Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Durango to Get Standard Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission

New Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango crossovers will start getting an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard equipment by 2013, according to a recent Securities and Exchange Commission filing by Chrysler.

The new transmission will be equipped with the standard 3.6-liter V-6 powertrain, replacing the current five-speed automatic transmission. Chrysler says fuel economy will improve by 12%.

The same transmission is used on the 2012 Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger, improving gas mileage to 19/31 mpg city/highway from the previous 18/27 mpg ratings.

The Ram 1500 also will get a 3.6-liter V-6 and eight-speed automatic transmission, according to PickupTrucks.com.

Buying a car on Craigslist? Here are some common Craigslist car scams.

Selling and buying vehicles from owner to owner has never been easier thanks to many websites such as Ebay and Craigslist.  There are huge triumphs when people take the gamble and sell their vehicle on these popular sites.  Both parties expect and believe to make or save more than if they were to go to a dealership.  This is why the auto section in Craigslist website is an active place. However with so many people exchanging so many cars for so much cash, it was only a matter of time before criminals and con artists took notice.

One of the most common scams is that the buyer accidently pays more by money order or cashier’s check than was asked for and asks you to refund them the overage. These money orders often turn out to be counterfeits and any money sent them is lost forever.

Here are some other warning signs that should raise your red flag when selling or buying a car.

• Cars are priced far below current market value.
• The seller claims to be in the military and is stationed overseas.
• The posting does not include a phone number.
• The seller will demand that you use an online escrow service of their choice.
• The person receiving the call is referred to as a “pickup agent.”
• Payment must be wired to or from another country.Western Union is often requested.
• The buyer or seller is very anxious to conclude the transaction.

A vehicle purchase is big ticket item and shouldn’t be a game of luck.  We highly encourage people buying and selling their vehicles the old fashion way or at least get a second opinion on their car.  Stop by Planet Dodge in Humble, Texas today to see how much your trade-in is worth and avoid any scams.

Let Your Dog Be Cool

The weather in Humble and Houston is starting to pick up, and it’s no secret that we’re starting to sweat more and more each hot and humid day. On place we always feel that wall of hot air is when we open up our car door. That’s because inside of our cars is the one of the hottest places. For example, when it’s only 72 degrees outside, the temperature inside a vehicle can rocket to 116 degrees within an hour, even with windows cracked.

Sadly, people still believe that bringing a pooch along for a quick ride and leaving them in the car for a “quick errand” can be harmless idea.  The harsh reality is that every year dogs die after being intentionally locked inside vehicles while their owners shop and run other errands.

Drivers need to be aware that a dog’s normal body temperature ranges from 101 to 102.5 degrees, however dogs can withstand a body temperature of 107 to 108 degrees for only a short time before suffering organ failure, brain and nerve damage or even death.*

If losing your beloved pet wasn’t enough, police are now charging people for their negligence.  Recently, a Seattle man was charged with a felony of animal cruelty after leaving his dog, which suffered a fatal heat stroke, inside his parked car.**

If you see an animal in distress inside a vehicle, call your local animal control agency, police department or humane society immediately. And as always, stay tuned for more automotive news from Planet Dodge in Humble. Log on to www.PlanetDodgeTexas.com for all of your automotive needs.

*Source: http://www.mydogiscool.com.

**Source: http://www.seattlepi.com/local/article/Seattle-man-charged-after-dog-suffers-fatal-heat-1627394.php

 

 

5 reasons why the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is the BEST!

Here are 5 things that make the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee praise worthy of this review:

5. to 60 mph disappears in 4.8 seconds and the ¼ mile disappears in the mid 13 second range. Top speed is 160 mph! Can I get a “halleluiah!?”

4. The MASSIVE 6.4 liter HEMI V8 puts out 470 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 465 lbs-feet of torque at a very useable 4,300 rpm!

3. Not only can it tow up to 5,000 lbs, it can do it in inclement weather in “snow” mode. Roman and I will test one of these bad boys in snow soon. Praise the HEMI!

2. The interior feels more German than American, and that’s a good thing. Seats are comfortable front and rear with a nifty double stitched theme to everything leather. Legroom is superior to the old Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Harmon Kardon 19 speaker sound system is friggin’ amazing! The only issue I had was the goofy looking shifter gate. It’s just like the old one and the devil likes the old stogy shifter. Boo to the devil!

1. Pricing. At an as tested MSRP, at $54,470… That’s over $30K South of the price of a BMW X5 M with nearly the same performance.

Vehicle Theft Prevention

Last month The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released information breaking down vehicle thefts in the Unites States. The eye-popping information provided an insight into a problem that costs $6.4 billion of claims every year in the U.S. alone.

To show you how often a vehicle is stolen in the U.S.; if you were to read the paragraph above and this sentence in 33 seconds or longer then chances are a car was stole somewhere in the U.S. during that time.

Check out the graphic provided by The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  You will see, Texas made the list of states with the most stolen vehicles.  Of those stolen vehicles, only 57 percent are ever recovered.

Unfortunately, some of the stolen vehicles in the Houston area have been of our very own customers.  While some of those customers with stolen cars never end up recovering their vehicle, others whose vehicles were equipped with products like LoJack were able to recover their vehicle thanks to the small Radio Frequency transceiver hidden in one of up to 20 places in their vehicle.

Don’t want to be one of those statistics that lose their vehicle forever? We can help! Stop by Planet Dodge in Texas and talk to our Product Specialists to see how you can avoid being a statistic in The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration graph.

4th of July Weekend!

All around Texas’ gulf region, communities get together to celebrate the anniversary of our country’s Independence. Don’t miss out on the fabulous fireworks, concerts and patriotic parades.

Celebration is in the air as the city of Houston hosts Freedom Over Texas,the Mayor’s “official Fourth of July event,” offering six hours of fun and festivities for all. Gather together with the crowds in Eleanor Tinsley Park on Buffalo Bayou, and be a part of this fine tradition. Pick your zone: the event features a family fitness zone, an entertaining and educational zone kids’ zone and more – even the “Red, White and Green Scene,” showcasing environmentally friendly alternatives like wind energy and solar power. Highlights of the festival are sure to be the live entertainment and the fireworks extravaganza synced to current and patriotic music. For more information, visit www.houstontx.gov/july4/index.html.

Give a big “hats off” to America as Miller Outdoor Theatre in Houston presents ExxonMobil Star-Spangled Salute. This unique concert celebration gives you the opportunity to enjoy the 1812 Overture complimented by the quaking boom of cannons. The concert begins at 8:30pm and the event will be finished off with a crescendo of fireworks, courtesy of the Miller Theatre Advisory Board and the City of Houston. Complimentary sets of tickets will be available for the covered seating section while supplies last at the box office from 10:30am to 1pm on July 4. The hill also offers open seating. For more information, visit www.milleroutdoortheatre.com/en/cev/131.

Celebrate Independence Day with a bang in South Padre Island as the South Padre Island Convention & Visitors Bureau presents this year’s Fourth of July Fireworks. It’s sure to be a dazzling display, beginning at 9:15pm on July 4. The best place to see the show is Bayside between Palm Street and Red Snapper Street. For more information call (956) 761-6433, or visit www.sopadre.com/events/event_detail.php?id=56.

The city of Bellaire proudly invites all to attend their July 4^th Parade and Festival. Bring the kids to join in the festive children’s parade of decorated bicycles, tricycles and wagons that will lead the main parade. No pre-registration is necessary for the children’s parade. This year’s parade showcases the theme of “My Country Tis’ of Thee.” Following the parade, the fun continues as Bellaire Town Square comes alive with carnival games, a mini Ferris wheel, a petting zoo, moon jumps for the kids and even a dunk tank.  Food will be available for purchase. It’s sure to be a good time, so bring the family. For more information, visit www.ci.bellaire.tx.us/index.aspx?NID=879.

Whatever you do, have yourself a fabulous and fun Fourth of July

Planet Dodge In Humble Wins World Class Award

Humble, Texas- Planet Dodge Chrysler Jeep in Humble,Texashas obtained World Class Automotive Group’s most prestigious award for the very first time. The award is given out to the most covenant store in the Automotive Group that meets strict guidelines in order to be preserve the awards integrity and value. Along with strict guidelines each store must also past the initial crucial test that allows it to be entered into the pool of other potential candidates.

Randy Pretzer managing partner of Planet Dodge Chrysler Jeep stated that he was very happy that his store was one of the first establishments to obtain the award since its inaugural establishment in January. “I am happy to serve our local community and help people get into the vehicle of their dreams”, said Mr.Pretzer.

 

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Planet Dodge Chrysler Jeep is located at 18555 Hwy 59 Humble, TX  77388 and has a diverse selection of new and certified pre-owned Dodge, Chrysler, and Jeeps. They have the areas most comprehensive fleet service with various diesel technicians on staff. Lastly, their collision center was created with you in mind. Factory-trained professionals coupled with rental cars help to ensure that you get back on the road. For more information visit www.planetdodgetexas.com

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