kacieclose
Englewood, CO
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
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.
Save On Your Next Car Loan
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.