Do you automatically look to Chrysler Corp. first when buying a car?

[bull]

Option #2 seems to describe me best. Usually the first place I look is Chrysler before considering other brands (and I look very hard) but if/when I get past that it seems all brands are on the table. Still, it's a rare ocassion when I can't find a Chrysler product to fit my needs.

I guess I'd rather push a Dodge than drive a... whatever.

[Paul G]

Chrysler is first for me. I cant say why?? I have owned lots of brands. Just prefer to stay "home" with a Chrysler product. Been that way all my life. If I cant find anything I like in a Chrysler than I go to the other domestic brands. I worked in an American steel plant most of my life. Prefer to buy American. Keep the Amercian workers fed, and American profits in America.

[bull]

Chrysler is first for me. I cant say why?? I have owned lots of brands. Just prefer to stay "home" with a Chrysler product. Been that way all my life. If I cant find anything I like in a Chrysler than I go to the other domestic brands. I worked in an American steel plant most of my life. Prefer to buy American. Keep the Amercian workers fed, and American profits in America.

My mentality is similar. Not sure why but I know I'm very much a loyalist and buying something other than Chrysler kind of feels like adultery.

[Fred]

The charger is one thing but the daily driver quite another. Of course living in Australia we tend to be mostly Ford or Holden (GM) orientated. But above all I have to like and enjoy what I'm driving and looks are also a big factor. Therefore I will look at all options.

[Dans 68]

Last new car was the spouse's 2007 Volvo S-80. She wanted that car. Nice cruiser and pretty darn safe to ride in. I would consider any brand or make at the start, but prejudices do come into play along the way. 

Dan

[RallyeMike]

Chrysler sold me two lemons. I'm guessing it cost them about $20,000 in parts, labor and loss of value on the vehicles. For me it was mostly just a waste of my time and a lot of aggravation. I'm too loyal to allow them to lose money on me like that, so I won't buy any more new Mopars (though I still look at used ones that have proven track records).

So my answer is: I consider all other brands.

Prefer to buy American. Keep the Amercian workers fed, and American profits in America.

In 2007, considering % of parts parts, manufacturing, and assembly, none of the top 10 most-"American" cars were Mopars. In fact, three "Japanese" brand vehicles were on the list: Toyota Camry, Siennna, and Tundra.

Things have changed a little in 2011. Mopars are back on the list, though there are still three cars that are considered by most to be "Japanese":

1. Ford Sport Trac -- 90 percent made in the U.S.
2. Mercury Mountaineer -- 85 percent.
3. Ford Explorer -- 85 percent.
4. Dodge Dakota -- 84 percent.
5. Dodge Avenger -- 83 percent.
6. Dodge Grand Caravan -- 82 percent.
7. Chrysler 200 -- 81 percent.
8. Toyota Tundra -- 80 percent.
9. Toyota Sequoia -- 80 percent.
10. Toyota Camry -- 80 percent.

(Source: Bankrate.com)

So buying a Toyota Camry is more supportive of America than a Ram 2500 (assembled in Mexico).

[bull]

Strange. I know I saw the Dodge Ram (1500 I think) on one of the made in America index top 10 lists at 5 or 6. The criteria must differ from site to site because the cars.com list is a lot different. Only one Mopar on that one: http://www.cars.com/go/advice/Story.jsp?section=top&subject=ami&story=amMade0611

[Cooter]

Yep, first "American" "Mopar" I bought that was fuel injected in my f**king life is assembled in Mexico...A 1999 Dodge Ram 2500.

Just goes to show you, the "New "Chrysler ain't all it is cracked up to be.

[hemi68charger]

Call me anal or stupid, but I always try my darnest to get a Chrysler product first..........

[kab69440]

I used to. Anymore, if it has two doors and a manual transmission, if I can fit under the ceiling, and if there is enough money in my pocket to buy it, I just found my new beater.

[Ghoste]

I always look to Chrysler first, domestic second.

[Paul G]

Chrysler sold me two lemons. I'm guessing it cost them about $20,000 in parts, labor and loss of value on the vehicles. For me it was mostly just a waste of my time and a lot of aggravation. I'm too loyal to allow them to lose money on me like that, so I won't buy any more new Mopars (though I still look at used ones that have proven track records).


So buying a Toyota Camry is more supportive of America than a Ram 2500 (assembled in Mexico).

I cant say any particular brand I have owned in the past is more prone to making lemons. I have had my share from Chevy as well as Dodge and the rest. My brand new 79 Chevy van was the worst. I eventually sold it to a guy in town. That thing had holes through the fenders in four years. My b-i-l had a brand new Toyota that burned oil bad, eventually replaced the engine, then it leaked like a sieve. They all break. Seems like the Asians have figured out how to prolong the life of parts better than anyone.

I still consider Canada and Mexico American. They are our brothers attached at the hip. What bothers me most about buying Asian and European is the corporate profits leave here. I just like our money to stay here in our land. Don't get me wrong, I am all for a global market place. Competition breeds excellence. I would love to DD a little Asian pocket rocket, WRX, Evo, etc. They scream. The whole thing kind of pulls at you both ways dont it?

[jb666]

My '96 Indy Ram was an amazing truck.. My SST was equally as awesome and NEVER gave me a problem..My '95 Ram 1500 is still running 200k miles later(I sold it to a friend). But, my '06 Charger was a massive POS lemon.

That said, it depends. I love diesel trucks, and the powertrain in a Dodge Diesel is amazing.. But the body rots out from under them (in the belt).

So, my answer is that I'll look at any domestic brand but will ONLY buy domestic.

[Troy]

Where's the option for "I refuse to step into a Chrysler dealership"? Every horrible car - or dealer part - buying experience for me has been courtesy of Chrysler. And that's not just local either as I'm not too picky about where (in the US) I buy my cars as long as I get what I want. Considering their quality still lags behind almost everyone else, when you add it all together I just don't feel like putting myself through the hassle/frustration (like I want to spend even more time dealing with the dealer). So yeah, I own 5 Mopars but none are newer than 1976 and I'll probably keep it that way (unless I end up with a Viper "one of these days").

For what it's worth, I'm a "best bang for the buck" guy and not very brand loyal. I will buy the best quality/performance that I can afford (of any product) - no matter the name on the badges. I also have to like something visually and, as car manufacturers change design styles, it can be tough to find something I like from the same brand over a long time span.

Troy

[440]

I'd say I only buy domestic branded cars as everything I own is from each of the big 3. My "newest car" including my daily driver is 1977, and I will probably never buy a brand new car. The Challenger would be on the top of my new car list though if I had to buy one.

I'd rather spend the same amount of money and get something that's old, goes hard, cool, reliable and probably still have cash left over in my pocket.

[RallyeMike]

 

I always look to Chrysler first, domestic second.

[RallyeMike]

Strange. I know I saw the Dodge Ram (1500 I think) on one of the made in America index top 10 lists at 5 or 6. The criteria must differ from site to site because the cars.com list is a lot different. Only one Mopar on that one: http://www.cars.com/go/advice/Story.jsp?section=top&subject=ami&story=amMade0611

Yea. That's why I named my source. There are probabaly a hundred ways and opinions on determining what % of a car is Amercican depending on how you weigh engineering, materials, sub-assemblies, assemblies, transportation, sales, etc. etc. At least people are able to take an honest look at it and know that there really is no such thing as a 100% American car. Even the top "American" car is only 85-90% Amercian.

[ACUDANUT]

Chrysler sold me two lemons. I'm guessing it cost them about $20,000 in parts, labor and loss of value on the vehicles. For me it was mostly just a waste of my time and a lot of aggravation. I'm too loyal to allow them to lose money on me like that, so I won't buy any more new Mopars (though I still look at used ones that have proven track records).

So my answer is: I consider all other brands.

Prefer to buy American. Keep the Amercian workers fed, and American profits in America.

In 2007, considering % of parts parts, manufacturing, and assembly, none of the top 10 most-"American" cars were Mopars. In fact, three "Japanese" brand vehicles were on the list: Toyota Camry, Siennna, and Tundra.

Things have changed a little in 2011. Mopars are back on the list, though there are still three cars that are considered by most to be "Japanese":

1. Ford Sport Trac -- 90 percent made in the U.S.
2. Mercury Mountaineer -- 85 percent.
3. Ford Explorer -- 85 percent.
4. Dodge Dakota -- 84 percent.
5. Dodge Avenger -- 83 percent.
6. Dodge Grand Caravan -- 82 percent.
7. Chrysler 200 -- 81 percent.
8. Toyota Tundra -- 80 percent.
9. Toyota Sequoia -- 80 percent.
10. Toyota Camry -- 80 percent.

(Source: Bankrate.com)

So buying a Toyota Camry is more supportive of America than a Ram 2500 (assembled in Mexico).

I agree with most of this...Except..Japanese cars are still owned the the Japanse,,Your still helping them out, as opposed to buying a Ford or GM.

[68X426]

Just test drove a 300C and it was awesome. I see that Motor Trend picked it as runner-up for Car of the Year.

So yeah I still look at Fiat.... errrr Chrysler, first.

[XS29L9Bxxxxxx]

No, but I only buy from domestics - and that does not mean "domestic assembled"

Ford, GM, and Chrysler - only 

[Ponch ®]

before the LXs, Chrysler had no decent RWD cars, so I used to look at GMs (I hate Mustangs). Now I look at Chrysler first. Not buying a car any time soon, but hypothetically speaking, I'd be looking at a 2012 300SRT8 or Challenger.

If for some reason I decided to bail on the 300, I'd probably go for an Audi A5.

[Ponch ®]

No, but I only buy from domestics - and that does not mean "domestic assembled"

Ford, GM, and Chrysler - only  

oh ok...like my domestic Charger that was assembled in Canada with a Mexican engine and German transmission?

[XS29L9Bxxxxxx]

No, but I only buy from domestics - and that does not mean "domestic assembled"

Ford, GM, and Chrysler - only  

oh ok...like my domestic Charger that was assembled in Canada with a Mexican engine and German transmission?

Yes.

[XS29L9Bxxxxxx]

So buying a Toyota Camry is more supportive of America than a Ram 2500 (assembled in Mexico).

No, I don't agree. Toyota banked the profits, overall.

[chargerboy69]

Where's the option for "I refuse to step into a Chrysler dealership"? Every horrible car - or dealer part - buying experience for me has been courtesy of Chrysler.

I want this choice too. . . Chrysler is making nothing now I want. . . . Ok, some of the Jeep line I like, but they can keep the rest.  Hard to get excited about a line of cars with all the same stupid grill.

If I were dumb enough to buy a new vehicle, I would walk into a Ford dealer. But of course, I never want a new car payment again, so I do guess I do not have to worry about why I would not buy anything from Mopar.

[41husk]

I don't know why but i have been brand loyal through my years

[bull]

I want this choice too. . . Chrysler is making nothing now I want. . . . Ok, some of the Jeep line I like, but they can keep the rest.  Hard to get excited about a line of cars with all the same stupid grill.

The Challenger doesn't have that grill.

[1970Moparmann]

First off, I will only buy domestics moving forward.   I had a period where I was frustrated with Chrysler and GM due to the Government helping out BS, so I strayed off track and bought a Honda - never again.    I think mechanically it is sound, but in my book it's a POS.   Windows rattle, squeaks, bad on gas (it's an van), no features on it even though I have the second most expensive model.

When I was interested in a truck, I looked hard at the Silverado, Ram and F150.   I ended up with a F150 and LOVE it.   I think the fit and finish is better than any of them for the money.

Only American owned companies for me moving forward.

[Finn]

I love Dodge but lately Ive developed a strange obsession with the chevy cruze eco. 42 mpg on a combustion engine and I can get it with a manual trans for just about 20k?? Nice.

[RallyeMike]

Only American owned companies for me moving forward.

So because Fiat has a 20% stake in Chrysler now, no more Mopars? Or are they still "American enough"?

[Ghoste]

Still American enough to me.

[XS29L9Bxxxxxx]

...Just test drove a Ford Diesel truck today for the wifey   

[Rolling_Thunder]

So buying a Toyota Camry is more supportive of America than a Ram 2500 (assembled in Mexico).

No, I don't agree. Toyota banked the profits, overall.

They are also the ones employing Americans...     not Chrysler...     Toyota may make the $$$ but they are also INVESTING it here in the US as oppose to Chrysler who invests their profits in Mexico and Canada...     

[bill440rt]

I voted "I always exhaust all Chrysler offerings first before looking elsewhere."

With the exception of a company/work provided vehicle, I've always owned/driven Chrysler products. I don't know why, I'm just partial to them. I've owned Chrysler products build in the 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's and thru now. Some Mitsu-based, others "made in Mexico", etc. The only one I really didn't like was my '07 Ram 2500, which turned out to be a lemon & drove me thru the ringer.

My company '07 Chevy Impala with 55000+ is now going on it's second set of head gaskets. 

My wife used to drive Mazda's, we had a Tribute for a short while. Wasn't bad overall, but after a few years it wore off rather quickly. She has since been converted. 

If I can't find a Chrysler product that fits/suits our needs or I just don't like the looks of it, then I'll look elsewhere. So far, I haven't had to.

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

Ok flame suit on but I prefer Honda's and Nissan's as daily drivers...there I've said it

[chrisII]

I have always had mopar, but only two so far that are new enough to be diamler. IMO they distroyed Chrysler corp. Im looking forward to fiat bringing them back. fiat may not be an american company, but I would still rather give my sale to a company who has helped rebuild chrysler than one from japan who built factorys here just to save import costs.

[TUFCAT]

Sorry, no. But I will always drive American. 

[maxwellwedge]

I bought the Challenger in 2008....Great car.

But - There is no similarity between the "New" Chrysler and the old, All Chrysler, Chrysler.

I became a Mopar guy because my father always had one.

I agree with Troy. Too many fights and arguments over warranty drove me away in the early 80's. Many problems with friends and family that have owned them as well. Actually - with all the "domestics".

This ain't what Walter P. started.

So for now - I say Arrivaderci to the New Chrysler

[DC_1]

I always try to buy Chrysler first. However, I have through the years been forced to look and buy other brands. In the late 80s and early 90s when everything they made was K car based and front wheel drive I bought a couple 5.0L Mustangs. In the late 90s I bought a Ford F150 because I didn't like the Dodge pickups,. other than that I have owned probably 30 Mopars from 2nd gen Chargers and 70s Roadrunners to Mini vans and pickups. I skipped most of the offerings in th 80s and jumped into the mini van era in the 90s after I got married.

[Rolling_Thunder]

Another thing - If I could get what I wanted from Chrysler I would probably look into them a little more seriously...       

[69_500]

Have always bought Mopars. Only strayed away for 2 vehicles total in my life. Those two were Fords. 1969 Mustang, and a 1989 Ford Taurus SHO. Both were pretty nice cars, but I prefer my Mopars. Have bought a total of 4 brand new cars, and have not had a problem with a single one. Put 300K miles on a 1990 Dodge Daytona ES with the 3.0 V6 and never had a problem with that car. Have put 315K miles on a 1995 Intrepid ES with the 3.5 V6. No problems out of it either. Neither car had engine work done, or tranny work done. Nothing more than changing plugs, oil, brake pads, and tranny fluid. Thats it. Now do have a 98 Avenger with the Mitsubishi engine and tranny in it, and that car has lost 2 tranny's in a span of 40K. So I avoid the stuff with the Mitsu parts on it now.

Other than that for me its like this. Its MOPAR or NO CAR.

[472 R/T SE]

We're finally @ 100% Mopar.  Although the past 2 daily driver purchases were used so it doesn't matter as much.  Doing research on which model was the most reliable & had the best residual makes a big difference.

The only new rigs we've bought & paid for were 2 Ram pick ups.

I've also avoided the Diamond Star (Rebranded Mitsubishi) rigs that Chyrsler was peddling.   

[RallyeMike]

So buying a Toyota Camry is more supportive of America than a Ram 2500 (assembled in Mexico).

No, I don't agree. Toyota banked the profits, overall.

Why focused on only the profit?

The profit that Toyota makes might be a few hundred dollars depending on the sales price - So say $500 goes back to Japan in profit. That's absolute PEANUTS compared to the labor wages paid to the American sub-assemblers and assemblers of the Camry and all the other businesses that are located here in America that support those workers and that plant.

On the other hand, you buy a Ram 2500 and it's the Mexican assembly wage-earners and their system you support, and Chrysler (20% Fiat-owned) gets a little profit (tho admittedly, more profit than the Camry because the Ram line is very profitable).

Not trying to pick on you, but this is the kind of typical "buy-amercian" thought process that just plain no longer works. The name plate on the vehicle is no longer an automatic indicator of how much support you are giving American business, jobs, and economy.

[Chryco Psycho]

As long as the Cummins is available in the Ram I will not look at anything else , nothing even comes as far as power & reliability , as well as fuel economy , I have seen the engines run close to a million miles trouble free as long as you service them regularly .
The new Challenger is awesome with the hemi & 6 speed  & I could not been seen driving the the homely new Camaro !!
I have never been a fan of front drive & auto trannys so cars & mini vans I would look around more . I just do not believe that trying to put power steering & braking all through the front tires is the best idea .

[RedChargerRob]

My guideline is simple: I buy from an American company with the highest percentage of U.S. content. I've never, and never will, buy a completely foreign-owned company's vehicle.

[jaak]

I used to always have to have a Chrysler, but shitty dealership services and an even shitter Extended warranty I bought one time turn me off of them. Now I have bought another Chrysler since (Bought my wife a used Intrepid 5-6 years ago, and still have it) and I still drive my free beater Neon around. I like Chryslers but since Im older, family man I just look for the best deal on a US brand car. I don't know what it is, but I have never owned a foreign brand vehicle....I got nothing against them, just never owned one.
Someone earlier mentioned a Ford F150, I gotta say I really like those, Im a government worker and I drive an 09 F150 daily (fixing to have to turn it in for a 2012 model soon), If I had to buy me a new pick up right now....I think it would be a F150 even though I have never owned a Ford truck myself.

But as for my projects....they will ALWAYS be MOPAR!

Jason

[Iceyone]

Considering a Hyundai or Kia for the wife this year. 10 year/100K mile warranty. We both like the new Challenger but would not consider one for every day driving. I'm turned off of anything from GM because of premature failures in the drive trains of the 3 out of 4 GMs I owned. Chrysler just doesn't make anything else that interests me.  

[71charger_fan]

Between my wife and I, we've purchased 13 new cars. 1 Olds Cutlass, 1 Mitsu-built Challenger, Chrysler LeBaron, Shelby Charger, 2 Cherokees, 3 Neons, 2 Libertys, 1 Wrangler, and a Challenger SRT-8.

Used cars between the two of us were a Vega, Dart, Camaro, 59 Coronet, Satellite, Barracuda Gran Coupe, Barracuda convertible, 3 Chargers, Shelby Charger, Shelby Lancer, Shadow, Daytona Pacifica, Wrangler, Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, Charger 2.2

Oddly, considering there's a Vega on the list, the worst piece of crap was the Camaro.

[chargerjy9]

Ma Mopar has provided for me and my family and put food on my table for near 50 years. I put 35 years of my life into Chrysler, they have been good to me.
I only look at Chrysler products. I don't bite the hand that feeds me. I bleed Mopar blue.

[Magnumcharger]

First answer is yes, I buy Mopar.
My first and only new car purchase was/is a 2010 Challenger R/T, which I've been driving the wheels off of since I ordered it new.
I've had nothing but joy in driving it, and there has been zero problems in 55,000kms of driving. So, it was a good purchase.

My wife bought a used Jaguar X-type in 2006. This car is an interesting hybrid of British and Domestic components, as Ford owned Jaguar for awhile. Interestingly, the only parts that have crapped out on it were the actual Jaguar-sourced components. How do I know? I can't buy them at any place other than the Jaguar parts department! Recently, the alternator bit the dirt...and I was quoted $900 ~ for just the part! $1250 installed!
Ultimately, I managed to order an alternator from NAPA for this car (after searching for three days) for $276.

Long story short; my next car will be a domestic. Preferably a Mopar product.

[Troy]

For what it's worth, new cars are so much better (quality, performance, efficiency) than even 5 year old cars - which in turn were way better than the 5 year old cars at the time. After price, once the quality is similar it leaves people with choosing a car by style (which was always there any way) and customer service.

I have a lot of hobbies and, in all, I have found that nearly every manufacturer has a high end, a middle, and an economy/value line. Surprisingly, the economy line is generally what produces the most profit (but since more people buy it any flaws become public in a hurry). So, when someone asks me "is this brand of car/ski/snowboard/bicycle/skate/gun any good" I can't really give an honest opinion without knowing which model they are interested in. Some brands consistently aim high so their "cheap stuff" isn't nearly as bad as competing brands. I guess that staying brand loyal within a particular class makes some sense but I don't see any value in it otherwise.

Troy

[NHCharger]

Well, Chrysler just boned me for the last time. I've had four Chrysler products since 1985, all have had triple their share of problems over my Chevy work vans which I beat the shit out of.My wife's 2000 Grand Cherokee died on the way to work. Mechanic just called (he's a diehard Mopar guy). Something in the timing broken, valve train damaged, no compression, major $$ to fix. Only 124k miles on this POS. I just finished welding in new rockers on both sides since they were rotted out. I'm done with any new Chrysler vehicle.

[Fred]

Well, Chrysler just boned me for the last time. I've had four Chrysler products since 1985, all have had triple their share of problems over my Chevy work vans which I beat the shit out of.My wife's 2000 Grand Cherokee died on the way to work. Mechanic just called (he's a diehard Mopar guy). Something in the timing broken, valve train damaged, no compression, major $$ to fix. Only 124k miles on this POS. I just finished welding in new rockers on both sides since they were rotted out. I'm done with any new Chrysler vehicle.

But aren't all new cars just slapped together these days? It's all about making a buck, no quality and certainly nothing seems to last like it once used to.

[NHCharger]

But aren't all new cars just slapped together these days? It's all about making a buck, no quality and certainly nothing seems to last like it once used to.

Yes and no. I think any newer car that doesn't get thrashed and you change to oil every 5k miles, you should easily get 150k miles out of the engine. My two previous work vans (Chebbies) both had 200k miles on them before they were deemed not worth the cost of fixing to pass the annual state inspection. My current work van has 140k miles on it and runs like a champ. I now have a company p/u so my van is now sitting rusting away

Don't forget, our old cars we now cherish. You got a one year/12k mile warranty. After five or six years up here in the rust belt they were driven to the scrap yard.