I've got 10k to spend on a new car ...

[destrekor]

I have the exact opposite opinion. The water pump in my car blew out and it's built INSIDE the engine to save space. It's basically more cost effective to replace the whole engine. This happened just before 70,000 miles on the car. Yeah, FUCK chrysler.

lol one experience determines your belief. And let me guess, it was something before.. ehh, 2010?

I'm not saying it's not a justified position, because well... if it's not from the past few years, I would avoid it like the plague.

I had a Pontiac Sundance (1994 model, used) crap out under 70,000 miles. And my current vehicle, a Dodge Dakota Sport (1997, also used), well... I had said almost everything but the engine I have had replaced. Just last week, that "almost everything" turned into almost dying when my brake lines were shot (already had rear lines fail and replaced, this time it happened approaching a just-changed red light!), and also discovered why my truck has felt a little off in terms of ride quality (and the noises I've heard) - my ball joints were in miserable condition with way too much play. Seriously, that thing actually was a death trap for the past few months, and I escaped without a scratch. Sweet jesus I've never been lucky, except when it comes to my life and vehicles/accident avoidance.

edit:
Oh yeah, my point...

Chrysler has almost completely turned around in the past couple years. I would still avoid models that haven't been given a recent facelift, but I wouldn't hesitate to get one of the new vehicles. Still not perfect, but not a single car in the non-supercar range is perfect, it all depends on what your looking for. Even supercars have faults.
Long-term reliability of 2010-2012 Chrysler-family vehicles obviously is TBD, but I suspect good things at that point in time. I could be wrong, but I don't think we're dealing with the same Chrysler anymore. I would avoid old-Chrysler like no other at this point (hell, most 90s-early 00s American cars I'll avoid, at least among the vehicles I'll even consider to begin with), but things are looking up.

 

[azaxa]

I agree with avoiding chrysler... 6 months ago, I rented a chrysler 300 and took it on a 1,000mi trip. The first car had less then 2,000 miles on it. The transmission failed on the first day. I got another 300. On day two, the transmission on the second 300, also with less then 2,000 miles, failed. STEER CLEAR OF CHRYSLER.

That benz is nice, if your in Phoenix I'm looking into buying a new car.

 

[pwnagesarus]

+1 for a WRX.

Adding to the pool of anecdotal Chrysler stories... I have a 2005 300, bought it at 40k, currently at 75k. Aside from an EGR valve replacement, so far it hasn't needed anything besides routine maintenance. As for fit and finish, the door panels and the console cover were disappointing, but they were improved in 08+ models. But since you are looking considering a current model, I guess that's moot. However, a last gen SRT8 would get you a fast 4 door for around $20k.

 

[LTC8K6]

I agree with avoiding chrysler... 6 months ago, I rented a chrysler 300 and took it on a 1,000mi trip. The first car had less then 2,000 miles on it. The transmission failed on the first day. I got another 300. On day two, the transmission on the second 300, also with less then 2,000 miles, failed. STEER CLEAR OF CHRYSLER.

That benz is nice, if your in Phoenix I'm looking into buying a new car.

Rental cars are never good to use as examples like that. They are treated like crap by the rental agency and by the drivers.

 

[ichy]

Get off the constant car payment treadmill.

 

[BurnItDwn]

use the 10K to fix your benz when it breaks down.

 

[manimal]

I would first think about how you will use the car. Will it be something that you will take to Costco so you need trunk space or is it going to be a weekend toy that gets 1k miles a year with a trip or two thrown in?

Then I would seriously consider dropping new and going CPO. You miss more than 2/3rds the initial depreciation in some cars and usually allow you to buy a car a tier or two above your initial budget.

I know there are many of you out there with the mindset of new means less problems and new means clean slate but the cost savings alone merit serious consideration since I know few people who like to waste money.

Just had this conversation with my BIL who walked into a dealer and bought no haggle trading in a car worth much more than what he was given. Im sorry but thats just plain stupid when you add in all the factors.

 

[HybridSquirrel]

AWD fusions are pretty nice.

 

[thomsbrain]

How many miles does the Benz have and how many do you drive a year? I haven't seen any indication that it needs to be replaced.