For Las Vegas Jeep Wrangler owners, joining a Jeep club doesn’t have to be for die-hard off-roaders. The Desert Wrangler’s Jeep Club is a family oriented off-road group that mainly focuses more on trials that can be driven by any Wrangler, although on some occasions, four-wheel drive may be required. Most trail rides are actually in nearby national parks, monuments, and recreation areas.

The only official club rules are to stay on the trail, stay with the group, and be safe. Plus, you have to drive a Wrangler.  There is no requirement to attend meetings or events, or to volunteer for anything.  Due to a great sponsor, there are no required membership fees associated with the club. Plus, Food/dinner and sodas are provided at the meetings. Meetings are typically the second Thursday of every month, with a featured trip usually the second Saturday or Sunday.

Some upcoming events include:

Sunday, April 28, 2013 – Hike Kohta Circus (Gold Butte)

Kohta Circus houses the largest petroglyph panel in Southern Nevada measuring.  It contains 200 individual characters believed to be Southern Paiute dating to at least 500 years.  The group will be meeting at the Petro Station at 6595 North Hollywood Boulevard, North Las Vegas, NV at 8:00 am and heading to the Gold Butte area near Whitney Pockets.  The hike is an easy to moderate four mile round trip over dirt and bedrock.  The total estimated time, including driving and hiking is six hours.

Saturday, May 11, 2013 – Day Trip Over Wheeler Pass Trail to the Pahrump Winery

Once up the east side of the pass, you’ll stop at the pass for some more than spectacular views of the surrounding mountain ranges and valleys below.  Continuing on down the others side you’ll stop at the old remains of the Charcoal Ovens, and stop for lunch.  Remember, these trails are used by all, so you’ll most likely run into other vehicles like trail bikes and ATV’s.  Once you make it to Pahrump, you’ll head for the Winery, where you’ll have the opportunity to go on a guided tour or adults can just enjoy the wine tasting room.  The group will be meeting at McDonalds at 8480 Farm Rd, Las Vegas, NV at 7:30 am.

For information on more : Desert Wrangler Jeep club events, visit Chapman Chrysler.

Chrysler is turning to an old name for a brand new Jeep. Taking the place of the Jeep Liberty, the replacement model that will be added to the line-up for 2014 will be rechristened the Jeep Cherokee, reviving a nameplate that helped kick off one of the most dramatic transformations in modern automotive history. To inquire about the Jeep Cherokee, visit a Jeep dealer in Henderson.

The Jeep label was a major factor in the explosive growth of the sport-utility segment during the 1970s, ‘80s and ‘90s. The launch of the original Cherokee in 1974 created a surge in demand as U.S. buyers looked for more enticing alternatives to their traditional sedans and wagons. The early version of the Cherokee, which remained in production through 2001, helped introduce the concept of four-wheel-drive to a more mainstream audience. Today’s newest all-wheel-drive systems are becoming increasingly common on conventional sedans and even sports cars, as well as SUVs.

The new 2014 Jeep Cherokee is being seen as a critical part of the brand’s global growth plans, and the reborn Cherokee will likely play a critical part of that. According to Chrysler, the new model will focus less on the traditional, go-anywhere capabilities associated with Jeep products, putting more emphasis on the on-road ride and comfort that today’s buyers prefer.

For 2014, Cherokee continues in two- and four-door styling. The two-door comes in a Sport price level, and the four-door comes in Sport and Limited price levels. Both body styles are 167 inches long, 14 inches shorter than the Grand Cherokee. The styling suggests the automaker wanted a more modern and distinctive look, with design cues clearly borrowing from the Jeep brand’s flagship sport-utility model.

The exterior features a folded take on the brand’s familiar, 7-slot grille, as well as distinctive split headlight and fog lamps. Under the hood, the 2.5-liter four-cylinder that had been the base engine is gone. A 4.0-liter inline-six-cylinder with 190 horsepower is now the only choice. Cherokee comes with two-wheel drive, part-time four-wheel drive or full-time 4WD that can be used on smooth, dry pavement.

For more information on the 2014 Jeep Cherokee, visit Chapman Jeep.

Jeep Jamboree USA events are held in 21 states, including Nevada. They take place from February through October and are strictly limited to Jeep vehicles. These off-road adventurous weekends have a long tradition that dates back to 1953. They bring together the outdoors, laid back people, and their Jeeps. Jeep Jamborees accommodate every level of expertise making them fun for everyone. According to Jeep, any Jeep vehicle with a 4-LO transfer case can participate.  Experienced guides help navigate you through some of the most challenging off road explorations that provide the most scenic views.

If you are looking to participate in a Jeep Jamboree, visit Chapman Chrysler Jeep.  You will find that there are a few different options, one of which is sure to fit your style.  The “Classic” Jamboree is perfect for Jeep explorers who are stress-free oriented and don’t want to worry about preparing or planning meals.  Classic Jamborees offer traditional Friday and Saturday night dinner gatherings, as well as a hot breakfast and trail lunch on Friday and Saturday. “Select” Jamborees may be a more affordable option and is great for families. “Select” Jamborees include Friday and Saturday night family style dinners, but give Jamboree adventures the opportunity to prepare their own meals or check out restaurants along the way.  Family Plan which is designed to make the Jeep Jamboree USA experience more affordable for families of four or more, pricing per vehicle instead of per person.

As far as the adventure itself, the trip contains several trails of varying difficulty. The group is divided into caravans of around 50 Jeeps or less. Jamboree officials grade off-road trails by degree of difficulty on an ascending scale from one to 10. Most trails fall in the four to eight ranges. Progress along the route usually remains steady until the group comes upon an obstacle where Jeepers will take on the challenge one by one, then stop again to wait for the rest of the group.

For additional information on Jeep Jamborees, check out Las Vegas Jeep.

For 2014, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is receiving a significant update designed to secure its competitive footing in the midsize SUV class. Laredo, Limited and Overland trim levels are maintained, joined by a new 2014 Grand Cheroke Summit that sits at the top of the lineup.

Visit Las Vegas Jeep and see the exterior of the new 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee complete with new front and rear styling with LED running lights in front and larger LED taillights in back. All models except for the Laredo are equipped with dual exhaust outlets.

Inside, the 2014 Grand Cherokee has a redesigned central control panel equipped with standard Uconnect 5.0 touch-screen display.  Uconnect is fully upgradeable with new Uconnect Access technology, which offers embedded cellular service through Sprint. When service is activated, it offers Internet search capability, Internet radio streaming, and voice commanded text capabilities.

Under the hood, all trims include an 8-speed automatic transmission. A new Eco Mode is also standard for all engines. Combined, these two modifications improve the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee’s fuel economy ratings across the board. The Grand Cherokee continues to offer a 290-horsepower, 3.6-liter V-6 engine and a 360-horsepower, 5.7-liter V-8 engine.

The Compass is also getting minor updates in 2014. Depending on the trim level, these changes range to new headlight surrounds, painted mirror caps, chrome fog light bezels and chrome inserts on the tailgate trim.  The new Compass also gets smoked taillights and painted mirror caps. Inside, the armrest padding is improved and subtle tweaks have been made to the shifter surround, cluster surround, and console trim.

As for the Patriot, Chapman Jeep offers Sport, Latitude, and Limited models for 2014, with base equipment on the Sport including fog lamps, illuminated cup holders, a removable rechargeable flashlight, rear-seat heater ducts, tilt steering, cruise control, roof side rails, tinted glass, and an auxiliary input, plus Hill Start Assist and electronic stability control with roll mitigation.

According to Edmunds, more significant updates for both the Compass and Patriot are the additions of the six-speed automatic transmission, which is expected to improve performance acquire up to 30 mpg. Similarly, safety has been included as part of the package of updates. The Compass and Patriot are now offered with front seat-mounted side air bags and an optional ParkView reversing camera.

For years, the Chrysler Sebring has turned heads as one of the few affordable convertible sedans available on the market.  When the Sebring was discontinued in 2010, Chrysler introduced the Chrysler 200 to take its place.  As the sedan continues to mature into its third model year, the 2013 Chrysler 200 experiences further refinements without losing touch with its base offering.

Car and Driver reports that the most significant improvement from last year’s model is that the 2013 Chrysler 200 rides and handles better than ever.  Coming mostly as a result of Chrysler’s alignment with Fiat – the Chrysler brand will be discontinued in Europe and will be sold using the Lancia badge – the 200′s suspension, steering, and transmission have been re-tuned in the spirit of Italy’s legendary pedigree of well-built, responsive autos.  Stiffer struts and springs and rebuilt steering give way to a driving experience which is tighter and more direct than in the 2012 iteration, which remains available at your Chrysler Las Vegas dealer.

Of course, there is more to the 200 than improved suspension.  The 200 comes in several trim levels, from the base 200 LX with its 30 miles-per-gallon highway efficiency all the way up to the 200S Convertible with a choice of soft- or hard-top convertible options and a stout 3.6-liter V6 engine with variable valve timing.  The 200S achieves 283 horsepower with 260 lb-ft of torque, but still maintains an impressive 29 miles-per-gallon highway efficiency estimate.

The interior of the 2013 Chrysler 200 retains its unmatched spacious design and includes standard heated leather-trimmed front seats, a 40GB touchscreen radio with Uconnect, and a free one-year subscription to Sirius XM radio.  In terms of comfort, virtually no other convertible can match the comfort and space afforded to four adult passengers in the Chrysler 200.

The associates at Chapman Chrysler understand that today’s auto buyer demands more from their vehicle – the updated 2013 Chrysler 200 is carefully designed to exceed those expectations.

]]> http://blog.chapmanchryslerjeep.com/updates-for-the-2013-chrysler-200/feed/ 0 http://blog.chapmanchryslerjeep.com/chrysler-2013-town-and-country-rated-top-family-minivan/ http://blog.chapmanchryslerjeep.com/chrysler-2013-town-and-country-rated-top-family-minivan/#comments Mon, 26 Nov 2012 23:01:45 +0000 Erin Roman http://blog.chapmanchryslerjeep.com/?p=87

The 2013 Chrysler Town and Country holds strong as the top family-hauler. Here are some of is notable features:

Stow ‘n Go^® Seats 

Minivan owners no longer have to choose between seats and storage space with the Town and Country’s Stow ‘n Go^® Seats. With one touch, the second- and third-row seats fold and tumble, individually, into floor bins to make extra room for cargo. You can choose to fold down just one or all five; it’s all up to you. When the seats are in the upright position, the in-floor bins provide ample, concealed storage space. The third-row seats can also be flipped 90 degrees to provide comfortable tailgate-party seating, a class-exclusive feature.

Dual Screen Blue-Ray/DVD System

For the first time, a minivan has the ability to play Blue-Rays and DVDs. There are two available nine-inch, high-resolution screens that flip down from the overhead console so that rear passengers can watch two different things. It is also equipped with two USB ports, an HDMI port and game-console inputs to give kids a wider variety of entertainment. The overhead console housed the entertainment system and has storage space for the wireless headphones and remote. Ask your Chrysler Las Vegas dealer about this option for more information.

SafetyTec Package

The available SafetyTec package adds 42 features to keep you and your family safe. Included is Rear Cross Path Detection that senses any slow-moving cars behind the vehicle when put in reverse that would otherwise be difficult to see. The ParkSense^® Rear Park Assist System uses sound wave technology that detects stationary objects to make it easier to parallel park. The package also includes Blind Spot Monitoring that warns you of other vehicles in your blind spot when the turn signal is on and SmartBeam^® Intelligent Headlamps that automatically adjust from high- to low-beams for oncoming cars. Other features include rain-sensitive wipers, seven airbags and much more for the utmost safety.

Fuel Economizer

Press the “ECON” button during normal driving conditions to activate the fuel economizer to get the most out of your tank of gas. When the button is engaged, engine timing and transmission shift points are adjusted to improve fuel economy. Additionally, this feature lowers the engine idle speed, engages the torque converter clutch sooner so it remains on longer and the transmission shift at the appropriate times so that the engine can operate at lower speeds. All of these features make your Town and Country even more fuel efficient at 25 mpg on the highway.

Visit Chapman Chrysler today to test-drive the 2013 Town and Country.

Contrary to popular thought, purchasing with a not-so-perfect credit is possible. Chapman Chrysler Jeep is here to show you how.

First, what is a good and bad credit score, you ask?

Scores range from 300 to 800 and the average sits at 620. A poor credit score, according to freescore.com, is below 500 while an excellent one exceeds 720 points.

Your first step should be to determine your personal credit score. This can be accessed at your bank and is the most secure option, but you can also attain it through various websites including freescore.com, equifax.com and others. Be wary of scams.

Credit scores lower than 600 will encounter hurdles when trying to secure a loan to purchase a vehicle but rest assured that it isn’t impossible. Programs, tips and tricks are available to those who need them.

Your Vegas Jeep dealer has them.

First, select a vehicle that reflects your budget. Assess how much you can realistically dedicate each month to a car payment and share this with your car dealer.

If you wish to seek out a loan yourself, secure a list of banks in your area and conduct some research. Which bank is most reputable? Your best bet is to speak with a representative of the bank directly. Consider the interest rates and contract terms of the information they provide to you.

For example, Wells Fargo Bank has a program that provides auto loans to individuals with poor credit scores. You can apply online and receive a preemptive decision from the bank within seconds. There are also 104 Wells Fargo banks in Nevada available to you.

You can also arrange financing through Chrysler Henderson. Dealers work with you and several financial institutions across the nation to secure you the best deal. When visiting the dealership, bring with you pay stubs to prove a steady source of income, and utility bills from your residence (it is best if you have been there for a year or longer).

When at the dealership consider putting a considerable sum of money down, or lease a vehicle rather than purchasing one outright. Leasing typically has lower down payments and monthly payments. Not only that, but you would have access to the newest cars, trucks and sport utility vehicles.

If you have more time, consider improving your credit score before applying for an auto loan or purchasing a vehicle. Pay down or pay off credit card balances and try not to exceed using 30 percent of your given limit. This produces the quickest and most effective result.

Of course, Chapman Chrysler Jeep enjoys working with individuals on a case-by-case basis. Forget stress! They are available to provide customers with the car of their dreams.

See a dealer for questions.

Window sticker is a term frequently used around Las Vegas Jeep dealerships, but what some consumers may not know is that the window sticker may hold information that is very useful. The basic information that must be included on a window sticker of any car is its make, model, year, a comprehensive list of standard and optional equipment, and usually a suggested retail price, which is than referred to as the “sticker price”.  It also can include several pieces of vital information such as: the manufacturer’s suggested retail price; engine and transmission specifications; standard equipment, including warranty details; optional equipment; and fuel economy information. This sticker holds all the essential information for a particular vehicle and it ensures customers know they’re getting exactly what their paying for.

The window sticker can also provide a valuable historical record. It’s a good idea to make a copy of the sticker on any car you buy from Chapman Chrysler Jeep and keep it in the glove box. It can provide detailed information if a repair or specific part is needed in the future. The sticker can also provide a quick and detailed list of all the accessories included in the vehicle when needed for resale.

By law car dealerships are required to have a sticker on every car in their lot; it should be located on the window or windshield. Failure to display one can result in a fine of $10,000 per vehicle to the dealership. Obviously with such a strict penalty for the absence of the window sticker, Chrysler Henderson consumers should understand the importance of the information it provides.

The 2013 Jeep Wrangler added a special edition model to the lineup, the Moab. The newest model is named after the most popular off-road destination in the world and home to the annual Moab Easter Jeep Safari, Moab, Utah. The Moab is based off of the premium Sahara model and has similarities to the Rubicon, but has added features specifically for the off-roading enthusiast.

According to Jeep, off-road modifications that were added to the Wrangler Sahara model to create the Moab edition include: 17-inch Rubicon alloy wheels painted gloss black, 245/75R17 Goodyear Silent Armor off-road tires with Kevlar reinforcement, a standard Trac-Lok anti-spin rear differential with an available electronic rear locking differential, winch-ready steel bumpers and premium rock rails. When equipped with a manual transmission and a 3.73 rear axle ratio, Wrangler Moab has a crawl ratio of 45:1.

Las Vegas Jeep drivers have the choice of either a two-door or four-door Moab model. The exterior is obviously recognizable as being a unique, limited-edition Jeep, because of the steel front and rear bumper, rock sliders on the sills, sculpted hood, and “Moab” decals on the hood. The Moab model is available in black, white, and Jeep’s unique color options of Gecko, Dozer, Crush and Rock Lobster.

The 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 that is found in the other Jeep Wrangler models, powers the Moab as well. Interior modifications include black or saddle premium leather seating with black stitching on the newly-designed 2013 Wrangler seats, “Moab” embossed instrument panel grab handle, Mopar slush mats and Iron Gray trim on the vent rings, grab handles and steering wheel spokes.

For more information on the limited-edition Moab Jeep Wrangler model, or any of the other Jeep models available, head to your Vegas Jeep dealer.

Every car owner knows that repairs are an unfortunate downside to owning any car. We asked Chapman Chrysler Jeep’s Service Adviser, Art Figge, a few questions that may save you money at the repair shop. Art Figge has over 20 years of experience in the service industry, and was recommended by Service Manager, Derrick Goern. Here is our interview with Art:

Chapman Automotive Group: What is the biggest mistake you see customers make in regards to the service of their car?

Art Figge, Service Adviser: Avoiding simple routine maintenance, oil changes, tire rotations and inspections during regular maintenance intervals. Customers can avoid small issues and keep them from becoming expensive repairs, just by completing simple routine check-ups.

Chapman Automotive Group: What is the most common reason cars are brought into the service department and what are some tips on preventing that problem from occurring?

Art Figge: The most common reason we see cars  is because the warning lights on the dash come on, from the check engine to the low tire pressure lights, etc, are. A lot of common questions can be solved by reading the owner’s manual and being acquainted with all the functions and warning lights of your vehicle. Some basic vehicle knowledge goes very far in solving minor vehicle problems. Most dealers offer a new vehicle owners clinic, these clinics are free of charge and are very informative on how your new vehicle operates

Chapman Automotive Group: What are some tips for customers who park their cars outside to keep their parts protected?

Art Figge: The simplest thing you can do is to keep your car washed and clean!!! Even in the desert if you keep your car clean your paint will say shiny and bright. Also the use of dash mats and windshield reflectors when the car is parked outside will help to save your interior from the sun. Also parking inside or in the shade can keep the temperature of the inside down by 25 degrees.

Chapman Automotive Group:  If customers choose to wash and wax their cars at home, how often should they wash/wax them, more or less in cold/hot months? What is the best way to keep the exterior of cars protected?

Art Figge:  Weekly or bi-weekly car washes at home are a great idea. Quality car wash soaps and a clean soft terry cloth towel or chammis, for drying, are worth the money spent to keep your vehicle looking new for as long as possible. Waxing should be done two times a year; generally spring and fall are the best times of year. Again, quality waxes and polishes can cost slightly more than generic products with poor chemical makeup, but the quality waxes and polishes will last longer, have better protection and will generally be easier to apply and remove.

Chapman Automotive Group:  What are some benefits of bringing the car to the dealership for service instead of somewhere else?

Art Figge:  The biggest benefits are the quality of factory parts used on your new vehicle, from oil and air filters, to brake pads and spark plugs. Most aftermarket shops will use the cheapest parts available; these parts may fit your vehicle but are rarely of top quality. Most likely they will also lack the proper engineering, and quality of materials, that are checked out during the Chrysler or Jeep service and parts testing process. Also Factory trained technicians have many hours of vehicle specific training both in the classroom and in the service facility. Factory trained technicians also have access to the latest and greatest tool and equipment to repair you vehicle in the proper procedure

Chapman Automotive Group: What are some easy trouble shooting tips for drivers to detect damage to parts before it causes more damage?

Art Figge:  Do not let that rattle, noise or warning light go unchecked! Again do not let small problems turn into large repairs!

If you have any more questions or concerns with your car, come by and see Art or any of the other service advisors and Chapman Chrysler Jeep. Remember to always take your car to the Chrysler Service department before a small problem turns into a larger one!