caheaton

Well, I'm no longer on the fence. I went to the dealership today and ended up signing the papers on a new SE in Black Crystal. It's a nice car, as it comes equipped with both the premium & popular equipment packages. No third row seat (which I kind of wanted), but I decided that it just wasn't worth getting a third row given that I would only use it but 2 or 3 times a year. My wife said she would volunteer to sit in the cargo area on those rare occasions :-) (not as bad as it sounds as she's only 4 foot 10 :-) ).
Craig

Well, almost become the proud owner of a new Dodge Journey last night. A local dealer here has a good price on a black SXT, but I had a feelling the negotiations wouldn't go well when they offered me $500 trade in allowance for my existing vehicle. The KBB of the vehicle..,in average condition (of which mine was maybe a tiny step above due to new tires, new brakes, no dents or scratches, etc) is $2,650 for a trade in and around $4,050 for a retail sale. I was a bit insulted by their offer. I asked them why and they made up some crap about the vehicle having a poor safety record (I just double checked...motor trend does list it's rating as only 5 stars!). They did have it marked down already well below sticker, but they refused to budge much below their asking price...I wanted them to come down 600, they came down about 200 and then neither of us would budge. So, after 2 hours of bargaining they lost a deal over $400. It's been on their lot for a month, with the asking price having dropped by $1000 in that time, so we'll wait and see. There are a couple of dings in the paint...(light scuffs in the finish), that's likely why it was marked down. That may work in my favor...hoping they'll call me back but if they don't, I feel time is on my side with the 2014 models coming soon....
Craig

Hello, I'm on the fence here as to which vehicle to go with. At the moment, I'm looking at a 2013 SE (true SE with the luggage rack) equipped with the popular and premium equipment groups and Al wheels, 4 cylinder.
OR
For about a thousand less (and more like 1500 to 2000 less out the door), I can purchase a used 2012 Journey with 30k on the odometer (but a clean Carfax bill of health) and has papers showing it was checked by an independant mechanic and given a clean bill of health. This car is an SXT with the third row and V6.
I really like to have a new car, but I know that after a couple years it won't feel new anymore and the used one offers the features I really want (V6, 3rd row and SXT model) in my target price range. My only hesitation is that a little research shows that Dodge doesn't transfer their drivetrain warranty unless the car is sold as a Certified Used Dodge (which this car isn't). The dealer does offer their own 1 year power train warranty. The 6k left on the bumper to bumper warranty does transfer. However, with 30k on the clock, you'd think if there were problems they would have shown themselves by now. Also, the SXT was well maintained as it had been a fleet vehicle and it did not come from the North East where they had the flooding.
I'm kind of leaning towards the used one. I usually keep my cars for 10 ~ 12 years and average around 10k a year in miles driven, so this car will only have 130 to 150k by the time I'm ready for another...
If the choice were yours, which would you pick and why? (I'm really trying to keep my car purchase close to 20k, give or take a bit).
Craig