I will allow this thread to stay open providing from now on there is just talk about the deal.
Next threadcrapper gets a vacation, real simple. Again, I apologize for letting this thread get too far out of hand.
esquared
Anandtech Senior Moderator
Long time lurker first time poster...
Recently our family needed to replace one of the family cars. We currently have 2 boys (5 and 11 months) and were in need of a 7 passenger vehicle (+ Grandma and Grandpa). We were debating on getting a Chrysler Town and Country loaded with goodies and had done some research on the safety of the current crop of vehicles. One evening about a week before we were going to take a trip to the dealer for a test drive my wife confided in me that she did not want to be seen in a mini-van. We are still in our mid 30's and making that step to a Minivan made her feel old! So I started to look around at SUV's and found several deals out there. I found this article on Newsweek that was a great starting point: Newsweek Link.
When I ran across the info that Jeep Commander's were 29% off I about fell out of my chair! I further researched and found that there are a lot of these sitting in dealers showrooms and lots that they are virtually giving away.
Here is the breakdown:
$3500 Rebate
$1750 Incentive
$3250 If you ask your dealer nicely - (Seriously this is what I was offered via email/fax from a "sales manager"!)
EDIT:
I received this today from a local Jeep Dealer:
$2000 more?
and for our nations armed forces personnel:
$500 more?
/end edit
$8500 off of a Commander Sport 4x4 7 passenger! I did not have to step up to a Limited or a Overland! This was too good to be true! I checked other Jeep dealers and I was offered the deal with very little hassle. If you know a Crysler employee you may even do better with a "control number" (friends and family price).
Now I know what you are thinking - What about the gas? Well I eventually decided to get a few more options like the 4.7 V8 (instead of the 3.7 v6) and the 28W options package (Rocky Mountain Edition). I have had it for 3 weeks now and I cannot believe what I stole this for! I have filled it up 2 times (21 Gal. Tank is on the small side) and have been averaging 17 MPG with mostly city driving. I do not have a lead foot and have been practicing a bit of "hypermiling" but the car is awesome!
For those who are looking for something capable in bad weather, or even taking it off road, this is the ticket! For a "family" vehicle it rates high - not as high as a town and country - but you do not look like a soccer mom/dad when driving around. And remember this is a 5 Star rated vehicle.
In the end I cannot believe how substantial this vehicle feels! When the entire family is loaded in (including the in laws) it is very roomy. If I had to nit pick here are my personal dislikes:
Little better mileage (20 would be nice - and from what I hear a performance air filter may do the trick)
3rd row is only for short people or kids (But this is common with 7 passenger SUV's)
Backing up is a pain (Get the backup camera)
Some resources:
Jeep Commander Forums
XK Jeeps
Jeep Commander Blog
Edmuns Long Term Tesing
OK let the tree hugging flaming begin!
FYI the gas mileage on the T&C mini is 16/23 (v6) vs. 14/20 (v8)