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Deal of the week

Extra gear and gadgets? Just say 'no'

JEREMY CATO AND MICHAEL VAUGHAN

Globe and Mail Update

Latest comment posted at 12:27 AM EDT 08/05/08

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  1. Troy Sanders from Halifax, Canada writes: You make a good point about ignoring extras, but my query concerns the third row seats you say to ignore. My initial draw to the Journey was as a minivan replacement (3 row seating without the soccer Mom/Dad stigma). The Power stats you sight seem to bear that out with the most common trade in model being the Caravan.

    I guess the question is how you view the vehicle itself. Is it, as you ponder, a station wagon in "crossover" guise or is it a minivan alternative that looks more appealing and lacks the stigma? As I view the Journey as the latter, I was actually shocked that the 3rd row seats were optional at all (being such a draw for myself, at least).

    This begs the next question, if the vehicle will be hauling 5 or 6 people on average, how practical is the 4 cylinder in that case? Still adequate (I understand engine performance is wildly subjective)?

    But, if geared up as a minivan (with 3rd row seats and probably a V6), is it still a practical alternative to a Dodge Caravan? If it doesn't, then perhaps it only works as a large station wagon after all. Just a thought.
  2. P Martin from St. John's, Canada writes: I avoid the extras all the time. There are only a couple that are worthy.
  3. A A from Canada writes: 2 points:

    1)How can Chrysler keep prices down for so long with resin and metal prices going through the roof?

    2)Nice to see the Chrysler streamline their model offering. Don't want to see anymore of this 24G , 36A, 45G packaging BS. Make it simple like Honda!

    What about quality? The Dodge Nitro scores poorly with JD Power.
  4. Geriatric Personage from St. Stephen, Canada writes: Has anybody actually driven any of these yet? They may sell a few more because of the low price but the shoddy workmanship, inferior finish and awful handling will determine the final result.
  5. Vincent Clement from Formerly of Toronto, Canada writes: "Do I need a video screen in the back seat for $1,175? No." Please tell me that the auto companies are still not charging that much for a DVD system?
  6. Albin Forone from Canada writes: I got a Sebring convertible as a renter a year ago, with good weather and sat radio it's a really attractive car and was a fun enough drive to make me think about buying, more than most renters do. Guzzled gas and liked to cruise at 85 mph, though not enough torque with an automatic to really thrill. If it's down to $20k there should be a market for it.
  7. Nathan Cool from Vancouver, Canada writes: That Sebring screams "I rented this" or "I'm recently retired from retail"!

    I rented one once and it's a typical American junker: heavy, slow, thirsty and with a cheap interior.

    Inspire me America! I'm sick of your bloated junk.
  8. Rae Vandenberg from Canada writes: I agree with limiting the bells and whistles. One thing I don't like to cut back on, however, is safety. The Honda Fit appeals to me because it has many safety features as standard. All the other stuff - toys built into the car - is of no importance to me.
  9. Andrew MacKinnon from Toronto, Canada writes: Most of these extra gadgets can be bought separately for a much lower price. $1175 for a DVD player in the backseat? Replace it with a $200 portable DVD player. And so on for navigation systems, floor mats and all the other accessories your car dealer offers you. Never, ever buy this type of thing directly from the car dealer because most of the price is pure profit.
  10. Rick Z from Canada writes: Maybe I am comparing apples to oranges, but Jeep patriot 4X4 CVT costs less than 20K. And with a great MPG.
  11. George Bishop from Fergus, Ontario, Canada writes: Chrysler-Ceberus is a huge gamble for any of there vehicles, in several blogs in the USA all they talk about is when and not if Chrysler will go into Chapter 11 and spin off there Vans to a third party as well as Jeep and junk the rest of the lineup! not a good omen in my humble opinion, just last year the Editor of the Lemon Aid books said that Chrysler was a dead man walking or a dead cat bounce! I would not waste my money on buying any Chrysler product as the future is very bleak! There Transmissons also leave a lot to be desired in all models up to the present time.
  12. Sissy Schuss from Canada writes: If I bought a Chrysler six months agao and saw that it had been slashed in price by 8000 I'd be asking questions - like how is this possible? what is the real value of this car? and can I get some of my money back?
  13. S H from Windsor, Canada writes: George Bishop.....Chrysler is still recovering from the debacle called "Daimler". The German's have practically destroyed what was once an "American icon"! This company is starting all over again. I've heard this from employees and other companies that deal with Chrysler over in Detroit at their world headquarters. Chrysler will get it straighten around and hopefully will become the proud company it once was.

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