Would you still buy a Chrysler?
By Jason Buckland, Sympatico / MSN Finance
Mexico City, at least, has to be happy about this one.
The dominant story in yesterday’s headlines – of course – was Chrysler’s filing for bankruptcy protection and, while it gives Mexico a breather from constant reports the swine flu has turned its signature city into a bonafide ghost town, it also raises a key question for the auto maker going forward.
Would anyone actually buy a Chrysler at this point?
Barry Obama seemed pretty confident in the auto giant’s long-term success in his national address Wednesday night, but that hardly means much for the average customer puttying the idea of buying a car around in his hands.
The only thing worse than Chrysler’s sales seems to be its line-up of cars which, aside from the 300 and, I guess, the Town & Country, doesn’t exactly offer a set of wheels anyone will be jealous they didn’t get their hands on first.
But, perhaps remarkably, Chrysler dealers aren’t worried.
The Star reports business was as usual (likely, as usually slow) at dealerships across the GTA just after news broke that the company’s U.S. division had filed for Chapter 11.
Customers apparently didn’t care – “It doesn’t bug me,” said one – and dealers were content to put on a happy face no matter what the outlook.
To be fair, the dealers don’t have reason to switch careers just yet. Not only are local plants expected to stay open, but salesmen have the crutch that all warranties from new cars will be backed by the government, whatever state Chrysler finds itself in.
“In an era of government co-ownership,” the Star writes, “no one should worry about sending documents over to Queen’s Park or out to Ottawa simply to get repairs done under warranties.”
So, that’s going in the auto maker’s favour. But, again, this brings us back to our original question.
Most of the cars that seem to come off Chrysler lots aren’t exactly Chryslers, at least in their traditional sense. Dodge appears to have a more successful line with more desirable vehicles, and Jeep owners would rather make love to an electrical socket than be caught driving anything else. Yet is the Jeep Fraternity enough to keep things going?
Would you consider buying a Chrysler?
Posted by: Wylie E Coyote | May 1, 2021 8:17:06 PM
Not a chance.
Posted by: Wally ProJapan | May 1, 2021 8:21:21 PM
I had three Chrysler Vans since 1989 each next one worst than one before. I would call them "overpriced below average"
Finaly I got Dodge SX thinking about fuel efficiency. I do not complain about fuel efficiency but since I bought it in 2003 I spent over $5K on repairs. Recently $2.5K for replacing all the front drive shafts and "stuff" at only 150 K km. Unheard in case of any car from Japan.
I owe $7K and the value now is about $2.5K
If anybody expect me to buy a car from people that make $49, $50, $60 an hour while I am making $24, think again. If they were good quality I would think about it but I think there is no hope no matter how big the bail out is.
I say close them and let Japan, Korea open few more plants in North America. This will solve employment problems, help get rid off Union (read Maffia) and put good quality, decent priced cars in the hands of Americans and Canadians. We deserve better.
Posted by: drew | May 1, 2021 8:32:18 PM
i owned a minivan and when the transmission broke 5,000km out of warranty and they said too bad, even when they new the transmissions were bad, screw em, hope they all end up unemployed. i have bought japanese ever since and will keep doing so.
GOOD BYE CHRYSLER
i got the last laugh
Posted by: drew | May 1, 2021 8:36:58 PM
NO, my minivan transmission cost me lots of money
Good bye Chrysler
i got the last laugh
Posted by: Derrick Fredericks | May 1, 2021 8:41:33 PM
Having bought a 1999 Chrysler Intrepid and really cared for this vehicle, I would definitely NOT buy another dodge or chysler. It's not so much the assembly line but the engineers skimp on quality materials and the 2.7 L engine was flawed. I faithfully changed my oil and kept up on my maintenance but the engine started to burn oil around the 175K mark, far too early. The poor assembly line workers however take the hit, it's the design engineers that brought the demise of the company, and then the CAW for the greed. I since moved to Mazda and I will not go back to any NA product, sorry fella`.
cheers
Posted by: Freddy | May 1, 2021 8:44:55 PM
Junk, junk, junk. That's my perception and experience with chrysler products, Drove a PT cruiser as a rental - What could anyone like about that car? I could find nothing good about that car. Drove a caliber as a rental - cheap, plus that CVT didn't drive that pleasantly. Also drove a Caravan as a rental - OK if you have 7 people to haul around and I guess they're cheap to buy. The only one that seemed decent was my buddy's Ram Quad cab with a Hemi. Great for hauling the snowmobiles around but I'm betting the majority of people really don't need a full size truck with a thirsty Hemi under the hood. Good luck Chrysler. Time to bring some truly attractive and competitive vehicles to the market. That's all that it boils down to. Product Product Product. It doesn't hurt if they're reliable also. Did I mention I work for Toyota?
Posted by: OJB | May 1, 2021 8:46:45 PM
Yes when ALFA ROMEO is on the market better than BMW and Mercedes
I owend all them Alfa is the best
Posted by: Mel | May 1, 2021 8:50:53 PM
I've owned one Chrysler product, acclaim, and had nothing but problems. The dealership was less then helpful and the resale value was awful. I've owned a Honda for the last five years and will buy another import. Great car, reliable, and the resale value is excellent. Chrysler's are cheaply build and not as reliable as imports. Also, the unions are killing the big three. Like one other person wrote, " I would rather walk than drive or be driven in a Chrysler product."
Posted by: real canuck | May 1, 2021 8:51:51 PM
Stevecanuck get real. Why don't you move to Japan so you can support them even more! You sound jealous of the CAW, which are the most generous union in the world!!!! Keep buying made in china / japan....and when you lose your job, you might realize why. Support Canada, you live here!! If you don't like it, g t f o!!
Posted by: Sly | May 1, 2021 8:57:37 PM
Hi, I own a 96 intrepid, i did all the regular mantice on it, had no problem, love the car, and i also own a rebiult 1970 dodge charger , i would live in it before i sell it, hope that Chrysler and Fiat do well, chrysler have some nice models, and some are not, been a chrysler fan all my life, own alot of them, and for all the workers , make this the last time this companie gets into trouble, you got the tool to do it, Sly
Posted by: Pat | May 1, 2021 9:14:59 PM
When will the anger towards auto workers switch to Government workers???????????????
Just ask your Government , at all levels, what their workers are paid, salaries and benifits. You will be shocked!!!!!!!!!!!!! and angered to no end. The real problem with this recession is the wages and benifits that are being paid to Governments workers. The Governments in Canada better start looking at themselves as the real problem. Who is going to cut their wages and benifits??????
Start calling your elected Government Officials and put them on notice that we expect the Government to review the wages and benifits that they pay to their workers in light of what is happening to none Government workers. IT TIME TO REDUCE THE WAGES AND BENIFITS FOR ALL GOVERNMENT WORKERS!!!!!! CALL YOUR MPP AND DEMAND WAGE AND BENIFIT CUTS TO GOVERNMENT WORKERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Gordo | May 1, 2021 9:15:07 PM
Now that the unions are going to be an owner, perhaps the quality the quality will go up. Chrysler was good until about model year 2000. After that, it seemed to have gone downhill. I blame a lot of factors including Mercedes. I worked in a Chrysler dealership from 1998 - 2005. I bought a 97 Neon & a 98 Stratus. Both vehicles were good cars. Every manufacturer has problems, GM & Mopar are at the forefront because of the financial shape they are in. That you can blame both the unions & management for that!
Posted by: Jerry Mac | May 1, 2021 9:26:52 PM
Was repeat WAS a General Motors owner since 1966,had one plymouth...the older models were reliable and everything the newer ones aren't. Brakes continually were a problem,bodies were falling apart ,engines were terrible and for me enough was enough....Now am content with two Hondas in the yard....would I buy from the Big 3 Sadly NO...there was never any loyalty shown to me and I guess now it's my turn
Posted by: gerald malcolm brownridge | May 1, 2021 9:28:20 PM
NOT A CHANCE they haven't made anything good since the 60's and early 70's. And where is this government money going to come from if they continue to build junk that doesn't cut it??I for one am not real happy to have my tax dollars supporting a lame company, kinda looks to me as though Fiat will problably take the cream and leave after they have sucked as many tax dollars out as they can.
Posted by: Stuart Lawrence | May 1, 2021 9:28:31 PM
Chyrsler has been going bankrupt since 1980. It is about time they died .
I had a Chyrsler and I would never buy another ever again.
NO _ NO _ NO _ NO _ NO _ NO _ NO _ N O_ NO _ NO _NO _NO _NO_ NO_
Posted by: chuck | May 1, 2021 9:32:10 PM
Absolutly would buy Chrysler product.
Posted by: Peggy Forsythe | May 1, 2021 9:36:57 PM
I purchased a Jeep Liberty 2008. Before the warrenty was up and 20,000k the Jeep liberty had major problems. After its 20,000 check up and oil change I took it on its first long trip and the engine light came on, Then the electric light came on. I stopped the car lifted the Lid and the car was on fire. After the police and fire department arrived and the fire was put out. The car was then towed to the nearest Chrysler Jeep dealer. I was put in a rental, that was three ago. We today have still not been told what caused the fire and Chrysler does not want to cover this under warranty. The chrsyler dealerships are passing this on to the Insurance Company. This is clearly a warranty problem the car is still not paid for and has had only Chysler look at the car. I am a very unhappy customer and I do not want this car back. The Company is not taking the resonsibility of investigating this matter to my satisfaction. I feel this is a safetly issue and warranty issue. At this time Chrysler is trying to keep their image intact but going about with myself in the wrong way. If this car had of burst into flame on the Burlington Skyway and failed I would have been killed. I should have not fought the fire. I should have let it burn. Peg
Posted by: david ray | May 1, 2021 9:44:20 PM
I would hot touch one of those gas gussling monster vehicles. I is prue stupidity to be building such oversized cars in this day and age/
Posted by: Gary | May 1, 2021 9:50:13 PM
I have owned one new Chrysler product and will never again. I also think the goverment should not dole out the money l bust my ass to make for big companies. They don't give money to the company l work for so l won't get laid off.
Posted by: Will D | May 1, 2021 9:50:22 PM
Nearly $100k/year for unskilled factory labour? The time is near for all those union turds to get a real job at realistic wages based on their abilities (none).
Have a good day!