[Buddha]

Greetings from Salt Lake City. Ordered my Rebel a few weeks ago and picked it up yesterday. Total time from order to pick up was 19 days. Love in so many ways. Here are my specs:

2016 Flame Red/Black Crystal Ram Rebel 1500 Crew Cab 4X4

Options:

• Engine: 5.7-Liter V8 Hemi MDS VVT
• Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic 8HP70
• Anti-Spin Differential Rear Axle
• Luxury Group
• Protection Group
• Remote Start and Security Alarm Group
• Keyless Enter 'n Go
• Trailer Tow Mirror and Brake Control Group
• Rear Camera and Park Assist Group
• 32-Gallon Fuel Tank
• Uconnect 8.4n
• 9 Alpine Speakers with Subwoofer
• Rear Window Defroster
• Spray-In Bedliner

Base Price: $45,100
Total Price with Options: $52,130
Out the door price paid: $45,048 (Final negotiated price of $41,463 + $3,585 in taxes)


I made one big mistake when ordering it by not specifically requesting the Rebel Instrument Cluster. They are looking in to how to upgrade this, but it isn't a simple request at the parts counter but one that may involve shipping the truck back (!), so keep this in mind when getting your truck. Other than that, I love it! I've got 75 miles on it so far, so still braking her in. Can't wait to upgrade some parts but overall a very complete truck.

I'll be on here quite a bit and I'm excited to see what others do with their trucks!


Ben (Buddha)

 

[Delta]

hey man welcome and congrats!!

 

[TheGreatRam]

Congrats and a bit amazed at the 19 days for shipping. Good luck with the cluster too!

 

[Arkhams Finest]

Congrads from a Rebel owner in the neighboring state of Idaho. Sounds like you got a good deal on your truck and welcome to the forum.

 

[RAMageddon]

Thanks for the heads up on the instrument cluster since i'm sure to a lot of people it can seem like a quick plug an play thing when it's probably far more intricate than that.

Did they at least give an estimated turn around time for the Rebel cluster install?

 

[varnerme]

I was bummed about the Rebel cluster when I picked mine up, but haven't thought much about it since. It's an awesome truck!

 

[Buddha]

Hopefully this will serve as a cautionary tale. Read your build order. Than READ IT again! It is indeed more intricate that simply plugging it in. It's one of the steps that must be performed and tested on the build line, so your local parts desk, won't get it for sometime, and even then, may not know how to install it. It's gonna cost me a pretty penny (in the $900 range). Make fun of me for being a fool and ordering too quick, but use this situation as an example of what not to do. Get exactly what you want and compromise nowhere. I'll keep you all updated on the progress, but as mentioned, this may need to go back to the manufacture.

 

[RAMageddon]

Hopefully this will serve as a cautionary tale. Read your build order. Than READ IT again! It is indeed more intricate that simply plugging it in. It's one of the steps that must be performed and tested on the build line, so your local parts desk, won't get it for sometime, and even then, may not know how to install it. It's gonna cost me a pretty penny (in the $900 range). Make fun of me for being a fool and ordering too quick, but use this situation as an example of what not to do. Get exactly what you want and compromise nowhere. I'll keep you all updated on the progress, but as mentioned, this may need to go back to the manufacture.

Indeed, not all sales people will point out what we should get, might be a small portion of them that push us to get the Rebel cluster, it's however one of those things that need to be pushed unlike the others. Rather have what makes for a complete looking cabin.

 

[Shewpan]

hey man congrats and welcome, get some pics up!

 

[Buddha]

The dealership and FCA have agreed to replace the cluster with the 2016 Rebel edition for $175 (same price as the build upgrade), and $50 for the labor (it was my mistake). I'm happy with the resolution but the part is back-ordered for 30-45 days! After talking with the service guys, it appears most of the unique parts for the Rebel are back-ordered. Again, it was my mistake, so I'm still very happy overall.

 

[Buddha]

Also, thanks for the warm welcome guys!!!!

 

[Gravey]

If you don't mind me asking, I'm going through the same thing with my Rebel. I too will admit it was an oversight but did you only push this through the dealer or did you contact FCA directly. Currently I have been in contact with my dealer and FCA and did catch it within 72hrs of taking possession of the truck but they are still keeping me on the hook for $1000 and potentially the $500 dollar core charge; just wanted to know how you got them to anti-up.

 

[RAMageddon]

If you don't mind me asking, I'm going through the same thing with my Rebel. I too will admit it was an oversight but did you only push this through the dealer or did you contact FCA directly. Currently I have been in contact with my dealer and FCA and did catch it within 72hrs of taking possession of the truck but they are still keeping me on the hook for $1000 and potentially the $500 dollar core charge; just wanted to know how you got them to anti-up.

That might partially depend on who you deal with since some folks will give you the short end of the stick and others try to get you the best deal.

 

[Buddha]

I noticed it within a minute of sitting in my new truck. To me the cluster is a trim feature that should be included in the Rebel trim, and frankly, all Rebel owners should be pissed off to hear that they are trying to pull something like this. I would have noticed it on the build order if I thought for one second that I HAD to look for it. They went to great measures to make this trucks interior and exterior different and distinct from the other 1500's, then throw in a mid-line EVIC at the last second to save a few bucks. The advertising is misleading as well since it makes no mention of the cluster and no pictures show the mid-line EVIC, they all show the Rebel specific cluster. One of the packages is even listed as "luxury" and it makes it seem like the interior is at the manufacturers top level.

Be persuasive, state your case to the sales person. If that doesn't result in an equitable solution then politely insist that your case be heard by a senior level manager at the dealership. If that fails, as it did in my case, then document who you spoke with and go right to FCA attn: Complaints Department. The sooner you let them know the better. The old cluster absolutely cheapened the entire experience and I let them know that. And, frankly, everyone at the dealership agreed with me. In the letter, state your case and what steps you've taken to resolve the issue. Then, mention a date you would like to hear back from them by (be reasonable - as in a few weeks), then state your intentions as to the next steps if not resolved to your satisfaction. No need to ever be a jerk, do NOT blame anyone, and NEVER lose your cool.

As I mentioned earlier in the post - I built the truck. I chose what packages to include, what options I wanted. The blame for my missing cluster falls on me. I love my dealership! Not many people can say that, but they are awesome. They give me great service, discount all my parts, and are just fun to shoot the breeze with. We're all Jeepers or Mopar fans, and I've spent time on the trail with them. My frustration throughout this lies with FCA. If you create a Rebel truck, you put Rebel badges everywhere, then include the f'ing Rebel cluster.

PS. I LOVE MY TRUCK!!!!!!

 

[Buddha]

Whoops, got stuck on my soapbox and forgot to actually offer up my resolution. After the letter to FCA, a nice woman named JoAnne called me from FCA and said they would approve the swap at my dealership and that she hopes I enjoy my new truck. Part won't be here until right before Christmas, but I figured I wouldn't press my luck and happily said "thank you for all your help."

 

[Gravey]

I have sent three positive/professional emails expressing my dissatisfaction with the instrument cluster to FCA also am maintaining verbal contact with dealer covering exactly what you stated as it does cheapen the trucks image. I too will take full responsibility for missing it but if I can save at least one person from making this mistake than the time to write this has been well served. I'll keep you posted to see if there will be any resolution, might have to search out JoAnne.

 

[johnj]

Buddha, good recommendations on writing the letter. I can speak from direct experience: If the letter is positive or even frustrated/unhappy sounding, most customer service departments will do their best to help, and they often have a lot of leeway in what they can do.

But - if there are any kinds of "threats" perceived by the reader of the letter, such as possible litigation or arbitration, that's a red flag to send it off to the lawyers to review. That means delays (possibly very long), possible refusal, and far more frustration for the vehicle owner.

 

[KYRebel]

Has the dealer installed the new cluster yet? I'm going through the same thing with mine.

 

[Rebel01]

You had me in a panic, I couldn't remember if mine said that it had the Rebel cluster as well so I had to hurry and go check my build to make sure it did. Thankfully it does.
I am also in Utah, we will have to take them out some time and go play.

 

[Buddha]

Has the dealer installed the new cluster yet? I'm going through the same thing with mine.

Hey KYRebel, I'm sorry to hear it. The cluster issue was finally resolved with the dealership eating whatever the actual cost is. It's still on back order, but should be here in the next few weeks. You will here them claim that it's tied to the VIN and there's nothing they can do about it. That is mostly BS. As I mentioned earlier in the thread, get FCA involved if you can, as dealers always seem to have canned answers when they don't want to do the work. I hope it works out for you.