What to Expect When Buying or Servicing Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, or Ram at Bob Howard in Oklahoma City

Bob Howard Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram operates in Oklahoma City as a Stellantis franchise dealer, meaning it carries the full lineup of Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and Ram vehicles alongside factory-backed service. This guide covers what separates franchise inventory and pricing from independent dealers, how the service department performs relative to independent shops, and practical steps for buyers and owners in the Oklahoma City metro.

Location and Access

Bob Howard operates on North May Avenue, placing it on the north side of Oklahoma City near mid-range suburban density. North May has lower traffic congestion than Reno or Meridian during peak commute, making service appointments easier to reach than dealers further south. The dealership is roughly equidistant from Edmond and Norman, so buyers from those areas face similar drive times. Street parking at the lot accommodates walk-around inspection; the service lot typically has space during weekday business hours.

Inventory Strategy and Pricing

Franchise dealers receive quarterly allocation from Stellantis based on regional demand forecasts. Bob Howard, as a single-store franchise in Oklahoma City proper, receives smaller allocation than multi-store groups in Dallas or Tulsa, meaning inventory rotation is faster and special-order lead times longer. Ram trucks (1500, 2500, 3500) and Jeep Wranglers tend to remain in stock longer because they move slower in Oklahoma City's market; Chrysler 300 sedans and Dodge Chargers rotate out quickly or come in via customer trade. Pricing on in-stock vehicles typically reflects current manufacturer incentive periods rather than aggressive discounting. Factory-backed financing through Chrysler Capital or manufacturer programs is standard; third-party lender preapproval (from a local credit union or bank) occasionally yields better rates on used inventory than dealer financing.

New Vehicle Lines and Trim Availability

Ram trucks dominate franchise dealer inventory in Oklahoma City because of the region's truck-heavy buyer base. Bob Howard stocks all trim levels of the 1500 (Tradesman, Big Horn, Laramie, Limited, Tungsten), with occasional 2500 Cummins diesel units. Bed length availability is mixed; crew cabs with 5.5-foot beds and quad cabs with 6.5-foot beds are common, but single-cab work trucks are special-order. The 3500 is special-order only and carries a 12-16 week lead time because Stellantis prioritizes higher-trim 1500 production.

Jeep Wrangler and Cherokee models are in stock at varying times; Wrangler inventory (two-door and four-door) shifts with season (higher stock spring through summer). The Gladiator pickup (Jeep's truck platform) is allocated but limited. Wrangler Unlimited four-doors command a 4,000 to 6,000 dollar premium over two-doors on the used market due to local demand; buyers seeking a two-door often negotiate better pricing.

Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger sedans are produced in lower volumes nationally and rarely sit in stock at Oklahoma City dealers. If a buyer wants one, expect 6-8 week factory order. The Dodge Durango SUV is more common and often available; it competes directly with larger Ram trucks for buyer attention in the Oklahoma City metro.

Service Department Operations

Franchise service departments operate under warranty standards and Stellantis technical bulletins, which differ procedurally from independent shops. Bob Howard's service bay performs recall work at no charge (parts and labor), warranty repairs within coverage limits, and paid service (oil changes, transmission fluid, suspension, brake work, electrical diagnostics). Recall notifications arrive via Stellantis mail or email; owners can also check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website by VIN to confirm open recalls before scheduling.

Service advisors at franchise dealers typically require appointment scheduling; walk-in service is available but waits extend to 3-4 hours during peak periods (Tuesday through Thursday mornings). Oil change pricing at franchise dealers typically ranges from 50 to 80 dollars depending on oil grade and filter; independent shops in Oklahoma City often undercut by 10 to 15 dollars. Transmission fluid service, suspension work, and electrical diagnostics are labor-intensive and franchise rates reflect manufacturer-mandated charge codes, so comparison shopping with independent facilities (like those near South Robinson or in Midtown) can yield 15 to 25 percent savings on non-warranty work.

Trade-In and Used Inventory

Bob Howard accepts trade-ins on any make and model; valuations follow NADA Guides adjusted for Oklahoma City market conditions. Used Rams and Jeeps from trade-ins are reconditioned and priced competitively, but pricing is higher than comparable vehicles at independent used-car lots on West Reno Avenue or near the airport corridor, because franchise reconditioning includes mechanical inspection and typically a brief factory-backed warranty. A three-year-old Ram 1500 with 40,000 miles trades at approximately 2,000 to 3,000 dollars more at Bob Howard than at non-franchise dealers, reflecting warranty backing and documented service history.

Practical Steps for Buyers and Owners

Buyers comparing new vehicles should request specific allocation timelines and factory incentive details in writing; Stellantis promotions shift monthly and verbal quotes become invalid when incentives reset. Owners of vehicles still under factory warranty should service at the franchise to preserve coverage; independent shops do not void warranty, but burden of proof in a disputed claim falls on the owner. Owners of out-of-warranty Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, or Ram vehicles are not locked into franchise service; electrical work and transmission service are common reasons to seek estimates from independent shops for cost comparison.

Financing should be reviewed before signing: dealership rates are not always highest, but they are not always lowest. Preapproval from a local credit union (such as those in the Oklahoma City metro) takes one business day and often improves negotiating position on terms.

The takeaway is straightforward: franchise service enforces standards and warranty compliance but charges accordingly. New vehicle inventory, especially Ram trucks, is reliable and typically in stock. Special orders carry Stellantis lead times. Used inventory and trade-in pricing reflect franchise overhead. Owners balancing warranty coverage against service cost should weigh the specific repair need and remaining coverage term, not assume franchise service is necessary beyond warranty expiration.