[Oldkayaker]

I will say that is a LOT cheaper than what Nissan quoted to have a hitch etc installed for our pickup.

The $135 was for installation only. I already have the hitch.

 

[Oldkayaker]

Dealer just called today, 7/13/07. It is on the lot. He says they can complete prep today and I can pick it up tomorrow. The trailer tow wiring harness is in a bag as expected, thanks to the posts here. They want $67.50 to install it which was not expected. I could probably get them to eat the cost if I insisted it was a deal breaker but will probably just install it myself. They will install my Hidden Hitch and the harness for $135 total. Tempting. For now I'm just going to pick it up and worry about the hitch later.

 

[Oldkayaker]

6-8 weeks? You gotta be kidding me. I don't think your dealer checked the backlog. YES! 2007 orders have been closed since early in the first week in June. You WILL be getting a 2008 unless your dealer managed to work out a swap with another dealer that had what you wanted. Possible, but doubtful.

If you read the entire thread you will find I placed the order 5/26/07. The VIN indicates it is a 2007 model. BX = 5/30, D = 6/1, D1 = 6/20, KZ = 7/10. The 8 weeks will end 7/21 so it is still possible, though not likely, I will get it within the original estimate of 6 to 8 weeks.

 

[Oldkayaker]

After 3 weeks stuck at D1 I reached KZ status yesterday, 7/10/07, which was the last expected ship date I was given back on 6/20. I didn't bother to ask for yet another ship date having decided I can get a more accurate estimate throwing a dart at my calendar.

 

[Oldkayaker]

Well Folks, the 6/13 expected ship date is now history. I called the dealer yesterday, 6/19, and was told the new ship date is 7/10. I was also told the status is D1 meaning it is built and ready to ship. Of course we all know D1 means the order is approved and the car it is scheduled to be built. I didn't correct them but called the 800# today and confirmed the D1 status. I asked about the plant shutdown and was told I was getting an '07. Apparently they are still building cars.

 

[Oldkayaker]

I ordered this http://www.etrailer.com/pc-WTH~CR-111.htm when I ordered the hitch, mostly for pulling the 2wd crowd out of the ditch. I intend to find the FDII type for the front.

 

[Oldkayaker]

Got a call from the dealer today. Expected ship date is 6/13! Not bad for an order placed by the dealer on 5/28. If they meet their expectations I should have the car two or three weeks earlier than expected.

 

[Oldkayaker]

I'm in the Pike Creek area. Ordered the Jeep via Country Chrysler Dodge Jeep over in Oxford, PA. Perhaps we can arrange to meet if I can decipher the private messaging in this forum.

 

[Oldkayaker]

No one seems to know the order cut off date. I don't think it has been determined. The shut down will probably be handled in the same efficient manner as the original roll out. The system accepted my order but I won't get any of the build schedule details until tuesday due to the holiday. I wouldn't mind having to settle for a 2008 as I am paying for the car with CDs maturing 8/19. By waiting I could avoid those famous penalties for early withdrawal without having to arrange other payment options.

 

[Oldkayaker]

Well, Folks, the deed is done. Got my order in today for a 2007 Patriot Limited 4X4 F Pkg, Steel Blue/Pastel Gray Color Scheme, 2.4L Engine, CVT2 Transmission, Radio w/In-dash 6-Disc CD/MP3 Player, 9-Speaker Premium Sound System, Power Sunroof, Trailer Tow Prep Group, Full-Size Spare Tire, Engine Block Heater and Premium Floor Mats. No matter how much I wish it were otherwise I realized no more than 10% of my driving will be offroad. I could not justify the added fuel cost, calculated at 11.5%, of the CVT2L transmission and reluctantly dropped the Freedom Drive II package from my list.
I was pleasantly surprised to find that, of the items included in the package, 4-Wheel Drive Off-Road Mode, Hill Descent Control and Brake Lock Differentials are no cost options with my package. The engine oil cooler is included with the Trailer Tow Group. The Full-Size Spare Tire is available as a stand-alone option on the dealer’s screen even though it wasn’t on the Jeep site. The Fuel Tank Skid Plate Shield, Transmission/Engine Oil Pan Skid Plate and Tow Hooks are all available from Mopar. I can do without the Air Filtering, 140-Ampere Alternator and Trail Rated Badge. I think I covered all the bases and got what I needed or wanted while having to accept only the unwanted bright bumper inserts and leather seats. This forum was very helpful. Thanks again. I hope to see you on the trail in 6 to 8 weeks. Earl

 

[Oldkayaker]

Nice welcome party!

I'm going with the Freedom II package solely to get the heavy-duty cooling system, skid plates, tow hooks, fog lamps, and additional electrical and body sealing. If you have ever had the misfortune of driving through Philadelphia on I95 during rush hour you know most of those items can be as useful on road as off. The sand in Florida is firmer than that found elsewhere. I have managed to survive without 4WD thus far driving on sand mostly but with the infrequent semi-rockcrawling to get to whitewater put-ins and take-outs. I decided to get the sun roof because I like the one on my wife's car. Other than the ultimate sun roof, a convertible, I have never had one. The transmission choice was dictated by my bad knees but I will admit to being somewhat leery of the CVT. Autoweek had a very strong negative opinion of it. I will be spending time in the Appalachians and in New England and figured the block heater was so inexpensive I might as well get it. I wondered about the model year change over but the sales manager said we could still order. I don't really need the car until september but I want it NOW.