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Dude, where did all the dealerships go?

654 messages,  Last post on Nov 23, 2009 at 7:56 PM

You are in the Automotive News & Views Forum. Your Hosts are steve_ & claires

What is this discussion about? Car Buying, Automotive News, Legislation


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#614 of 654
Re: Gangster Government motors [gagrice] by steve_ HOST
Jul 22, 2009 (4:25 pm)
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Replying to: gagrice (Jul 22, 2009 4:19 pm)

I'm not much on videos, but Dub, er, Pf_Flyer is blogging about reinstating dealers today.
 
This was running on the AP earlier:
 
Several auto dealers planned to tell the panel how the auto industry decisions were wrecking their lives. Auto dealers estimate that nearly 200,000 jobs could be lost in the dealer consolidation.
 
"If my dealership is not restored, we will lose everything -- including college savings for my children -- and my home," said Jim Tarbox, a former Chrysler dealer in remarks prepared for delivery."
 
GM, Chrysler defend dealer cuts
#615 of 654
Re: Gangster Government motors [gagrice] by dtownfb
Jul 24, 2009 (11:27 am)
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Replying to: gagrice (Jul 22, 2009 4:19 pm)

I love that name, Gangster Government. I think GM's plan to eliminate dealerships at the end of their franchise agreement is preferred over what Chrysler did. Chrysler should have compensated the dealerships either by buying back the vehicles or buy them out. Suddenly ending the relationship, in some cases, inexplicably is not the way to do business.
 
Now with talk of possibly re-instating their franchise agreement, it could put the future of Chrysler in limbo.
#616 of 654
Re: Gangster Government motors [dtownfb] by plan_man
Jul 24, 2009 (3:22 pm)
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Replying to: dtownfb (Jul 24, 2009 11:27 am)

Now with talk of possibly re-instating their franchise agreement, it could put the future of Chrysler in limbo.
 
I think limbo might be a step forward.
 
Current thing from Chrysler is to double the cash for clunkers stimulus. It would be great if only they made something worth buying, which is pretty much the tale of how how they got to where they are.
 
I still blame Daimler, frankly...
#617 of 654
Re: Gangster Government motors [plan_man] by andre1969
Jul 24, 2009 (3:57 pm)
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Replying to: plan_man (Jul 24, 2009 3:22 pm)

It would be great if only they made something worth buying, which is pretty much the tale of how how they got to where they are.
 
I still like the 300 and Charger, and find the 2009 Ram to actually have some sex appeal. Alas, I'm not in the market right now for a semi-large sedan, or a full-sized pickup.
 
I really wish they'd get their act together in the midsized market, and replace the Sebring/Avenger with something more worthwhile. I would actually take a 2001-2006 version over the ones they have on the market now!
 
That 200C concept that made the auto show rounds was a pretty hot looking car...hope they end up doing something with that.
#618 of 654
Re: Gangster Government motors [andre1969] by mikefm58
Jul 24, 2009 (6:05 pm)
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Replying to: andre1969 (Jul 24, 2009 3:57 pm)

I really wish they'd get their act together in the midsized market, and replace the Sebring/Avenger with something more worthwhile. I would actually take a 2001-2006 version over the ones they have on the market now!
 
I just bought an 08 Sebring and you're the first person I've heard that commented about liking the older model over the newer one. Most have said the exact opposite. So far, I love the vehicle. I've owned Hondas and Toyotas since 1999, so this is a switch for me.
#619 of 654
Re: Gangster Government motors [mikefm58] by andre1969
Jul 24, 2009 (6:32 pm)
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Replying to: mikefm58 (Jul 24, 2009 6:05 pm)

Well, I do have to admit, my only experience with the things is sitting in them at auto shows for the most part. Back in 2003, my Dad was in the market for a car, and we drove a Stratus SXT with the 4-cyl, and hated it enough that Dad bought a used '03 Regal instead. I really wanted to like the car. I thought the styling was nice, and I thought it had a nice seating position. But it just felt cheap once we drove it.
 
Just ouf of curiosity, what made you pick a Sebring over a Honda or Toyota? In the past, I've always been a Mopar man, but the current Sebring/Avenger just don't do it for me. But, like I said, I'm basing my opinion mainly on the styling, and sitting in them at the auto shows, so I'm hardly an expert.
 
I do think the retractable hardtop is a cool idea, though. I don't find the car particularly attractive, but then I didnt' like any of its peers either...cars like the Pontiac G6 or Toyota Solara. I think my main beef is how they went for a taller, more upright look. I just prefer the more low-slung look of the older models.
 
Anyway though, I hope the car is good for you. And, being a Mopar guy, I'm glad to hear that you're happy with the Sebring so far!
#620 of 654
Yeesh... by plan_man
Jul 24, 2009 (7:54 pm)
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I owned the '95 Stratus ES and loved it. Solid, great handling (for what it was), comfortable and really well styled. From '01 on, everything was downhill with the cloud cars and their successors, IMO. The '01 Sebring coupe I replaced the Stratus with was passable, but I think the credit rightfully belongs to Mitsubishi for that.
 
Chrysler is a sort of perpetual one-trick pony it seems. They struggle, get a hit, play it out and go dry. Happened with the Caravan, then the Ram, then the Neon, then the PT, then the 300. I liked the LH platform, but I don't think anyone sensible would call that a hit. I suppose they're selling a few Challengers now, but why I don't know. And I like metal! Trouble is that usually while they're playing out that one hit, the rest of the lineup is really also ran.
 
And I'm a Mopar fan too, believe it or not! Not as much of a fan as Andre of course, but a fan...
#621 of 654
Re: Gangster Government motors [andre1969] by mikefm58
Jul 25, 2009 (3:47 am)
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Replying to: andre1969 (Jul 24, 2009 6:32 pm)

Just ouf of curiosity, what made you pick a Sebring over a Honda or Toyota?
 
The bottom line was price. It's an 08 with 16K miles and I got it for $12K at Carmax, and it's the 6 cyl Touring sedan model so it's pretty well equipped. The Tundra I traded in also was taking a pretty good hit in depreciation and I hated driving such a big vehicle so I wanted to get rid of it before gas goes back up to $4 a gallon.
#622 of 654
Re: Gangster Government motors [mikefm58] by andre1969
Jul 25, 2009 (4:10 am)
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Replying to: mikefm58 (Jul 25, 2009 3:47 am)

The bottom line was price. It's an 08 with 16K miles and I got it for $12K at Carmax, and it's the 6 cyl Touring sedan model so it's pretty well equipped.
 
That one has the 2.7 V-6 and not the 3.5, right? I've been happy with the 2.7 in my 2000 Intrepid. I would've liked the 3.2 they were offering at the time better (or better yet the 3.5, but back in 2000 you could only get that in the R/T model), but overall it's been a good engine for me. Reasonable power and economy, and no serious problems in the 148,000 miles I've had it. One thing you might want to keep an eye out for though, is the thermostat housing. Mine developed a small leak, and had to be replaced...naturally, once the warranty was over! That was a $210 bill. I hear it was a common problem back then, but they might've improved it since then.
 
And for $12,000, the car sounds like one helluva deal! Even though I'm not crazy about them, I've seen them show up on used car lots, with low mileage, and the low asking price would catch my eye.
 
I hope it ends up being a good car for you.
#623 of 654
Re: Gangster Government motors [andre1969] by mikefm58
Jul 25, 2009 (10:54 am)
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Replying to: andre1969 (Jul 25, 2009 4:10 am)

Thx, and yes, it's the 2.7 V-6, got 23 MPG with the last tank of gas so it's a nice step up from the 16 MPG Tundra I was driving. I've owned vans, SUVs and trucks for the last 20 years so driving a car now is nice. And I know it's just me, but I've always liked the styling of Chryslers, love the new Challenger, too bad they don't have the reputation for quality that Honda does.

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