Trading in my Cherokee for TDI Jetta

[Plantman]

Might happen this week.

I believe the gas prices will continue to rise and I would like to trade-in my 2000 Grand Cherokee before the SUV market bottoms out.

It kills that car mfr make claim an expedition gets 13-15 mpg. Bull****.

My wifes jeep is a straight 6 and it has NEVER averaged over 17mpg. We have had it since new and it has been poperly maintained.

Obviously, bumber to bumper traffic brings that average down, but I have to take that into consideration. I'd rather be in bumper to bumper averaging 30 - 40 mpg than 17.

Additionally, I will be selling two or three of my company vans and purchasing some kind of small 4 cyl hatchback for the guys that go and service my accounts. They really don't need the vans as they don't make deliveries, they just perform a service that is not very equipment intensive.

Thoughts....

Sounds like a good plan. Beyond the timing belt thing with the TDI, you should be quite happy with it. Just keep the car itself as simple as possible.

As for the EPA ratings, it's against the law for automakers to post any other numbers. So, you really cannot blame them for not getting the mileage as listed on the sticker. They don't match, as the EPA cycle no longer represents real world data.

[Frank X. Morris]

Howdy Plantman,
I'm looking at getting the Jeep Liberty diesel. I need a high clearance vehicle when I take the dogs running but I need the gas mieage to get there. On some of the weekends we might go 600 miles. The PT Cruiser gets good mpg but it sure doesn't like the off-roading.

[william rogers]

Sounds like the best idea since French Bread.......

William Rogers........

[Plantman]

Originally posted by Frank X. Morris
Howdy Plantman,
I'm looking at getting the Jeep Liberty diesel. I need a high clearance vehicle when I take the dogs running but I need the gas mieage to get there. On some of the weekends we might go 600 miles. The PT Cruiser gets good mpg but it sure doesn't like the off-roading.

I didn't know the diesel version of the liberty was out yet. I will also consider that as well.

If that's the case, it won't happen for a couple of weeks.

I am really in no hurry, it's just something I would like to do before they start having fire sales on suv's and their value is next to zero.

I actually love the way the Cherokee runs and the car looks like a new car in and out. No problems since day one. I just have to start looking for ways to reduce my fuel costs at home and in my business.

My wife mentioned that the Jetta or now the Liberty would be somewhat uncomfortable. I replied, well if you want to save money on gas, get used to it.

Thanks

Don't wait for the Liberty diesel. It's not due out till fall.

[Plantman]

Thanks. I just found out on their site.

Since I am in no rush, I will try and sell my Jeep privately.

Thanks

[Frank X. Morris]

Howdy All,
Salesman said they should have The 05 Liberty in August. If sales are anything like when the PT Cruiser came out people were paying as much as $5,000 over sticker. I might wait for the 06 to come out. Just hope I don't hurt the Cruiser during the dogs running season.

[Plantman]

I think the American public won't embrace the diesel's as quick as the mfr hope for, keeping prices down. I was able to negotiate a Jetta down from 20800.00 for hte automatic to 17800.00.

Salesman said the demand for them is not that high.

Go figire.

Anyway, the wife says the Jetta is too small so I'll have to wait for the diesel passat or the liberty.

Thanks

[Frank X. Morris]

Howdy Plantman,
I hope your scenario is the right one I would like to sell my Wrangler now and then either trade in the Cruiser or sell it when I'm ready to get the Liberty.

[Plantman]

I dunno when the Passat will be available so I will try to sell my Cherokee privately to get a few more bucks out of it.

I think I should get a decent chunk of change for it, considering it looks/rides great.

Will be investigating on the Passat this week.

Thanks

[84300DT]

fwiw we are starting to see a LOT of suv's and pickups on the 2nd hand market here.

i passed by a chevy dealer and saw a new suburban sitting outside with a ''$5000 rebate" sign on it

[Plantman]

List price on the Passat with 5 spd automatic and diesel is about 23,000

I will be taking it for a ride today. They look real sweet. Very stylish.

[euronatura]

Plantman:

If you want to stay in the SUV size and still have a diesel, why not check out Isuzu and Mitsubishi. Here in Guatemala they sell Diesel versions of the Trooper and the Monterro Sport. I am not too sure about the states though.

Just a thought......

Iggy

[Plantman]

Thanks but I plan on downsizing for 2 reasons.

1 - The fuel economy in the Passat for example will save me $125.00 per month at least,

2 - The insurance on the Passat will also be less.

If there were a diesel trooper, the insurance will still be high.