# Should I buy a Chrysler? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [May 25, 2009, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-buy-a-chrysler/497590 "2009-05-25T18:15:50Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Ellen\_Cherry](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellen_cherry/32/3600_2.png) [@Ellen\_Cherry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ellen_Cherry)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2009, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-buy-a-chrysler/497590/1 "2009-05-25T18:15:50Z")
I’m not sure if this belongs here or a less factual thread, but I am looking for informed answers on the wisdom of buying a car whose manufacturer is closing. My concerns are with warranty and future availability of parts. I’m not even sure I _want_ one of these cars, but if it’s a once-in-a-lifetime deal to be had, I think I need to check it out, especially since I do need a least one new car, possibly two in the near future. FWIW, before this all came up, we had suspected we’d probably buy two recent model used cars, since they’re usually a better value. Facts and even opinions welcome from all the car-knowledgable people we have here. Thanks. Ellen ---
**Author:** ![Raygun99](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/6f9a4e/32.png) [@Raygun99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Raygun99)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2009, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-buy-a-chrysler/497590/2 "2009-05-25T18:38:09Z")
“Uh, could you frame that in the form of an ethical question?” [/Rabbi Krustofsky] ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2009, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-buy-a-chrysler/497590/3 "2009-05-25T18:45:24Z")
I wouldn’t, because I would be worried about parts availability in the future. ---
**Author:** ![Hockey\_Monkey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a183cd/32.png) [@Hockey\_Monkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hockey_Monkey)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2009, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-buy-a-chrysler/497590/4 "2009-05-25T19:16:37Z")
Bankruptcy doesn’t mean they are going out of business. The government has already guaranteed that warranties will be honored, and it’s my understanding that there won’t be an issue with parts either. Car companies use parts from many different sources. If you find a smokin’ hot deal on a car you like, buy it. I would have not problem doing the same. ---
**Author:** ![gonzomax](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e8c25b/32.png) [@gonzomax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gonzomax)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2009, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-buy-a-chrysler/497590/5 "2009-05-25T19:23:25Z")
They are dropping the price a ton. They are not selling them back to the company or to other dealers so they are stuck. If you can find one you like a dealer ,i would go for it. There will be spare parts around for longer than you will own the car. ---
**Author:** ![Kent\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kent_clark/32/105_2.png) [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2009, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-buy-a-chrysler/497590/6 "2009-05-25T21:28:49Z")
FWIW I own a Pontiac. GM has already said it’s shutting down the division, and I’m not worried in the least that I’ll still be able to find parts and service for it. For that matter, I still see a lot of Plymouths and Oldsmobiles, and a few Sterlings and Eagles, around – they’ve been out of business for years. The only thing that would worry me is if I were in an area where there were only one Chrysler or Dodge dealer and it was in danger of closing down, and I might have to drive an incredibly long distance to get to another dealer. But that’s a concern about an individual dealer, not the car brand in general. ---
**Author:** ![Bad\_Samaritan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ac8455/32.png) [@Bad\_Samaritan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bad_Samaritan)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2009, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-buy-a-chrysler/497590/7 "2009-05-25T21:52:37Z")
Buy only if you plan on keeping it forever. Resale values on used Chrysler/Dodge products have typically been much lower than other makes, and no doubt values will surely tank even further with the cloudy future of Chryco. Their vehicles will be virtually worthless. Obama will back your warranty, and parts will be available for many years, but you might want to squirrel away a spare transmission or two. You’ll need it… ---
**Author:** ![Balthisar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/balthisar/32/2825_2.png) [@Balthisar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Balthisar)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2009, 11:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-buy-a-chrysler/497590/8 "2009-05-26T11:56:04Z")
I wouldn’t buy a Chrysler even with a warranty or guaranteed parts. I just don’t trust their quality (but I have no problems with Ford, and only a few with GM). That’s statistical based, not forum anecdotal “evidence.” If you’re only planning on keeping it for its service life, though (150,000 miles or so), you might be okay. Parts will flow. Keep in mind that most parts are made by suppliers anyway. ---
**Author:** ![Unintentionally\_Blank](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/unintentionally_blank/32/5418_2.png) [@Unintentionally\_Blank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Unintentionally_Blank)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2009, 12:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-buy-a-chrysler/497590/9 "2009-05-26T12:04:15Z")
> [@Balthisar](#): > > I wouldn’t buy a Chrysler even with a warranty or guaranteed parts. I just don’t trust their quality (but I have no problems with Ford, and only a few with GM). That’s statistical based, not forum anecdotal “evidence.” > > If you’re only planning on keeping it for its service life, though (150,000 miles or so), you might be okay. Parts will flow. Keep in mind that most parts are made by suppliers anyway. Cite? (said the previous Chrysler owner with good experience. ) ---
**Author:** ![Ellen\_Cherry](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellen_cherry/32/3600_2.png) [@Ellen\_Cherry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ellen_Cherry)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2009, 1:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-buy-a-chrysler/497590/10 "2009-05-26T13:17:26Z")
Thank you, everyone, for your comments. I’m aware of poor performance by many American-made cars, and I guess that’s another hesitancy I have in jumping into whatever deal might be had. We have a subscription to Consumer Reports, so that probably should be my first stop. I do think the Chrysler 300 is fairly badass looking (perhaps I’ll look like a drug dealer though, who knows) and would be roomy enough for my family. Our ideal purchase would be a less-expensive car that would fit two adults and three kids comfortably on our daily commute. Our second car would be a minivan or SUV that we could fit more people in (my mother frequently accompanies us), plus haul cargo when necessary. Another consideration is that my husband really likes Jeep. We have a 1989 Cherokee that, if the clearcoat wasn’t peeling, I would happily drive into eternity. ---
**Author:** ![muttrox](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a8b319/32.png) [@muttrox](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/muttrox)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2009, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-buy-a-chrysler/497590/11 "2009-05-26T15:10:18Z")
> [@Raygun99](#): > > “Uh, could you frame that in the form of an ethical question?” [/Rabbi Krustofsky] Man 2: Rabbi, should I buy a Chrysler? Rabbi K: Eh, couldn’t you rephrase that as a, as an ethical question? Man 2: Um… Is it right to buy a Chrysler? Rabbi K: Oh, yes! [chuckles] For great is the car with power steering and dynaflow suspension! ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2009, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-buy-a-chrysler/497590/12 "2009-05-26T15:58:21Z")
Er… why not just get your Jeep repainted? FWIW, I don’t see any risk other than the plummeting resale value issue. As long as you’re not buying a niche model (Viper, or some of the other R/T models) there will be replacement parts available for longer than you own the car, and the warranty is backed by the Feds. ---
**Author:** ![Ellen\_Cherry](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellen_cherry/32/3600_2.png) [@Ellen\_Cherry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ellen_Cherry)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2009, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-buy-a-chrysler/497590/13 "2009-05-26T17:24:18Z")
> [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](#): > > Er… why not just get your Jeep repainted? Oh I just was just being silly. It has other problems, but it is still a nice-looking vehicle, was my point. ---
**Author:** ![Bijou\_Drains](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bijou_drains/32/2814_2.png) [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2009, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-buy-a-chrysler/497590/14 "2009-05-26T19:24:14Z")
In general spare parts are supposed to be around for 10 years after the car is made. But normally they are around much longer especially for a car that sells a lot. You can find parts for a 40 year old car now , it’s much easier due to the web. ---
**Author:** ![Doug\_Bowe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/df788c/32.png) [@Doug\_Bowe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doug_Bowe)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2009, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-buy-a-chrysler/497590/15 "2009-05-26T20:54:13Z")
> [@Unintentionally\_Blank](#): > > Cite? (said the previous Chrysler owner with good experience. ) [http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124217615086013325.html](http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124217615086013325.html) “In its annual automotive issue last month, Consumer Reports recommended 166 models – not one of them a Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep, the three Chrysler nameplates.” And hey, at one time I drove a Plymouth. Daimler didn’t do this company any favors. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2009, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-buy-a-chrysler/497590/16 "2009-05-26T20:57:27Z")
I sure hope nobody thinks Fiat will, either. ---
**Author:** ![Unintentionally\_Blank](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/unintentionally_blank/32/5418_2.png) [@Unintentionally\_Blank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Unintentionally_Blank)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2009, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-buy-a-chrysler/497590/17 "2009-05-26T21:23:10Z")
From the same article: “By all accounts, all car makers are producing better and better cars, meaning that even low-rated models boast high quality by historical standards.” Which is my point. ---
**Author:** ![spifflog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c5a1d2/32.png) [@spifflog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spifflog)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2009, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-buy-a-chrysler/497590/18 "2009-05-26T21:33:12Z")
> [@Unintentionally\_Blank](#): > > From the same article: “By all accounts, all car makers are producing better and better cars, meaning that even low-rated models boast high quality by historical standards.” > > Which is my point. But the OP has the ability to buy any car (with in his or her price range), and presumably, ALL cars have improved somewhat equally. If that’s the case, and Chrysler is still at the bottom, isn’t the Consumer Report warning still valid? I don’t care about historical standards. I care about _current_ standards. I have a manual typewriter that might be good by historical standards. Bet you don’t want to buy it though. I just bought a new car and used the Consumer Report book. Their reports on Chrysler products were brutal. ---
**Author:** ![Unintentionally\_Blank](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/unintentionally_blank/32/5418_2.png) [@Unintentionally\_Blank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Unintentionally_Blank)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2009, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-buy-a-chrysler/497590/19 "2009-05-26T21:41:24Z")
That depends. If The average car 20 years ago had 10 problems and now has one…and a chrysler has 2, is that a big deal? Statistically, it’s _twice as bad_! Alot of these things come down to perception. And my good experience was with a PT Cruiser (mentioned in the article as a vehicle they’re phasing out.) Chrysler has, argueably, some of the coolest lookin’ american cars out there. If their under the gun due to federal oversite, now might be a pretty good time to buy one. ---
**Author:** ![Doug\_Bowe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/df788c/32.png) [@Doug\_Bowe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doug_Bowe)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2009, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-buy-a-chrysler/497590/20 "2009-05-26T21:56:02Z")
> [@Unintentionally\_Blank](#): > > That depends. If The average car 20 years ago had 10 problems and now has one…and a chrysler has 2, is that a big deal? Statistically, it’s _twice as bad_! > > Alot of these things come down to perception. And my good experience was with a PT Cruiser (mentioned in the article as a vehicle they’re phasing out.) Chrysler has, argueably, some of the coolest lookin’ american cars out there. If their under the gun due to federal oversite, now might be a pretty good time to buy one. One of our company cars is a PT Cruiser and I’ve never had any problems with it. That said, the federal gun the company is under is a financial one, not a quality control one. You asked for a cite and one was provided. there are a few more including a Chrysler Sucks blog. That said, the OP indicates owning more than one automobile. Since the family wouldn’t be completely dependant on the car, and if they can swing a really, really drop-dead deal (say, from a dealer that’s being phased out and has to clear off the lot) then what the heck? Go for it. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-buy-a-chrysler/497590.md?page=2)