Chrysler Improves $2.99 Gas Offer
Posted: May. 23, 2008 10:05 a.m.
Under media criticism, Chrysler has significantly improved its heavily marketed $2.99 gas guarantee on some Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles.
Here's how the "Let's Refuel America" incentive works: buyers of most new Chrysler cars can elect to be given a gas card which is linked to their own credit card, and accepted at most gas stations. The card is good for the first three years they own the car, and for the equivalent of 12,000 miles worth of gas each year. When customers use the card, their own credit card is charged $2.99 per gallon, and any cost over that price is charged to Chrysler.
Until this week, the offer applied in lieu of other incentives -- meaning customers gave up cash back offers in order to accept the $2.99 gas deal. As we've reported, that made the $2.99 gas deal little more than a gimmick -- most buyers were better off taking the cash back.
However, according to a Chrysler press release, the gas price guarantee now "also includes up to $3,000 additional cash back" on some vehicles.
Kicking Tires reports, "Dodge is offering the gas deal in addition to $3,000 on the Ram 1500 and Durango, $1,500 on the Charger R/T, $1,000 on the Avenger SE, Caliber SE and Dakota Crew Cab SLT. Buyers can also get the gas deal plus $2,000 on the Jeep Commander and Grand Cherokee and the Chrysler Aspen." With other Chrysler models, buyers still have to choose between the $2.99 gas guarantee and the cash back.
The additional cash back makes the offer a much better deal on those cars. Our calculations indicate that the average buyer would save about $1,200 over three years with the gas guarantee. If you have to forfeit a $3,000 cash back offer in order to get that deal, it’s clearly not worth it. If, however, you save $1,200 on gas in addition to the cash back, it may well be worthwhile.
Research current offerings from Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge with U.S. News car rankings and reviews
LINK:
Chrysler Improves $2.99 Gas Offer - U.S. News Rankings and Reviews
Linear Mode
