Dodge Nitro - Test Drive
A few weeks ago I mentioned that I was looking for a new car and that the shortlist was a Dodge Nitro, Jeep Wrangler 4 door, VW Golf GT and Subaru Forester. Well I’ve all but dropped the Golf from the list because of it’s size, not the actual car or interior size but it’s driving size. I just dont think I can go that small of a vehicle in traffic.
Anyway, today I started test driving the cars I’ve shortlisted and first up was the Dodge Nitro.
I went on in to Kloster Dodge, who also happen to sell Jeep Wranglers, and booked myself a test drive. We went over all the specifics of the Dodge Nitro specifically the indicators being on the opposite side as it was an American vehicle, apart from that it had all the standard things like electric mirrors, electric windows, etc.
When I first got in the Nitro I found that seating position a little too laid back for a 4WD, however after a bunch of stuffing around with the seat controls I got it all setup right for me.
The interior is quite nice and well laid out, the CD player controls are within easy reach and the stereo has an input jack so I can plug in my iPod Touch without a problem.
The steering column has all the height and reach adjustments that come in most vehicles these days, the instrument panel is large and easy to read and while the indicators are on the wrong side, compared to my Mazda Tribute, I’m sure I’ll get used to them quickly.
Driving wise the Nitro has a very solid stance on the road and to my suprise it actually corners quite well, normally vehicles like this have a load of body roll from being a little top heavy but I must admit it handled a whole lot better than the Tribute.
The other BIG feature for me is that the Nitro is available with a diesel engine. Currently my Mazda Tribute is gulping down petrol and is costing a fortune to run, I get around 400km out of a 60L tank which costs me about $80.00 to fill up, so hopefully moving over to diesel will reduce my weekly running costs by a solid percentage.
After driving the Dodge Nitro I was almost ready to buy one on the spot, till I spoke to the salesman and was informed of the ‘08 price increase of around 10% ie. $4000. They ‘think’ they can get me an ‘07 plated one, but no guarantee that I’ll get one of the colours I prefer.
The other problem is that it does go over my initial budget of $40,000, with an on-road cost of around $44,000. I’ve done some quick price checking and it seems that diesel vehicles do cost more than their petrol version across the board, so now it’s time to work out how much I actually spend on fuel per annum and see if it out-weighs the cost of going diesel from the outset.
Stay tuned for updates!
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