Should You Get a New or a Used CDJR Vehicle?
As a CDJR dealer, we see potential car buyers daily, and some are torn about whether to choose a new or used vehicle. It is a common car-shopping debate and each option has advantages. New cars offer warranties, the latest features, and the peace of mind of owning a brand-new automobile. However, pre-owned vehicles are often priced lower and have already undergone initial depreciation. Read on as we discuss these points and more.
Pros of Purchasing a New Car at Your CDJR Dealer
Latest Features
New cars are often designed with cutting-edge technology, infotainment systems, and improved driver-assist and safety features. From touchscreen displays to advanced navigation tools, if all the latest bells and whistles are important to you in a vehicle, score a point for new.
Customization Options
When you decide the car model you want to purchase, you can special order it customized with the exact paint color, features, packages, and accessories you prefer.
Manufacturer Warranty
New cars typically come with a bumper-to-bumper factory warranty that covers general repairs for thousands of miles or several months, whichever comes first. These warranties usually also provide a loaner car for you to drive while your vehicle is being repaired.
Manufacturer Promotions
Car companies and dealerships sometimes run special promotions and limited-time offers for customers who buy a new car. These incentives can include 0% or low-interest rates, free roadside assistance, and bonus accessories for your new vehicle.
Pros of Purchasing a Used Car
Lower Asking Price
Probably the most attractive advantage of purchasing a used car is the cheaper price. If that new car smell and first-owner status are not things you insist on, you can save thousands of dollars going with a pre-owned vehicle.
Avoiding Initial Depreciation
New cars can lose some of their value shortly after the purchase. By opting for a pre-owned vehicle, The initial depreciation has already occurred. This can be a big benefit if you plan to sell the car someday since you will likely be able to recoup more of your investment.
Insurance Cost
Although auto insurance rates depend on several factors, generally speaking, a used vehicle often costs less to insure than a new one. Used cars are typically valued lower, so the insurance company stands to spend less money replacing or repairing them, in case of an accident or theft.
Choosing whether to buy a new or pre-owned car depends on your preferences, budget, and driving needs. While new cars offer the allure of customization and modern technology, you can save money by buying a used vehicle. Even if you haven’t decided between the two buying options, visit us here at Courtesy CDJR in Altoona, PA to see our extensive inventory of new and pre-owned cars!
Does Your CDJR Vehicle Need a New Air Filter?
An air filter may seem like a minor detail when it comes to car parts, but it actually plays a vital role in car maintenance, as it filters and cleans the air that goes to the engine. Over time, these filters can become clogged and hinder your vehicle’s performance. Keep reading as we discuss some signs that indicate it may be time for a car air filter replacement from your local Chrysler dealer.
Lower Fuel Economy
A clogged or faulty air filter can reduce or restrict the airflow that is sent to the engine. This causes the fuel system to compensate for the missing air by sending more gas to the engine. Since the excess fuel cannot be fully utilized without the proper amount of air for combustion, that extra fuel is wasted, and you end up spending more money at the gas pump.
Car Jerks When Trying to Accelerate
To accelerate smoothly, the engine must receive adequate air and fuel. Since a steady supply of air cannot get through a clogged or malfunctioning air filter, the fuel-to-air ratio becomes imbalanced, and the combustion process is interrupted. This can result in the car jerking and bucking when you attempt to build up speed, as the engine is struggling to get the resources it needs to accelerate.
Raw Gas Smell from Exhaust
If an air filter is too clogged to allow enough air through, the engine may inject more fuel than it can burn. When that takes place, the excess unburned fuel can escape through the tailpipe, emitting an odor of fresh gas.
Check Engine Light
When an air filter is faulty or too dirty to do its job, the results can trigger the engine’s sensors to prompt the ‘check engine’ light to come on. For example, if the engine isn’t receiving enough air to perform proper combustion, the exhaust’s oxygen sensors can pick that up and send you the message via ‘check engine’ light.
Visible Check
Maybe you have noticed one or two of the above hiccups with your car recently, and you now have suspicions your air filter needs to be replaced. While this one may sound obvious, take a look at your air filter. Seeing some dirt, dust, and debris is normal, but if you hold the filter up to a light source, and you cannot see light shining through, then it is likely the filter is too clogged to work properly.
Your vehicle’s air filter has a big part in how the engine performs. By promptly replacing the air filter when necessary, you can enjoy a smooth driving experience and prolong the lifespan of your car. If you need your air filter checked or replaced, stop by or contact us here at Courtesy CDJR in Altoona, PA today.
5 Impressive Features of the 2024 Chrysler Pacifica
There are many reasons to drive a minivan, and one of them is space. But the 2024 Chrysler Pacifica is more than just a family hauler. In addition to its ample capacity, this vehicle also offers a long list of standard features, appealing technology, and plenty of horsepower. Fun to drive and stylish on the road, the Pacifica has features you’re sure to fall in love with.
1. Stow n’ Go Seats
Depending on the trim level and seating configuration you opt for, this minivan can carry as many as seven or eight passengers. The Stow n’ Go seating system, which allows the second and third rows of seats to easily tuck down into the floor, gives you maximum flexibility. This system can be used to separate feuding siblings or accommodate an extra large load of cargo. Sliding rear passenger doors add additional flexibility to the way the cabin is used.
When both rear rows of seating are down, this vehicle offers 140.5 cubic feet of cargo space. Roof racks offer additional carrying capacity, and cargo tie-downs come standard.
2. Plenty of Standard Features
The Pacifica is loaded with standard features that make this a comfortable and easy-to-use vehicle. Heated front seats, remote keyless entry, a telescoping steering wheel, and front and rear beverage holders all come standard. So do two 12-volt DC power outlets. Storage bins and cubbies dot the interior.
3. A Choice of Drivetrains
The Pacifica runs on a 3.6-liter V-6 engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission, a combination that gives you 287 horsepower. That’s enough to give this minivan a towing capacity of up to 3,600 pounds. A hybrid option has a 3.6-liter V-6 engine and two electric motors. The hybrid version of the Pacifica offers 260 horsepower and is not recommended for towing.
4. Helpful Technology
The Pacifica is outfitted with Uconnect 5, a connected vehicle platform that supports onboard entertainment, navigation, and communication systems. Accessible through a 10.1-inch touchscreen, this system offers a Wi-Fi hotspot, Amazon Alexa integration, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. An available rear entertainment system comes with dual touchscreens and Amazon Fire TV.
The Pacifica also offers a host of technology-driven driver-assistance features. Automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors, and adaptive cruise control all come standard.
5. Stylish on the Road
LED brake lights and LED daytime running lights are among the statement-making features of this vehicle. The front grille is black with a chrome surround.
If you’re in the market for a larger vehicle with plenty of capacity and appealing amenities, the Chrysler Pacifica is worth a look. When you’re ready to schedule a test drive, come see us at Courtesy CDJR in Altoona, PA.
Built on a backbone of high-strength steel and destined for the places other cars simply can’t go, the 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe lives up to a long and proud heritage of off-road pioneering. As a leading area Jeep dealer, we absolutely love watching the grins on drivers faces when they discover the strength, power, and joy of the Wrangler 4xe. Here’s just a few reasons why the Wrangler 4xe is America’s best-selling plug-in hybrid.
1. It’s Just Plain Fun
As the only PHEV in Ward’s Small Sport/Utility class, the Wrangler 4xe paves a whole new trail of fun, bringing the fuel efficiency of hybrid and the mighty muscle of electric torque. With a 2.0-liter, inline-4, DOHC, DI Turbo PHEV motor, the 4xe packs a wallop on wheels at 375 combined horsepower and up to 470 lb-ft of torque. That gives the Wrangler 4xe plenty of power on the highway or the back roads, and the ability to haul up to 3,500 of trailer, too.
2. It’s Fuel-Efficient
In addition to offering extra torque, the hybrid nature of the Wrangler 4xe makes it a fuel-efficient ride. Offering an EPA-estimated 49 mpge and up to 370 mile driving range, the 4xe can take you farther with less to pay at the pump.
3. It’s Off-Road Ready
The off-road capabilities of the Wrangler 4xe are just the next step in an evolution of over 84 years of Jeep heritage, tracing its lineage all the way back to the legendary Willys Quad from 1940. And just like its great-great-grandfather, the 4xe is ready for whatever the trail can throw at it, earning Jeep’s coveted Trail Rated badge.
A high air intake, water-resistant battery compartment, and moisture-resistant body openings allow the Wrangler 4xe to ford up to 34 inches of water, while a precision steering system and high-performance wheelbase permit nimble maneuvering on treacherous trails.
4. It’s Technologically Stunning
The Wrangler 4xe comes standard with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system and its new largest-in-class 12.3-inch touchscreen, offering both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay wirelessly. Access to Off-Road Trail Guides comes standard, allowing drivers to access hundreds of trails at all skill levels. Drivers who upgrade to the Uconnect NAV package can even send destinations to their car from their smartphone using the Jeep Brand app.
That’s only a handful of reasons that drivers have fallen in love with the 2024 Wrangler 4xe. Now it’s time to find your own. Come test drive your 4xe at Courtesy Motor Sales Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Altoona, PA.
6 Signs Your Vehicle Needs an Alternator Repair
Is your car’s electrical system acting strangely? You might need an alternator repair. This is something your CDJR dealer can easily take care of, so look for the signs below so you’ll know when to head to the dealer.
1. The Battery Light Switches On
There are multiple warning lights on your dashboard that can turn on when different problems arise with your vehicle. If there’s something wrong with your battery or alternator, then the battery light will activate to tell you there’s a problem. This light is battery-shaped, so it’s easy to identify. Make sure you visit the dealer if this light comes on, even if your car seems fine.
2. Headlight Lighting Problems
Headlights may get dimmer if they’re dying, but they can also dim because the battery or alternator is failing. This dimming occurs because the battery doesn’t have enough power in it to power the headlights, and a faulty alternator can be the reason for the battery’s failure.
Your headlights may also become brighter after you rev the engine, indicating your alternator is producing some current, but it’s not enough to properly charge the battery and make your headlights run as they normally would.
3. Issues with Starting Your Car
When your alternator isn’t working properly, it’s not charging the battery sufficiently. This results in the battery having an insufficient amount of power to get your car started. If it takes a few tries before the engine revs, or if your car clicks and won’t start at all, then consult a mechanic at your local dealership.
4. Problems with Your Accessories
Your car’s accessories, such as the radio, heated seats, and power windows, rely on your battery to provide enough power for them to function. When your alternator is failing, the battery doesn’t have enough power to supply to these accessories. Your windows may move sluggishly, or the heated seats might not work anymore. You should visit the dealer to get your electrical system checked.
5. Burning Aroma
If you notice a burning smell coming from your engine, then the odor could be caused by damage to the drive belt. You won’t always smell a burning aroma when there’s a problem with your alternator, but some issues can cause one.
6. Strange Noises
If your drive belt is misaligned or rubbing against another component, then it may make a growling or whining noise. This noise can also occur when you have a bad rotor shaft or failing bearings. Always listen out for unusual sounds when driving your car, as new noises typically indicate problems with your vehicle and should never be ignored.
Ready to get your alternator fixed? Stop by Courtesy CDJR in Altoona, PA today.
You’ve decided on the vehicle you want, and now you’re faced with the choice to buy or lease it. As your CDJR dealer, we often get asked which is the better option. We want to help you, so we’re going to tell you more about both options to enable you can decide whether to buy or lease a car.
Buy a Car
When you buy a car, it becomes your property. You acquire its title, and if it’s paid off, you’re free to sell it, transfer it, gift it, or donate it as you choose. You can keep it for as long as you like, and you can also eventually use it as a trade-in for a newer model. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of this option.
No Mileage Limitation
Since you own your car, you can drive it as often and as far as you like. The only caveat is that the more extensively you drive, the sooner your scheduled maintenance will be due. In addition, if you intend to sell your car in the future, it’s advisable to keep the mileage under 100,000 miles to maintain resale value.
If you lease a car, you have a monthly or yearly mileage limit. If you exceed your mileage limit, you pay extra costs above your lease payment.
No Modification Issues
You can choose to add any modifications or accessories you want that are legally allowed if you own a car. If you lease, you can’t make any modifications.
Lease a Car
When you lease a car, you sign a contract with a dealer for a car for a set period, which is usually two to five years. You can choose the model you’d like and any accessories. You make a monthly lease payment. At the end of the term, you can extend your lease, buy the car, or choose another vehicle to lease. Let’s look at some of the other benefits of a lease.
No Maintenance Charges
Regular services and maintenance can add up if you own a car, and you may have to budget. When you lease a car, maintenance and servicing are included in the cost of the lease.
Newer Technology
If you enjoy always having the latest technology, leasing is a good option. When your lease expires, you can choose a more advanced model with all the latest technology. When you buy a car, you will have to sell it to buy a newer model.
As you can see, there are benefits to both choices. If you’d like to know more, visit our finance department today at Courtesy CDJR in Altoona, PA.
Vehicle owners are often tempted to buy and install aftermarket parts. Saving money is the usual, valid temptation, but should you be tempted to fit third-party components onto your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or Ram? Whenever you take your beloved car or pickup to a CDJR dealer for servicing, only genuine MOPAR OEM parts are used, and there are reasons why this is a good idea.
While it’s true that aftermarket parts are often cheaper than original parts, that’s typically their only tangible benefit. And it’s a false economy for several reasons.
Safety and Peace of Mind
The original parts used by a CDJR service center are made by MOPAR, a division of FIAT Chrysler Automobiles (FCA). You can rest assured these parts are manufactured to strict safety standards, so you’re not taking any kind of risk by having them installed. This peace of mind is something you won’t always enjoy when fitting third-party or no-brand components.
Precise Fit
Because aftermarket parts are often not manufactured to the same exacting standards as genuine parts, sometimes their fit is less precise. This can lead to inferior performance and efficiency, which ironically causes more expense than using original parts. One benefit of having your CDJR vehicle serviced by an authorized technician using OEM MOPAR parts is the lack of compromise.
Compatibility and Functionality
Modern vehicles are loaded with advanced features and sophisticated electronic systems. When you have a more complex OEM part installed on your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or RAM, you can be sure it syncs perfectly with all the clever tech that’s present. An example of this might be a Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
Keep Your Warranty Valid
Using only original parts on your CDJR vehicle helps to ensure your warranty is valid if something goes wrong. Manufacturers do not guarantee parts that were not on the vehicle when it left the factory or that aren’t certified for use. Vehicles that are properly maintained with the appropriate OEM components will not face warranty problems.
Resale Value
A vehicle that has been looked after well and isn’t a “Frankenstein’s monster” of cheap parts retains its resale value better. Anyone looking to buy your vehicle with a keen eye for detail will see that you haven’t jeopardized its condition with inferior components.
Visit Your Local CDJR Dealer for the Best in Servicing
Your local Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and RAM dealership will only install original, perfectly compatible MOPAR parts on your vehicle. You automatically get peace of mind as a free extra, not to mention optimized performance for your car or truck.
Call Courtesy Motor Sales in Altoona, PA today to schedule a service or drop into our MOPAR Express Lane for quick checks and replacements.
Your Guide to the 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and individuals looking for a comfortable, reliable, and stylish daily driver. These are the features you can expect when you check out the Jeep Grand Cherokee at your local Jeep dealership.
Powerful Performance
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is powered by a 3.6L V6 engine that delivers 293 horsepower, with rear-wheel drive coming standard on the Grand Cherokee, and all-wheel drive available as an upgrade. In addition to the standard gas-powered engine, there is also an available plug-in-hybrid 4xe powertrain option.
Standard on the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, the turbocharged 2.0L inline-four and electric motor delivers 375 horsepower and 470 pounds per foot of torque. A 14.0-kWh battery pack powers the hybrid motor. With this engine, the Grand Cherokee 4xe can go from zero to 60 MPH in just 5.3 seconds. The hybrid version of the Grand Cherokee also comes standard with all-wheel drive.
Off-Road Capabilities
Depending on the model that you choose, the Grand Cherokee has three different 4×4 systems, all capable of taking on tough roads in any weather. An available Quadra-Lift Air Suspension System will automatically lower your vehicle’s height when you reach highway speeds, and raise it when off-roading to improve performance without sacrificing fuel efficiency.
The Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe model even has special high air intakes and water sealing. Combined with the Quadra-Lift Air Suspension, this allows you to ford water up to 24 inches deep. With high levels of articulation, coupled with higher ground clearance and improved traction on select models, the Grand Cherokee is just as home off the road as it is on your daily commute through the city.
An Upgraded Interior
Though it may have rugged and capable features to help it tackle any terrain, the interior of the Jeep Grand Cherokee is designed with comfort and style in mind. Available 16-way adjustable seats with optional massage mode, multicolor ambient LED lighting, and a variety of luxurious trim options make for a beautiful interior.
An optional third row is perfect for those looking to transport more passengers, while an incredible 70.8 to 84.6 cubic feet of cargo space ensures you always have room for your gear.
The Best Advanced Safety Features Available at Your Local Jeep Dealership
The Grand Cherokee won’t just help you get where you need to go. It’ll also help keep you safe along the way. Jeep’s comprehensive suite of standard safety technology and optional upgrades provide more than 110 different safety and security features.
Stand-out features include parallel and perpendicular park assist, traffic sign recognition, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. In 2023, the Grand Cherokee even received an IIHS Top Safety Pick+.
Ready to experience the new Jeep Grand Cherokee? Visit Courtesy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Altoona, PA today to test drive the Grand Cherokee or get your questions answered.
Keeping up with changing your vehicle’s oil is an aspect of maintenance that often gets overlooked by car owners. But a consistent oil change schedule is a crucial investment in how long your vehicle lasts and how well it performs. Here are a few thoughts from your local CDJR dealer about the benefits of regularly changing your engine’s oil.
Engine Health and Longevity
One of the primary benefits of getting your vehicle’s oil replaced regularly for your CDJR vehicle is the preservation of its engine health and longevity. Motor oil is key to lubricating the engine’s components and reducing friction. As oil ages, it breaks down and becomes contaminated with debris, which can lead to increased wear and tear on your engine. Changing the oil at recommended intervals helps to ensure that your vehicle’s engine remains well-lubricated and operates smoothly, which will ultimately extend its lifespan.
Improved Fuel Efficiency
Maintaining proper oil levels and oil quality in your vehicle can significantly impact its fuel efficiency. Clean and fresh oil reduces friction within the engine, allowing it to run more efficiently. This, in turn, leads to improved gas mileage and savings at the pump. A regular routine for replacing the oil is an investment in your vehicle’s health, and will mean savings for you in the long run.
Enhanced Performance
For CDJR enthusiasts, the thrill of driving extends beyond the daily commute. Getting the oil replaced regularly plays a vital role in ensuring that your vehicle delivers the performance you expect. Clean oil allows your engine to run smoothly, providing optimal power and acceleration. If you’re passionate about the capabilities of your CDJR vehicle and want to see it perform at its full potential, changing out the oil regularly is key.
Prevent Costly Repairs
Neglecting your vehicle’s engine oil can lead to costly repairs down the road. When oil becomes old and contaminated, it loses its ability to lubricate effectively, leading to increased friction and heat within the engine. This can result in engine damage, which can be a significant financial burden to repair. Regularly replacing the oil is a proactive way to prevent such expensive issues and keep your vehicle running smoothly.
Warranty Protection
For many CDJR vehicles, the manufacturer warranties require regular maintenance to remain valid. The regular maintenance requirements always include changing the oil. Not following these requirements for regular maintenance could jeopardize your warranty coverage. By keeping to a regular schedule for replacing the oil as recommended by your vehicle’s manual, you ensure that your warranty remains intact.
Call us today at Courtesy Motor Sales CDJR to schedule your vehicle for an oil check and change. Our experienced service team here in Altoona, PA is here to assist you in maintaining your vehicle’s health and keep your CDJR vehicle running at its best.
Meet the 2024 RAM 2500
Now here at your neighborhood RAM dealership, the 2024 RAM 2500 is a heavy-duty pickup that deserves a closer look.
Muscle Meets Versatility
The 2024 edition of the RAM 2500 offers two reliable engines to choose from, with the first being a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 that delivers 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque. The other is a 370-horsepower turbocharged diesel I6 that produces 850 pound-feet of torque and superior towing capabilities with its 19,900-pound maximum capacity.
When venturing into off-road surroundings, this truck’s advanced 4×4 system easily tackles challenges, and this versatility is enhanced by the electronic shift-on-the-fly transfer case and both front and rear performance-tuned shock absorbers. While the Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension provides smooth rides both on and off-road, the engine block heater helps to make colder mornings stress-free.
Comforts and Exterior
Inside the truck’s cabin, premium leather and other upscale materials are available for the seats, as well as heating and ventilation settings for the front-row seats and a heating setting for those seated in the rear. Bold-looking interior color schemes like Black and a Black with Diesel Gray combination are available, the rear 60/40 seat folds down when you have large cargo, and the rear under-seat storage area offers additional space if you should need it.
There’s also plenty of room in the bed outside, with LED bed lighting, cargo dividers, and a deployable bed step available to make loading and unloading cargo easier, as well as the lockable RamBox Cargo Management System, which comes with a convenient power outlet. The rain-sensitive automatic wipers, power-release tailgate, power running boards, and telescoping trailer tow mirrors all offer convenience, while the rock rails and skid-plate shields for both the fuel tank and transfer case provide more ruggedness.
Technology and Safety
This pickup’s advanced tech features enhance every drive, as you can use the Uconnect 5 NAV system to make hands-free calls, connect to both AM/FM and satellite radio channels, and get navigation instructions, while the 360-degree camera shows you your surroundings in full color. The Digital Rearview Mirror allows you to see behind the truck, even when taller passengers are in the rear seat, and Trailer Tow Pages lets you keep tabs on your trailer’s lights and brake status.
Also advanced are the many safety-monitoring systems offered, like the Adaptive Forward Lighting System, Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking, LaneSense Lane Departure Warning, ParkSense Front and Rear Park Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control.
This heavy-duty pickup is now here at our dealership and ready for test drives, so come see it in action for yourself by contacting us today at Courtesy CDJR in Altoona, PA.
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