Tax Season in Vermont: Why Right Now Might Be the Smartest Time to Upgrade Your Vehicle

Tax season is officially here, and for many drivers across Vermont, that means one thing â opportunity.
Whether itâs catching up financially, planning ahead, or finally making a move youâve been putting off, your tax refund can be a powerful tool. And when it comes to your vehicle, timing matters more than most people realize.
đĄ Why Tax Season Is a Strategic Time to Buy
Every year, we see a surge in customers this time of year â and itâs not by accident.
Your tax refund can:
- Help cover or reduce your down payment
- Offset negative equity from your current vehicle
- Lower your monthly payment structure
- Give you flexibility you didnât have just a few months ago
For many drivers, this is the moment where upgrading actually becomes possible.
đ Still Owe on Your Current Vehicle?
One of the biggest misconceptions we hear is:
âI canât trade my vehicle because I still owe money on it.â
The reality is â that doesnât automatically disqualify you.
In many cases:
- Your current loan can be evaluated and paid off as part of the process
- Remaining balances may be included in new financing (with approved credit)
- Lenders offer programs specifically designed for trade-ins with existing loans
Every situation is different, but there are often more options than people expect.
âď¸ Vermont Driving Isnât Getting Easier
Letâs be honest â February and March in the Northeast Kingdom can be some of the toughest driving months of the year.
If your current vehicle is:
- Struggling in snow or mud
- Racking up repair bills
- Lacking the safety or capability you need
âŚit might be time to consider something more reliable and better suited for Vermont roads.
đ§ Itâs Not Just About a New Vehicle â Itâs About Peace of Mind
Upgrading your vehicle isnât just about getting something newer â itâs about:
- Confidence in winter conditions
- Reliability for your daily commute
- Safety for you and your family
- Avoiding unexpected repair costs
Those are things that matter every single day here in Vermont.
đ Here to Help You Explore Your Options
At St. Johnsbury Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we work with drivers from all over the Northeast Kingdom to review their situation and help them understand whatâs possible.
No pressure â just real conversations about:
- Your current vehicle
- Your goals
- And what options may be available to you
If youâve been thinking about making a change, tax season might be your window.
Stop by and see us on Memorial Drive â just over the railroad tracks â or reach out online to get started.
You might have more options than you think.
If youâre thinking about upgrading your vehicle, you might assume spring or summer is the best time to buyâbut here in the Northeast Kingdom, late winter might actually be the smartest move you can make.
At St. Johnsbury Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we see it every yearâsavvy buyers taking advantage of conditions that most people overlook.
âď¸ 1. Less Competition = Better Deals
February and early March are typically quieter months in the auto industry. That means:
- More attention from our team
- More flexibility on pricing
- Better selection before the spring rush
When demand is lower, opportunity is higher for buyers.
đ° 2. Strong Incentives Are Still on the Table
Manufacturers like Jeep, Ram, Chrysler, and Dodge often continue aggressive winter incentives to keep momentum going after the holidays.
That can mean:
- Lower monthly payments
- Bonus cash offers
- Competitive lease programs
These programs are designed to move inventory before new seasonal demand kicks inâand that benefits you.
đ 3. Trade-In Values Are Still Holding Strong
Used vehicle demand remains high, especially for:
- Trucks
- AWD SUVs
- Reliable winter-ready vehicles
If youâve been thinking about trading in your current vehicle, you may be sitting on more equity than you realize.
đť 4. Test Vehicles in Real Vermont Conditions
Buying in winter gives you a major advantageâyou get to experience:
- True cold starts
- Snow handling
- 4×4 and AWD performance
- Heated seats, steering wheels, and remote start in action
Thereâs no better way to know if a vehicle fits your lifestyle than testing it in the exact conditions you drive in every day.
âł 5. Beat the Spring Buying Rush
Once the snow starts to melt, the market heats up fast. More buyers enter the market, and inventory starts moving quickly.
Shopping now allows you to:
- Lock in a great deal
- Avoid limited selection
- Take your time making the right decision
đ Shop Local. Drive Confident.
At St. Johnsbury Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, weâre proud to help drivers from across Vermont and New Hampshire find the right vehicle for their needsâwhether itâs a rugged Jeep for the back roads, a powerful Ram truck for the job site, or a safe, comfortable SUV for your family.
đ Conveniently located on Memorial Drive, just past the railroad tracks
đ Call us at 802-748-5777
đ Visit us online anytime at stjohnsburycdjr.com
đ¨ Bottom Line
If youâve been waiting for the âright timeâ to buyâthis might be it.
Late winter gives you the perfect combination of value, selection, and real-world testing conditions you simply wonât get any other time of year.
Spring is just around the corner in the Northeast Kingdom, and St. Johnsbury is gearing up for a lineup of community events, arts, and seasonal highlights that make the heart of Vermont a great place to live, visit, and explore.
đ Kingdom Maple Festival â Saturday, April 18, 2026
Mark your calendars! Downtown St. Johnsbury will come alive with sweet celebration during the Kingdom Maple Festival, honoring the regionâs deep maple syrup heritage. Expect:
- Pancake breakfasts
- Sweet street fairs
- Maple-inspired menus at local restaurants
- Family-friendly activities and more
This event celebrates a staple of Vermont culture â the taste and craft of maple â and itâs perfect for folks of all ages. Kingdom Maple Festival
đś Live Arts & Music with Catamount Arts
The long-running cultural organization Catamount Arts continues to host a vibrant schedule of film screenings, live concerts, and community arts events throughout late winter and early spring. Highlights include:
- Live music performances (from blues to jazz to indie)
- Art installations and open studios
- Opera and theater shows heading into March and April
- Bluegrass Night and classical performances later in the season
Whether you’re a music lover or just want a night out with friends, Catamount Arts keeps the calendar full and engaging. Catamount Arts
đ¨ Community Art & Film Experiences
Catamount Arts isnât all music â thereâs also:
- Community-created art installations
- Classic and contemporary film showings
- Family-friendly programming like Moana 2 and more
St. Johnsburyâs arts scene is a hidden gem in the NEK, bringing world-class culture to a small-town setting.
đť Music in the Gallery at the Athenaeum
Grab lunch and enjoy local tunes! The Athenaeum Music in the Art Gallery series continues through the spring with free concerts showcasing singer-songwriters and local talent every third Friday at 1 p.m. â a great way to experience art and music in one historic space. St Johnsbury Athenaeum
đ Community-centric Activities through Spring
Even standard weekly events around town have new life in 2026 â from story times and book clubs to socials and meetups at the Athenaeum and local libraries â giving residents ways to connect, learn, and gather.
Why This Matters to Our Community
St. Johnsbury isnât just a place â itâs a calendar of experiences. From festivals that celebrate local industries, to arts and music that bring us together, to smaller community gatherings that build bonds, spring in the NEK offers fresh reasons to enjoy what makes this place special.
Whether youâre planning a weekend out with family, looking for date-night ideas, or just exploring the area more deeply, nowâs a great time to be in the heart of Vermontâs arts and culture.
Stay tuned for more seasonal guides â weâll keep you posted on summer events, calendar highlights, and opportunities to get involved in the community.



When the world tuned in to watch the 2026 Winter Games, the Northeast Kingdom tuned in with something extra â pride.
Mikaela Shiffrin captured another Olympic gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics, further cementing her legacy as one of the greatest alpine ski racers in history. But here in Vermont â especially in the Northeast Kingdom â her victory feels personal.
A Champion with NEK Roots
While Mikaela was born in Colorado, her development as a world-class athlete is deeply tied to Burke Mountain Academy in East Burke, Vermont.
Burke Mountain Academy isnât just a school â itâs a training ground for elite ski racers. Nestled in the heart of the NEK, it has built a reputation for producing Olympic and World Cup talent. Mikaela trained here during her formative years and graduated from the academy, sharpening the technical precision and mental toughness that would later define her career.
Those early mornings on Burke Mountain.
Those frigid Vermont training days.
The discipline, repetition, and relentless pursuit of improvement.
Thatâs where champions are built.
2026 Winter Olympic Gold
At the 2026 Winter Games, Mikaela delivered yet again â standing atop the podium with a gold medal around her neck. Her performance was vintage Shiffrin: technically flawless, composed under pressure, and fueled by years of preparation.
For the students currently training at Burke Mountain Academy, her win is more than just a highlight on TV â itâs proof that greatness can come from right here in the Northeast Kingdom.
Why This Matters to Our Community
Here in St. Johnsbury and across the NEK, we understand hard work. We understand grit. And we know what Vermont winters demand.
Mikaela Shiffrinâs journey is a reminder that:
- World-class success can start in small towns.
- Dedication and discipline matter.
- The Northeast Kingdom produces excellence.
Her gold medal isnât just a personal achievement â itâs a point of pride for East Burke, St. Johnsbury, and all of Northern Vermont.
From the slopes of Burke Mountain to the Olympic podium, her story represents the very best of what our region stands for. WCAX Mikaela Shiffrin
Congratulations, Mikaela â the NEK is cheering for you. đĽ



Thereâs something different about a morning in the Northeast Kingdom.
The sun comes up a little slower. The air feels a little crisper. And the pace? Itâs steady â not rushed.
Early Morning in St. J
By 6:30 a.m., lights are on in kitchens across St. Johnsbury. Coffee is brewing. Plow trucks are finishing their routes if it snowed overnight. School buses are warming up.
Downtown, Main Street begins to stir. Small businesses flip their signs to âOpen.â Delivery trucks make their stops. Commuters head toward Littleton, Lyndonville, or across town â often navigating frost heaves, back roads, or fresh snow.
Itâs not glamorous. But itâs real.
Midday Momentum
By late morning, job sites are active. Local contractors are building, fixing, improving. Farmers are tending to livestock. Service bays are full. Classrooms are busy.
The NEK doesnât stop because itâs cold.
It doesnât stop because itâs mud season.
It doesnât stop because the road isnât perfect.
Thatâs the Northeast Kingdom mindset.
Afternoon Community
In the afternoon, youâll see:
- Parents lining up for school pickup
- High school practices kicking off
- Neighbors stopping to talk in parking lots
- Snowmobiles or side-by-sides heading out depending on the season
Life here is layered. Work blends with family. Business blends with community.
Evening in the Kingdom
By evening, the roads quiet down. Porch lights glow. The sky opens up in a way you just donât see in bigger cities.
The Northeast Kingdom isnât defined by skyscrapers or traffic. Itâs defined by people who work hard, take pride in where they live, and value relationships over transactions.
Every day in the NEK tells a story â of resilience, community, and forward motion.
And whether youâre commuting to work, hauling equipment, heading to practice, or just driving home after a long day, life here requires reliability.
Thatâs what makes the Northeast Kingdom special. Itâs not flashy. Itâs authentic.
And this day â just like every day here â is proof of that.
Why Buying Local Matters: The Advantage of Choosing St. Johnsbury Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
In todayâs world of online car shopping and out-of-state mega dealerships, it can be tempting to chase the lowest advertised price hundreds of miles away. But when it comes to purchasing and servicing your vehicle, where you buy matters just as much as what you buy.
At St. Johnsbury Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we believe buying local isnât just a transaction â itâs a long-term relationship.
1. We Understand Vermont Driving
Living in the Northeast Kingdom means real winters, muddy back roads, steep hills, and unpredictable weather. You need a vehicle built for Vermont â and properly equipped for it.
Whether itâs:
- Jeep 4×4 systems built for snow-covered back roads
- RAM trucks that can tow, haul, and handle job sites year-round
- All-weather tire recommendations and undercoating protection
We donât just sell these vehicles â we drive them here too.
2. Service After the Sale Actually Matters
Anyone can sell a vehicle. The real test is what happens after delivery.
When you purchase from us:
- You have a full factory-trained service department ready to support you.
- We help coordinate warranty coverage and manufacturer support.
- You have a local team that knows your name â not a 1-800 number.
If something goes wrong, youâre not calling a dealership three states away. Youâre stopping by Memorial Drive and speaking directly with a team that stands behind what we sell.
3. We Support the Community That Supports Us
When you buy local, your money stays local.
We proudly support:
- Local schools and athletics
- Community events and fundraisers
- Local charities and organizations
- Vermont small businesses
Being part of the St. Johnsbury community isnât marketing for us â itâs who we are.
4. Transparency and Reputation Matter
Weâre proud to have earned a 4.7-star rating and multiple Top Rated Dealer recognitions because we focus on transparency, communication, and doing the right thing.
In a small community, reputation is everything. We work hard every day to earn it.
5. Long-Term Value Over Short-Term Price
Out-of-market pricing may look appealing online â but hidden fees, transport costs, service inconvenience, and lack of local support often eliminate that âsavings.â
When you buy from St. Johnsbury CDJR, youâre investing in:
- Ongoing support
- Service relationship
- Local accountability
- Real people who care about your experience
The Bottom Line
Buying a vehicle is one of the largest purchases most families make. It shouldnât feel transactional â it should feel confident.
At St. Johnsbury Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, weâre here before, during, and long after the sale.
If youâre considering your next Jeep or RAM, stop by and see us on Memorial Drive â just past the railroad tracks â or visit us online to explore our inventory.
Weâre proud to serve Vermont drivers. And weâre here for the long haul.
What Makes the Jeep Brand Perfect for Vermont?



Vermont isnât just a place you drive â itâs a place you explore. From snow-covered backroads in January to mud season in March and foliage drives in October, driving here demands capability, durability, and confidence.
Thatâs exactly why the Jeep brand fits Vermont so well.
1ď¸âŁ Real 4×4 Capability â Not Just AWD Marketing
Many vehicles advertise âall-wheel drive.â Jeep builds true 4×4 systems engineered for low-traction environments.
Models like the Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Grand Cherokee feature:
- Available low-range gearing
- Selec-TerrainÂŽ traction management systems
- Hill Descent Control
- Locking differentials (on select trims)
When youâre climbing an icy hill in St. Johnsbury or navigating an unplowed class 4 road in the Northeast Kingdom, that engineering matters.
2ď¸âŁ Ground Clearance for Mud Season & Back Roads
Vermont roads arenât always pavement â and even when they are, frost heaves and potholes are part of life.
Jeep vehicles are designed with:
- Higher ride height
- Off-road suspension geometry
- Skid plate protection (available)
That extra clearance makes a difference during mud season or when accessing camp roads, hunting land, or lake properties.
3ď¸âŁ Built for Vermont Winters
Heated seats. Heated steering wheels. Remote start. Heavy-duty defrosters.
Jeep interiors are engineered for cold-weather climates. Pair that with available 4×4 systems and winter-rated tires, and you get year-round confidence â not just summer convenience.
For many Vermonters, a Jeep isnât a luxury. Itâs a tool.
4ď¸âŁ Towing for Real Vermont Lifestyles
Vermont drivers donât just commute. They tow:
- Snowmobile trailers
- Fishing boats
- Utility trailers
- Small campers
The Jeep Gladiator and properly equipped Grand Cherokee models offer serious towing capacity while still delivering everyday drivability.
5ď¸âŁ It Matches the Vermont Mindset
Thereâs also something less technical â and just as important.
Jeep represents:
- Independence
- Adventure
- Self-reliance
- Community
Whether itâs the Jeep wave on a back road or a trail ride through Vermontâs mountains, Jeep ownership aligns with the lifestyle many Vermonters already live.
6ď¸âŁ Four Seasons. One Vehicle.
Spring mud.
Summer lake trips.
Fall foliage drives.
Winter snowstorms.
A Jeep is engineered to handle all four â without compromise.
Why This Matters for Our Customers
Here at St. Johnsbury Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we see it every day. Customers arenât buying a Jeep because it looks good in a brochure. Theyâre buying it because Vermont demands capability.
If you live in the Northeast Kingdom, Littleton, or anywhere in the surrounding mountain towns, you already know â your vehicle needs to work as hard as you do.
And thatâs where Jeep delivers.
đ Weâre a 5-Time CARFAX Top-Rated Dealer â And We Couldnât Have Done It Without You

At St. Johnsbury Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we believe reputation is earned â one customer, one vehicle, and one experience at a time. Thatâs why we are incredibly proud to announce that we have been recognized as a 5-Time Top-Rated Dealer by CARFAX, with an outstanding 4.7-star customer rating.
This recognition isnât something you can buy. Itâs based entirely on verified customer reviews. It reflects real experiences from real people who have trusted us with one of the biggest purchases theyâll make â their vehicle.
What Does a CARFAX Top-Rated Dealer Award Mean?
The CARFAX Top-Rated Dealer Award is given only to dealerships that consistently deliver exceptional customer experiences and maintain high verified review scores. To earn this distinction five times means:
- We consistently provide transparent pricing and honest communication
- We stand behind the vehicles we sell
- Our service department delivers dependable, high-quality work
- Our customers feel confident recommending us to friends and family
A 4.7-star rating doesnât happen by accident. It happens because our team is committed to doing things the right way â every single day.
Built on Trust, Transparency & Community
Weâre proud to serve drivers from St. Johnsbury, throughout the Northeast Kingdom, and across Vermont and New Hampshire. Whether you’re shopping for a new Jeep, RAM, Dodge, or Chrysler â or trusting us with your service and maintenance â our goal is simple:
Deliver a dealership experience that exceeds expectations.
Being recognized five times by CARFAX validates what matters most to us:
â Customer satisfaction
â Ethical business practices
â Long-term relationships
â Community commitment
Thank You to Our Customers
This award belongs to you â our customers. Your reviews, your feedback, and your loyalty are the reason weâve earned this honor five times.
If youâve worked with our team, thank you for trusting St. Johnsbury CDJR.
If you havenât yet, we invite you to come experience the difference for yourself. Carfax
Weâre located on Memorial Drive in St. Johnsbury â just past the railroad tracks â and weâre ready to help you with your next vehicle purchase or service visit.
The History of St. Johnsbury, Vermont
A Town Built on Industry, Innovation, and Community


Nestled in the heart of Vermontâs Northeast Kingdom, St. Johnsbury is more than just a scenic New England town â itâs a place shaped by innovation, hard work, and deep community pride.
At St. Johnsbury Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, weâre proud to call this historic town home. Hereâs a look at how it all began.
Early Settlement and Growth
St. Johnsbury was chartered in 1760 by New Hampshire Governor Benning Wentworth, but it wasnât until the late 1700s that settlers began establishing farms and small mills along the Passumpsic River.
The townâs real transformation came in the 19th century when industry and railroads turned St. Johnsbury into one of Vermontâs most important economic centers.
The Fairbanks Legacy
No conversation about St. Johnsbury history is complete without mentioning the Fairbanks family.
In the early 1800s, Thaddeus Fairbanks developed and manufactured the platform scale â an invention that revolutionized commerce across America. The success of Fairbanks Scales brought national attention and economic growth to the region.
The familyâs impact extended far beyond manufacturing. They funded schools, libraries, and cultural institutions â most notably the world-renowned Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, which still stands as one of Vermontâs most treasured attractions.
The Railroad Era
By the mid-1800s, St. Johnsbury became known as the âRailroad Center of Northern New England.â
With multiple rail lines intersecting in town, goods moved efficiently throughout the Northeast. This railroad expansion fueled business growth, population increases, and positioned St. Johnsbury as a commercial powerhouse in Vermont.
Even today, the townâs layout and infrastructure reflect its railroad roots.
Education and Culture
St. Johnsbury has long valued education and community enrichment. St. Johnsbury Academy, founded in 1842, remains one of the most respected independent schools in New England.
The Academy, along with the Athenaeum and the Fairbanks Museum, helped shape St. Johnsbury into a cultural hub that balanced industry with intellectual growth.
St. Johnsbury Today
While the railroads no longer dominate the economy, St. Johnsbury remains a vibrant town known for:
- Strong local businesses
- Community events and festivals
- Scenic Northeast Kingdom beauty
- A deep sense of neighbor helping neighbor
From historic Main Street to Memorial Drive â just over the railroad tracks â St. J continues to blend tradition with progress.
Why Weâre Proud to Be Here
At St. Johnsbury Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we donât just sell vehicles here â weâre part of this communityâs story.
Just like the generations before us who built, farmed, innovated, and led this town forward, we believe in:
- Hard work
- Integrity
- Long-term relationships
- Investing in our local community
St. Johnsbury isnât just where we do business. Itâs home.


