Getting a new vehicle is one of the most momentous occasions in life. A vehicle isn’t just a machine that runs on wheels. It’s an extension of the driver’s personality. The vehicle you buy now will be a part of your life for years to come, which makes its selection doubly important.

How satisfied you will be with your vehicle tomorrow hinges on the choice you make today.

You make the right choice, and you are pretty much set for a few years. But if you make the wrong one, it won’t be long before the dreaded buyer’s remorse starts to creep in.

And Patriot CDJR of Tulsa, the city’s favorite dealership, understands this. We know what getting a new vehicle means for our customers, which is why we’ve put together this nifty little guide to help you make the best purchasing decision.

2023 Models

2023 Dodge Challenger

Be prepared for the last call on the 2023 Dodge Challenger. Review special last call editions, trim levels, and more for this iconic legend. 

2023 Dodge Charger

Get ready to turn heads on and off the road with the 2023 Dodge Charger. Check out the special editions, trim levels, and color options in this article and find out what makes this powerhouse American sedan one for the history books.  

2022 Models

2022 Jeep Wrangler

The iconic off-road SUV that is ready for your next adventure. Check out everything you need to know about the 2022 Jeep Wrangler before you come test drive this rugged SUV.

2022 Jeep Compass

The 2022 Jeep Compass is spacious enough for your family and cargo and powerful enough for off-road excursions, this SUV is ready for anything you throw at it.

2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Stylish and Capable, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee can handle anything. Off-road, on-road, city life and small town driving, this SUV takes driving to another level. Learn more about trim levels and what this SUV is capable of in this article.

2022 Jeep Wagoneer

Where luxury and power meet. The new 2022 Jeep Wagoneer is here to wow everyone with its spacious interior and powerful engine. Check out all the specs before you drive away in your own Wagoneer.

Find Your Next Vehicle at Patriot CDJR of Tulsa

This guide will talk about the key factors you should consider before selecting your vehicle and help you understand if you want a new one, a used one, or a Certified Pre-owned (CPO) vehicle. If you find yourself flummoxed about how a CPO vehicle differs from a used vehicle, we will explain that, too.

What Are Your Needs?

Vehicles are designed for different purposes, and finding out why you want to buy a vehicle is the best place to start.

Think about the intended primary usage of your vehicle. What type of roads will you be driving on, and for how long?

For example, if you plan to drive around town with your family, a sedan like the Chrysler 300 would be a great choice. But a sedan won’t cut it if you also plan to use your vehicle for occasional off-roading or on longer road trips with rough terrain. In this case, you want an SUV that can handle wear and tear like a champ—something like the Jeep Compass.

Similarly, if you plan to haul goods or any type of equipment during your workdays, a truck from the Ram 1500 line-up would be more appropriate.

What is Your Budget?

Many people buy their desired vehicle right away if it falls within their budget, without sparing a thought to the additional future expenses tied to it.

Big mistake.

You are getting a new vehicle to make your life easier. And stretching your monthly expenditure or exerting undue strain on your finances is the last thing your vehicle should do.

So, when you sit down and consider your budget, look beyond the MSRP of your shortlisted vehicles. Think about how it would affect your monthly budget. Factor into your consideration aspects like maintenance, insurance, gas expenses, and—in case you have opted for finance—your monthly repayments.

We recommend calculating your buying power here to understand how much you can afford to pay monthly.

You should ideally aim at keeping your car expenses 20% below your monthly take-home income. This should point you toward the real cost of owning the vehicle and give you a better understanding of your real budget.

Which Brand will be Right for You?

Several drivers consider their cars an extension of their personalities.

Where Chrysler cars are a statement of sophistication and refinement, Dodge sedans and SUVs are geared more towards thrill seekers and adrenalin-rush chasers. Jeep does that same thing but with distinctively ‘elegant-rugged’ designs, whereas Ram makes powerful workhorses excellent for recreational activities and adventure.

If you are outdoorsy, a Chrysler and you may not be a good fit. If you are an office-dweller on the side of the spectrum, then shuttling yourself to and from your office in a Ram every day may make your truck seem out of place.

Which Featuers Do You Want In Your Vehicle?

Different vehicles and models bundle different sets of features. Consider what features you deem crucial and the ones that you look at as optional.

For example, some trims prioritize luxury features like leather seats, heated steering wheels, temperature control zones, etc., while others bill you for extra safety features such as lane switch assistance, adaptive cruise control, and collision alerts.

We recommend making a list of all essential features and seeing what you can fit into your budget, then selecting the model and the trim that come close to your desired features.

Which Size Will Be Right For You?

In the context of driving a vehicle, size does matter. Getting a smaller vehicle that can make you feel cramped for space is just as bad as getting an oversized car that is challenging to maneuver and park in tight spaces.

To zero in on the right size, consider the number of members in your family or the size of the cargo you would need to haul, and the size of your parking space.

Also, see if you can bundle your entire family into your desired care. We always recommend our customers bring their entire family along with them to our Tulsa dealership showroom. This way, they can tinker with different seat configurations to understand if the size of their desired vehicle is right for them.

Which Is More Important: Performance vs. Fuel Efficiency?

While some models and trims manage to straddle that thin line between performance and fuel efficiency, there are always a few trade-offs involved. So be very clear about what matters most to you: horsepower or good gas mileage.

If it’s horsepower that you value the most, you will find the Dodge Challenger SRT and the Jeep Grand Cherokee to be very powerful beasts. But all that power comes at the cost of fuel efficiency.

Similarly, if you are a big city dweller, you may afford to sacrifice a little bit of horsepower to enjoy better gas mileage. However, if you live in a less densely populated area and your monthly budget allows it, you can prioritize performance over fuel efficiency.

Answering the above questions should leave you with a pretty good idea about your ideal vehicle.

Should You Get A New Vehicle or a Used Vehicle?

At Patriot CDJR of Tulsa OK, we stock CPOV (Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle) and used vehicles along with brand new models. While personal preferences and individual finances dictate which condition to go with, we will briefly list the benefits of going with each option. If you are on the fence, this section will help you decide.

Benefits Of Buying A New Car

Nothing beats curb appeal and the intoxicating smell of a brand-spanking new car. The allure of new wheels is undeniable. But the benefits of getting a brand-new car go well beyond cosmetics.

• New cars come in mint condition. The paint is shiny, and there are no scratches or blemishes to spoil its pristine appearance.
• You get a comprehensive warranty. Car manufacturers will take care of any problems with parts that come under a manufacturing warranty.
• Most new cars come with free roadside assistance. Either your manufacturer or your dealer will foot the bill for towing should your vehicle break down.
• They conform to the latest standards. New cars boast all the latest technology and safety features. They also adhere to the latest fuel emission standards.

Benefits of Buying a CPOV or a Used Vehicle

CPOVs and used vehicles may not get you the same benefits as brand-new vehicles, but there are other benefits that you can enjoy from buying your vehicle used.

• They provide more affordable options. The value of a vehicle depreciates over time. The older the vehicle, the more affordable it becomes.
• Vehicle insurance can be cheaper. Brand new cars require you to purchase full insurance coverage. But when buying used or CPOV, you may be able to spend less on insurance, depending on the depreciated value and the condition of the vehicle.
• Optional extended warranties. If you are buying a CPOV, you will likely get an additional warranty that extends beyond the manufacturer’s warranty.

If you have decided to go with a used vehicle, it may leave you wondering about the differences between a used vehicle and a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle.

The next section will answer that.

What’s the Difference Between a Used Vehicle and a Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle?

Patriot CDJR, the most reliable Jeep and Dodge dealer in Tulsa, offers used vehicles backed by our “Certified Pre-owned” program. You must remember that all CPO vehicles are used vehicles, but not all used vehicles are Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles or CPOVs.

What is a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Vehicle?

Those vehicles offered under a CPO program become Certified Pre-Owned vehicles. The vehicles that do not continue to be classified as “used cars.”

CPO programs come in two flavors: manufacturer-backed and dealer-backed. Every CPO program follows different requirements for qualifying a used vehicle. All programs inspect vehicles for mileage, condition, and roadworthiness.

Patriot CDJR is one of the few Dodge and Jeep dealers in Tulsa to run a comprehensive CPO program for used vehicles. We offer CPOV certification from FCA Certified on used vehicles from Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and Chrysler.

What Makes FCA CPO Certification Unique?

A CPO certification from FCA practically ensures that a vehicle runs in tip-top condition. Qualifying vehicles have to pass a lengthy inspection process involving 125 tests.

All CPO vehicles at Patriot CJDR receive an additional 3-Month/3,000-Mile Maximum Care Coverage over and above the factory-backed 7-Year/100,000-Mile Powertrain Limited Warranty.

Owners of CPOVs further receive 24/7 towing and roadside assistance, along with a detailed CARFAX® Vehicle History Report™.

Key Differences Between a CPOV and a Used Vehicle

When you buy a used vehicle from Patriot CDJR, CPOV or used, there will be very few differences in the vehicle’s condition. We inspect all incoming used vehicles thoroughly during trade-ins, so you can rest assured you will be getting a terrific deal even for non-CPO vehicles.

Whatever differences arise are out of the extended warranty package that CPOV owners get with their purchase and the bouquet of extra perks like roadside assistance, free towing, etc.

What Makes Patriot CDJR of Tulsa the Best Place to Shop for Vehicles?

At Patriot CDJR of Tulsa OK, we stock all popular models, electric vehicles, and different trim levels from Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram. We pride ourselves on delivering unparalleled services year after year. When you buy your vehicle from us, you will have a pleasant buying experience.

Our Tulsa dealership also has a range of flexible financing plans on offer so that you don’t have to compromise on your desired vehicle for lack of a sufficient budget.

We also have a full-fledged service department with expert technicians to keep your vehicle performing at its peak for years to come.

Contact us right away if you have any questions.