Does anyone know if the Driver Convenience Group option is not installed is it still wired for heated seats? Are seats themselves wired with heating element? If this is not known does anyone that has an R/T without heated seats able to check? I have only been research R/Ts so not sure how this question relates to non-R/Ts.

I know it is very doubtful that all that needs to be done is install the switches, but I would like to know one way or the other and if it is not known I think it would be good info to have on here.

About to buy a 12/13 DGC R/T so will be on here more once that happens.
New 13s can be had for really good prices but probably still more than I want to spend. very few used around. Have found some that I would have to travel to get but that makes test driving more difficult.

 

After market heaters are easy to install and are cheap compared to buying the complete seats. Google "Dorman # 628-040". Comes with everything you need including the upholstery rings and pliers.
I installed a set on the SantaFe we have.

 

Why are you concerned about test driving a vehicle far away...or are these used vehicles? With new vehicles, once you drive one, they are all the same. It's not like a used car where issues or crash damage may exist that could be caught on a test drive. A spec sheet should be adequate for choosing a vehicle to buy unless you are concerned about paint scratches. Your local dealership should be able to locate and acquire a vehicle within 500 miles with the specific options and colors you want without significant cost increase. Dealers trade with each other all the time and a local dealer is likely to offer you a better deal on a located car than visiting a dealer yourself that will never see you again. I think you can back out of the deal if it turns out to have scratches or similar defect that you don't want to get accept and get fixed under warranty.

I think the extra money spent on a new car is worth it over buying something only a year or two old. You can choose specific options and the warranty is longer due to zero miles and there's no risk of some hidden issues from a crash, abuse or something. People who trade-in almost new cars often have good reason that may not be apparent to the buyer (you) until it's too late. These vehicles often have crash damage not listed on carfax or the owner drove it for 6 mo and forgot to add oil and ran the crankcase dry or something stupid. If something stupid didn't happen, then the vehicle may be a lease or company vehicle or a used rental with dozens of neglectful drivers behind the wheel.

Aftermarket seat heaters like the $60 Dorman units can indeed be installed, but I think most folks would need an upholstery shop to handle it. It would cost about $500 labor at least. The aftermarket heaters often fail prematurely where they pass under the factory seat bead. The hog rings or friction under the bead strip will invariably short out or break the wiring. These seats are not the same similar to a SantaFe. If you get 50K mi out of an aftermarket kit you're lucky. A "correct factory heater installation job could cost $2K+. The factory heater pads are specifically shaped to the seat design to prevent this from happening. This is not a job for folks with average skills who struggle to properly change brakes, filters or oil.

Make sure any '12 you look at has 17" wheels. The oversize brakes that became standard on most models in '13 are well worth it.

Don't buy a '12 or '13 used with the wrong options and assume you can affordably retrofit options. They cost way more than anticipated and there are many pitfalls.

 

a) the Dorman kit is a universal kit.
b) buying a vehicle as new is a suckers move.
c) don't assume everyone has limited skills.

 

Universal is no different than one-size-fits-all clothing. It fits "some". I wholeheartedly agree with b. I prefer to assume limited skill unless I hear otherwise. I've spent way too much time helping folks in terrible messes they created due to limited skill. It's sad when costly mistakes are mad (stuff butchered or destroyed) from folks getting in over their head. In the last few weeks I've helped a fellow who bought a new radio when a B+ power conductor was dead and another guy who cross-threaded a spark plug. These errors are caused by limited skill.

 

I dont have limited skillz as I normally do all my own work. I just swapped an engine into a Mazdaspeed6 which isnt a crazy job but not one most would perform. However, I do not plan to modify the dodge as I dont want to void warranty. That is why I was wondering (still am) if anyone has actually checked if the wiring is in place for heated seats. I am just going to assume it is not so I will need one with heated seats.

The 2013s are going for good prices now but they are still more than I wanted to spend. I got a price of $29,546 for and R/T at a dealer that is like 4 hours away. Price at a dealer near me for an R/T with same options (Driver Convenience Group, Safety Sphere Group, Dual DVD, Roof Rails, Uconnect/NAV) was $32,126. I do not know if the dealer new me is willing to match price but I am first going to see dealers close by will give me on CX-7 trade in and go from there as some dealers have said they will pay $3000 over kbb but I doubt that will happen. I can sell for $11k but am waiting on the title...

 

Sounds like a good plan.