A Different Car Dealership

    In a recent survey conducted by Consumer Reports, 8 out of 10 consumers say that the one factor that separates a great car dealership from an average one is customer service. And not just offering a cup of coffee. What consumers these days want -- savvy as they are -- is the same car, at the same price as what is listed on the internet. As the majority of car purchasers now look almost exclusively at the car dealerships internet sales before stepping on the lot, they come informed, and prepared for the typical bait and hook. And yet with more dealerships catering to these consumer internet mavens, the high pressure sales tactics are becoming more and more challenging for car dealerships.
    However, the nature of the car market these days has also presented opportunity where previously it was absent. And nowhere is this more obvious than at Cherry Creek Dodge. On the cutting edge of not just customer service, but social networking, this dealerships treats it?s customers better than most people treat their Facebook friends. From the very first customer inquiry, this dealership sends out a customized questionnaire to all of it?s prospective customers.
    Asking not just what color the customer prefers, or what make and model, Cherry Creek Dodge aims to get at the heart of the matter by asking, ?What is it that defines a positive car buying experience for you?? and ?What are some past negative car purchasing experiences that you wish to avoid?? The intent of these questions for this dealership? Not just to say that they are different, but to prove it. According to the innovative management at this dealership, if they know what went wrong in the past for the car buying customer, they can be sure not to repeat it in the future.
    But it doesn't stop there. This dealership, unlike many others, encourages it?s customers to give feedback -- good or bad. In a consumer driven forum, Cherry Creek Dodge promotes customer discussion, dealer ratings, and even customer suggestions. Again taking the car buying experience to a new level this Denver based car dealership contends that in this consumer driven world, the only way to improve is, first and foremost, to listen to the customer.
                                  The Customer Comes First at Cherry Creek Dodge

    Didn't car buying used to be fun? While the idea of flying down the road in a hot new set of wheels used to conjure up thoughts of excitement and fascination, these days, with more people counting every penny and foregoing their four dollar lattes for a cup of the instant joe, considering plunking down several thousand dollars for a new ride sounds about as exciting as a trip to the dentist. And making matters even worse, typical car dealerships don?t seem to comprehend how strapped people are, or how overwhelming signing up for that mortgage sized car payment can be. In fact, the desperation most consumers feel is also shared by the typical car salesman feeling the pinch and hungry for the sale. And this situation has led many worried consumers to put off buying a new car at least 1-2 years longer than in previous decades, as reported by Consumer's Digest.
    Yet no one seems to have told Cherry Creek Dodge this. In fact, their customer retention rate has never been better. With a mission to always put customers before dollars, this Denver based dealership encourages customers to slow down, take their time, and think about what they really want before jumping into that new car. With customer surveys, a consumer driven forum, and even third party dealer reviews, Cherry Creek Dodge, acts like an open book in the usually closeted world of auto sales.
    And why, you ask? Well according to the management at this dealership, pleasing the customers first simply leads to more sales -- not the other way around. To make sure they follow through on this promise, they regularly track their retention rate. Should their loyal customers begin to stray, they go back to customer service, and start asking questions. What can be improved? What are we not providing our customers? How can we better understand the needs of the typical car buyer?
    What becomes of these questions? For one thing, a happier customer. And as far as the staff at Cherry Creek Dodge is concerned, that is what makes a great car dealership.What It Takes to Outsell the Competition




    While many auto dealerships are struggling, there is one Denver-based dealership that is striving. Cherry Creek Dodge has been outselling it's competition for the past several years. Not only has this dealership earned a reputation of success, but they have also earned the community's trust. And why? For one thing, this dealership goes out of it's way to present the customer with something growing increasingly rare in auto sales -- that is respect. from the moment you walk in the door, the kind salesman greets you with a smile, and asks not, "What are you looking for?" but "How are you?" That's right, they are actually interested in you, the person -- what you do for a living, what your hobbies are, and what, most importantly, your needs are. Because according to the staff at Cherry Creek Dodge, if they don?t understand your perspective, they are not going to be able to sell you the car.
    But be prepared, unlike your typical dealership, these guys might just tell you not to buy the car. That is if it is not right for you. But there is something else they will do, they will go out of their way to find your perfect car. How can you know for sure? Well, on any given day, a salesman might just be found traveling out of state for it. Or, they might deliver it to you -- even if you are out of state.
    To the management at Cherry Creek Dodge, the "whatever it takes" motto is the best way to earn business. So that, of course, also means stocking their expansive dealership with the most generous inventory in the state. From the beefed up hemi engines Dodge is so famous for to the racy new Chargers, this dealership has it all. You might just find the electro charged hybrid truck, or the ?green with envy? Charger there. But most of all, and most important to Cherry Creek Dodge, you will find a great dealership.

   Getting the Best Deal For Your New Car:
An Auto Salesman's Perspective

    There can be many strategies to saving money when purchasing a car. A cursory look at consumer reports will give you an idea of a car?s reliability, performance and resale value. This will ensure that the car you do buy will hold up to your expectations. In order to save money on your new vehicle, you can then also look up the car?s true value, using Kelly blue book, or even visit dealer reports to find out just what the dealer paid for the car. Certainly these strategies will help ease the often nerve-racking decision making process at the dealership, however, they may not be enough to keep the ever-lurking buyer?s remorse at bay.
    For this, a separate strategy may be needed. Because even if you know what the car is really worth, and how it is rated by other customers, you may still be at the mercy of your excitement, and spend more than you want to. For some people, this can even mean financial crisis as they agree to payments they can never afford. And there is nothing worse than having to say goodbye to the car you so happily drove off with when the repo man comes.
    So how do you prevent this? Just what does it take to avoid regretting the new car purchase? Well, more than any of the facts about the car, you have to know one very important fact about yourself. That is, how much can you really afford?
    Try this strategy -- before heading out the door to the dealership, or even reading reviews, sit down and budget. How much can you allocate to car payments? Once you've factored in gas, oil changes, repair bills, and insurance, decide what you can reasonably afford to pay. Avoid becoming overly excited and stretching the numbers. Instead, choose a number that leaves you some leeway. After all, if your car payment doesn't break you, it is much easier to enjoy it.
    Now that you have this number set, you are ready to choose the total number that you are willing to pay for your next car. After reading the reviews, and the dealer price, this should be pretty easy. But first, you will have to choose what options you want on the car, and then compare the price to similarly equipped vehicles.
    Once you have both the payment you are ready to make and the total price you are willing to pay, you are ready to hit the road to your nearest dealership, and find out if they have just what you are looking for. And remember, if they don't have what you are looking for, you can always walk away. To be sure, if there is one way to prevent buyer's remorse, it is to be patient, and take your time.

The Importance of a Test Drive

    When deciding to purchase a new car, there are several factors to consider, and more often than not, the determination to save money and avoid making a bad deal takes over. As people are so accustomed to feeling pushed into a deal, the strategies as to how to prevent impulse decisions, salesman manipulation and financial meltdown abound. Yet amidst this influx of information, a central point is often missed. And that is, do you really like the car? Beyond simply is the car attractive on the outside, does it in fact, fit your lifestyle?
    While this is a relatively large question, the only way to be able to answer for sure is to take the car farther than the typical 10 minute test drive. Instead, a savvy dealership will suggest that you actually take the car into real life situations. Perhaps you have a large family, and require additional storage space. But maybe you also like to cart your dog around. In this case, you will have several questions to answer, from if your normal amount if groceries are easily loaded, if the kids fit easily into the car, and can the car accommodate Fido. Testing your potential car under each of these circumstances will reveal both the positives and negatives of each demand. From this point, you can then decide if the upside of the new car outweighs any drawbacks. Maybe, for example, the groceries didn't fit as well as you hoped, but then as you pulled out of the snowy grocery store parking lot, you found the four wheel drive option quite handy.
    Once you are able to attempt each of these situations with your desired car, you will know if it is really right for you. But maybe more importantly, you will also have time to think, and avoid making any regrettable decisions. Best of all, you can drive off with your new car knowing it is really right for you.
 
What Makes A Great Car Manufacturer?


    In the world of cars, the customer has a plethora of choices. From the weighty SUV to the zippy convertible, virtually every whim can be satisfied. And these days, preferences don?t stop with the outside of the vehicle either, as options such as Bluetooth, GPS navigation, hands free phone use, DVD players, and even driver alerts are more common than ever. Given these circumstances, how does a person go about beginning to make a choice. And maybe more importantly, how does a car maker stand apart from the formidable competition?
    Well, according to the savvy engineers at Dodge, there are actually a few things a great car maker does. First of all, the Dodge makers will tell you, you listen to what the customer wants. For Dodge, that has always meant the beefy big trucks that the brand is famous for. From the revolutionary Cummins Turbo Diesel engine, to the innovative fuel saving Hemi engine, Dodge has always meant trucks. And when the sleek rounded front emerged, Dodge once again turned heads. Yet, with pervasively high gas prices, and the general downshifting of the economy, not everybody wants these monstrous vehicles, or even more, can afford them. So with this shift in market demand, what did Dodge do? Well, the brand shifted too. Once a catchall for both heavy duty trucks, sleek sports cars, and economical family versions, the brand is now two.
    Say goodbye Dodge trucks, and say hello to Dodge cars, and Ram trucks. Ram will now only be delivering the powerful trucks Dodge revolutionized, and Dodge will now be dealing in cars. And not just any cars either. The catching new Charger and Challenger, throwbacks to the muscle cars of times past, these two are not only a thrill to drive, but truly set Dodge apart from it?s competitors, and from Ram.  And so much the better. Dodge can now take the best of Ram, in it?s mighty Hemi engine, wrap a unique body style around it, and start making waves.
    Yet long time Dodge enthusiasts need not worry, the new Dodge is both as strong as the old, and clever enough to go head to head with it?s competitors.And in the case of the Challenger, it?s a hands down win.

A Mercedes in a Dodge body?

    While Chevy and Ford have been out trying to improve the comfort and ride of their ?heavy duty? line up, Dodge did something different -- they turned to the master of comfort in Mercedes. In fact, Dodge, once owned by Mercedes, took not just a lesson in  amenities, but also used the trademark Mercedes unibody construction to improve the handling and maneuverability of their beefy trucks. And this couldn't have come at a better time, as soon after Dodge trucks exploded on the market with the new rounded grill and the sought after Cummins Turbo Diesel engine, they were sharply criticized for the unreliable transmission. Seems that Dodge built an engine so mighty that their transmission couldn't keep up. So what did they do? They used Mercedes innovative RFE transmission, complete with the antifreeze bladder to not just perform every bit as well as their Cummins engine, but also to reduce the engine noise vibration and harshness. But the innovative Dodge team didn't stop there. The list of Mercedes features they added were impressive, from the high intensity discharge lights, soft touch interior, and LED lighting to the rain-brake support, they left the customer wanting nothing.
    And to be sure, Dodge trucks have consistently outperformed their counterparts in the torque and power categories, but now any deficiencies in comfort, or safety -- two Mercedes hallmarks -- are a thing of the past. Now, with Dodge?s new designs, fans can have the best of both worlds, the best built trucks, and the most comfortable -- all at an affordable price.

What's New for Ram in 2011?

    While Dodge hit the 2010 market with a complete re-design of every model they put out, 2011 promises to be just as exciting. Separating the well recognized Dodge brand from the Ram truck department, Dodge is now able to focus fully on it?s hot new line up of ramped up Chargers and Challengers, and Ram can turn it?s attention solely to it?s hefty trucks. If the Mercedes trademark unibody construction, rain brake support, and LED lights weren't enough, Ram came out with an idea never before seen in trucks.  It?s called a Gear Select Option, and takes the power of the stick shift and puts it right at the customers fingertips -- literally. Without having to fumble with the clutch, especially when hauling heavy loads, the driver can now shift gears at the push of a button. Now, not only can automatic enthusiasts rejoice as they no longer have to turn to clumsy and uncomfortable to manual models to get the power they need, but those who swear by sticks will be dually impressed. While the technology alone is to be marveled at, the Gear Select option, for the first time offers drivers even more torque than a manual. Veering from the typical truck V8 engine, Ram uses an inline straight six cylinder engine to offer both more towing power, and better gas mileage. And with all this extra capacity, Ram figured it had better add some braking power. So now, all Ram trucks in 2011 will have integrated trailer brakes, eliminating the often unreliable add on versions, and an option of an integrated Jake brake in the case of massive loads. Yet those who are interested in testing just how much they can pull will not be disappointed either. Ram once again blows the competition out of the water with it's new high output Cummins engine, built to pull a mighty 20,000 pounds.
    And while you may not need to pull everything behind the truck, you will certainly appreciate the improved gas mileage, reduced engine noise (60% quieter), and better handling that gave the Dodge Ram trucks their stellar reputation.

What is Safety Worth to You?

    While most people would include safety in their list of requests when purchasing a new car, how often do you stop to consider what is it really worth? To be sure, on the flipside of this question -- that is, after the fact -- the answer is priceless. Yet while luxury car makers espouse their high safety ratings, they seldom include the actual customer cost of these additions. Consider $2100 for Mercedes new driver assist technology to keep you on the road should you attention waiver, or $1766 for BMW?s traction control system designed to adjust for changing road conditions such as snow or ice. The truth is, safety is important to most people, yet at prices like this, it is simply not an option. However, what most people also do not realize is that the safety ratings achieved by these upscale brands can be had with one innovative car manufacturer -- at an affordable price.
    Enter the new Dodge. Owned by Mercedes for seven years, Dodge adopted the best of the safety technology made famous by the luxury brand. Every Dodge, now uses the Mercedes trademark unibody construction, making for not only a smoother ride, but increased handling, and less jarring on uneven road surfaces. Then Dodge added the LED lights that turn in the direction of travel, providing for better night driving conditions, and the rain brake assist, which adjusts for slippery road conditions and modifies brake pressure to prevent slipping. Then, in turning to it?s hallmark heavy duty trucks, Dodge added something else. Again taking a lesson from it?s luxury counterpart, Dodge -- now Ram, as the two brands split in 2010 -- Ram placed an RFE transmission in every truck which not only accounted for the larger, more powerful motors, but also reduced engine wear, and increased handling and ride. Following this, all Ram trucks now come fully equipped with an integrated trailer brake and jake brake designed to control the massive loads the new models are capable of. But again, this increased safety. Now, with all of these additions, the concerned customer need look no farther when after safety. It?s all here, in fact, almost every safety options standard on Mercedes is also standard on Dodge. And best of all, at a price the average Joe can afford.

    While 0% financing is certainly attractive, it is more often than not, unavailable to anyone with less than perfect credit. Sadly, with the tightening of lending criteria required by most banks and the struggles to divert the economic downturn, most consumers find themselves in a highly unfavorable position -- with sky high financing rates and no way to pay off the loan sooner.
    Well, enter Cherry Creek Dodge, a Denver based auto dealership with some innovative ideas for it?s customers -- especially those with economic challenges. Not only does this dealership specialize in highly affordable, reliable auto sales, but also a financing program designed to maximize consumer power and minimize financing damage. Called Smart Payment Program, this payoff strategy sets the customer up on a 2 week payment cycle where credits to the loan are posted bi-monthly as oppose to only once a month as in typical auto loans. What does this save the average customer? Well, let?s consider a $27,000 loan with monthly payments just over $500 per month, and a term of 72 months. By using this effective approach, this loan could be shortened by one year, with over $1100 dollars saved! And the best part is that the customer has to do nothing more than sign up. Bimonthly payments are automatically deducted making saving money a breeze. Just another perk offered by your friends at Cherry Creek Dodge.

Denver Auto Sales:
What to Look For

    In the hunt for a new car in the Denver area? Thinking maybe of something flashy, but also wondering where you will get the best deal? And even beyond the saving money part, perhaps questions of reliability, customer service, and honesty come to mind when you scan the Sunday paper in search of your dealership of choice. While one dealership promises an attractive financing rate, the other tries to lure you in with their ?five star rating.? And yet another declares that they have the best used car selection, and a sales staff always there to service you. With all of the promises, how do you really know first, what to look for, and second, where to find it?
    Well when comparing auto dealerships in Denver, there are a few things to consider. Primarily, a dealership with an established following almost sells itself. For one thing, customer retention hinges on customer service. Additionally, the dealership that cannot provide the customer with the desired vehicle won?t have much of a following. There are just too many places to go, and when the car of choice isn't available, people will go somewhere else. But to keep customers coming back year after year, the dealership must be founded on solid principles that do not change from deal to deal. Because as soon as things get shifty with one customer, there go the handful of referrals that typically come from a satisfied buyer. And then, on top of containing a prime selection at all times, the dealership must also have it?s finger on the pulse of what is available elsewhere. This way, customers already sold on the dealership can rest assured that if the car they want isn't there, the dealership will find it for them -- and usually at the best price.
    And at which auto dealership in Denver can all of this be found? Part of the dealin' Doug?s auto family, Cherry Creek Dodge sets itself apart. Not only does this dealership have a very healthy following, but it truly goes out of the way to provide exemplary customer service. Whether you need your new car delivered, need to know that you are truly getting the best price, or simply just want to be treated with respect, it can all be had at this Denver based dealership.
   

Dodge Turns Heads With An All New 8-speed Upgrade

Just after Dodge split with Ram and introduced three new redesigned models in the Dodge Charger, Challenger and Chrysler 300 for 2011, they ramped up with another head turning upgrade. Moving from the  Chrysler Corp's current 3.6L Pentastar V6, Dodge Chargers, Challengers, and Chrysler 300?s will get a boost in fuel economy and enhanced drive quality thanks to the addition of an 8-speed automatic.

While the R/T and 300C models, will keep the current 5-speed auto-box -- as will the base model Charger, Chrysler is considering the add for all its V8-powered models in the future, which would replace the current 5-speed unit. Should things go well, Dodge might also upgrade the Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Durango with the new 8-speed.

    According to the video demo of the ZF 8-speed transmission, it can handle a massive 1000Nm of input torque (over 700lb-ft). Power aside, this whole new design has some significant benefits. Here are the basic specs (compared to it's predecessor 6speed transmission):
- 11% fuel savings
- no additional weight
- 8 speeds--improves acceleration
- 200ms shifts (improved from 350ms)
- brand new gear design with only 4 gear sets and only 5 shift elements (2 open per gear)
- handles more torque (up to 1000Nm/700lb-ft)
- same cost

What the driver will experience is essentially a gear ratio that tears off the line, but as speeds increase, selects a higher gear, to cut the rpms back down and reduce engine wear at higher speeds. Not only will this keep the engine humming quietly under normal driving conditions, but also allows the car a take off at any moment, by selecting the best gear instantaneously.

Looks like a fun ride!

Is a 1500 Light Duty Diesel Next For Ram?

    While Ram clearly corners the market when it comes to heavy duty, rumors have been circulating that the king of the diesel may be going smaller. With it?s patented Cummins diesel engine showing no signs of slowing, and the market for supercharged trucks remaining healthy, Ram has taken a different turn with this new -- and first ever -- light duty model.
    But diesel lovers won't despair, the 5.0 liter makes use of the Cummins build, and in doing so provides a more economical, and fuel efficient version of the hardiness and reliability diesel engines are known for. In fact, Ram expects that the new V8 light duty diesel will deliver up to 25 percent better fuel economy than similar gas engines.
    So now purchasers of light duty trucks will have a choice when shopping Ram. Without losing their pocketbook, customers can enjoy the power of a diesel, without feeling like they are driving a semi-truck. And while this new model is still in the rumor stage, excitement is building as Ram continues to set the stage with a swift split from Dodge and a redesign of it's entire inventory. Moving at this pace, it's hard to predict what Ram will roll out next.

Gas or Diesel?

With Ram?s exciting new line up of trucks, there are many variations making decision making quite challenging. Perhaps one of the most integral choices to make, however, is that of gas or diesel. In considering this question, there are two main factors to figure in: fuel efficiency and performance. While many think that greater fuel efficiency sacrifices performance, and diesel deliver massive power with a hefty gas ticket. But with improvements in design and performance of both engines, the picture now appears a bit different.
    Looking first at fuel economy in gasoline engines, it is easy to see that gas is cheaper than diesel, and due to the exhaust design -- gas engines release less NOx into the air -- greener as well. However, with the higher performance of gas engines, gas mileage takes a nosedive. 
    With diesel engines the case is somewhat different. For one thing, diesel engines get better MPGs than gas engines. By pushing fuel through at a higher rate of pressure, the vehicle travels further, but at the expense of the environment -- diesel engines release roughly 13 percent more CO2 than gas engines. However, without any expensive modifications -- sometimes none at all -- bio-diesel fuel can be used on most diesel engines.,  This choice covers two bases: lower gas price and improved mileage.
    While the meaning of performance can be debatable, it is also affected greatly by after market upgrades which may increase power, fuel economy and overall performance. Additionally, different mixes of gasoline can spark performance, as well as external additives. And if this is not enough, many trucks come in sport models which provide better performance from the start.
    Often used in heavy duty work trucks and equipment, diesels offer improved performance in the form of pulling and load capacity. Diesel engines are also known for their longevity as they are built to idle longer. Yet here again, manufacturers have responded to the performance demands of consumers with often stock options such as turbo, which make a diesel engine more powerful.
    So how do you make the decision? Well really it comes down to what your needs are. If you require the power of the diesel, or desire the higher fuel economy, and don?t mind polluting or potentially paying more for fuel, a diesel may be right for you. On the other hand, if pollution bothers you, and you would rather hedge your bets on the stability of the gas market, a gas engine may be your best bet. And many gas models do come in sport editions which improves performance. However, it is best to first take a look at the driving performance you need. Consider the conditions you are likely to face on a daily basis -- not the one a year excursion -- and the use your vehicle is intended for.  Answering this question will help you determine if the power of a diesel is right for you, or if you are really wanting the sport performance of a gas engine.
    Whichever option you choose, take the time to consider which is really best suited to you. And keep in mind that in either the gas or diesel market, there are many more options out there than you think.