have any recent examples of Friends discount amounts - specifically on the Sig series?
Chrysler added an additional incentive during the last week of February on GC's and T&C's. An additional $750 was available if you were a returning Chrysler cusomter (any Chrylser, Jeep, Dodge product) or if you were a returning minivan segment customer (another competitor's minivan).
Did this apply to both purchases and leases or just to leases?
Walked away this morning with our new 08 Sandstone T&C Touring w/ AT2 (Rear Entertainment Package).
Lease Terms-36 months, 53% residual, .00129 Money Factor MSRP-$30,925 Friends Price (Zip 84074)-$28588 Chrysler Financial Acquisition Fee-$700 Gross Cap Cost-$29288 Rebates-$3,250 ($1,000 lease cash, $1,500 lease loyalty, $750 minivan segment bonus cash) Down Payment-$1,500 Payment-$315.03 ($296.36 base + $18.67 tax)
No dealer doc fee, negotiated $200 in free service (which the Sales Manager will now cut me a check for), full tank of gas, no dealer stickers or emblems.
Dealer was Quality Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep in Tooele, Utah. Very good to work with--no pressure, all fees waived (except Chrysler acquisition fee, license & registration) and excellent salesperson.
We were expecting $324 payment but my wife and I were pleasantly surprised that the F&I guy told us $315.
Sorry to be such a car-buying idiot, but I am surprised at how many of the posts here look to be lease rather than buy. Is that the better deal right now? I am almost embarrassed to admit it, but after years of driving a Town & Country, last July in a fit of irritation at my local dealer and their AWFUL service department, I bought a new 2007 Odyssey. I HATE it! I know I am not supposed to, as a good yuppie, certified soccer mom I am supposed to adore the Odyssey, but there are SO many things about it that are less convenient and/or comfortable than a Town and Country. The one good thing -- at less than a year old, it has a high resale value, lol, so unbelieveably, I am considering trading it in for a new T&C. I wanted to get a decent idea of the prices before I tell my husband. :-). I would be going for a Touring with something like the 25L package. I appreciate any advice! Anna
I have been quoted a fair price on a 2008 T&C but my wife an I are having an issue with the rear entertainment system. It seems that when the system is in use and the screens down it makes the rear view mirror unusable. The screens actually block the view of the driver out of the back of the van. has anyone else noticed this? I see no comments anywhere.
You are not a car buying idiot. Even though I have bought many and leased several in my lifetime, I still get confused. I am currently ready to lease an 08 T&C touring. I am now leasing an 05 T&C and the lease is up next month. My previous T&C was purchased. I kept it for three years and had 66,000 miles on it. I only got $8,000 for my trade in and my payments on the current one (lease) are almost $500 per month with 39 months and 15,000 miles per year. I now know that I did not get a good deal back then. That model had an MSRP of about $32,000. I am now looking at the Touring with the Signature packed ($1500 off for DVD, etc). I am now receiving better quotes that three years ago. At that time the Walter P. Chrysler Signature addition did include a sun roof and navigation so the MSRP could have been a bit more, but the package discount was great. My point is that I now believe leasing is a better deal that purchasing. I realize that there are many pros and cons on this subject. The current lease incentives include $1,500 plus $1,000 owner loyalty and $500 bonus. Some of these are also avaiable on a purchase. If I purchase I would have to keep it at least 5 years and there is no 0% financing for that long. My payments would be high and I probably would not have much equity at that time. Also remember that in 3 years there could be many more fuel efficient vehicles out there to choose from. Just wanted to pass these thoughts along. Good luck and do not buy or lease one without the Signature package. They are now calling it, "It's a New Day Package". They are expecting that 25% of the orders will be for that package. It is a no brainer.
I have never leased anything in my life, cars/vans included. For me, it just don't make economic sense.
If you're concerned about total dollars spent, the best thing to do is to buy a used van 1-3 years old with less than (say) 50,000 miles on it, and run it into the ground. That way, especially with Chrysler/Dodge products, you're buying down on the depreciation curve and still have the majority of the useful life of the vehicle left. This makes even more economic sense if you're handy and can do some or most of the work on the van yourself.
I think (though I have not run the numbers) that the next most economic approach is to buy new but, again, run it into the ground. We did that with our '94 DC, and in the end it cost us around $0.25/mile TCO (purchase, fuel, maintenance, repairs, insurance, everything).
I think that leasing or buying new every 3 years is the least economic way to go. With both those approaches, the depreciation of the vehicle is going to drive your costs. But, there are other issues besides economics that come into play here. Some people just plain like/want new vehicles, and don't want to be bothered with maintaining an older or higher mileage vehicle. That has to be factored in also, though it's much harder to assign a dollar value to "new car smell", for instance.
Like you, I have never leased anything either. The dealers make it sound so tempting but they make more money leasing a car than selling it. Lines like "you're only paying for the time you're using it"....total BS folks!!!
I closed a deal on a 2008 T & C Touring with the 25K Pkg. List price was $28,580. Dealer gave me $2500 in rebates and a dealer discount of $3580. Bottom line price: $22,500. Real hard sell on the warranties and rustproofing (which I do myself.) Went back and forth with the business mgr until I got the Chrysler warranty for $675. (originally quoted $1799!) Another dealer called up and said they would match the deal if I went with them. What does the forum think, did I do okay? Oh and I will charge the warranty, kept it right out of the deal so as not to muddy the waters on the price of the car.
What kind of warranty was it? The only thing I was offered was a "lifetime for everything" for about $1750 -- which I passed on. If they gave me a "lifetime for everything" for $675 -- I'd take it. Can you tell me more about the type of warranty you were offered?
Where did the extra $1000 in rebates come from (were you a returning lessee)? Where are you located as that is a great discount - well below Friends price it appears?
In 2005 we leased a new T&C for $430 per month. This was in addition to the $3928 that we put down at signing. We got 48,750 miles for this price. We got the touring package.
We loved the vehicle but don't think we got a very good deal on the lease.
We have two kids and one on the way. I would be extremely grateful if any Chrysler employee out there could share a friends code with us. We are located in Iowa and email is Dbeitz@yahoo.com.
Hi Dave, Kim, Ryan and Claire, I did the same thing 39 months ago on an 05 Town and Country. I traded in a T&C that was three years old with 66,000 miles on it and only got $8,000 for it. Mine is the Signature Edition which in 05 was a package that included Navigation, DVD screen and Sun Roof. My payment is almost $500 per month. I am getting far better quotes now with no trade and a better MSRP. I also wish that I had access to a forum like this then. Good luck in getting and Employee or Friends code to use. Are you leasing or buying??? The lease incentives are excellent now and even better than those that are published on Chrysler's own website or other sites. Check them out. Call Chrysler Rebate Center at 1-800-227-0757 and get the latest info. These expire on March 31. Who knows what they will be April 1. Maybe better and mabe some dropped.
WOW !! So much information. We purchased a 2006 Caravan through family last fall--way to small. We have 4 kids and getting kids in and out with carseats, etc. is almost impossible. We are thinking of trading it in for a 2008 T&C--so glad I found this discussion first. I have been offered a price of 24900 on a LX H pkg with enterrtainment system. After reading everything here it sounds like they are basically offering me the rebates? Not sure how the friends discounts are given or from whom? Is there someone out there with that explaination or with a friends discount number---would be wonderful to not be squished and avoiding all the price dealing !!!
I still have 4 friends discounts available. Do not email me if you are on the fence of getting one or not. I only want to help out those who are committed to buying one relatively soon. Otherwise, you'll be wasting a valid discount (I only get 6 per year, and can't cancel any that I give out if not used).
My lease is expiring and a really need a friends discount. I am definitely leasing by this weekend to avoid losing an Auto Show Bonus of $500. Hope I can get through to you and you will consider me for one of the friends discounts. Thanks
Just logged into Chrysler Employee website with my sister-in laws info. It is pretty nice. You can configure a vehicle with options just like on Chrysler's site. Except it knows your employee pricing and shows it as well.
Here is the T&C I want. 2008 T&C touring signature value. base $32,940 Dest $ 770 Mynav 1,300 trler $ 600 b-sir-tv 495 pack adj -1,525 total $34,580 emp dis -$ 3,572 cash allow -$ 1,500 bonus $ -$ 500 Lease loyal -$ 1,000
To be Leased $28,008 Site says estimated lease payment $365
I am looking for a real lease payment based on current factor / residual.
How does this work (friends discount) and what kind of discount is given? I am seriously considering buying a Town & Country this weekend. (Hubby's car was totaled last night!)
Hi, No we have not. It is now in D1 status which means it should be built soon. The latest update that I received from Chrysler was that it had a ship date of 3-25-08 . It will take about 1 week after the ship date for it to get to the dealer which is about 40 miles from where they are built.It has been over 10 weeks since it was ordered.
The plant has been shut down 2 or 3 different times since we ordered.It was down 2 weeks in Jan.for inventory control.Then for a few days due to a plastic supplier filing bankruptcy, and for about a week at the end of Feb.beginning of March,due to TRW strike that makes suspension parts for the Vans.
Call this number 1-800-992-1997 and they will give you the status on your Van. Ask them if they have a VIN number and a build or ship date yet? Your dealer can also do this. Mine told me he didn't have time to check every week on the status.
Depending on the region you're in (rebates vary by region) you might get a slightly better deal if you can get a Friends discount from a Chrysler employee.
Here's what the price would be with a Friends discount, a $1,500 rebate and $500 bonus cash:
Hmmm... Seems like I may be leaving some money on the table... I don't have any friends that work for Chrysler though. I'm in Texas - what do I have to do to claim the $500 "bonus cash"???
what do I have to do to claim the $500 "bonus cash"???
You can check at chrysler.com > Shopping Tools > Current Incentives to see if the bonus cash is available in your area.
As far as the Friends discount, ask around on some of the Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep forums (not just the ones on Edmunds). Many Chrysler employees are also Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep owners who visit the forums on a regular basis.
Do any of you start with a lease intending to keep it after your lease is up? Leasing would help us get into vehicle at the price we need any thoughts??
Here is pricing: MSRP 32500 Invoice 29725
dealer price including my rebates is 25425. Payment $317 plus tax---haven't been to dealer for a breakdown of the payment yet.
You will need a vehicle order number (VON) for the people at 1-800-992-1997 to check the status.It is on the top right hand corner of the order invoice. If the dealer did not give you a copy,call your salesperson and ask him what your VON is.
We just got back from T&C shopping in Coralville. We were looking at a T&C with the touring package that started at around $36K. After discounts on the lease renew program it was supposed to be around $31K.
We were going with the stow and go instead of the swivel and go. The 25-M package.
We didn't mention the friends code at the time because I wasn't sure we would get one.
We'll go back next week and bring up then friends discount then. I believe it should save us around $800.
rmnalisa, I'm new to this forum, but will try to figure out how to send you an email for the friends discount. My wife and I are looking at buying a T&C ASAP as I just found out I am being esnt out to Atlanta to help w/ the storms (I'm a claims adjuster). Plan was to get it done later this week, but now the timetable is moved up to today, if possible!
Everyone else on this forum, Thanks for all the great info, I just found it last night and everything has been very helpful. I will post what deal I get whenever we get it done.
It was the Chrysler 7year/70,000 mile Added Care Plus Warranty that covers 800 parts. I was quoted the same price which I negotiated down to $900. Then a call to a competing dealer that was going to match the deal item for item, gave me a price of $620 which is the dealer cost. When I called them back, they said they'd throw in a "tire & wheel" warranty for 5 years for a total of $675. So for an extra $55, I went for it. So what you're really paying for is 4 years because the first three are covered by Chrysler. :shades:
I'm in Albany, NY. There are several Chrysler/Jeep dealers as well as Dodge dealers and they're loaded with inventory. The dealer I bought mine from only sold 6 cars last Sat.(I know where their sold row is!) and has over 80 in inventory. The rebate form I signed to assign the rebate to the dealer was for $2500 broken down into $1500, 500 & 500. One dealer told me that the factory gives them "coupons" based on the number of cars they sold in the prior month. These could be worth $250-500 but the salesman won't tell you unless you're competing with another dealer for the sale.
I wonder why your MSRP was so much lower. I am looking at the TC touring 25M.
Mine was a 25K package with AT2 (Rear DVD) only, that is probably the difference. As a side note, the 25K package had a lower money factor than the other touring packages, which made the difference for us.
I just seen on the News here that Chrysler is going to cease all friends discounts.First it was the EC, now it is Friends.What is next, the employees? I think it is a mistake with GM and Ford still offering friends discount.
I just seen on the News here that Chrysler is going to cease all friends discounts
I am a Chrysler employee and I was a bit skeptical when I read this, especially since there has been no mention of it on any Chrysler employee website or anywhere else that I've read, other than this forum.
I just got off the phone with someone at the Chrysler customer assistance center (800-992-1997). She spent several minutes looking for any new information on the Friends program. She told me that there has been no announcement from Chrysler about discontinuing this program and that it is still alive and well for the 2008 calendar year.
BTW, if anyone still needs a Friends number I am all out for the year. Sorry.
Comments
The money goes to the bank (think.. mortgage application fee)..
I don't know Chrysler Finance's usual fee, but $700 sounds about right...
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Does that mean no destination charges? or does that mean no additional fees added on top of (invoice -1%) + dest + $75 program fee? Can anyone who recently purchased using friends discount confirm?
Where is the extra $750 of the incentives coming from? I see the $1500 rebate + extra $1000 for lessees, but haven't seen the extra $750 published. Is this marketing support or would that be in addition to any marketing support?
Thanks
Correct. The destination charge is part of the MSRP on the window sticker. Refer to it as the Monroney label in front of a salesman if you want to impress them.
The discount is approximately 1% below invoice, so don't look up the invoice on Edmunds and go into the dealership with an exact dollar on paper and tell them that's what you're supposed to pay. The Friends discount is printed right on the invoice - look for the PP (Preferred Pricing) code.
Chrysler added an additional incentive during the last week of February on GC's and T&C's. An additional $750 was available if you were a returning Chrysler cusomter (any Chrylser, Jeep, Dodge product) or if you were a returning minivan segment customer (another competitor's minivan). This additional incentive never showed up on any of the typical incentive locations (Chrysler website, Edmunds, etc.)
The $750 additional incentive must have carried over to March because I've been working a deal over the past several weeks and the dealer yesterday said the total rebates were still $3,250 so I guess it carried over into March.
One more question in regards to:
Documentation fees are allowable under the respective governing State in which the vehicle is titled. Documentation fees may not exceed those normally charged on any other sales transaction.
In regards to the friends program, does this mean they can charge $75 + their standard doc fee or is the doc fee capped @ $75?
Does anyone have any recent examples of Friends discount amounts - specifically on the Sig series?
Thanks
It means that the doc fee cannot exceed $75 total.
Chrysler added an additional incentive during the last week of February on GC's and T&C's. An additional $750 was available if you were a returning Chrysler cusomter (any Chrylser, Jeep, Dodge product) or if you were a returning minivan segment customer (another competitor's minivan).
Did this apply to both purchases and leases or just to leases?
Lease Terms-36 months, 53% residual, .00129 Money Factor
MSRP-$30,925
Friends Price (Zip 84074)-$28588
Chrysler Financial Acquisition Fee-$700
Gross Cap Cost-$29288
Rebates-$3,250 ($1,000 lease cash, $1,500 lease loyalty, $750 minivan segment bonus cash)
Down Payment-$1,500
Payment-$315.03 ($296.36 base + $18.67 tax)
No dealer doc fee, negotiated $200 in free service (which the Sales Manager will now cut me a check for), full tank of gas, no dealer stickers or emblems.
Dealer was Quality Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep in Tooele, Utah. Very good to work with--no pressure, all fees waived (except Chrysler acquisition fee, license & registration) and excellent salesperson.
We were expecting $324 payment but my wife and I were pleasantly surprised that the F&I guy told us $315.
Thanks Tedebear for your help!!!
I appreciate any advice!
Anna
Thanks
You can still see some, and you can also use the now larger side mirrors more. You just need to get used to it and adjust your mirror checking.
My point is that I now believe leasing is a better deal that purchasing. I realize that there are many pros and cons on this subject. The current lease incentives include $1,500 plus $1,000 owner loyalty and $500 bonus. Some of these are also avaiable on a purchase. If I purchase I would have to keep it at least 5 years and there is no 0% financing for that long. My payments would be high and I probably would not have much equity at that time. Also remember that in 3 years there could be many more fuel efficient vehicles out there to choose from. Just wanted to pass these thoughts along. Good luck and do not buy or lease one without the Signature package. They are now calling it, "It's a New Day Package". They are expecting that 25% of the orders will be for that package. It is a no brainer.
If you're concerned about total dollars spent, the best thing to do is to buy a used van 1-3 years old with less than (say) 50,000 miles on it, and run it into the ground. That way, especially with Chrysler/Dodge products, you're buying down on the depreciation curve and still have the majority of the useful life of the vehicle left. This makes even more economic sense if you're handy and can do some or most of the work on the van yourself.
I think (though I have not run the numbers) that the next most economic approach is to buy new but, again, run it into the ground. We did that with our '94 DC, and in the end it cost us around $0.25/mile TCO (purchase, fuel, maintenance, repairs, insurance, everything).
I think that leasing or buying new every 3 years is the least economic way to go. With both those approaches, the depreciation of the vehicle is going to drive your costs. But, there are other issues besides economics that come into play here. Some people just plain like/want new vehicles, and don't want to be bothered with maintaining an older or higher mileage vehicle. That has to be factored in also, though it's much harder to assign a dollar value to "new car smell", for instance.
Can you give me the name of the sales agent and the dealer your contacted at the following email address buycar at easyalpha.com
I'm looking to buy a car in the next few weeks.
Thanks,
Where did the extra $1000 in rebates come from (were you a returning lessee)?
Where are you located as that is a great discount - well below Friends price it appears?
In 2005 we leased a new T&C for $430 per month. This was in addition to the $3928 that we put down at signing. We got 48,750 miles for this price. We got the touring package.
We loved the vehicle but don't think we got a very good deal on the lease.
We have two kids and one on the way. I would be extremely grateful if any Chrysler employee out there could share a friends code with us. We are located in Iowa and email is Dbeitz@yahoo.com.
Thanks!!
Dave, Kim, Ryan and Claire
I did the same thing 39 months ago on an 05 Town and Country. I traded in a T&C that was three years old with 66,000 miles on it and only got $8,000 for it. Mine is the Signature Edition which in 05 was a package that included Navigation, DVD screen and Sun Roof. My payment is almost $500 per month. I am getting far better quotes now with no trade and a better MSRP. I also wish that I had access to a forum like this then. Good luck in getting and Employee or Friends code to use. Are you leasing or buying??? The lease incentives are excellent now and even better than those that are published on Chrysler's own website or other sites. Check them out. Call Chrysler Rebate Center at 1-800-227-0757 and get the latest info. These expire on March 31. Who knows what they will be April 1. Maybe better and mabe some dropped.
Thanks so much !
I guarantee you that we will get a new T&C leased by the end of March.
If you can help us out like you have others I promise you it will for a good cause. I'll send you an Email right away.
Thanks,
Dave, Kim, Ryan, & Claire
My lease is expiring and a really need a friends discount. I am definitely leasing by this weekend to avoid losing an Auto Show Bonus of $500. Hope I can get through to you and you will consider me for one of the friends discounts. Thanks
It is pretty nice.
You can configure a vehicle with options just like on Chrysler's site.
Except it knows your employee pricing and shows it as well.
Here is the T&C I want.
2008 T&C touring signature value.
base $32,940
Dest $ 770
Mynav 1,300
trler $ 600
b-sir-tv 495
pack adj -1,525
total $34,580
emp dis -$ 3,572
cash allow -$ 1,500
bonus $ -$ 500
Lease loyal -$ 1,000
To be Leased $28,008 Site says estimated lease payment $365
I am looking for a real lease payment based on current factor / residual.
Can anyone help? Carman?
Thanks.
Have you received your Town and Country yet? We ordered in mid Feb....just wondering how long I should expect to wait...
Thanks!
Thanks!
The latest update that I received from Chrysler was that it had a ship date of
3-25-08 . It will take about 1 week after the ship date for it to get to the dealer which is about 40 miles from where they are built.It has been over 10 weeks since it was ordered.
The plant has been shut down 2 or 3 different times since we ordered.It was down 2 weeks in Jan.for inventory control.Then for a few days due to a plastic supplier filing bankruptcy, and for about a week at the end of Feb.beginning of March,due to TRW strike that makes suspension parts for the Vans.
Call this number 1-800-992-1997 and they will give you the status on your Van.
Ask them if they have a VIN number and a build or ship date yet?
Your dealer can also do this. Mine told me he didn't have time to check every week on the status.
Price is $36,000 plus TTL. OK???
Depending on the region you're in (rebates vary by region) you might get a slightly better deal if you can get a Friends discount from a Chrysler employee.
Here's what the price would be with a Friends discount, a $1,500 rebate and $500 bonus cash:
MSRP: $41,450
Friends Discount: - $4,137
Rebate: - $1,500
Bonus Cash: - $500
Net Price: $35,313
You can check at chrysler.com > Shopping Tools > Current Incentives to see if the bonus cash is available in your area.
As far as the Friends discount, ask around on some of the Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep forums (not just the ones on Edmunds). Many Chrysler employees are also Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep owners who visit the forums on a regular basis.
Here is pricing:
MSRP 32500
Invoice 29725
dealer price including my rebates is 25425. Payment $317 plus tax---haven't been to dealer for a breakdown of the payment yet.
We would still be at 17000 after 3 years.
We were going with the stow and go instead of the swivel and go. The 25-M package.
We didn't mention the friends code at the time because I wasn't sure we would get one.
We'll go back next week and bring up then friends discount then. I believe it should save us around $800.
Thanks RMBALISA!!!
Dave, Kim, Ryan and Claire
I'm new to this forum, but will try to figure out how to send you an email for the friends discount. My wife and I are looking at buying a T&C ASAP as I just found out I am being esnt out to Atlanta to help w/ the storms (I'm a claims adjuster). Plan was to get it done later this week, but now the timetable is moved up to today, if possible!
Everyone else on this forum,
Thanks for all the great info, I just found it last night and everything has been very helpful. I will post what deal I get whenever we get it done.
I am trying to line up a lease right now with the same incentives and a friends code. The most recent Lease quote I have is around $460 per month.
I plan on talking to more dealers but that is where I am today. MSRP is 33272.
I wonder why your MSRP was so much lower. I am looking at the TC touring 25M.
Thanks,
Dave Beitz
Mine was a 25K package with AT2 (Rear DVD) only, that is probably the difference. As a side note, the 25K package had a lower money factor than the other touring packages, which made the difference for us.
I think it is a mistake with GM and Ford still offering friends discount.
I am a Chrysler employee and I was a bit skeptical when I read this, especially since there has been no mention of it on any Chrysler employee website or anywhere else that I've read, other than this forum.
I just got off the phone with someone at the Chrysler customer assistance center (800-992-1997). She spent several minutes looking for any new information on the Friends program. She told me that there has been no announcement from Chrysler about discontinuing this program and that it is still alive and well for the 2008 calendar year.
BTW, if anyone still needs a Friends number I am all out for the year. Sorry.