new/used Journey in desert southwest

[dkwrnr]

Hello,

Recently traded in a 10 yr old dying Accord EX for an '11 Journey. We were pleasantly surprised with how well the Honda handled the 148K+ miles, and the only reason it's gone is the cost of a new/rebuilt transmission in relation to what the car bluebooks now.

I will attempt to pass on our fair opinion of this new ride, as time goes on, and share experiences with you all here, hoping to find this forum as a source of information as well as providing same to others.

We used to own ONLY American made, and the Honda was the first foray into that 'other' world. It was not so bad, but I personally maintained an underlining sense of guilt, about taking my business away from this country's products and workers. But, we're back now.

I do as much of my own maintenance/repair as I absolutely can, if not just for the economy aspect, but because I am from the 'old school' of vehicle ownership.The advancements? in auto technology makes this a daunting task nowadays, and sometimes I learn as I go. Hopefully.

There is much new territory here with this car, and bear with me if I sometimes will sound like I've been living in a prarie-dog hole these last number of years...

I also have a Ford F250 truck now, and previous cars in our marriage were; Ford Torino, Jeep, Chevy Van, Chevy Caprice station wagon, GMC S15, Chrysler LeBaron, & Chevy Tahoe, with always having some sort of Ford pickup as the second vehicle. So you see, I like Ford for trucks, and as for cars,...well, it's still open for discussion.

Currently we have; and this is somewhat puzzling, the vehicle seems to be a blend of a Express, Mainstreet, R/T, and Crew....

This includes the 3.6 V6, AWD, 19" lower profile tires w/the fancier aluminum wheels,(but not the LUX), power driver seat, 2 zone ac controls, split seats and third row, fabric upholstery (but not LUX) 4.3 Uconnect screen, Sirius capability and single CD player, keyless fob.

Observations so far;

• we like the overall ride, as we compared it to a Ford Escape (too truck- like ride), this has a more car-like feel, for a crossover? SUV. The ride seems to have a bit of a minor side to side 'jostle' to it. Not extreme, but barely noticeable, for example. when it changes lanes... not sure if this is our inexperience with AWD, the suspension set-up, or different type tire... or all the above...comments?
  
• good amount of power accelerating (compared to our old 4cyl), but probably not enough to do a burn out.
  
• still learning our way around the instrument electronics.
  
• cannot figure out how to change batteries in the fobs. Any suggestions???
  

We still have original warranty left, and will be taking it in for a skipping CD player, and louder-than-normal 'buzzing' persumably from the power steering unit (fluid level ok).

Please feel free to comment on this post, I value forums greatly in the shared knowledge thats out there, and would not hesitate to share, likewise,

regards,

Dw

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[gabby944]

Welcome to the forum, we are also new to the forum. We also try to remain true to the american made vehicles and motorcycles. We just purchaed a 2012 Journey and so far are extremely happy with it, we also have a Ford F150 XLT, and a GMC short bed pick up. we also have 3 harelys. we also live in the southwest (land of enchantment). my husband is onbating a lot of info from this websight. gabby944

[bigtsr]

• "cannot figure out how to change batteries in the fobs. Any suggestions???"
  

Release the "emergency" entry key from fob and use standard screwdriver

in top opening to pry fob open.

My "11 sxt fwd will spin the tire(s) under hard acceleration on asphalt!

Edited November 13, 2012 by bigtsr