360VF

Hi guys, Got my hitch installed last week (2012 SXT in Australia). After having to take it back twice to the dealer - Lights not working, parking sensor wiring dispaced during install - it seems to be fine. Havent towed with it yet but looks a quality piece. It has a Mopar label and part number - but the hitch itself is made in New Zealand and is also proudly embossed with the manufacturers stamp and approprite legals for this part of the world. Made by Betta bars and fits well - no cutting of the rear valance etc. Cheers Noel

Hi all again Been a month or so of ownership. Just got back from a 10 day driving holiday of southern Australia including the Great Ocean Road (the latest issue of Mopar Action US has a great write up of this road for those that are not familiar with it). Total k's on the clock is just a tad over 5thou. Average fuel economy was around 9.5 l/hundred and seems to be getting better all the time. The car was fully loaded with a family of 4, and heavy luggage (we had to go to a family wedding in country Victoria - all of us in the bridal party!). The Journey even doubled as one of the bridal cars for the Groom's entourage. All seven seats in use, and the groom and his 2 brothers are all about 6'4 or so but everyone fitted, with some overnight bags stashed easily behind the rear jump seats. Ownership impressions - like the quiet interior, the comfort and easy to use controls. Dont like the battery position - how the hell are you supposed to service/replace the battery when it is buried behind/under the front left headlight and fusebox like that (not sure of the position in LHD countries - but thats where right hand drive model batteries are located). You would need to dismantle half of the front of the car. I suppose I'll just have to hope that the battery lasts for a few years LOL. Just heard from the dealer - tow hitch is in stock so just need to sort out a time for fitment. Overall the car suits our growing family well, and we are happy with the purchase. Cheers, Noel

Heya all My missus just picked up a brand new 2012 Journey SXT. Very impressed so far. Its a shame that Dodge may well be a 'dead' brand in Australia by the end of the year. Mike Manley was recently in Australia, and is reported that he coped an earful from the local dealers about product planning for international RHD markets. This car represents fantastic vlalue, compared to its rivals here, and once she had seen the interior and functionality she was hooked. We were cross shopping with the Mazda CX9 and a few others - she had her heart set on the Mazda - until she sat in the Journey (the Mazda is very expensive for what you get). We took it fo a long weekend jaunt up the Coast last weekend. Averaged around 10.5L/hundred k's on a brand new motor 2 adults and 3 kids aboard with a boot (trunk) full of gear, mostly at freeway speeds but playing with the throttle a lot to help break in. Cruising at around 110k's on the freeway. Been playing with the 8.4 and all the gizmos - seems very well optioned for its price range. Very quiet, stereo is excellent. Late 2012 Australia spec cars come with the privacy glass, floor mats (embossed with Journey), 7 seat option and now the 8.4 with uconnect (local version - no sattellite radio in Aus), bigger brakes and roof rails with cross bars - a nice bonus. Ordered and paid for a tow hitch - but as I have read on here there appears to be a substantial backorder so we'll see how that develops. Overall, I've been a 'lurker' here for several months doing research - so thanks for all the help and info. Cheers