A dealer and I have come to agreement on price for a new 2011 Citadel V6 AWD with no options... looks like I'll be a new owner soon!

The selling dealer is a few hundred miles from my house, so I've only got one chance to make sure everything is right before handing over my bank's money. I'm hoping you guys can help me out with some advice on the deal.

First, price. MSRP is $44,870, I'm buying for $35,900. Even though the color isn't my first choice, I'm pretty happy with the price. But, wanted to make sure I'm not getting screwed on the price.

Second, test drive/delivery. I'll be very carefully looking for rattles, squeaks, bumps, etc... but I wanted to see if there were any specific problems to look for. I know some owners have had issues with a shaking steering wheel so I'll be looking out for that. Some other owners have said their doors were misaligned, so I will check for that too. Anything else to pay specific attention to? The truck is a June 2011 build, so I'm thinking most early problems should have been worked out before they built it.

Third, parts. I mentioned to the dealer I wanted my first round of parts at cost as part of the deal, and I think they're going to go for it. I was thinking of picking up skid plate parts, has anybody tried to retrofit them? Was also thinking of front tow hooks... any other parts I should pick up while I have the chance?

Finally, any other things to look out for or helpful tips?

I'm planning to fly down Thursday if all the stars line up!

Thanks!

 

Congrats on your purchase! After reading some of the post of other owners, definitely do a test drive since a few have reported on the steering shake, leaks mis-aligned door...etc. Are you picking up your D from another state...none available from your area?

 

I plan to do at least an hour of driving before signing. My list so far after more reading is steering shake, mis-aligned doors, headliner rattles, and rear noises on bumps.

Around here there are plenty of 2012s, but very few 2011s. Practically all the 2011s around here have the 5.7 and/or a bunch of other options like RSE, sunroof, etc. Since I really want the V6, I'm buying from a dealer a little over 600 miles away.

 

You have a good list. Our 2011 is a V6 AWD Citadel (no hitch). No issues except for the door alignment on the driver's side. 6k+ miles.

 

Check for staples in the rear bumper.

Price is fair-to-good, especially for the 2011. If you were prepared to drive back 600 miles empty handed, and made it very known you just drove 600 miles to get there... push for another $1500 off. Extra incentives are starting to show up especially for the 2011s and in light of the $4 gas in 60 days (spring blend issues) that is going to make poor mileage vehicles crawl out the door.

You should get the service plan for free since it is a '11 Citadel unless there was a date-purchased clause.

IndyDurango

 

Lower part of the driver's side door slightly not flush with the rear, got 6K+ miles so far been happy with no other issues.

 

Thanks for all your advice guys. Read the post about the staples, a little surprised they don't use sticky plastic wrap instead, but will put that on my list. Is the door alignment issue that the bottom doesn't line up but the top does, or that the top and bottom both don't line up? Is it worth fixing?

Not sure if there is a cutoff for the service plan but I'll ask. The dealer is in a one license plate state, I'm in a two license plate state, so I guess I'll have to ask about a bracket too.

Thanks again, let me know if I missed anything!

 

Good luck. The dealer was able to adjust to align better the following day. Not perfect but not noticeable either.

It's a great ride!