I need a little help with understanding the AWD Dodge problem. Why is it less desirable? Poorer fuel economy? Fewer engine choices? For a family looking for a affordable big sedan that is good in the snow, this might be appealing.
@YankBoffin: It gets poorer fuel economy and doesn't corner as well but most importantly, there are much better AWD cars for the price. Most people looking at the Charger in the first place want a RWD muscle car. People looking for an AWD family sedan don't immediately think of a Charger.
@yachius: Just checked the website, [www.dodge.com] and looking at the prices Sam quotes, the deal would be to get an AWD SXT for the price of the stripper SE base model. So, that doesn't just get you AWD, you as get the bigger V6, 5-spd auto, TC, ESP, "performance brakes", and more. Nobody wants the wimpy underpowered base model, even if it does have more mpg.
@YankBoffin: I didn't look at the deal but what you've quoted is correct then it sounds like Dodge is trying very hard to move an unpopular model that is sitting on their lots. There aren't many other reasons to lower the price of a premium model so drastically.
Subaru does build cars I want (and even bought) ... it's the image and segmentation I could do without. I am not a lefty, lesbian, tree hugger or whirled peaser by any stretch. I just want a reasonably reliable, fast, AWD wagon.
@Alfisted: it's fairly sad that you would be more concerned with what your friends and neighbors think about the car you drive than driving the car you think you want to drive.
I mean, seriously, if you're concerned they'll confuse you for a tree-hugging lesbian, you've got more problems than just choosing a car can solve (or create).
@Sportwagons, haulin' stuff and haulin' balls: It's not what others think of my car. It's that I think Subaru could more successfully attain their objectives (the Legacy GT was intended to rival the 3-series and A4) if they would ease up on running promotions and advertising that play to a stereotype.
@Alfisted: My question was purely rhetorical, not directed at anyone in particular, just kinda "who cares?".
I'd wager that Subaru is giving in to the natural inclinations of a large part of their buyers. In other words, the preferences of their buyers are driving their marketing, not the other way around. When my 2005 GT wagon was introduced, they had Lance Armstrong in the commercials touting the performance ("quicker than a Porsche Boxter"). But that clearly didn't shift the perception of the brand away from AWD+safety+practicality.
@Alfisted: I would hazard a guess that their marketing budget is seperate from their R&D budget, and whether or not they target niche markets has little or nothing to do with whether or not the boys and girls in product direction think they should shoot for BMW territory.
And in any event, Subaru has been steadily gaining market share and one of the only brands increasing sales over previous years, so something is working - prob in both marketing AND development.
Now relax and buy a flannel shirt and some Birkenstocks.
Good Deal #6 What: Keeping my '92 Town Car Where: My driveway Regular Price: Gift from my elderly mother-in-law. Black Friday Price: The cost of fixing the electric windows and recharging the A/C whenever I have the cash and get around to it—probably next spring with my tax refund. Why It's A Good Deal: Zero down, zero interest, zero monthly payments, zero for comprehensive insurance, forever.
@drewdrawshashtags: The fastest way out of a recession would be to get everyone spending again. People panic about it in the beginning and hoard their money. This only makes it worse than it would have been originally
@Straight6er: Great in theory, but overspending on a car because it's a "good deal" is a big part of what got us here in the first place.
I, and most Americans, don't have the cash to buy a $40K car, they borrow to the hilt for it. Then you lose your job or house value goes down and you've got nothing but debt and cool shit you have to sell off.
I'll keep looking at 2 year-old off-lease 3 Series for $25K, thanks.
@drewdrawshashtags: This is very true. I hadn't really thought about the borrowing aspect, i was more in line with skulldriveshaft's thinking: spend it if you got it.
Also i like your choice of vehicle, depreciation can sure be handy :P
@mr_dude: or for another brand of ass-kicking, Ion is having a "FEastwood" marathon; a whole slew of Clint Eastwood movies. Holiday couch-surfing bonus QOTD: Who would win, Dirty Harry or the various generations of Bond?
11/24/09
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Problem is, I don't want any of Subaru's current-gen models under my tree. Blech.
11/24/09
#tips
11/24/09
I mean, seriously, if you're concerned they'll confuse you for a tree-hugging lesbian, you've got more problems than just choosing a car can solve (or create).
11/24/09
#tips
11/24/09
11/24/09
#tips
11/24/09
I'd wager that Subaru is giving in to the natural inclinations of a large part of their buyers. In other words, the preferences of their buyers are driving their marketing, not the other way around. When my 2005 GT wagon was introduced, they had Lance Armstrong in the commercials touting the performance ("quicker than a Porsche Boxter"). But that clearly didn't shift the perception of the brand away from AWD+safety+practicality.
11/24/09
And in any event, Subaru has been steadily gaining market share and one of the only brands increasing sales over previous years, so something is working - prob in both marketing AND development.
Now relax and buy a flannel shirt and some Birkenstocks.
11/24/09
#tips
11/24/09
11/24/09
#tips
11/24/09
What: Keeping my '92 Town Car
Where: My driveway
Regular Price: Gift from my elderly mother-in-law.
Black Friday Price: The cost of fixing the electric windows and recharging the A/C whenever I have the cash and get around to it—probably next spring with my tax refund.
Why It's A Good Deal: Zero down, zero interest, zero monthly payments, zero for comprehensive insurance, forever.
11/24/09
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11/24/09
What kind of a crazy business model is that?
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11/24/09
I need convincing that I should spend $40,000+ in a recession on anything.
11/24/09
11/24/09
I, and most Americans, don't have the cash to buy a $40K car, they borrow to the hilt for it. Then you lose your job or house value goes down and you've got nothing but debt and cool shit you have to sell off.
I'll keep looking at 2 year-old off-lease 3 Series for $25K, thanks.
12:42 AM
Also i like your choice of vehicle, depreciation can sure be handy :P
#tips
11/24/09
Never mind. #8 fills that slot, nicely.
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11/23/09
For the New Zoning Ordinance?
Free the New Zealand Oligarchs?
Ford Never Zoom Out?
11/23/09
11/23/09
And for the wiseass naysayers, the Ford GT is like Adriana Lima: I have no problem seeing the same picture twice.
11/23/09
(this car is the equivalent of 38% of our state GDP)
11/20/09
11/20/09