Auto Lease - Purchase Discussion

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  • 12/20/2009 2:26 PM NCRO wrote:
    Please note that the email we sent out contained an error in item #9:

    Retiree certificates expire at the end of this year and we cannot be certain of the level of incentives after the first of the year.

    The certificates are good until the end of 2010!

    Thank you and we apologize for any inconvenience this might have caused.
    Reply to this
  • 12/21/2009 11:54 AM KH wrote:
    Re Retiree Lease payments - will they be withheld from pension checks or is the retiree responsible for making them on their own?
    Reply to this
  • 12/21/2009 3:32 PM H. Ron Black wrote:
    As a retiree of Chrysler Finance they are telling me that I'm not eligable for the "New" retiree lease program. I spent 32 years at Chrysler Corp and the last 2 years at Chrysler Finance. That does not seem fair that I should be excluded. Has anyone else experienced this? I have called to inquire but no response yet.
    Reply to this
  • 12/23/2009 1:50 PM Michael Kane wrote:
    Retiree lease payments will not be held from pension checks. You have to pay them directly to GMAC or whichever other financial institution holds the lease.
    Reply to this
  • 12/23/2009 3:47 PM Chuck Wontrobski wrote:
    Been shopping around with 5 local(Commerce TWP., MI area) dealers for a replacement for my company car lease minivan. Saw the info on Golling and called them. I knew exactly what I wanted and asked for a ballpark figure before wasting my time driving there. Salesman (Francis - didn't get last name) wouldn't give me one and insisted I drive down there and meet with him. He seemed very "pushy." Said "it's only 15 minutes." I knew it was double that since I passed the Square Lake/Telegraph Rd. intersection going to CTC in my other life. Had numbers from 5 other dealers. After comparing all the offers, I leased the vehicle from Shuman CJ, in Walled Lake. It came with more than I wanted, but nobody else could beat the price, even on lesser equipped vans.

    FYI here is what I leased for 36 months, 12K miles/yr.:
    2010 Town & Country Touring, 25L package (HDD touch screen radio, 2 rear DVD screens, 1st/2nd row heated leather seats, center console, window shades, etc. etc.). The vehicle was upgraded with the Navigator RER radio, had Trailer Tow and the VIN etched in the window glass. I also got free maintenance for 36 months. My out-the-door bottom line price was $352/mo. with $818 out-of-pocket which covered the first months lease. All the other "fine print" charges like taxes, title, license, doc fees, security deposit were either included or waived. Shuman priced the Retiree Retail Lease and said it would be about $100/mo more. That's because Great Lakes Area incentives totaled $3K plus my $2K certificate, all coming off the EP. I realize this is not exactly apples-to-apples with the Retiree Retail Lease, but when I saw the high numbers on the NCRO e-mail from Chuck Austin, I jumped at the offer from Shuman.

    Can't stress the importance of getting informed and letting the dealer know you've done your homework - know your incentives, download the sales code guides, take them to the dealer with you and shop around. I started looking for a T&C Touring with 25K but quickly learned that the 25L with all the extra goodies was only a few dollars more/mo. because the residuals are reportedly so much better.

    Also, FYI, I checked the incentives for a Challenger RT which I am considering as a replacement for my Chrysler 300C. There were none, other than my $3K certificate. Hope that's because they're selling.
    Reply to this
  • 12/23/2009 10:28 PM RWT wrote:
    I thought it might be worthwhile to convey my dealer experience. I am currently in the process of replacing 3 vehicles (2 corporate leases which expire in February and 1 retail lease which expired at the end of November.) I currently have a daughter commuting to college, hence, the need of a third vehicle. I had already visited two Detroit area dealers when the NCRO e-mail came through re: the “friendly retiree process”. As a result, I added Golling CJD to the process. It should be noted that Golling was aware of my knowing about the NCRO e-mail, that I had seen two previous dealers, had narrowed my selection of vehicles and was planning to lease two (both Jeep Liberty) and purchase the third (Dodge Journey). In short, I picked up my first vehicle today from Golling and the remaining two next week.

    What I learned through the process:

    The three dealers were consistent on purchase price and retiree lease price but vastly different on “retail lease.” (The dealer with the highest retail lease prices told me the numbers were “negotiable”.)

    Pricing is highly dependent on the available rebates and incentives (and there are a bunch of them out there). In this case, Golling was more knowledgeable than the other two (e.g., your Lapeer Road turn-in paperwork makes you eligible for Lease Loyalty Rebate. One of the two other dealers was not aware of that.)

    Retiree lease vs. retail lease decision was certainly vehicle dependent. The two models I ended up leasing have projected high residuals at turn-in and hence, have retail lease rates significantly lower than the retiree rate. Other vehicles (e.g., Dodge Charger) were about equal in cost (the retiree lease would win out due to the maintenance plan). It should be noted that the retail lease included use of the one-time retiree voucher. The retiree lease plan may become advantageous on more models after the vouchers expire on 12/2010.

    My decision to move now on all three vehicles was due to incentives that expire on 1/4/2010 and not knowing if they would come back before the end of February.

    I decided to go with Golling because they had better pricing (probably due to their better knowledge of the available rebates and incentives) and provided a very pleasant dealer experience. Their sales manager (Matt Godfrey) and salesman (Jim White) were courteous, vehicle knowledgeable and professional and I would not hesitate to recommend them.

    Side note re: insurance. I had used Sterling for insurance on my previous retail lease (I switched from MetLife two years ago. These are the two “Chrysler Group rate” participants.) They had an option where I could exclude my daughter (she used one of my corporate lease vehicles.) Now that I no longer have that option available, I have found that AAA does not penalize the under 25 driver as much as Sterling does and have switched. My advice is to shop around and that your choice will be highly dependent on your specific situation
    Reply to this
  • 12/25/2009 1:16 PM Michael Kane wrote:
    Chuck and all blog readers,

    We're glad you're satisfied with the lease you received.
    In the email we sent you that explained the shopping process, we should have included the MSRP of the vehicle the shopper leased at Golling. He bought a T&C Touring with MSRP over $37K (EP over $33K). The shopper wanted a Limited but instead decided to lease a Touring with all the same equipment as a Limited (except ATC) because there is a lower interest rate on the Touring. The lease price was $457 because of all the extra equipment.

    Also, the reason why NCRO insisted on a special process (as outlined in the email at 'retiree friendly dealers' which includes meeting with Matt at Golling and Doran at Crestwood) was to ensure that the contact and sale/lease was handled and priced properly.

    We'll forward your comments on the blog to Matt so that all calls into sales people asking for a phone quote are referred to him and the deal is handled properly. However it does not include quotes over the phone requested from a salesperson because that creates a whole set of additional problems.

    Thanks,

    Mike Kane
    Reply to this
  • 12/25/2009 1:25 PM Mike Kane wrote:
    Ron,

    Please contact Matt at Golling or Doran at Crestwood whichever is your preferred store. They can call to see if you have a rebate and what other programs you might be eligible for. And depending on which vehicle you want there are also good lease and purchase incentives on other vehicles that sometimes equal or beat the retiree deal.

    I know it is uncommon to "trust" a dealer but they have been working with us to give the right price to retirees.

    We're also working to add some dealers to the list and should have several others before year end.

    Mike Kane
    Reply to this
  • 12/26/2009 1:35 AM H. Ron Black wrote:
    Thanks for the reply Mike. After I wrote it I contacted the incentive hot line again and they had escalated my request for "A Determination". This was granted however I did not receive a call from them to notify me. I had to call them. They were able to give me my certificate numbers over the phone. So, it appears I'm in for now. That would also mean that all Chrysler Financial retirees should be "In" too.

    I don't need a vehicle until mid February and I also have a couple of long road trips planned in January and early February. I'm going to use the corporate lease vehicle and put the miles on that one instead of something I will have a mileage limit on. If not for those trips I would be obtaining a new vehicle this week.

    Does anyone have any idea if the incentives will still be in place mid February? I need a tow vehicle so I'm gong to be looking at a pickup or a grand cherokee. With the retiree voucher for $3000 plus another $3000 incentive and lease loyalty of $1000 (total $7000 quoted me from Parkway C-P on M59). Can we expect something close to those numbers in late February?

    Ron Black
    Reply to this
  • 12/26/2009 10:38 AM DCX35 wrote:
    Would anyone happen to know how to go about obtaining a replacement copy of the retiree purchase incentives document which was mailed to us earlier. Unfortunately lost mine.
    Reply to this
  • 12/28/2009 5:30 PM Tony Adamski wrote:
    Just picked up my Town & Country Lease at Crestwood Dodge. Great service and great deal. The retirement specialist (Randy) spent a great deal of time going over various programs and getting me a good package. The advice to go to one of two dalers is well founded!
    Reply to this
  • 12/28/2009 5:31 PM Tony ADamski wrote:
    I just picked up a lease vehicle today. Since lease is through GMAC, pension deduction is not an option.

    Tony
    Reply to this
  • 12/29/2009 10:46 AM Mike Kane wrote:
    DCX35,

    There is a phone number in the email from the NCRO that you can call to get the certificate numbers.

    Here is that info again, "Call the 800-227-0757 between 9AM and 6 PM EST to get your certificate numbers and control numbers".

    Crestwood and Golling also have number and can get the info for you.

    Good luck!

    Mike Kane
    Reply to this
  • 12/29/2009 2:16 PM DCX35 wrote:
    Hey, thanks Mike! I hope other NCRO-ers can profit from your info as well.
    Reply to this
  • 12/30/2009 7:24 PM RWT wrote:
    Follow-up:
    I picked up my other two vehicles this week. I continue to be very satisfied with the experience at Golling and highly recommend them. Please note that I followed the recommended process and contacted the sales manager (Matt Godfrey) to set up my initial appointment. Matt has reminded his sales staff that all retiree appointments should go through him so that retirees get the NCRO "friendly process."

    By being prudent on vehicle selection (two of the vehicles had comparable replacements and the third slightly dropped in content - from a T & C to a Journey SXT) I was able to keep my monthly expenses comparable to what it was 2 months ago. (This includes putting $100/mo.(combined) away for routine maintenance and having my daughter now insured on all three vehicles.) I did have to put a total of $3000 down (which I should recover in residual when I eventually sell the Journey) and will have to live with not having a shiny new car to look forward to every 1 to 2 years.
    Reply to this
  • 12/31/2009 1:18 PM turbo wrote:
    Checked out company retiree lease and found that the lease I could get on my own was much better. Took delivery of my new Liberty at Golling, salesman Mark Fetlock was very helpful with all the rebates. I would recommend him to all. Service and satisfaction at Golling. Liberty was great lease and cheaper than buying my company car...
    Reply to this
  • 1/5/2010 1:00 PM johnson wrote:
    I found the experience at the recommended dealers no better than any other dealer. I called 5 total dealer, and my local one in Southfield came out the best, and my experience was great as usual. Check around, it will pay off.
    Reply to this
  • 1/8/2010 4:59 PM Chuck Wontrobski wrote:
    For those of you still shopping for a minivan, looks like the incentives on minivans didn't go away on Jan 4. In fact, they appear to have increased by $500 (Great Lakes Area). In my earlier blog, I should have added that the MSRP on my T&C minivan is $36,605 if that helps anyone still shopping. My lease rate is $352/mo.
    Reply to this
  • 1/15/2010 11:58 AM Ed Gutowski wrote:
    Went to Crestwood Dodge and Suburban Chrysler looking for a T&C
    minivan. Still many incentives out there: Chrysler Cash $1500, Owner
    Loyalty $1000 (if you happen to own a Chrysler product), Great Lakes
    Area $1000 plus a few others added to a total of $7500. MSRP $34,305.
    Crestwood was about $30/mo cheaper. Lease $360/mo ($950 at time of
    delivery), 15,000 miles/year. I was told that this was not the Retiree
    plan but the regular retail lease, not sure if this is true since he
    did record my Retiree Retail Program ID? But I did get the maintenance
    program and also the extended warranty to 60,000 miles (to cover beyond the regular 36,000 miles). Dealt with
    Mike Moukalled at Crestwood (734-421-5700)
    Reply to this
  • 1/25/2010 9:07 PM Dwight Quertermous wrote:
    Went to Parkway today. Looks like 6.5% interest is being charged for my employee lease. How do
    I know what is the interest rate I should pay? I have not made a deal yet, but I have no idea how much I should be paying. Heck, I have not been in a dealership in 15 years!! It almost feels like we are being thrown to fend for ourselves. i dont know really which way to turn. lease? buy? When they sent out the letter that your lease was restored, I was excited. Now, I am confused.
    Reply to this
  • 1/27/2010 4:31 PM Mike Kane wrote:
    Parkway is not one of the "Retiree Friendly Dealers" we have established for our members so we cannot comment on their sales practices.

    Because of the large number of retirees turning in their leases the NCRO established what we call a "retiree friendly dealer" program to help members who have not purchased or been inside a dealership for many years decide whether to buy or lease while getting a fair price in a friendly atmosphere. We sent you a email on December 16 regarding this process with our first two dealers that are following the "Retiree Friendly Dealer" program commitments. They are willing to spend the time to help retirees decide which is best for them - Buy or Lease and have committed to sell vehicles at or below the EP formulas. We also monitor their efforts through the blog and eliminate them from the program if they do not adhere to the commitments they made.

    We are recently added three dealerships to the programs who have made these commitments. In total the five dealerships and their contact numbers are in alphabetical order. These dealerships will set an appointment with you to discuss your situation: Crestwood Dodge Chrysler Jeep (Contact Randy Doran at 734-421-5700), Golling Chrysler Jeep Dodge (contact Matt Godfrey at 248-409-2310), Southfield Dodge Chrysler Jeep (Contact Scott Peters at 248-354-2950), Telegraph Dodge Chrysler Jeep (Contact Ken Thomas at 734-947-2300), Galeana's Van Dyke Dodge (Contact John Caldwell at 586-582-4102 or Eric Ericson at 586-582-4115).

    As to whether it is better to buy or lease... .It is not an easy decision because there are varying levels of incentives for purchase and lease by vehicle. It is further complicated by the fact that various banks have different residuals (some better than GMAC, some not a favorable) for each vehicle and different interest rates are based on your credit score. So you really need to sit down and discuss your driving habits and the specific vehicle you are interested in before you can determine the best price and interest rate. Last month for example the interest rates ranged from 2.5% to 4.9% depending on lease vs. buy and vehicle line. I am not aware of the current interest rates but I believe the same criteria apply.... which vehicle? buy or lease? Length of sales contract? Length of lease?

    That's why we developed the retiree friendly dealer program to have an experienced dealer help you decide which is best for you. We are in the process of adding additional dealers base on their CPS scores which are records of how they treat customers. We hope to get to 10 across the Detroit Metro area to service Chrysler Retirees. Unfortunately we are all volunteers and can only monitor and follow up on a maximum of 10 dealerships in Detroit.

    I suggest you call one of the dealers above. We have asked them not to give quotes over the phone because there are too many variables and it leads to misunderstandings.

    Mike Kane
    Reply to this
  • 1/27/2010 4:36 PM Mike Kane wrote:
    A member asked:
    Who do we get ahold of for pricing if we are a retiree and want to buy the vehicle we're currently leasing?

    Answer:
    Call the company car sales office at 1-248-754-1011. They also have a toll free number which is 1-800-481-6736. You will need to provide them with the last 8 digits of the VIN and current mileage to determine price and delivery instructions.

    Mike Kane
    Reply to this
  • 1/30/2010 3:42 PM Bob Emick wrote:
    We just picked up our new Avenger at Palace CJ in Lake Orion (just north of the Marshalling Center) this morning. The whole experienced was very positive and efficient. Our salesman, Dean Meadows, was very helpful and able to compare the retiree lease program cost to several variations of their retail leases. We opted for a three year lease with a no cost maintenance package. Even including our own insurance, the total cost is less than the EL rate on our current Avenger (which will be turned in next week.

    Our experience is that Palace is an excellent 5 star dealer in every aspect probably due the the large number of Chrysler employees who go there and can always report back to dealer relations if they have a problem.

    I know Bill Golling and know that he runs a good shop, but I can't beat the convenience of Palace just 4 miles from my home.

    Bottom line is that I highly recommend Palace and our salesman even though they are not on the recommended list.
    Reply to this
  • 1/31/2010 3:20 PM John Bird wrote:
    Your comments and insights one and all have been very helpful.JB
    Reply to this
  • 2/1/2010 1:28 PM CM wrote:
    Although I was happy to learn that Chrysler changed their mind and has extended the lease car program to the retirees, the limited mileage of 15,000/yr doesn't help me. I'm getting ready to turn my 2-yr. lease vehicle in and it has 51,000 miles. I do a lot of driving. I guess I will have to weight my options to buy additional miles or buy outright. Please continue to negotiate about the company car program.
    Reply to this
  • 2/2/2010 4:44 PM JCM wrote:
    I wanted to purchase my current lease vehicle but the price quoted by Company Car is out of touch with the market for a vehicle that has been discontinued. Disappointing.
    Reply to this
  • 2/3/2010 11:08 AM cecelia kelly-quaggiotto wrote:
    I am an american married to a canadian and up to recently leasing a car from us company car. I was told to return my vehicle to the marshalling center because I was no longer residing in the us. Now that a new leasing program is available in the us, will that also be true for me living in canada.
    Reply to this
  • 2/3/2010 2:26 PM Roger Plaskett wrote:
    As retiree - I am working at Chrysler Dealer in N Virginia.
    We would be interested to be your - Friendly Dlr Program dealer for Virginia - Maryland - Dist of Columbia,
    please advise comments to this E mail
    Reply to this
  • 2/3/2010 3:41 PM Jerry Gustafson wrote:
    In November I purchased a new Chrysler 300 and in December I purchased the company lease car I had been driving. I used the Golling dealership for both transactions and was very satisfied with the services provided. I was superbly assisted by salesman Tim Hague @ 248-409-2336. Tim made sure all dealership promises were kept and shuttled me from Lapeer Road as necessary during the turn in process. I recommend using Golling and Tim Hague when buying/leasing a Chrysler product.
    Reply to this
  • 2/3/2010 4:12 PM Vince Oleksiak wrote:
    At present I am in Cape Coral, Florida.
    when My wife and I started looking for a new Chrysler vehicle none of the dealers had any IDEA about the new lease program. We went to Naples, GALEANA in Ft.Myers and to Punta Gorda. All are an hour drive each way. We had to give the dealers a copy of the new Lease agreement so managers could review it. They had never seen it before! Naples would not deal Punta Gorda was so so, and the first time in Galeana we spent two hour's in a review with the sales man for our vehicle. The Send trip with a different salesman we spent THREE, yes I said Three hours and came away with some what of a deal which is still pending. We know the Florida dealers in this area were not informed by Chrysler LLC and that is a shame. They still do not know what to do with out of state vehicle registrations or how to handle them. The whole experience was very trying. Not sour grapes but very TRYING!
    Reply to this
  • 2/6/2010 7:53 PM JGS wrote:
    I just completed the purchase of two vehicles to replace my expiring lease vehicles from Crestwood Dodge (one of the retiree friendly dealers. I can't say enough good things about Randy Doran, the retiree lease contact. At first I was hesitant about setting up an appointment but it was well worth it. Randy took the time to gather info about me and the vehicles I was interested in and then he went over the details for all of my alternatives; retiree lease, dealer lease, financed purchase and cash purchase. He made sure I understood how the costs were developed, including all incentives I was eligible for. I ended up paying cash for a Caliber (my daughter loves it) and got a zero percent financing deal on a Dakota for me. I was also able to turn in my Chrysler lease vehicles at Crestwood rather than make the trek to the Marshalling Center (I live in the Downriver area)
    I highly recommend Randy Doran (and Crestwood Dodge) to every Chrysler retiree lessee looking for a replacement vehicle.
    Reply to this
  • 2/12/2010 4:38 PM Vince Oleksiak wrote:
    Just had a Great discussion with
    Mr. Michael B. Wayne at Galeana about my prior dealer visit experience as I reported it in the NCRO blog.
    I wanted him to know that it was not a negative point on how we were treated by our salesmen. Just that the time to review a lease purchase quote at the dealership was entirely too long.
    He stated he received my blog from somebody up north and was very concerned about our dissatisfaction and stated he will take care of any problem in our next visit to Galeana of
    Ft. Myers.
    Our conversion was very wholesome and I feel he fully understands how my wife and myself felt about our two visits there.
    I still feel that the problem lies with the fact that Chrysler LLC did not inform all of the dealers of the new retiree lease program.
    I know we will be back to Galeana within the next two weeks to try and work out another car lease and do not have any negative feeling on how we were treated. The salesmen were true gentlemen.
    The actual fault lies in how long we were within the dealership just to come up with some form of a lease purchase.
    Mr. Wayne and I had a very concise discussion, he was very apologetic on the whole affair and I feel the dealership will be good to deal with on our next upcoming visit.
    Should our salesman still want to deal with us I would be delighted to have him as our salesman and friend.
    Reply to this
  • 2/14/2010 10:58 AM Robert Gower wrote:
    2010 Corporate Lease replacement

    Al Deeby Dodge/Chrysler/ Jeep Clarkston
    8700 Dixie Hwy
    Clarkston, MI

    2010 Dodge Journey AWD – RT

    MSRP - $32710
    Emp Price – $ 29501
    Rebates available $5000

    Manf.Warranty 2yr/36k - 100 K Powertrain

    With 15000 additional miles (60 K) over 3 years @ $ 0.10 per mile.


    Ouoted Chrysler Retiree plan was $ 475/ month

    Dealer offer $ 459.73 / month with current incentives on the 2010 Journey RT

    I took dealer plan and added Max Care (5007 +) extended warranty coverage to 60K Cost + 1126.44
    Or $ 31.45/ month. Service maintenance between 45K and 60K will be @ my cost. The level of optional equipment and possible anticipated additional miles beyond 36K to potentially 60K prompted me purchase the Max care warranty.

    Final Cost / month = 491.18 for 35* Months


    Due at signing and vehicle pick-up $1567.12

    Month 1 lease = $491.18
    Security Deposite = $475.00 (refundable at EOL )
    Fees* = $600.94
    Total = $1567.12


    *MI License Plate Fee
    *Documentation fee
    * Taxes
    *Title Fee
    *Transfer fee

    My AAA insurance / month = $62 month

    Sales person Leann Chevalier was very courteous and professional during the process and explained the vehicle options and features upon vehicle delivery. Costs estimates and fees were provided by sales manager Jason Vogel and agreed with the estimate provided but there is an extensive the number of forms to review and sign (10-12 forms).

    The peculiar aspect of this process was in the event of my death; GMAC can seek the remaining cost of the term of the lease regardless of the deposition of the vehicle. Mr. Vogel explained this is not typically done and if the vehicle is returned that is sufficient but legally and by the contract GMAC can go after the estate.

    I am curious what the Chrysler salaried retiree 3 yr / 45 K plan allows the lessee in the event of the lessee’s passing.
    Reply to this
  • 2/15/2010 6:03 PM Cal Oppenheim wrote:
    I am now living in Asheville, NC and my local dealer was computer payments that were way out of line with the examples I saw and what was posted on this site.
    I called Randy Doran at Crestwood Dodge and he was fantastic. Even though he was not going to make the sale he spent considerable time configuring a vehicle, making several phone calls and emails and coming up with a price that was over a $100 less than what I was originally told. He also provided me with all the program codes and id's I needed to provide my local dealer so he could get the same numbers. I thank NCRO for referring me to Randy, and thank Randy for his help.
    Reply to this
  • 2/16/2010 3:30 AM Gary Marchenia wrote:
    Reading many of the comments about the new Retiree Lease Car program, I have to ask: What exactly is added to the lease? An acquistion fee? Here in Alabama they say it's $795; it may be different in Michigan. Also, one dealer told me you could only add a total of 3600 more miles to the lease at $.12/mile and another said $.10/mile with no apparent limit.
    Gary
    Reply to this
  • 2/16/2010 6:54 PM Wayne Schultz wrote:
    In mid Dec., wanting to take advantage of the $1500 incentive then expiring 1/4, I contacted one store about a 3 year lease on a Journey SXT with 28K pkg.. Their offer was $324.00 per month plus Tax, license, transfer, etc., and they insisted it had to be a 15K per year mileage package.

    Not satisfied I went to Tony Viviano's Sterling Heights Chry., Dodge, Jeep. There I dealt with Gary Riashi who I would recommend to all.

    Gary was NOT pushy; but was courteous, helpful, and patient. Gary reviewed not only the retiree program, but what else was available. We decided on a unit with the 28K pkg., premium paint, and a couple of other goodies.

    The prices for a 12K miles per year 36 month lease were: $288.00 monthly plus license, transfer, etc.; or $785.00 down INCLUDING taxes, license, transfer, AND the first months lease, then $266.00 for 35 months.

    And, Gary suggested we delay delivery until following a holiday trip to New York to avoid putting the miles on the new cross-over.

    A few days after taking delivery I experienced a mechanical problem. Gary voluntarily assumed responsibility for expediting repair of the product.

    Without reservation, I highly recommend Gary and the store to all.

    Wayne
    Reply to this
  • 2/19/2010 10:23 PM John Hinckley wrote:
    Although Orchard CDJ in Washington isn't on the preferred list (yet), they're local to me and salesman Drake Dugan has taken good care of us with six retail lease cars in the last eight years, plus a 2010 Avenger R/T I bought last September for myself (when there was no reasonable leasing of any kind available).

    My wife's 2007 Sebring Chrysler Financial lease is about up, so I gave Drake the detail last week on what she wanted for a 2010 Sebring Touring Convertible, and asked him to run the numbers for retail lease, the Chrysler retiree lease, or purchase.

    The ordinary retail lease was awful ($541/month) due to limited incentives, but he went to work on the Chrysler retiree lease, and came up with a program (38LAA) that added an $8,000 lease cash incentive to the existing incentives, and worked out to $372.00 per month!

    Then he saved me the wait for ordering by doing a search the day before yesterday, and found EXACTLY the same Sebring Touring convertible in stock, down to the last detail, at Palace Chrysler-Jeep in Lake Orion.

    He drove up there yesterday morning and picked it up, had it prepped yesterday afternoon, and I picked it up at Orchard CDJ this morning.

    I'd recommend Drake Dugan and Orchard CDJ to anyone; they're familiar with the Chrysler retiree lease program, and they work hard to make sure you're satisfied.
    Reply to this
  • 2/24/2010 4:54 PM TLP wrote:
    I just went to my dealer today and am very disappointed with the quote I received. $559+/month for a Liberty Limited, MSRP $31000+, EP $28000+, $575 Security Deposit. I can buy the same vehicle for $420/month. I guess those of us living outside Michigan don't get the same deals. I feel a very poor job was done rolling this out to both the dealers and the retirees.
    Reply to this
  • 3/1/2010 2:41 PM Michael Kane wrote:
    Tommy,

    The presentation that Ryan Evans gave last week at the NCRO breakfast is a tool you can use to help your dealer figure out the incentives for your situation. Chrysler sent the info to all dealers and to all GMAC offices but where there are not too many retiree deals the dealers don't become that proficient in the program. Sorry about that. I have sent your info to the Great Lakes Business Center and Ryan is trying to help you. Let me know how it works out. You have my phone number and email from the info I sent you directly.
    Reply to this
  • 3/1/2010 3:31 PM Tom Hamilton wrote:
    Here's my dealership experience with purchasing a lease car (via Lapeer Rd.):
    Golling C-J- They wanted $190 doc fee, but give lifetime oil changes; staff moderately friendly.
    Palace C-J: The waived the doc fee ($0), Roger Kibbe very knowledgeable & friendly; strong relationship to Lapeer Rd.; no hassle.
    I went with Palace Chrysler-Jeep.
    Reply to this
  • 3/1/2010 4:13 PM Earl Sobeck wrote:
    I went to Suburban Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge in Novi and leased two vehicles: a P/T Cruiser under the Retiree Program with theservice program included as promised and a T&C under the Employee/Retiree Dealer lease program with 12,000miles both zero down. I was very satisfied with the pricing and treatment. Give Bob Lueckenhoff Sales person my name and I'll give you the $50 he promised me for referrals.
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  • 3/2/2010 11:32 AM John Hannon wrote:
    I just completed a deal with Kevin Kelly at Sterling Heights CDJ with no issues. My requirements resulted in having to order a vehicle, which should take about 6 weeks. Once I receive my new Grand Caravan, I'll report back as to whether or not there were any issues at delivery.
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  • 3/2/2010 5:10 PM Leonard Rickman wrote:
    Do you have any examples for retiree lease of basic PT cruiser--approx monthly cost,etc.that I can use for comparison purposes here in california?
    thanks--Len
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  • 3/3/2010 3:25 PM Gary Marchenia wrote:
    In Ryan Evan's presentation to the NCRO last week -- I wasn't there-- he gave several examples of incentives offered when purchasing a new vehicle. One of them was $1500 for "Company Car Select Owner Loyalty-Company Car Termination Required". I assume this is for those of us retirees who must terminate our company car lease and chose to buy our new vehicle(s). Has any been able to get this $1500 incentive on top of the others mentioned? What is the program code number? I've not been able to contact Ryan.
    Gary
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  • 3/4/2010 5:36 PM Tom Veda wrote:
    A new 2010 Dodge Journey SE for $227-$240 per month with no money down. All you need is to purchase a license plate and drive it home today. The reason for the price range is because the lower price is for a person with good credit. I was at Galeana Dodge and I sat down with Jim Zoss (248) 573-4000 today. I told Jim I was looking for something under $300 per month. Jim told me the best deal for this month is a Dodge Journey SE for the price above and he has them in stock.The $227 price was for 15,000 miles per year and for 36 months.Jim was great and he went through three examples, a purchase, a corporate lease and the lease he quoted me. Jim told me he can print a temporary paper license good for until you pick the regular plate. Hard to believe but he put it writing and gave me a copies. For referance he also told me if you put $1000 down your lease can be as low as $196.00 per month. If you are looking for a bargain give Jim a call at Galeans's. I just say enough about him, no pressure, took as much time as I needed to answer all the questions.
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  • 3/4/2010 9:39 PM Martin Sharp wrote:
    I have decided to purchase my 2008 Avenger through Suburban Chryler/Jeep/Dodge Dealership on Haggarty Road in Novi. Chrysler Corp., makes it very difficult by having us leasors return the vehicle to LaPeer Road; find our way back home, LaPeer to call us or the dealership one to three days later to pick-up the car and return it to Suburban. Then I/We have to find a way to pick-up the purchased auto at the dealership. This is a 60+ mile round-trip for me each time. Fortunatly, Suburban is willing to pick me up and return me back to the dealership to conclude the transaction. The point I'm trying to make is, since I'm purchasing my lease car, why is Chrysler making it so difficult to rid themselves a two (three)yr. auto?
    By the way, Suburban has a fellow assigned to handle our lease car program.
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  • 3/5/2010 4:51 PM John Bird wrote:
    I went to an outstate dealer today and they could find all the rebates but the $1500 incentive Gary is refering to. Does anyone know the program code? The dealer reportedthe incentive hot line couldn't find it either.
    JB
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  • 3/5/2010 5:45 PM Gary Marchenia wrote:
    I got in contact with Ryan Evans on the subject of "Select Loyalty" incentives.
    He was very helpful. For those who may not know the program code, it's 38CAX1.
    Gary
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  • 3/14/2010 9:06 PM NCRO Member wrote:
    I just came back from Southfield Chrysler.
    The sales rep, Rodney Cheatham, ran comparisons for a regular employee lease, a retiree lease and employee purchase on a mini-van - including all applicable discounts and employee pricing.
    It appeared to me to be fully transparent and he seemed to very much understand the dilemma we face with our decisions.
    I'll likely go with the GMAC regular 36 month lease, and cover maintenance and rent vehicles out of pocket instead of the retiree lease which costs about $100 more per month.
    I was pleased with the service I received.
    I don't know if this feedback is helpful, but Southfield Chrysler did seem to be retiree friendly.
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  • 3/23/2010 7:28 PM John Bird wrote:
    I'm a little disappointed with the process and to some extent I bare some responsibility. I live outside the Detroit area on Crystal Lake. The dealer in Greenville convinced me to turn in my lease car and lease from him instead of going all the way back to Auburn Hills etc. All systems seemed a go and I dropped my lease unit off and picked up my new one about two weeks ago. ( Lots of paper work and I assumed the LRV was part of it.) Yesterday I talked to Auburn Hills about returning my other vehicle and learned the my original unit had not been taken out of service so I'm double paying. A call to Cathy Homeszyn received a polite but non participatory response.She did give me a number to have the dealership call to walk them thru the process but the hands off attitude was a disappointment. I'm going to make the extra drive to Auburn Hills to turn in my other lease vehicle so I know it will come out of service promptly.
    Dissapointed Outstater,
    JB
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  • 3/27/2010 5:46 PM Ernie McLaughlin wrote:
    I worked with Randy Doran at Crestwood Dodge to replace my lease car. It was a great experienc. He explained all options honestly and was a tremendous help. I ended up buying a Journey R/T. It was very convienent for me to have them return my lease for me. I had gone to several other dealers and he was the best. I would highly recommend Randy and Crestwood. Thanks to the NCRO for helping out in this area.
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  • 3/29/2010 7:39 PM Dan Pods wrote:
    I had the same problem as Jon Bird in returning my lease car to a Dealership in Colorado Springs. The Sales Manager said that he knew what he was doing as far as returning the Chrysler lease cars in. After I gave him the vehicle, it sat at the Dealership and it was not turned in for over a week. I had to get the process started and had Co Car do a Manual LRV since the Dealer never heard of our Co Car System. I lost some $$ because of their screw up.

    Dan
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  • 4/1/2010 7:32 AM George Currier wrote:
    I took delivery of a 2010 Chrysler Sebring at Crestwood yesterday afternoon. I can't say enough about the helpfulness of Randy Doran. Over the past several weeks he has patiently calculated various lease prices on every product from PTs to 300s. I ended up with the LAA Lease Plan with the purchase of extra miles.
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  • 4/1/2010 7:33 PM Richard H wrote:
    For those living in the Lapeer area I recommend Kevin Huff (Chrysler Retiree Specialist)at Jim Riehl's Friendly Automotive Group in Lapeer. I have 2 leases to replace and found Kevin helpful and reliable in reviewing a variety of purchase and lease scenarios with my discounts. I finally settled on purchasing an Avenger RT and plan to dealer lease a minivan.
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  • 4/4/2010 8:00 AM Ron wrote:
    Thanks for the Complimentary Maintenance Program explanation in the monthly newsletter. Still have a problem. When I bought my new T&C last November, salesman told me of the program; and, that info would follow in about three months! Now, when I call, they say "whoops", we need to check into it. Calls to Chrysler Customer Service yields no results ("talk to your dealer"); calls to Chrysler Service Contracts result in "we've never heard of it"; calls to Chrysler National Incentive Hotline yield "not familiar with any such program". QUESTION: does this program have a Program ID #, or some other identifier? Both Chrysler and dealership in White Lake, MI have been unsupportive so far.
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  • 4/5/2010 5:28 PM Jim Buttery wrote:
    This program is for those who were on the Co car lease program in the past. If you were, then you are eligible.
    Who told you that you were not eligible?
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  • 4/5/2010 5:32 PM Ron wrote:
    Thank you for the clarification about the Retiree Maintenance program offered on the purchase of a new vehicle. However, is there a Program ID# for it? My dealer failed to process any paperwork last November. Now, they say they are trying to sort it out, but don't know how. Chrysler Customer Service says I have to work it out with the dealer. National Incentive Hotline has no knowledge of the program. Chrysler Service Contracts has no knowledge of the program. If it has an actual Program ID, I might be able to sort it out with my dealership in White Lake, MI
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  • 4/5/2010 5:47 PM Jim Buttery wrote:
    KH, If you are referring to the retail lease program, the answer is NO. You are on your own. I believe the retail lease is a good substitute for Co-car lease. It has a Maint. program and allows 15000 miles/ year.
    Reply to this
  • 4/5/2010 5:53 PM Jim Buttery wrote:
    Co to Company car. give them a call or e-mail them.
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  • 4/6/2010 9:59 AM rwt wrote:
    Per the Great Lakes Business Center - most of the local dealers are offering a deal for employees that if you pay $29.95 for an oil change in the month of April, you get the next 3 changes free. Can NCRO find out if retirees are eligible? Thanks.
    Reply to this
  • 4/13/2010 9:29 PM Ron wrote:
    Still have the same question re. the Retiree Maintenance Program, referenced in the last edition of the NCRO newsletter. Company Cars knows nothing of it; National Incentive Hot Line knows nothing of it; Chrysler Customer Service knows nothing of it; and, Chrysler Service Contracts knows nothing of it. Yet, the dealer in White Lake, MI told me I had it when I bought my vehicle in Nov. '09. Now, they know nothing of it! Whomever authored the clarification in the NCRO newsletter - can you give me the Program ID #? Also, has any retiree actually gotten the Retiree Maintenance Program? If so, can you offer me any specific info about it (ie. ID #, contacts, etc.)?
    Reply to this
  • 4/16/2010 12:44 PM Dennis Strach wrote:
    I recently purchased a 2010 Grand Cherokee Laredo at Golling. I had a good experience at the dealership with the entire transaction and very satisfied with my salesman Chuck Boyd.
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  • 4/18/2010 11:03 AM NCRO Member wrote:
    I went to Galeana’s Van Dyke Dodge based on NCRO recommendation to purchase a Dodge Journey. I was pleased with the professionalism and the friendliness of my sales consultant, Rob Boitnott. My whole experience was pleasurable and well worth the travel. I would highly recommend Van Dyke Dodge to any of my fellow NCRO members.
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  • 4/19/2010 7:26 PM Rob wrote:
    Thanks for the above comment. I try to treat all of my customers with the utmost respect and courtesy. It's a pleasure working with all NCRO members.
    Reply to this
  • 4/20/2010 8:15 AM P Gritt wrote:
    Just picked up my 2010 Caliber lease from Southfield Chrysler

    Everyone there was very helpful and friendly.
    I would suggest anyone who lives close to this dealership to give them a try for your next car.

    They are turning in my old lease car to Lapeer road for me.
    Reply to this
  • 4/23/2010 6:59 PM Chuck Wagner wrote:
    I live in Montague MI in North Muskegon County where LakeShore Chrysler Jeep Dodge is my local dealer. I asked the owner, Boyd Earl if he was up to handling a company lease car turn-in together with an employee purchase loaded with incentives. He said at least it'll help with volume so see what you can work out with Todd (Todd Bayle - one of his certified sales consultants). My turn-in was a 2008 AWD Compass Sport - which they immediately decided to buy rather than ship back to Lapeer Road. I decided to replace it with a 2010 AWD Compass Limited - we have lots of snow and inclines in this area. I showed Todd the Ryan Evans examples (Turns out Ryan used to be the Chrysler rep. in this area.)and Todd had no trouble pricing in all the incentives except for the $750 AARP. When he added it in, it canceled out the $1000 company car voucher. In the few days we needed before we could close the deal, Todd contacted Auburn Hills, and they agreed with him that their letter to the dealers describing the AARP discount inferred nothing about incompatibility with other discounts, and they would get back to him with an official clarification. Meanwhile, because of the favorable comments on this BLOG about Randy Doran at Crestwood Dodge, I gave him a call and asked whether he had done any AARP deals. He hadn't, but just to help me out he entered out a comparable Compass on his computer and confirmed the AARP/Company-Car-Voucher incompatibility. I passed this info. back to Todd, and since his follow-ups with Auburn Hills had yielded no answers, we went ahead with the deal. He still thinks that based on the way the AARP thing was presented, that an approval of the $750 discount could still happen -- I'm not holding my breath.

    Conclusions: (1) Yes, it's possible to work with a dealer 200 miles West of Auburn Hills, and (2)yes, Randy Doran of Crestwood Dodge is genuinely friendly, efficient, helpful and knows his stuff - no wonder there are so many positive comments about him.
    Reply to this
  • 4/28/2010 7:23 PM Stephanie Buttrey wrote:
    I picked up my new lease today from Randy Doran at Crestwood Dodge. He was friendly, knowledgeable, answered all my questions quickly and kept me updated daily as my vehicle went through the build process. I recommend him for a new lease or purchase.
    Reply to this
  • 5/3/2010 7:46 PM John G wrote:
    Matt & Paul:

    I want to thank both of you for expending the time and effort to make the transition of my wife and I from the Chrysler salaried retiree lease program to the real world of leasing and purchasing new vehicles at a dealership a pleasant experience rather than the dreaded traumatic one. I especially want to thank you for coming up with a solution after Chrysler failed to provide a power train warranty for the planned purchase of my wife's lease vehicle. I also appreciate your efforts regarding my retiree friends whom I referred to you.

    John G.
    Reply to this
  • 5/7/2010 2:40 PM Shel Belenson wrote:
    I just purchased both of my former lease cars from Suburban CJD in Novi. Every phase of the procedure went very smooth. Their sales consultant assigned to Chrysler retirees, Tony Cipicchio, is a real pro. I highly recommended both Suburban and Tony.
    Reply to this
  • 5/8/2010 1:44 PM Cecelia Kelly wrote:
    I reside in Windsor, can I use my lease replacement voucher over here?
    Reply to this
  • 5/11/2010 4:16 PM Stonewall Griffin wrote:
    I want to report my outstanding experience with leasing a new Ram from Cueter Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep
    Brent and his sales staff looked at several different rebate programs until they found one that saved me the most money. If any of our NARCO members are looking to lease I strongly recommend checking with Cueter before making a deal for a new vehicle.
    See Bill Paris he is really a good person to do business with if you are looking to buy or lease.
    Reply to this
  • 6/15/2010 3:04 PM Dale Haskin wrote:
    I want to thank Randy Doran at Crestwood Dodge for his help in leasing a new Town and Country van. Randy was knowledgeable, informative, patient and courteous. He answered all my questions about the various programs available. He took me out and showed me around the dealership and introduced me to the Service Manager who printed out of list of required maintenance services so that I could understand what the service costs would be a Crestwood compared to the extra cost general maintenance program. I had talked to other Dealers on the NCRO list and decided it was worth my time and money to drive a little further from home to deal with Randy at Crestwood Dodge.
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