2012 Dodge Avenger... purchase pending...

[flagmanruss]

First off...  I am confused if this is as "SE" or "SXT" trim model.  I think in 2014 new models...  one can't get the V6 in SE trim.  Perhaps in 2012 you could. 

The car has everything I asked for...   V6, automatic, power seat, color dark grey...   What I didn't ask for is alloy wheels.  Now that I've signed the agreement, it's beginnning to bug me.  I didn't look closely at the wheels but I think they are faux mag style wheel covers...  over steel wheels.   

I'll be sure tomorrow.   

The tires have been armour-all'ed but are original (32,000 on them).  

I'm definately "Old School" style wise.  a lot of alloys don't appeal to me. Cost is a factor as well.   Any suggestions about upgrading the wheels?   
 

Edited September 2, 2014 by flagmanruss

[MnTom]

If you can find out the bolt pattern you may be surprised at the number of different vehicles that use the same pattern. For instance, did you know that Jeep wheels fit on a Dodge Caravan? That opens a lot of opportunities to find hte wheels you like. Check wrecking yards for them too!

[Ilikeoldfords]

The one thing to keep in mind is watch the offset. The bolt pattern may be the same but if the offset is different you may have a problem with the wheels contacting the brakes or sticking out to far from the car.

[flagmanruss]

I don't care much for the current crop of spider web designs.  I'd like something classic like S/S in alloy but my budget won't stand genuine Crager.  Wonder how they'd look in 17s.  I think my car has 17s, 18s on R/T.  I might have to wait.   

[flagmanruss]

Avenger is now in my driveway.  Beginning the process of tweaking the seat position so I can drive & also get my feet out of the car.  I've managed to trip the hood release trying to get out! 

Radar detector is going to need a spacer to see over the hood/wipers.  Though for my grand-pa driving the delay in respose may be immaterial.  My brother got ticketed in NY state before he got rid of out-of-state tags on his car.  Speed trap with 2 steps of lowering speed.  All the locals knew...  he drove right through.  Cops attituide was driving through the trap without trying to slow down was disrespectful.  (My bro said if he'd seen the cop behind the billboard, he'd have slowed down too!)  

I don't believe radar detectors will save you if you drive like your pants are on fire.  But if your trying to drive reasonably, a warning might avoid a meeting with the boys in blue for a minor infraction.

[rancherman]

I agree,   radar  detectors  have their place..  if  you are  in a crowd,  you'll have a chance...  but  if you are   all alone,    it's  a  done deal...  soon as you hear 'beep'.. ya might as well  pull over!

[Wild and Free]

They are doing a lot more speed traps by air on state Hi-ways here in ND, plane or helo clocks you and calls the ground troops with info. Radar detector is worthless in this case too.

[flagmanruss]

Got car home & found a couple of hard to see paint bubbles in hood edge & the plastic piece below the fender...  bumper extension??  needs fastening.  I went back today...  salesman said they'd takecare of it.  Question remains if this will cost me.  Hate to be a Nervious Nellie.  I got bad feeling.   

[hex0rz]

I have equated salesmen to the same level as politicians. Tread lightly!

[flagmanruss]

I am stressed over this...  All I can do is hope they take care of me. 

It IS a "Certified" preowned which carries a 90 day Warentee BUT there is $100 deductable. 

I believe I get the balance of the original "bumper to bumper" Warentee which ought to cover paint defects. 

 

Maybe I'm stressing for nothing...  I guess I'm resigned to ride this out & see what the outcome is.  It will certainly affect how I recommend this dealer going forward. 

 

[hex0rz]

Well, I wish you the best! Maybe you have all the honest ones. haha...

[flagmanruss]

Here it is...

[MnTom]

Dang!! Looks good Russ!

[Ilikeoldfords]

Indeed!! I really like that color too. I do have to say, I really dont mind the newer dodge cars compared to some of the other car manufacturers as of late. All the newer dodges look pretty nice I think.

[diesel4life]

Looks good Russ. Wheels don't look bad either IMO.

[flagmanruss]

The "wheels" are actually covers.  Surprizingly hard to tell.  I'll try to get a picture with better light. 

 

[diesel4life]

The good thing about those is at least they wont rust!

Or should I say you won't see the part that will rust!!