Dealership puts up wrong specs on web page

[Juddog]

So after lots and lots of homework, it seems right now that I'll settle for a Jeep Patriot.

I found a really good package locally, only weird thing is that I think the dealership put up the wrong specs on their website for the vehicle. They have it listed as a sport, but all of the specs (including a Latitude badge) indicate that it's the Latitude X package.

Should I go through and try to make the purchase, assuming I see it in person and it does indeed have the latitude specs, or should I try and correct the dealer on which version of the car it is?

I'm mostly worried that I'll go through, try to buy it, and then get told that they put the wrong value online and try to charge me another $4k for the cost.

--edit with update --
*update* Went to the dealership, web site had wrong specs, price was the same. Website fail.

Took a test drive, liked it, but I can see now why some of the reviews knock it. The Patriot's acceleration was ho-hum, but it's the first time I've driven a CVT and it did seem smoother than a regular auto transmission. Not a bad vehicle at all for winter driving, given the price, and the guy at the dealership was cool. So far I'm in the haggling phase and will be test driving a Kia Sportage next. The problem is that a Kia Sportage with the equivalent options will run about another $4k which puts it over my budget. The equivalent Subaru Forester, same type of options setup, runs about $1.5k over the Patriot, so I may schedule a roadtest in the newer model to see if it has improved.

I don't have a huge amount of money to sink into this, so I'm debating sticking with the Patriot versus saving up for a used car in the $9-10k range.

My wife was pretty psyched about the Jeep Patriot though; I'm not sure why she loves Jeeps so much. My buddy came over and looked at it while I was browsing their website and said they looked ugly LOL.

My personal impressions:
* Acceleration was a little strange, given this was the upgraded engine.
* The huge amount of extra features was pretty nice given the price. Basically buying a lower end vehicle but for the price and number of features it can't be beat.
* The suspension when hitting potholes was very nice, a lot better than any of my current vehicles. Definitely more of a sturdy feel.
* Interior space was weird. Plenty of headroom, but my right leg felt a little pushed in by the center console area. Not as crowded feeling as the Subaru I tested though. Also I kept hitting my foot on the lip to the door trying to get out, something I'm just not used to.

Once I test drive the Subaru Forester and the Kia Sportage and get prices for both, I can do my final comparison shopping.

 

[Zen0]

Get a copy of the window sticker.

 

[Vette73]

If they did not list the Vin that can be any truck they are selling. They will then just play the "not responsible for..." game.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Just read the review on edmunds and I can't figure out why you'd want this vehicle quite frankly.

Everyone's seen the classic comedy setup where the indecisive hero has one foot on the dock and one on the boat as the gap between the two grows wider by the second. Well, in an odd way, that turns out to be a fairly apt analogy for the 2011 Jeep Patriot.

You see, this compact SUV's problem is that it doesn't seem able to make up its mind what it wants to be. So in the process of trying to split the difference between traditional Jeep ruggedness and mild-mannered suburban-friendly runabout, it ends up not filling either role particularly well.

Despite its distinctive Jeep styling, the Patriot's off-pavement capabilities are relatively modest by true four-wheeling standards, even if you opt for the available Off-Road package with its increased ride height, skid plates and 4WD system with low-range transfer case. The same can be said for this Dodge Caliber-based compact SUV's on-pavement performance, which is hamstrung by lackluster powertrains and disappointing handling.

For 2011, Jeep engineers have at least tried to address this last issue with revised suspension and steering hardware. The automaker's design team has also taken a stab at patching over the Patriot's other glaring weakness -- a cabin filled with cheap-feeling hard plastics -- by adding some softer-touch materials to the door panels and center armrest.

The Patriot's real problem, however, is that it's up against a number of more appealing compact crossovers. While it's true that a properly equipped 2011 Jeep Patriot is more capable on a rugged trail than other comparably priced small SUVs, it pales in comparison to fully committed off-roaders like the Nissan Xterra, Toyota FJ Cruiser and Jeep's own Wrangler.

As for more direct competitors, the Subaru Forester also offers a robust all-wheel-drive system and respectable ground clearance, making it capable of satisfying occasional off-road needs while providing a superior everyday driving experience. Similarly, buyers simply looking for some added peace of mind when road conditions turn ugly will find AWD versions of small crossovers like the Chevrolet Equinox, Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage and Toyota RAV4 to be more refined alternatives.

In other words, unless you have the rather specific need for an inexpensive SUV with a true 4WD system that includes a low-range transfer case, we'd suggest you give this Patriot a crisp salute and look at competitors that concentrate on doing one thing very well.

 

[Juddog]

Just read the review on edmunds and I can't figure out why you'd want this vehicle quite frankly.

Main reasons I was thinking about the Jeep:
* 0% APR offer.
* Wife loves jeeps.

As for the competition:
Chevrolet Equinox - I am in the midst of checking this out as an alternative.

Honda CR-V - dealers acted like d!cks when it came to haggling. Also the cost is higher / APR not as good.

Kia Sportage - cost is higher and the APR isn't as good.

Toyota RAV4 - sucky APR, costs more, and dealer won't bend on price.

Also I'll toss in Subaru Forester - haggling with dealer, wife doesn't like the looks.

So yeah I could go with one of the other cars, but then I'd be paying another $3k for pretty much the same type of car.

 

[Zap]

Honda CR-V - dealers acted like d!cks when it came to haggling. Also the cost is higher / APR not as good.
...
Toyota RAV4 - sucky APR, costs more, and dealer won't bend on price.

Pricing/availability has been an issue for Japanese cars for a couple months, for some random reason. :hmm:

 

[Vette73]

Pricing/availability has been an issue for Japanese cars for a couple months, for some random reason. :hmm:

It was like that before as well.

Most Honda dealers are Ass's and a lot of Toyota dealers think they are to good.

 

[Capt Caveman]

Note - the initial purchase may be more with some of the alternatives but in the long-run it may end-up costing you less. How long do you plan to keep the vehicle?

In regards to your question, I would contact the dealer and make sure the vehicle is exactly what you're looking for. I did it with a few dealerships via email.

 

[Juddog]

Note - the initial purchase may be more with some of the alternatives but in the long-run it may end-up costing you less. How long do you plan to keep the vehicle?

In regards to your question, I would contact the dealer and make sure the vehicle is exactly what you're looking for. I did it with a few dealerships via email.

Yup, I've been e-mailing back and forth today. I am swinging by for a test drive tonight with the wife to see what it's like driving.

I printed out the VIN# from their ad, and will bring it with me to make sure it's the same vehicle. If so, they'll have a deal on their hands!

 

[Juddog]

I ran up all the stats from their web page and it matches the Patriot X + some extras, but they still have it listed as Patriot Sport, and undervalued by a couple thousand dollars. I hope to get the purchase made before they realize their mistake; I'll play it dumb at the dealership when I go for the test drive.

 

[ThatsABigOne]

I wish you luck.

 

[Juddog]

I wish you luck.

Thanks - I'm guessing it's just going to be a mistake on their website though. Wouldn't be the first time it's happened to me.

 

[SandEagle]

once you sign the contract, its yours. take the ad in, get the sport. happened to a buddy of mine. got a top end car cheap due to salesman error. dealer tried to renege on contract, got threatened with a lawsuit, and backed off. salesman was fired

 

[Juddog]

once you sign the contract, its yours. take the ad in, get the sport. happened to a buddy of mine. got a top end car cheap due to salesman error. dealer tried to renege on contract, got threatened with a lawsuit, and backed off. salesman was fired

I have a bad feeling already LOL. The online ad has a spot where you can click to see the window sticker, and it's different from what was listed in the online ad.

 

[SandEagle]

I have a bad feeling already LOL. The online ad has a spot where you can click to see the window sticker, and it's different from what was listed in the online ad.

screencap, print, take it in. worth a shot. may not even be a mistake. jeep patriots suck and they may be trying to clear the inventory

 

[Doppel]

once you sign the contract, its yours. take the ad in, get the sport. happened to a buddy of mine. got a top end car cheap due to salesman error. dealer tried to renege on contract, got threatened with a lawsuit, and backed off. salesman was fired

Hope your buddy is happy with that if he actually got a guy fired.

 

[Juddog]

*update* Went to the dealership, web site had wrong specs, price was the same. Website fail.

Took a test drive, liked it, but I can see now why some of the reviews knock it. The Patriot's acceleration was ho-hum, but it's the first time I've driven a CVT and it did seem smoother than a regular auto transmission. Not a bad vehicle at all for winter driving, given the price, and the guy at the dealership was cool. So far I'm in the haggling phase and will be test driving a Kia Sportage next. The problem is that a Kia Sportage with the equivalent options will run about another $4k which puts it over my budget. The equivalent Subaru Forester, same type of options setup, runs about $1.5k over the Patriot, so I may schedule a roadtest in the newer model to see if it has improved.

I don't have a huge amount of money to sink into this, so I'm debating sticking with the Patriot versus saving up for a used car in the $9-10k range.

My wife was pretty psyched about the Jeep Patriot though; I'm not sure why she loves Jeeps so much. My buddy came over and looked at it while I was browsing their website and said they looked ugly LOL.

My personal impressions:
* Acceleration was a little strange, given this was the upgraded engine.
* The huge amount of extra features was pretty nice given the price. Basically buying a lower end vehicle but for the price and number of features it can't be beat.
* The suspension when hitting potholes was very nice, a lot better than any of my current vehicles. Definitely more of a sturdy feel.
* Interior space was weird. Plenty of headroom, but my right leg felt a little pushed in by the center console area. Not as crowded feeling as the Subaru I tested though. Also I kept hitting my foot on the lip to the door trying to get out, something I'm just not used to.

Once I test drive the Subaru Forester and the Kia Sportage and get prices for both, I can do my final comparison shopping.