Blog

If you love rugged adventure as much as we do at Graff Chrysler Dodge Jeep® RAM Rockford, your new favorite vehicle is already waiting at our dealership. Whether you’re looking for a sporty SUV or a custom-built off-road explorer, our team will help you keep your journey moving. From service to financing, we offer everything you need to blaze your own path at Graff Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Rockford. more New and Used Jeep® SUVs The new Jeep lineup features models for every driver, from highway companions to true go-anywhere SUVs. You can build your perfect off-road adventurer and have us custom-order it to your specifications for a no-compromise drive. With a full lineup of pre-owned Jeep vehicles that are just as ready for weekend fun, there’s a way for everyone to leave the road miles behind. Service and Maintenance When you regularly take your new Jeep SUV into the great outdoors, you need a service team that’s as ready for heavy-duty repairs as you are. Our team can help outfit your adventurous vehicle with high-performance parts designed for the rugged trails and paths of Michigan. Talk to our team about how we can upgrade your Jeep vehicle today—and enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi® and rental vehicles while you wait. No-Hassle Financing You can start your financing journey from home with Graff Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Rockford! Just use our online application and access offers in seconds. You can even get an instant cash offer on your trade-in vehicle so you can walk on the lot knowing exactly where you stand. Find Your Next SUV at Graff Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Rockford At our Rockford, MI Jeep dealership, you’ll find everything you need to keep your adventure going. Explore our dealership in person and check out our expansive showroom. Talk to our team about Jeep financing and take a test drive today!

When you need a functional work truck or an off-road capable pickup, look no further than the 2025 Jeep Gladiator, which combines Jeep's legendary off-road abilities with extreme power and innovative features. We look at just a few reasons drivers can't wait to get their hands on the new Gladiator. more 1. Unrivalled Power At the heart of the 2025 Jeep Gladiator is the secret to its success: a four-wheel drive layout, a 3.6-liter V6 engine, and an eight-speed automatic transmission. This powerful combination guarantees quick acceleration, powerful performance, and nimble handling thanks to the 284 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque it produces. 2. Immense Strength Opening the easy-lower three-position tailgate gives you access to the 2025 Jeep Gladiator's five-foot truck bed. Capable of holding 35.5 cubic feet of cargo, this spacious bed has earned the title of the strongest in class with its 1,725-pound max payload. Need additional haulage ability? No problem, as the Gladiator lets you hitch a trailer weighing up to 6,000 pounds, or a class-leading 7,700 pounds when equipped with the available tow packages. 3. Fuel Efficiency Although the 2025 Jeep Gladiator is a powerful beast, it defies expectations in terms of fuel efficiency. Jeep has engineered its pickup using aluminum closures on the windshield, hood, doors, and tailgate to keep weight to a minimum. As a result, drivers can expect a respectable 22 mpg when cruising on the highway, helping you save money at the pump. 4. Trail Rated Badge Every 2025 Jeep Gladiator trim, from the Sport to the Rubicon, has been awarded the Trail Rated Badge for its outstanding off-road abilities. A high-strength steel frame, electronic locking differentials, and heavy-duty Dana 44 solid front and rear axles ensure this rugged pickup is ready to tackle even the roughest terrain. Excellent ground clearance and steel skid plates give you the confidence to drive over obstacles rather than around them. And, a high air intake and special water-tight sealing allow you to traverse creeks, streams, and puddles up to 31.5 inches deep. 5. Open-Air Adventures The 2025 Jeep Gladiator rules the roost in more than just strength and capability. It's also the only convertible pickup truck on the market, letting you enjoy the thrill of open-air adventures. Thanks to its Sunrider soft top, removable doors, and fold-down windshield, you can open up the cabin and experience the wind in your hair, whether driving around the city or exploring mountain trails. From its efficient V6 to its class-leading payload, the 2025 Jeep Gladiator has the power and capability drivers need for work and play. Contact us or visit Graff Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Rockford in Rockford, MI today, and check out the other standout features of Jeep's most versatile pickup. Image via

A modern and innovative style, class-leading comfort, and ultimate offroad performance are just a few of the highlights that make the 2025 Jeep Compass one of the best models to explore the country and go on unforgettable adventures with your family. Now available at your local CDJR dealership, the new Compass is waiting for you to try out its features in person. more Impressive Performance Wherever You Go The 2025 Jeep Compass offers potential buyers four different trim levels, all of which come with all-wheel drive and the same standard powertrain configuration. Under the hood of this rugged crossover SUV is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine that generates 200 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. Delivering an agile and responsive driving experience, the new Compass boasts a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds. Featuring a fast-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission, the 2025 Compass keeps you confident while merging and overtaking on the highway. Besides its impressive performance, this model also stands out when it comes to fuel economy ratings, with base trims boasting EPA ratings of 24 miles per gallon in the city, 32 mpg on the highway, and 27 mpg combined. Safety and Comfort Features Whether you are navigating rugged trails or cruising down the highway, the 2025 Jeep Compass is designed to ensure your safety and comfort at all times, bringing together some of the latest technological features of the auto industry. Some standard safety features that can be found in base models include full speed forward collision warning, blind spot detection, cruise control, and stability control with anti-rollover. In terms of comfort and practicality, all trim levels of the 2025 Compass offer comfortable seating for up to five passengers, with 41.8 inches of legroom in the front seats and 38.3 inches in the rear row. Base trims come standard with two 12V DC power outlets, cabin air filtration, manual air conditioning, and six-way driver and front passenger seat control. Connectivity and Infotainment Whether it is your daily commute or a fun road trip with your loved ones, the 2025 Jeep Compass has everything you need to stay entertained, pair your smartphone, and access your favorite apps while on the road. Base models offer wireless phone connectivity through Uconnect with Bluetooth, a six-speaker audio system, SiriusXM satellite radio, steering wheel-mounted controls, and voice-activated audio controls. Are you ready to conquer the toughest terrains and discover the most beautiful outdoor destinations in your brand-new 2025 Jeep Compass? You've come to the right spot! Send us a message at Graff Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Rockford in Rockford, MI, and we'll tell you everything you want to know about this stylish, rugged, and powerful model. Image via

Whether you're packing up the family for a road trip or need a minivan with enough room for carting the kids to soccer practice, the 2025 Chrysler Voyager is the perfect vehicle for your daily routine. This family van comes with standard driver assistance technology to keep you safe on the road, an innovative infotainment system, and premium comfort features. more Meet the 2025 Chrysler Voyager: Practical Family Travel The 2025 Chrysler Voyager is a standalone model returning to Chrysler's lineup. This model has Chrysler's signature 3.6-liter V6 Pentastar engine, which is designed to optimize fuel efficiency and acceleration power so you can make fewer stops to fill the tank on long trips. The V6 motor generates 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The powertrain is matched with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Voyager has an estimated gas mileage of 19 MPG in urban areas and 28 MPG on the freeway, making it an ideal family vehicle for long trips. The fuel economy of the powertrain is maximized by the Engine Start/Stop system, which senses when the vehicle is idling and cuts power to the engine to prevent idle fuel consumption. Interior Features Versatility is the key factor for all of the 2025 Chrysler Voyager's interior features. This model has standard Black Caprice Leatherette seating material and active noise cancellation technology to keep the cabin environment quiet. The standard seating capacity for this minivan is seven with a dedicated cargo space of 32.3 cubic feet in the cargo area. With the second and third-row seats folded, the cargo room can expand to 140.5 cubic feet. The second and third rows have Stow 'n Go seats. Technology Features As for infotainment, this model is equipped with the Uconnect 5 system, which is housed in a 10.1-inch central touchscreen. This intuitive entertainment system comes with a standard three-month trial for SiriusXM and smartphone-integrated compatibility for Apple and Android devices. The Uconnect 5 system has standard Bluetooth Streaming Audio, voice command technology, and hands-free phone calling capabilities. Drivers can glean vehicle performance insight from the seven-inch fully digital gauge cluster behind the steering wheel. Exterior Features The Voyager has a remarkably modern appearance with standard 17-inch aluminum wheels and Chrome window trim. The standard exterior colors for the base model are Bright White Clear Coat or Diamond Black Crystal Pearl. You can upgrade to Red Hot Pearl if you prefer a sporty premium color. All-season tires are standard for the 2025 Chrysler Voyager, so you can enjoy terrific traction in all weather conditions. The innovative and modernized 2025 Chrysler Voyager is a wonderful minivan for active families who need adaptable seating configurations and eco-friendly long-range performance. Learn about custom ordering your Voyager when you contact Graff Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Rockford in Rockford, MI. Image via

Rugged and adventure-ready, the 2025 Jeep Wrangler is one of the best SUVs for off-roading enthusiasts. Two powertrain options and a comfortable yet practical cabin are just some of the features that make it a must-have. more 2025 Jeep Wrangler Performance The 2025 Jeep Wrangler is built for unrivaled performance in rugged driving conditions and comes with two capable powertrains that deliver impressive power and torque. Standard on all trims is Jeep's reliable 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission for precise gear shifting and responsive handling on dangerous trails. This system generates 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque for a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs. Available across the lineup, a 2.0L I4 turbo engine replaces the manual transmission with an eight-speed automatic and provides an improved output of 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain boasts the same towing capacity as the base engine but enhances torque and power distribution in dangerous driving conditions for added off-roading capability. Trail Rated Capability Like its predecessor, the 2025 Jeep Wrangler brings Trail Rated capability for each of its six trim levels. This means you can expect true off-roading performance for each of the lineup's models, starting with the entry Sport and up to the range-topper Rubicon. For instance, the entry trim comes with rugged 17-inch wheels and boasts 32-inch tires for increased ground clearance and added confidence when driving over boulders or ruts. A sealed underbody enables water fording, allowing you to follow the trail wherever it goes. Heavy-duty Dana axles and rugged suspensions improve traction while delivering smooth rides over road bumps. Each model also comes standard with a high-performance wheelbase, a rigid body frame, and precision steering for improved maneuverability on challenging trails. Practical Interior Inside, the 2025 Jeep Wrangler provides practical seating for five passengers and plenty of vintage and modern Jeep features that add character. The wide windshield is one of the cabin's most noticeable elements, allowing you to enjoy a perfect view of the road ahead. Removable doors and a removable top come standard across all trims, making it easy to connect with your surroundings. Cloth low-back bucket seats at the front provide excellent support in rugged driving conditions and pair with a 60/40 folding seat at the back that allows you to adjust the passenger and cargo spaces as needed. The driver can also enjoy a seat height adjuster and customize the position of the steering wheel column. Ready to discover all the features the 2025 Wrangler has to offer? Visit us at Graff CDJR Rockford in Rockford, MI to explore it in our inventory and take it for a test drive. We will be here to assist with everything you need. Image via

If you are an adventurous family that also appreciates comfort and refinement, you'll be hard-pressed to find a more suitable means of transportation than the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee. With its handsomely rugged design, robust build quality, powerful engine options, class-leading towing capacity, serious off-roading chops, and spacious, opulent cabin, the Grand Cherokee is the pinnacle of refined capability. more The Amazing Attributes of the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee Potent Engines The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee's best-in-class performance feats are all thanks to its two high-powered engine options. The standard engine is the award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 that pushes out up to 293 HP and 260 lb-ft of torque. This muscle enables the base Cherokee to sprint to 60 mph in only 7 seconds, allowing for authoritative merging and passing. It also gives the Grand Cherokee its best-in-class 6,200-pound towing capacity, allowing you to tow your boat with ease. The plug-in hybrid powertrain delivers more oomph while remaining eco-friendly. Consisting of a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four and an electric motor, it generates a staggering 375 HP and 470 pound-feet of torque, allowing this massive SUV to reach 60 in just 5 seconds! Its efficiency is off-the-charts as well, achieving up to 56 MPGe, giving you up to 470 miles of range on a single tank. Additionally, 25 miles of all-electric range allow you to run errands without using gas. High-Level Performance Specs The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers a superb driving experience thanks to its performance-oriented engineering. Rear-wheel drive is standard by design for optimal weight distribution, ensuring that this tall SUV remains stable and composed even when taking high-speed turns. The rack-and-pinion is precise and perfectly weighted, giving this beast an agreeable, nimble feel, while the smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission ensures seamless power delivery, resulting in athletic yet refined handling. The Grand Cherokee welcomes rugged terrain with open arms. Available 4x4 systems provide you with extreme control when navigating tricky surfaces, while the Selec-Terrain Traction Management system optimizes traction settings for different off-road conditions. You even get a rear electronic limited-slip differential to enhance traction further. The air suspension raises the vehicle to help you clear obstacles, while undercarriage skid plates, a disconnecting sway bar, and all-terrain tires ensure you can handle everything nature throws at you. Spacious and Luxurious Cabin With over 140 cubic feet of passenger room, the Grand Cherokee is supremely spacious, ensuring maximum comfort during road trips, while up to 70.8 cubic feet of cargo volume allows you to pack as much gear as you need. Various available top-shelf amenities see to a premium experience. They include a panoramic sunroof, top-grain leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats with massage function, four-zone automatic temperature control, wireless charging, and a 19-speaker McIntosh sound system. Ready to experience the refined capability of the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee? Contact us today at Graff Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Rockford in Rockford, MI to schedule an exclusive test drive! Image via

With both a plug-in hybrid on the lot and an all-electric Charger coming screaming down the pipe, there's never been a better time to consider what an electric Dodge can be. Take a look at the future of performance. more Electric Dodge Muscle: A Guide to Dodge's EV and PHEV Lineup Meet the Hornet R/T: Buzzing with Plug-In Power A High-Performance Powertrain The Hornet R/T is a plug-in hybrid with guts. In fact, it's the most powerful crossover in its segment, offering a 0-60 time of just 5.6 seconds. The segment-exclusive PowerShot button adds up to 30 additional horsepower in 15-second bursts. A maximum speed of 128 mph and a net output of up to 288 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque make it simply a blast to drive. Standard AWD, torque vectoring, and near-perfect balance make the Hornet R/T a ton of fun to throw into the corners. Available Brembo brakes make stopping easy, and a KONI Frequency Selective Damping System helps absorb shocks and bumps to smooth out the ride. Power Marries Practicality The Hornet R/T's crossover design also makes it perfect for everyday driving. A roomy interior and spacious cargo compartment make for a vehicle that's just as at-home on a box store shopping trip as it is revving on the track. Easing off the gasoline is easy, too, with an all-electric range of up to 32 miles making it a snap to say "no thanks" to gasoline for most daily driving needs. The 2025 Charger Daytona: The World's Only Electric Muscle Car Built to Run With a 100.5 kWh battery driving twin 335-horsepower electric motors, the Charger Daytona is a muscle car that skips emissions for good. The estimated 627 lb-ft of torque offers near-instant response to the pedals, and an all-wheel-drive power configuration makes for sharp and precise cornering. This all-electric muscle car is expected to go from 0-60 in just 3.3 seconds. The battery pack is tuned for performance. It combines the instant response of nickel cobalt aluminum chemistry with the reliability of lithium-ion configurations to support a howling-fast quarter-mile time of just 11.5 seconds. Smart Technology The Charger Daytona offers plenty of technology to perfectly tune the ride. Paddle shifters adjust the amount of regenerative braking, and the system offers drive modes like Track Mode, Drag Mode, and Sport Mode to tune perfectly the Charger's performance. The available Drive Experience Recorder uses a forward-facing 1080p, 60fps camera to capture and integrate audio, video, and vehicle data. A standard Digital Cluster Display and available Head-Up Display make drive information easy to absorb even at howling-fast track speeds, and the standard 12.3-inch central display touchscreen makes it easy to control your favorite music at the same time. The Uconnect 5 system offers standard wireless connectivity with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for infinite entertainment at your command. Test drive an electric Dodge today at Graff Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Rockford in Rockford, MI. Image via

The world's first-ever range-extended electric pickup, the 2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger, brings massive power and plenty of comfort for all your trucking needs. Its greatest highlight is the unique hybrid powertrain, but you can also expect luxury amenities and smart technologies designed to add more enjoyment to your journeys. more 2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger Performance The 1500 Ramcharger takes all the nice features of the Ram 1500 and makes them better with a unique hybrid powertrain that mates the lineup's tried-and-tested 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine with a 130 kW electric generator in a system that produces 663 horsepower and 615 lb-ft of torque. The gas engine's sole purpose is to create energy for the liquid-cooled 92 kWh battery that powers the electric motor, resulting in superior efficiency. With so much power, you can also expect lightning-fast acceleration and plenty of hauling capacity. When dashing through town, you can get to 60 mph from a standstill in only 4.4 seconds. When you need to haul loads or tow trailers, you can enjoy a payload capacity of 2,625 and pull up to 14,000 lbs. Range to Go the Distance No matter how far you have to go, the Ramcharger can take you there with massive savings at the pump. Fully charged and on a full tank it boasts an estimated range of 690 miles. Standard selectable drive modes make it easy to manage the truck's performance or opt for maximum fuel efficiency. The plug-in hybrid system is also compatible with Level 3 charging, allowing you to add up to 50 miles of range in only 10 minutes of charge at 400V DC fast-charging stations up to 145 kW. Alternatively, you can charge the battery at home using a wall outlet or the available Level 2 home charging station. Smart Technologies The Ramcharger boasts a luxurious cabin filled with premium materials and a range of smart technologies designed to make your journeys more efficient and fun. The latest Uconnect 5 infotainment system comes with numerous entertainment options, smartphone integration, and built-in connectivity features. To plan routes or find your destination, you can upgrade to Uconnect 5 NAV, which also brings built-in navigation. Alternatively, you can access your phone's maps via Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. An available in-vehicle entertainment system is a nice upgrade if you want to keep the passengers entertained. This system boasts an HDMI port, allowing you to stream videos from your devices or play games. Available convenience technologies include Your Phone as a Key, transforming your compatible device into a digital key. Powerful, efficient, and packed with smart technologies, the 2025 Ramcharger is one of the best light-duty trucks to watch out for. Contact us at Graff CDJR Rockford in Rockford, MI to discover more about its features and be one of the first to discover this one-of-a-kind pickup. Image via

The 2025 RAM 1500 is stronger, smarter, and more capable than ever. Packed with enhanced performance features and cutting-edge technology, this truck was made to push limits. Whether towing heavy loads or hitting the trails, it outpaces its rivals. more Basics About the 2025 RAM 1500 Under the hood, the 3.6L V6 engine with eTorque technology generates power and efficiency. With its 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque, this engine offers an impressive payload of 2,370 lbs. and an impressive maximum towing capacity of 8,110 pounds. If you want even more power, you can pick from one of two new available Hurricane engines with a max towing capacity of up to 11,550 lbs., making this year's RAM the powerhouse of its class. New and Unique Features Enhanced Strenght and Efficiency A standout upgrade is the reinforced frame, crafted with high-strength steel and advanced aluminum materials that reduce the truck's weight while boosting load capacity. While some might miss the roar of the traditional V8, the improved eTorque electrification provides optimal torque delivery and better fuel efficiency. In other words, you get a lot more pulling power. Those needing even more raw strength can opt for the 3.0L Hurricane engine or the High-Output 3.0L hurricane engine. The new powertrain options can generate an impressive 420 and 540 horsepower, respectively. Revolutionary Towing Technology The technologically advanced model is equipped for any job with features like the available multifunction tailgate, which you can open even with a connected trailer, and more than 100 safety and security options. Newly available towing tech includes the Trailer Reverse Steering Control, which makes backing up a trailer effortless, and the Telescopic Trailer Tow Mirrors, which all but eliminates blindspots. Technology and Convenience The Tradesman trim comes with the Uconnect 5 system, which features a much larger 12.0-inch touchscreen, smart device integration, and USB charging ports. To keep everyone entertained during longer rides, you can opt to install a 10.3-inch screen on the passenger's side. Regardless of the type of work you do, the air inside your cabin will stay free from nasty odors or allergens, as the RAM Clean Air System is now standard across all trims. The Tungsten trim pushes luxury to new heights with over 50 inches of combined touchscreen displays, a 24-way power-adjustable front seat with heat and massage, and a premium 23-speaker sound system. Add the available Hands-Free Driving Assist, and you'll almost feel like the RAM is driving itself. The newest version of the 2025 RAM 1500 can handle anything life throws at you. Ready to see what a real workhorse can do for you? Stop by Graff Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Rockford in Rockford, MI, and step behind the new RAM's wheel. Image via

Defying the silence of typical EVs, the world's first electric muscle car roars thunderously as it channels horsepower and torque through its twin electric motors. The 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona EV refreshes the muscle car lineup with track-ready electric muscle and cutting-edge drag-racing technology. more Next-Gen Performance A twin electric motor setup generates 496 horsepower on the two-door R/T trim, which is the first of the two next-gen Daytona EV models to enter production. However, drag racers will be more interested in the four-door Scat Pack trim, which generates an incredible 670 hp and an estimated 627 lb-ft of torque. Each of the Daytona Scat Pack's electric motors produces 335 horsepower and powers the front and rear axles individually, forming an all-wheel drive (AWD) system. On the track, the 400-volt propulsion system brings the best out of the electric motors with its high discharge rate, allowing you to launch to 60 mph in about 3.3 seconds on the Daytona Scat Pack. The EV is expected to complete a quarter mile in 11.5 seconds, but you can test its limits and record your own completion time on the available drive experience recorder. Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust Silence and muscle cars are not a good combination, and this will be the least of your worries thanks to the Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust. The system mimics the roar of the Charger's iconic Supercharged V8 and changes its tone as you drive. It does this by monitoring inputs, including how far you push the throttle, as well as torque and speed output. Changing drive modes, idling, revving, powering up, and powering down causes shifts in the Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust's intensity. Five Drive Modes You can use the buttons mounted on the steering wheel to switch between Drag, Track, Donut, Drift, and Sport mode. Track mode prepares the Daytona EV to tackle smooth and dry surfaces, Drag mode enhances straight-line acceleration, Donut mode channels power to the rear wheels to allow the vehicle to spin, Drift mode adjusts the suspension and axles for drifting, and Sport mode provides excellent steering feel to give drivers better control. High Energy Density Battery The 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona EV is powered by a 100.5 kWh lithium-ion battery. It features high-energy density prismatic cell structures that deliver an initial 550 kW of power to the electric motors. The battery then sustains an output of 500 kW for a quarter mile. If you're running low on energy, you can connect the Daytona EV's battery to a DC fast charger to recharge from 20% to 80% in just 27 minutes. Interested in becoming a proud owner of the world's first electric muscle car? Reach out to us at Graff Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Rockford in Rockford, MI to learn more about the Dodge Charger Daytona EV. Image via

When you decide it is time to sell or trade your current vehicle, you have two options: sell it privately or sell/trade it to a dealer. Selling privately may allow you to set a higher price, but you will be responsible for presenting the vehicle, advertising it, and communicating with potential buyers, which could mean having strangers visit your home. If you prefer to avoid these responsibilities, you can choose to sell or trade your vehicle at a dealership. more When preparing to sell or trade a vehicle at a dealership, it’s important for the seller to assess its retail and wholesale value using tools like CarFax or Kelley Blue Book (KBB). Enter the VIN, make, model, year, mileage, and condition to obtain a national estimated value. It's crucial to get both the retail value, which is typically what the vehicle is listed for on dealership lots, and the wholesale value, which is what dealers pay for inventory. Often, these figures represent national averages and may not reflect local market conditions. To better understand the vehicle's market value in your area, conduct a simple online search for similar vehicles for sale at local dealerships. If you wish only to sell, we suggest you inquire with an on-brand dealership through the dealer’s website. If you are trying to sell a Jeep, contact a Jeep dealership. At Graff Rockford, we purchase all makes and models of vehicles every day; however, we like to purchase our own brands—Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram—because we have the computer equipment available to diagnose problems, the certified mechanics to make repairs, and our customers expect to see our brands on our lot. Why do dealers offer less than the prices seen online for similar vehicles? Because buying used cars involves risks. Each month, some great vehicles go unsold. When this happens, dealers take them to auction, where buyers pay wholesale prices, and dealers incur all the costs associated with the vehicle. Therefore, the amount we offer you for your vehicle is just the starting point. Additional costs include service inspections, repairs, cleaning, inventory management, sales tools and personnel, advertising, and the general expenses of running a business. When you are ready to sell or trade your vehicle, the very best way to go about it is to visit the dealership for an in-person appraisal. Yes, you can get an offer online, but every offer you receive online is contingent on how the vehicle appraises at an in-person inspection. Every single one. Even the sites that claim their offer is “guaranteed” will have an inspection caveat somewhere in the fine print. Some sources will even inflate the online offer, thinking that once you are in the door, you won’t want the hassle of leaving and selling elsewhere. How can you protect yourself from these shady sales practices? Know the retail and wholesale value of your vehicle, but we feel the best way is to develop a relationship with a local dealership. When you come in for an appraisal, an inventory specialist will assess your vehicle by completing a physical inspection which may include taking it for a short test-drive. We will research the retail and wholesale value as well as what it would cost us to buy your exact vehicle at the auction at that moment. We would always rather buy from a person who is sitting across from us than from an auction, so our offer will come in above wholesale—what we could buy it for at auction—and below retail—what we will sell it for after expenses. We realize your vehicle is of personal value to you and will do our best to offer a fair price. What factors can increase the chances of receiving a higher offer? First, trading in a vehicle while purchasing one from the dealership’s inventory. When a customer buys from a dealer’s inventory, the dealership is motivated to make the sale and may have some flexibility in pricing. The second factor that will lead to a higher trade-in offer from a dealership is if the customer has a relationship with the dealership—whether that means the customer purchased there before or uses the dealership’s service department for maintenance and/or repairs. If we know a vehicle was maintained by our certified mechanics according to manufacturer standards, we are likely to have trust that the vehicle is reliable and good for our lot. When it’s time to trade-in your vehicle for a new one—arm yourself with information by knowing the retail, wholesale, and market value of your vehicle—we invite you to stop by our store to get your vehicle appraised. We pride ourselves on setting a comfortable environment for you to shop and talk about your needs and wants and have appraisers available during our normal business hours: Monday from 9am to 7pm; Tuesday through Friday 9am to 6pm, and Saturday from 9am to 2pm. Image via Graff CDJR Rockford

You just bought your dream car, and now you are tasked with protecting it. Purchasing an extended service contract (also known as an extended warranty) and gap insurance will help reduce the cost of keeping your vehicle on the road for a long time, or cover what you owe in loan payments if your car is stolen or unsalvageable. more Protection Against Uncovered Repair Costs Some repairs are not covered by your factory warranty. An extended warranty will save you from paying out of pocket for repairs that are not covered by the manufacturer. For instance, if your extended warranty offers bumper-to-bumper coverage, you receive assistance in paying for the replacement of wear and tear components, such as brake pads, annual oil and filter changes, tire rotation, and even key fobs. Peace of Mind for an Extended Period Most manufacturer warranties only cover a few years of powertrain repairs, and even less for other components. An extended warranty offers longer-lasting protection and saves you from costly repairs that happen a few years after the manufacturer's warranty expires. According to a ConsumerAffairs survey, 36.5% of car owners who responded couldn't cover an unexpected vehicle repair cost of $1000 or more. Inflation is set to increase repair costs, but you can enjoy peace of mind with an extended warranty. Rental Car Coverage and Roadside Assistance Extended warranties often come with perks such as rental car coverage, which provides a rental car reimbursement while your vehicle is being repaired for a covered issue. Additionally, if you find yourself stranded in the middle of the road, your benefits may rescue you if it has 24/7 roadside assistance and trip interruption coverage. This may also include a hotel room if your home is far away from the site where your vehicle experienced the breakdown. Improved Resale Value If you think the time is right to sell your car, you can get a much better deal with an extended warranty. Buyers are more attracted to vehicles with extended warranties since the coverage is completely transferable. According to the Exclusive National Club, cars with extended coverage have an 8% higher resale value than identical models without coverage. Additionally, negotiations will be smooth sailing when you can convince the buyer that the vehicle is reliable and protected against unexpected repairs. Coverage in Case of a Total Loss You may owe more in auto loans than your car is worth, especially due to depreciation. In the unfortunate event your car is totaled or stolen, your insurance plan only pays off a portion of the loan equal to your vehicle's current value. A guaranteed asset protection (GAP) insurance covers the difference between what you owe on your car loan and what your insurance pays. In short, your heartbreaking loss will not be accompanied by a large financial burden. Protect your dream car before you buy it. Visit us at Graff Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Rockford in Rockford, MI to explore new models and ask our team about the best warranty and insurance plans. Image via