Summer Solstice

All of the directions are decently laid out in the owners manual. The pictures, however, leave a lot to be desired. I have driven a lot of donuts in my time (and eaten even more). I have pushed them far harder than the recommendations written on the side. Though I am no fan of the stock Kumho tires (for the same reasons that others have addressed before) they sound and ride far better than the spare. I kept my speed at 65 on the highway all the way home and on to Discount Tire. Shameless plug here....Discount treated me very well, as always. The tire was fixed for free and installed back on the vehicle. The tire sensor reset within a couple of miles and all is well again. The smooth, quiet ride that was the selling point of the Journey is back.

The crank will lower the spare all the way to the ground. The cable is long enough that the tire can be pulled out from under the vehicle before removing the cable. The jack is a typical spare offering that does the job. It is a bit cumbersome to use but is adequate for the job. The notch on the top plate of the jack fits on the underbody lip that runs the entire side of the journey. It works just fine as long as care is taken to keep the jack level and steady during the process. The extension handles are a bit wobbly, but again do the job.

I had my first flat tire on the Journey last week. Fortunately, it was in the parking lot at work and not on the road. It was also far better weather than it was the day before. A glass half full is better than a glass half empty. For those who have not yet had the pleasure of changing a tire on the Journey, I took a few pictures so that you could live vicariously through my experience. The tools are all packed neatly under the floor just inside the rear door. The crank to lower the underbody spare tire is inside of this compartment under one of the extension bars. It is fully accessible once the tools are removed. The tools are assembled in various configurations to achieve each step of the tire change process.

When the mats are shipped, the rear cargo mat is in a roll, so yes, you could just roll it up. It is a fairly heavy and stiff mat and takes a while to lay flat. If using the 3rd row on a rare occasion, better to remove it ahead of time and put it back in later. If on the road, it won't hurt it to roll it up carefully and leave it in the small space between the 3rd row and rear gate. It would not be an easy mat to fold on a point, especially with the raised lip around the edges. If using the 3rd row on a frequent basis, skip the cargo mat and buy the 3rd row mat.

Sorry about the link. I don't see an option for editing the earlier post. It was not my intention to link to a marketing site. The part in question is SES Trims, Body Side Moldings, #531723545. Cost is roughly #160.00 for a DIY. You can find it by going to www . carid . com and entering the number in the search box. Typing in the address takes you to the correct website but if you use a link, it is a redirect link that takes you to a marketing site. I don't like that at all and earns them 1 demerit. You can find other options by searching by vehicle. Again, no experience. Proceed at your own risk.

Another shot of the front driver's mat up under the peddles. Though the mat does not go as far as I would like, neither have my feet. Also a side shot. The second row mat is one piece that covers both sides and the middle hump.

I purchased my lightly used 2016 Journey RT in October 2017. Being in Michigan, one of the first things to do was to install some custom mats. I have used many generic mats over the years; some were better than others but all of them left something to be desired, often greatly so. Upon researching brands I found a few options, including some that are highly regarded. I chose to go with MAXLINER for price, function, and looks. 4 months later, I can say that I am happy with my decision. The price was almost half the most popular brand with the sale that was currently going on. I bought the front row, 2nd row, and cargo mat as a package. I have the 3rd row seat which I will likely never use but, if I did, I would have to remove the rear cargo mat. If I fold the 2nd row down for hauling, I keep a blanket in the vehicle. I have plans to do some modification once the weather improves to address some of the areas that the mats do not protect, but so far so good. Following are pictures of the mats hard at work. The front driver's mat has done a good job of containing the mess. I will post cleaner pictures later in the year when the weather improves.

I have been looking at these. Just looking for something to protect against door dings, etc. https://www.carid.com/2016-dodge-journey-chrome-accessories/ses-trims-abs-body-side-moldings-531723545.html The particular ones selected are the ones that I would use for my vehicle. No affiliation and no experience with the supplier or product.

Sounds like CARMAX is at least trying to be thorough about the issue. Give them credit for that. In the end, it matters whether they fix it or not and how they stand behind it if it is not fixed properly. Good luck.

Welcome to the forum from the state of Michigan.

Hello, I have been lurking for about 2 months. After catastrophic engine failure on the vehicle I had been driving for 5 years, I decided to rent a vehicle to afford myself some time to shop. The rental was an upgrade from the rental company and was a 2016 Crossroad. During my shopping, I dutifully investigated any and all SUV's that would fit my interest. I put 2000 miles on this Crossroad during the time that I had it. Having never heard of a Dodge Journey before, I found that, pros and cons weighed, the Journey was more to my liking and requirements than anything else I tested. As luck would have it, when time was running out, a 2016 R/T came up from a dealer just 3 miles from home. It was a color I could live with, had the options I could accept, was over the original top price I had set, and had had the keys in it for the 2 weeks it was on the lot before it was put on the market, unknown to the dealer who could not find them. End result, I now own a 2016 Dodge Journey R/T. Billet / Blacktop version with all the options sans AWD and Sunroof. 18,000 miles at time of purchase. It has the 8.4 with Nav., 3.6, heated seats and steering wheel, leather, 3rd row, and rides and drives very nice. It also has the flickering lights noted in other threads, as did the 2017 Crossroad prior. It is enjoyable to get on the freeway for the daily commute, set the cruise, fire up the SD card, and sit back and watch the traffic pass. This forum provided me with a lot of information and knowledge of the common problems, what to look out for, and general knowledge to go in a bit better informed than stone cold. I hope that the decision proves to be a positive one but I am also realistic. I would like to thank everyone that contributes to the discussions because the knowledge you provide is viewed by those you may never know of. That said, let the good times roll and happy motoring.