Time for a New Car? Here's Why You Should Upgrade in the New Year!

As we bid farewell to 2023, the start of the year often prompts reflections on various aspects of our lives. One crucial consideration that may deserve your attention is the vehicle you drive. Whether you use your vehicle to commute to work or go on road trips exploring New Mexico, it needs to be a reliable companion that's up to the task. In this blog, we'll explain the telltale signs that indicate when it might be time for a new set of wheels. We will discuss the importance of recognizing these signs and discover why Melloy Dodge is your ideal destination for a fresh start in the automotive world.

Wear and Tear

Your vehicle is more than just a machine. It's like a companion that stays with you throughout your life journey. Over time, it accumulates experiences with you, but it's important to recognize when its high mileage becomes a sign of wear and tear instead of a badge of honor. If you hear odd noises and lagging accelerations, it could be more than just quirks; those might be signals that your trusted companion is showing signs of aging. In the spirit of the new year, why not consider the smooth ride of a low-mileage beauty from Melloy Dodge? Let the next chapter of your journey be defined by reliability and the promise of exciting new adventures.

Enhanced Safety

If your car hasn't kept up with the times, it might be compromising on the security front. Our newer Dodge, RAM, or Fiat models have advanced safety features such as lane change assist and blind spot detection. In fact, the 2023 RAM 1500 is outfitted with a new safety feature called forward collision warning with active braking.  This enhances the truck with some serious stopping power and helps warn the driver when an accident is imminent. This feature can even apply the brakes, bringing the vehicle to a complete stop—even with a trailer attached. Such features go beyond the basics to provide additional protection for you and your loved ones. Like a report card, crash test ratings may reveal more than just grades—they could be why you need an upgrade. At Melloy Dodge, we take your safety seriously, and our lineup of vehicles is a testament to our commitment. Step into the new year confidently, knowing your journey is safe thanks to cutting-edge safety technology.

Maintenance Costs Will Continue to Rise 

Much like a timeless piece of art, your car requires maintenance to stay in tip-top shape. However, suppose the upkeep starts feeling like an ever-increasing gallery of expenses. In that case, it might be time to reassess and get something newer. Use the new year for a fresh start and liberate yourself from the restraints of mounting repair costs. The cost-effective elegance of a new vehicle from Melloy Dodge will not only help you enjoy the thrill of driving a reliable machine but also allow you to revel in the financial freedom that comes with reduced maintenance expenses.

Let 2024 guide you toward a well-deserved automotive upgrade. Whether you're seeking reliability, cutting-edge safety features, or a respite from rising maintenance costs, Melloy Dodge is committed to meeting each of our customers' unique needs. Our excellent team of devoted automotive and finance experts is eager to assist you. When you visit our dealership in Albuquerque, you can expect an exceptional automotive experience. So why wait? Embrace a fresh start with a new set of wheels and discover the joy of driving confidently.

December Vehicle Spotlight: 2023 Dodge Challenger

 The Dodge Challenger is a timeless American-made muscle car that has dazzled enthusiasts for decades. It's big, it's fast and it's iconic. It's also the last of a dying breed, as the Challenger will feature an entirely new electric powertrain starting next year. Let's delve into what makes the 2023 Dodge Challenger a standout in the world of performance cars as we bring you information on our December Spotlight Model for Melloy Dodge. Dodge brings five different versions of the Challenger to the market in 2023/2024, detailed below with engine specs: 

1. Challenger SXT: 303-hp, 3.6-liter V-6
2. Challenger GT: 303-hp, 3.6-liter V-6 (slightly different styling over SXT)
3. Challenger R/T: 375-hp, 5.7-liter V-8
4. Challenger Scat Pack: 485-hp, 6.4-liter V-8
5. Challenger Scat Pack Widebody: 485-hp, 6.4-liter V-8

The 2023 Challenger offers a fantastic driving experience that is bound to thrill anyone who loves the open road. The HEMI V-8 versions are the real stars of the lineup, providing unparalleled power that can only be compared to a raging bull. Car and Driver found that the rear-wheel drive V-6 Challenger achieves 19 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. If you opt for all-wheel drive, those numbers will decrease by 1 and 3 mpg, respectively. Challengers with the 5.7-liter V-8 engine are predicted to earn up to 16 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, while the 6.4-liter V-8 engine is rated at 15 mpg in the city and 24 on the highway.

Regarding the interior, the 2023 Challenger stays true to its 1970s versions and can be somewhat basic in appearance but more than makes up for that in its quality. The seats are comfortable, the vehicle is far roomier than competitors, and it offers overall decent trunk/cargo space. It also features an advanced infotainment display with various driver assistance options.

The Challenger has fourteen different color options, so there is something for everybody's taste. These include Destroyer Gray, F8 Green, Frostbite, Granite, Octane Red, B5 Blue, Pitch-Black, Sublime, Plum Crazy, Triple Nickel, TorRed, Go Mango, White Knuckle and Sinamon Stick. Each 2023 Challenger also comes with a commemorative "Last Call" badge under the hood to indicate its final year of production. Purchasing a “Last Call” Challenger also gives you the opportunity to own a modern piece of muscle car history. Relive the legacy and look out for one of six special edition builds taking over the streets in the same fashion as their ancestors.

Overall, the Challenger is a good choice for people who seek a 'street demon' with classic styling and impressive power. Please take advantage of your chance to experience it, as Melloy Dodge, your Albuquerque Dodge dealer, has many models to choose from! Please browse our inventory or stop in for a test drive today!

The Incoming 2025 RAM Facelift

A little under a year from now, 2025 RAMs will be available with a new look and feel. Their much-anticipated facelift will mark its first since 2019. Stellantis promises that the new RAM trucks will provide a superior driving experience for both truck enthusiasts and everyday drivers. The truck will stand out on the road with an updated blend of power, style, and technology. Here is the down low:

Powertrain

Hemi V-8 fans don't be alarmed at the engine's exclusion in 2025, as its replacement more than makes up for it. The 2025 RAM 1500 will feature the impressive Hurricane twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine. The engine, found in the current Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer, produces 420 horsepower and 469 pound-feet of torque in its base format. However, the high-output version of the engine boasts a rating of 540 horsepower and 521 pound-feet of torque. With the Hurricane, the 2025 RAM 1500s will be able to tow 11,580 lbs., slightly down from current models but still more than enough to hold their own in the class.

Exterior Updates

Exterior updates will be minor, staying true to the RAM’s aesthetic and timeless design but noticeable enough to please truck enthusiasts. The grille won't undergo many changes but add to the truck's commanding road presence with a larger one with fewer trim pieces when compared to older models. A new style of headlamps will come standard, along with a power tailgate that drivers can control with their key fob.

Interior Updates

Stepping inside the 2025 RAM truck refresh reveals a tech-savvy interior designed with the modern driver in mind. The infotainment system will be significantly improved with a 12.0-inch or new 14.5-inch central touchscreen that seamlessly connects with any smartphone. A unique passenger screen will also be included, which will display exterior camera angles and navigation information. The seating will remain ergonomic and comfortable, ensuring a pleasant ride no matter the distance.

With the upcoming RAM truck refresh, drivers can expect to bring a perfect fusion of aesthetics, power, and technology, making it a standout vehicle in its class. With cutting-edge features and advanced engineering, the 2025 RAM 1500 is poised to take the brand to new heights, setting new benchmarks for drivers looking for a truck with power, comfort, and convenience. Melloy Dodge will update you on the latest information and features for the 2025 Ram 1500 closer to release. As the release date approaches, customers can expect more detailed information about the truck's features, specifications, and capabilities. They will also be informed about the anticipated arrival dates of the new RAM 1500 on the dealership's lot.