zmttoxics

I don't think the 2010s support flex fuel. The 2011 does have a v6 flex fuel engine and supports any combination of e85 and octane, so you can start your trip on e85 and refill with octane at any point. The gas cap is even yellow now and clearly labelled for both. So I don't suspect any engine work is required on the 2011.

I just realized the other day while filling up the new car that its actually a flex fuel engine (there is no sticker on the back like the Caravans). From my quick googling, it looks like E85 is a lot less efficient in these motors then 87 octane. The cost has be considerably low compared to 87 octane to make the switch worth it and also means more trips to the pump. On top of that, there are rumours of E85 causing corrosion and other stuff. Obviously, they wouldn't do it if there was a chance it would kill the engine. But how efficient is the 2011 Pentastar engine on E85? Is it worth the extra trips? Thoughts?

I laughed at this one. But then I though, that might work for the interior too.... Hmmm... Or, get your girlfriend to crash your 2010, cash in, and get a 2011. :D

I haven't drivin mine on the 19s yet. I have the winters on 16" rims on at the moment, lots of rubber. The 2010 was pretty smooth and they did tighten the suspension up quite a bit on the 2011 but I think it controls a lot better so I am not complaining.

Software flash seems kind over the top. Makes me think the new dash computer systems weren't well thought out...

Same problem! Would love a solution.

The 11 Grand Cherokee has a different system I thought... At any rate, my understanding is that there is a procedure to have the system learn your voice and should solve your issues. Frankly, I find yelling at my car a little silly.

Well I managed to take a few quick snaps on the iPhone again while taking out the trash. I put them into a flikr account. Hope it works! Sorry in advance as she is a little dirty and the pictures aren't the best.

I have thick shag carpet in the new one and that seems to work. In the old one I just threw her dog bed in for the long trips. Edit: Misread, I don't travel with the mid bench down with the dog (I don't like her near me when driving, too dangerous). But I suspect the thick carpet would work to cover the gaps and protect the bench (plus its comfy and cheap). I have water proof bench cover ( http://www.factorydirect.ca/catalog/product_spec.php?pcode=SC4440 ) that could probably work in reverse for you too.

Sounds like a bad DVD drive! They don't make them like they used to. Good news is, they are only like $20 these days so its a cheap and quick fix. Make sure you get the right one to replace it with though (IDE vs. SATA).

Found this one too of the express. I had no idea the the 8.4" screen wasn't standard. Very interesting...

I was going to make one but I saw today there a few made it up onto youtube. I love this freakin car so much. :D

Well, since my girlfriend was in an accident serious enough to write off both cars involved and she came out with out a scratch (face first in an airbag even), I think its pretty safe to call the Journey a safe car. That is pretty much the reason why we bought another one. The ongoing brake problem can apparently be solved by moving to higher quality after market rotors (slotted / drilled) and ceramic pads. There are several posts on the forum about where to get these kits and you should be able to get a local garage to install them. Good luck!

Rock on! I am loving the crap out of the 2011 model so far my self.

Yeah, theres another thread about the transmission. I was pretty shocked to read they are all sealed transmissions now. :\ Anyways, looks like you need special tools to get the pan off. So you might be better just to take it in again.

Yeah... Looking at the manuals for the 2010 and 2011, both the 3.5 and 3.6L engines were paired with sealed transmissions as well. I find it odd the manual lists what kind of fluids to use, but then you go to the section on changing the fluid and it says dealer service only. This concept was news to me, but looking around the net it appears to be a common thing in newer cars. Thinking about it, I am not sure I like the fact only the dealer can do it, but really these days I would rather they do it anyways. Thats why I have a new car and not a used fix-it-daily car.

I am pretty sure there is a recall for the hoses. My parents just got one for their avenger (for the hoses) and it listed the journey on the sheet. http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/7/VRDB-BDRV/SEARCH/SearchResult.aspx?lang=eng&mk=1849!6400!2256!5115!4864!3714!2444&md=JOURNEY&fy=0&ty=9999&ft=&ls=0&sy=0 Steering is in the list...

It is an order option. Both of my journeys only came with the side rails.

I dig the 5 seater more for sure. Don't regret that decision for a second. I got stuck with this 7 seater crew as it was the only 2011 on the lot and the ones that were ordered were also 7 seater (my 2010 was written off).

Yours came with the flashlight in the rear! My crew didn't but the 2010 sxt I had did! Arg. Looks great though, dig the leather seats. I take it yours is a 5 seater?

The final bill was about $4k more then the SXT, but I think its got $4k worth of upgrades and features so I am not complaining. It has been crazy wether these days so I haven't gone out with the camera. It is still on the todo list.

That is a pretty sweet car! You might want to drive it too!

Do you not have a warranty? I would think that would be covered but I can't remember enough to be sure. I would ask for them to do more checking, but you will probably get charge more in that case. Alternatively, take a chance and pay the $200 and wait for it to happen again and take it somewhere else. Good luck!

Looks good! Side note: I miss the cargo space that was in my 5 seat SXT. The tiny bin in my new 7 seater CREW is useless.

The GCWR for the 3.6 with out the prep group is 7,300lbs and 8,300lbs with the prep group. The trailer weight with 2 people in the car is 2,000lbs with out the prep group and 3,500lbs with the prep group. Hope that helps!