Dodge Durango Forum banner
Cancel
Create thread New Garage Forums

Newbie question on factory ordering

Jump to Latest
1 - 20 of 52 Posts
E

Ewing

· Registered
Joined
·
124 Posts
Discussion starter · #1 ·
I've never factory ordered a vehicle before and am planning on doing so for a Durango in the fall or winter. I own one of those VW dieselgate Passats and am planning on having them buy it back when they start doing that this fall plus they're giving me $5K - $10K in compensation. That'll be my down payment. Since that VW program won't start until the fall or maybe beyond that, I assume I can order a 2017 rather than a 2016.

I'm glad I have to wait on ordering this because of VW since it'll MAKE me wait rather than go out and order one now. What I'm looking forward to in the 2017's is the next gen Uconnect system. The screen will now be capacitive rather than resistive as it is now plus Apple CarPlay.

So first question: Besides the next-gen Uconnect, does anyone else know what the 17's will have over the 16's?

Second question: With factory ordering, are you able to get options configured in a way not possible on the website? Specifically, I really want the adaptive cruise control in the tech package, but that seems to only be available in the Citadels and R/T's. Normally that would be ok, but I also really like the Blacktop package. So my ideal configuration is a V6 Citadel with Blacktop, which apparently is impossible. Apparently the only way to get the Tech AND Blacktop is to have the Hemi, which I don't want. So if factory ordering, could I basically get a Citadel with Blacktop and Tech or even a Limited with Blacktop and Tech? See what I mean here? These trim levels mutually exclude things that I want. It seems way too much of a hassle and expense to retrofit a Citadel with the Blacktop. It would mean swapping headlights, grille, wheels, etc. which is BS.
 
#2 ·
Unless it is a fleet order, you are pretty much restricted to the menu on the website (sometimes there are minor tweaks, but pretty rare)

packaging may also change as the production year goes on (like the reappaerance of V8 availability in the Citadel)
 
#3 ·
I just turned my dieselgate Sportwagen into a Durango, interesting to see someone else taking the same path. October 1, 2016 seems to be the earliest date to complete a buy-back, but the final details on that will be released this Thursday. From my recent purchase experience between a 2016/2017 Durango, the dealers I worked with seemed to all indicate that what they can order through FCA is actually more restrictive than what's available to be configured on their website. For example, although both the Blacktop and Rallye appearance packages were available for 2016, FCA stopped taking orders for Rallye equipped Durangos in June. Their dealership search engine tool is not even able to select Rallye Appearance Package as an option at this point to search their own or other dealership's inventory.

For the 2017 model year, the Limited trim is being replaced by the GT trim. The dealerships I was working with had difficulties assembling the car I was looking for (Tow group IV, popular equipment, Rallye or Blacktop) with their order tool. I eventually gave up and took advantage of the rebate incentives and went out of state to pick up the combination I was looking for.
 
#4 ·
I've ordered all of my past 18 years of vehicles directly from the factory and not one of them did I test drive first. :bugeyed:

The website is WYSIWYG. If you were to order them in bulk they'd allow custom paint and things like that, but that's about it anymore.

I was unaware of any major UConnect changes for 2017, but those may be coming later in the cycle as these were not made aware to me when I ordered mine. The current Uconnect works VERY well in my RAM so I'm ok with having the same 'ol tech.

The only changes I heard for the RT are a different wheel design for the BT package but couldn't confirm that and optional roof rack which I also couldn't confirm.

I had ordered a 2016 on March 22nd and was placed so far back in the queue that they were unable to make the delivery date they'd promised so now I am waiting on a 2017. It'd be nice if it came with new stuff, but I'm not holding my breath. I'd bet that those will be late 2017 availability items. :(
 
Discussion starter · #9 · (Edited)
4cefed4 said:
I just turned my dieselgate Sportwagen into a Durango, interesting to see someone else taking the same path. October 1, 2016 seems to be the earliest date to complete a buy-back, but the final details on that will be released this Thursday. From my recent purchase experience between a 2016/2017 Durango, the dealers I worked with seemed to all indicate that what they can order through FCA is actually more restrictive than what's available to be configured on their website. For example, although both the Blacktop and Rallye appearance packages were available for 2016, FCA stopped taking orders for Rallye equipped Durangos in June. Their dealership search engine tool is not even able to select Rallye Appearance Package as an option at this point to search their own or other dealership's inventory.

For the 2017 model year, the Limited trim is being replaced by the GT trim. The dealerships I was working with had difficulties assembling the car I was looking for (Tow group IV, popular equipment, Rallye or Blacktop) with their order tool. I eventually gave up and took advantage of the rebate incentives and went out of state to pick up the combination I was looking for.
Click to expand...

You still have your VW though right? VW isn't doing anything until they get final settlement court approval in October. I have a tentative buyback date of November for mine. I was trying to time it so I dropped it off for VW in November as I was getting into a new 2017 Citadel but I can't believe there is still no news on the 2017 models.

I almost want to go in and place an order for one now so it can be ready by November but I really want to wait for the 4th-Gen Uconnect system to come out. After suffering with the completely unacceptable infotainment system in my "top of the line" Passat TDI SEL Premium for the last 3+ years, I really want a good one. I know that the current Uconnect is pretty good, but this next one will have a capacitive screen vs. resistive, higher resolution graphics, upgraded processing power and Apple Carplay. Those seem like upgrades worth waiting for. I would hate to just order a new Durango only for a few months later kick myself because the new Uconnect came out. I just can't believe Uconnect or FCA have not put out any new information since they announced the new system at CES back in January. 8 months is a long time with no news after having made an announcement.

If you see the very short video demo on youtube from CES the icons on the bottom of the screen now have this kind of "flat" look to them just like Apple iOS went to a few years ago. If you then look at the Uconnect system in the 2017 Pacificas, they also have this kind of flat icon look to the apps. This makes me think that the Pacificas actually may already have this next gen hardware but not the software or may be backwards compatible with Apple Carplay when it comes out via update. Either way, seems like I'm going to have to wait a little longer on placing the order. But if Dodge waits too long and the next system is out later in the 2017 model year I may have to bite the bullet and get a 2016. The longer I wait to turn my VW in the more money it will cost me from the mileage deductions they'll hit me with. Just hoping FCA moves soon.
 
#12 ·
Btw, the biggest change for the 2017's, and the reason I am waiting, is the Adaptive Cruise Control now comes with traffic assist. Earlier models, the ACC will disengage at around 20 mph (unsure of exact mph) but now will stay engaged in traffic speeds.
 
Discussion starter · #13 ·
Squiggyacfd said:
Btw, the biggest change for the 2017's, and the reason I am waiting, is the Adaptive Cruise Control now comes with traffic assist. Earlier models, the ACC will disengage at around 20 mph (unsure of exact mph) but now will stay engaged in traffic speeds.
Click to expand...
I guess what's important to each person is different. I think you interact with the infotainment system far more than ACC so that's definitely the upgrade I'm waiting for.
 
#15 · (Edited)
"Traffic Assist?" ACC has been able to do full stop-and-go traffic, I believe since 2014. I know for sure the '15's and '16's had this. Rumors (I previously posted the link to the Jeep Garage thread) are that the '17s will have lane-keeping. There's no word anywhere that I'm aware of that says anything about capacitive touchscreens and/or Car Play. Please cite the source.

Regardless, marketing info is supposed to start early September and, since they started rolling down the production lines a month ago, they should start showing up on dealer lots pretty soon, so all will be known is just a few more weeks. Ooo! Here's one: 2017 Dodge Durango Citadel
 
#16 ·
I have a 2014 R/T with ACC. It most definitely will work all the way down to zero and will stop the vehicle on its own. I have used this feature in both interstate backups and rush hour traffic situations wherein I keep my foot off both the accelerator and brake pedals and let the vehicle take care of itself. So far, it has worked perfectly. I suspect "traffic assist" must mean something else like lane keeping or some other semi autonomous driving feature.
 
Discussion starter · #17 ·
Pappy35 said:
"Traffic Assist?" ACC has been able to do full stop-and-go traffic, I believe since 2014. I know for sure the '15's and '16's had this. Rumors (I previously posted the link to the Jeep Garage thread) are that the '17s will have lane-keeping. There's no word anywhere that I'm aware of that says anything about capacitive touchscreens and/or Car Play. Please cite the source.

Regardless, marketing info is supposed to start early September and, since they started rolling down the production lines a month ago, they should start showing up on dealer lots pretty soon, so all will be known is just a few more weeks. Ooo! Here's one: 2017 Dodge Durango Citadel
Click to expand...
See below for your confirmation on capacitive screen, Apple CarPlay, etc. You can also check out Aamir Ahmed's twitter history for answers that existing Uconnect systems will not be backwards compatible with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.


 
#18 ·
kyjd75 said:
I have a 2014 R/T with ACC. It most definitely will work all the way down to zero and will stop the vehicle on its own. I have used this feature in both interstate backups and rush hour traffic situations wherein I keep my foot off both the accelerator and brake pedals and let the vehicle take care of itself. So far, it has worked perfectly. I suspect "traffic assist" must mean something else like lane keeping or some other semi autonomous driving feature.
Click to expand...
Interesting....the dealer made it sound like it was new to 2017. Maybe they do mean lane keep assistance.


Do you think it's just a vibration in the steering wheel or does it actually provide movement to keep the vehicle in lane?
 
Discussion starter · #19 · (Edited)
I rented a Chevy Tahoe with a similar feature but the way they do it is with a vibration of the driver's seat. It was overly aggressive and very annoying. I turned it off within a few minutes. If this system isn't overly aggressive, I'd prefer a wheel tug as opposed to my whole seat vibrating.

Seems like model year 2017's with these new features like this LaneSense and the new Uconnect system won't be available until later into the 2017 model year run. If you notice the 2017 Citadel window sticker that Pappy35 posted, the second row captain chairs aren't listed as the $995 option that it is on 2016's. Seems to be a clue that 2017 Citadels may offer second row captain chairs as stock or a no-cost option. The fact that I notice this tells me I've done way too much research if I know all the trim/options by heart now. :rolleyes:
 
#20 ·
Yeah. They announced that in January and the new Pacifica, introduced earlier this year didn't have Car Play then, and it doesn't have it now (though I do think it has a capacitive touchscreen). You are inferring that the Durango will have it but that's not an actual announcement. Milous, a user over on JeepGarage, who has had a spot-on record of announcing features in advance for years, says it won't have CarPlay (at least initially). There's no word at all about whether they will support Android Auto which is of course of interest to all of us that run Android.
 
1 - 20 of 52 Posts
About this Discussion
51 Replies
15 Participants
Last post:
Wiseguy
Dodge Durango Forum
posts
509K
members
60K
Since
2004
Welcome to the best Dodge Durango Forum around, where you can find a great Dodge Durango Wiki and discuss the reliability of the different trim levels including the GT and SRT!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Durango Discussions 2014+ Durango Discussions 1998-03 Durango Discussions Dodge Durango 2018+ SRT and Hellcat Durango Purchasing