jaymista

Just an update. I had been covered in the accident by insurance and I upgraded to an R/T because when the dealer went looking for a car, I had asked for a Blacktop, AWD, and a backup camera. He searched around to other dealers and came back with an RT, silver in color, with the AWD and backup camera but not a Blacktop. So I took the deal which meant moving up from a 2015 SXT to a 2016 RT. It is a really comfortable car driving on the highway and has most of the bells and whistles. Yes, I found out that you could get a Blacktop RT but it might have to come in as a special order.

Does anyone have a link where I can get a story about the new "Blacktop" model? I may be purchasing one this week but I know don't much about it. I just like it. Well, especially since my wife drove our 2015 SXT off the road and totalled it. She came out with 1 confirmed scratch on her nose and lots of aching bones.

Can someone suggest how to maintain the finish on aluminum wheels? Can you just wax them and leave them? I was told some finishes used to shine up tires might screw up the aluminum if it gets on the aluminum. Any truth to that?

Does anyone know whether there is going to be a newly designed Journey for 2016? I cannot find any info on this.

You're right ... the only thing I think I'm missing is that flash light by the back hatch ... but I have the 3rd seat and heat in the back that I didn't have with my Crew and I really like the heat in the back.

I traded a 2012 Dodge Journey Crew in for a 2015 Dodge Journey SXT and it seems I went down in the model lines. I still wish I had the 2012 DJ Crew. If Dodge does an update in 2016, and I'm not sure anything is going to happen in that respect, I will definitely update or I maight even trade for a competitor.

It seems to me that Dealer negligence is the biggest part of the complaint. You can dig up stories like this on any car via the internet, not just Dodge Journey's. I love mine and will definitely buy another someday.

09's had their share of issues, first releases of automobiles usually do. Our 09 was pretty dependable. Dealer experiences can make thigs good or bad also. If I was thias guy, I would have sought out another dealership. Also, during this time period, Chrysler was in the middle of bancruptsy, the auto industry in general was tanking....remember the government bailout? I'm sure there was a heavy dose of poor moral within all dealerships, not knowing if they would have a job or not. NO excuse for crappy customer service though. IMO, Chrysler has turned things around nicely and hopefully Fiat will continue the trend.

Yes, that's what I noticed too RTM. The 3.6L for me has been impressive and what sold me on the Journey.

I still think the DJ looks cooler than most other crossovers. A refresh is probably a good thing though. The thing in the article that struck me is that there may not be any V6 DJs after the refresh. Dunno. Love the 3.6.
Peace.

Suspension levels in the Journey lineup are determined by the stiffness rating of the shock absorbers. Touring has firmer shock rates than Base, Performance has higher rates than Touring, and R/T has the firmest shocks of all levels. R/T *may* have higher spring rates than the others as well but I have not been able to confirm that in my literature. DHH - all of Chrysler's build sheets list four springs. It's the sales code that corresponds to the spring itself that determines if one has a different rating than another.

so they are giving up the lower end of the market minn-van and only going to produce the more lux and expensive town and country. oh well so some other car manufacture will pick up new cust. remember most of the people buying minn-vans are are couples with kids that might or cant buy 35-40k vech. 20-25k is more in their wheel house i think this will end up being a mistake for fiat.....

I have had my 2011 for a year now. Almost no problems (one electrical problem fixed by dealer). No brake issues that I am aware of. Love the vehicle, plenty of power, quiet, great handling. I have been getting 25-26 mpg on the highway. Vehicles are like anything else, you roll the dice. I believe that odds are in your favor with a 2011 though. Good Luck.
Peace.