Drive out of Saint Croix Falls in any direction and the road tilts. US 8 drops toward the St. Croix River bridge, back roads climb through Polk County woods, and one January snowfall can change a commute overnight. A Jeep is built for exactly that mix. The Jeep Wrangler is the obvious first stop, with a removable top and a true 4x4 system. Want that attitude plus a bed for bikes and coolers on the way to Interstate State Park or the Gandy Dancer Trail? Test drive the Jeep Gladiator.

Most local families spend more time on pavement than on trails, and for them the Jeep Grand Cherokee makes the most sense. It is one of the models we stock in the largest numbers, and the longer Grand Cherokee L gives you a third row for the carpool. For something smaller to park in town, look at the Compass or the Cherokee. For maximum space and towing, see the Grand Wagoneer.

A tip from the sales floor: drive the Wrangler on the highway before you commit, because its ride differs from a crossover. And 4x4 helps you get moving on ice, not stop on it, so budget for good winter tires.

Contractors, farm families, anglers and campers across Polk and Barron counties all want a truck that starts in the cold and pulls without drama. The Ram 1500 is the workhorse of our new inventory and the model you will see most often when you browse. Pick it when one truck has to commute, haul mulch, tow a boat and carry the family on Saturday.

Configuration matters more than brand. Cab size, bed length, axle ratio and engine all change what a truck can tow and carry, and the big number in a brochure belongs to one specific build. Our team can match a build to your trailer.

Pulling a fifth wheel or a gooseneck? Step up to a Ram 2500 or 3500 Heavy Duty. On a budget, look used: the used Ram page leans heavily toward the 1500, and our used trucks page adds Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-150 and GMC Sierra trade-ins.

Dodge for people who still enjoy driving

The new-generation Dodge Charger comes as a two-door or a four-door, and the three-row Dodge Durango seats up to seven with real towing strength for families that pull a camper or a fishing boat. Recent used Dodge listings have included the Challenger and Durango.

Chrysler for the carpool

A minivan still beats an SUV for sliding doors in school parking lots. The Chrysler Pacifica offers a polished cabin and room for the carpool, and the Pacifica Hybrid plugs in, so it rewards drivers who can charge at home. On a tighter budget, check the Chrysler Voyager.

Start with your hardest week

Shop for the heaviest trailer, the deepest snowfall and the fullest back seat you will ever carry. If a vehicle handles that, it handles everything else. Write down your tow weight, passenger count, daily miles and where you park, and bring the list.

Features worth paying for

In this climate, four-wheel or all-wheel drive, a factory tow package with a trailer brake controller, heated seats, remote start and blind-spot monitoring tend to earn their price. See our Uconnect page for the infotainment system in Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram vehicles.

Get pre-approved

Complete the secure finance application to learn your budget. Approval and terms hinge on the lender's review of your credit.

Value your trade

Use the trade-in tool for an estimate. We confirm the final number with a quick look in person.

Compare loan and lease

The finance center and our buying vs. leasing guide explain each option. Leasing tends to suit drivers who stay under a set mileage. Buying suits people who drive a lot or keep vehicles long term.

Finish in person

Drive over, sign the paperwork and head home in your vehicle. Call ahead with a stock number so it is ready.

Our service center has certified technicians, and you can book a service visit online for an oil change, new tires, a battery check or a bigger repair. Check service coupons and service specials first.

Wisconsin is hard on vehicles. Before winter, have the battery tested, check tire tread and pressure, and replace worn wipers. Our blog covers winter wiper blades, what a check engine light means and how often to change your oil. See also the advantages of synthetic oil.

Doing your own work? The Mopar parts center can help, and you can order parts and accessories online. Not sure about OEM versus aftermarket? Read our OEM vs. aftermarket parts guide.

Because Rice Lake is about an hour away, book ahead so the trip is a single stop.