I also think they need to make list prices closer to transactions prices, then discount less. That's hard to do at first, and may be gradual, but that's really how you boost residuals - lower MSRP (even if invoice cost stays the same).
I'll also compliment your balance on being critical of GM, yet also posting praise. There are a number of GM loyalists who I never see praising other competitors. It's as if GM is all there is in the world.
I'll also compliment your balance on being critical of GM, yet also posting praise. There are a number of GM loyalists who I never see praising other competitors. It's as if GM is all there is in the world.
This statement reminds me of the old 'All in the Family' episode where Archie and Mike were explaining what they saw in the same incident, although of course their perceptions were completely different.
I rarely see anyone ever post anything genuinely negative about Japanese or Korean makes (other than styling). Yet there are constant half-truths (if even that much) about GM here. One not terribly long ago was "Malibu NOT RECOMMENDED by CR". It scored higher than other midsize cars, but it wasn't that it was 'NOT RECOMMENDED'...it was not on their 'Recommended' list as it was a complete redesign. Sort of like "GM does not honor warranties on pre-bankruptcy cars". I could go on and on with that type of thing. Half-truths of that stature are never seen here about Japanese or Korean makes.
My guess is that the Malibu will make their 'Recommended' list after one year.
I have a problem with the rear-seat legroom and was the first person or magazine I saw ever comment on it. But if the price of the current model got down to, say, Cruze prices, I think it could be a great value. I value a quiet, solid ride more than slalom driving and the car does supposedly have those qualities.
I'm interested in seeing Impalas once they arrive at dealerships, although I don't see myself in the market for another car in a long time. My '08 Cobalt runs like new and our '11 Malibu is virtually new.
2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
Yet there are constant half-truths (if even that much) about GM here. One not terribly long ago was "Malibu NOT RECOMMENDED by CR". It scored higher than other midsize cars, but it wasn't that it was 'NOT RECOMMENDED'...it was not on their 'Recommended' list as it was a complete redesign.
You can spin things either way. I see what you're saying, but if it was not on the recommended list is certainly was not recommended. That isn't exactly a blatant error.
Sort of like "GM does not honor warranties on pre-bankruptcy cars".
I do seem to remember that there was at least one car (was it pre-BK police cruisers or something like that?) where warranties weren't honored. Not a blanket issue, but certainly at least a bit of truth to it, too.
But your post really doesn't address the original comment - have you praised a Toyota, or a Honda, or a Hyundai. Have some of the other loyalists?
I know I've said that I've had GMs with really smooth engines, or nice seats. Circle, while often very critical of GM, has also posted high praise article citations, etc.
Just looking for some balance. It's pretty obvious when posters are married to one make -- no matter what, versus the ones that look thoughtfully at all makes, pro and con.
Too bad the Impala will be out of your current price range.
Regarding the "Not Recommended Malibu":
Sales down 22% in March. Perhaps even more after the Impala debuts.
The eAssist version of the Impala will get 35 miles (56 kilometers) per gallon on the highway, GM said. That’s close to the most fuel-efficient version of the Malibu, which gets 37 mpg in highway driving.
While GM would like the new Impala to steal sales from outsiders such as the Taurus and Avalon, the automaker’s greatest challenge will be preventing it from cannibalizing too many Malibu sales, TrueCar’s Dominique said.
“From what I refer to as a perceived quality point of view,” said Dominique, the new Impala “is a step up from the Malibu in a lot of ways.”
The numbers don't lie. The Malibu is a sales dud. Similarly, CR's rating of the Malibu was not posted by a soul here...until I did. Only all the negatives were posted by others. I'm reminded of the three-year-old Corvette recall that was posted by someone with an anti-GM handle (one wonders about 'balance' there), as a current recall.
2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
I rarely see anyone ever post anything genuinely negative about Japanese or Korean makes (other than styling)
Well, you don't follow the import brand threads, so of course not.
If you did, you'd hear me whine about:
* Cost cutting on new Sienna, last year Civic * Wrong-way hatch out outgoing RAV4, older CR-V * Tiny Nav screen used by Mazda and Subaru * Low Res Nav on Hondas * Clumsy suicide doors on Element/FJ * FJ requires premium fuel = stupid * Terrible visibility on Rogue, Sportage, too many to name * Too-big rims on well equipped Impreza, Elantra GT, Mazda3 * Many, many more..
There is tons of room for improvement even in areas of design.
You may also remember I called the death of Suzuki (I was correct) and I said Mitsubishi would be next. I still think that's true.
The numbers don't lie. The Malibu is a sales dud. Similarly, CR's rating of the Malibu was not posted by a soul here...until I did. Only all the negatives were posted by others.
Even if CR declared the Malibu the "Car of the Century", it would still be a sales dud. And, its not the first, but only one recent entry into a long list of duds on which all manufacturers have entries listed.
Most objective posters don't see much sense in expending any effort in order to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear, regardless the make or model.
Even if CR declared the Malibu the "Car of the Century", it would still be a sales dud.
lol, it won MT "Car of the Year" back in 1998 and still went on to becoming a fleet queen...
The Accord/Camry buyer base is a tough nut to crack, you really have to bring something special to the table in order to make headway. And even then, manufacturers are limited by capacity (Mazda 6 comes to mind here) and have no chance of matching either of them in sales solely because they can't build that many...
My In-Laws traded in their disliked Equinox (comments included it felt like it was on a PINTO chassis and suspension). Basically, he didn't like the way it handled and rode, especially over rough or uneven pavement such as in the central central valley of CA. Apparently on the test drive they only went on smooth pavement.
So they got rid of it even though they weren't finished paying it off.
They got a GMC Terrain Denali. That's a mouthful. The steering wheel says Denali, the outside says Terrain. Interesting the inside makes no mention of GM or GMC.
Here's something positive and balanced for this forum; I think this little SUV is 10X better than the Cheapquinox. It doesn't have panel gaps two fingers can fit through. It has a nice interior, and seems tightly put together for the most part. He got the 3.6 V6 I believe, and it probably has lots more power and lots more fuel economy at the same time than their old (what; 4 years?) Chevy.
Admittedly, I don't know what they paid, or what GMC asks for this vehicle, but it certainly presents a better argument for existing than the Equinox.
Still, I can't understand why they would continue to support GM.
OH yeah, I was able to find some flaws, but I had to look closely, the front and rear doors appeared to be aligned about 1 to 2 mm off. Close, but not perfect.
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
All warning lights on the dash would come on while driving for no reason, I took multiple pictures but the dealer never could replicate or find anything wrong
If you have pictures that is proof that something is wrong and there is no need for the dealer to duplicate it, sounds like a cop out by the dealer and Chrysler to me. I'd of told them to replace every part or the entire vehicle if they can't figure it out. Lemon laws.
Same with the check engine light.
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
Too bad the Impala will be out of your current price range.
I wouldn't rule it out if I liked the car.
I could pay cash for an XTS if I wanted to...but I'm a simple guy with simple tastes and can't see the reasons why I would buy a car that expensive.
I've bought four new cars, one used (for my daughter), and two Studebakers since 2002. Paid cash for each and every one of them. And even the second Stude was five figures. I prefer to not spend a ton on a new vehicle. And I don't allow a magazine writer to dictate my taste.
2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
I do think people still buy a lot on price, not just the 'top pick' of CR...hence, why the old Silverados sold so well last month.
Actually, I'd wager only a small minority buy cars based upon CR's 'top pick' selection alone.
My BIL is really big on CR's recommendations, but even he balances it out with past experience and other pieces of information (professional and friends opinions, potentially negative public opinion comments, personal observations, etc.).
A CR 'top pick' may turn some heads, but what gets the attention of those that seriously research potential vehicles they are considering for purchase is the number of other sources that agree with CR 's findings.
My own personal opinion is that too many people place far too much importance on what CR prints.
Hm, my van broke down today and the Toyota has been on the maybe replacement list. Or I could look at another Quest and get a killer deal. Or we could just keep driving the third brand that's on the list.
I could care less if something's a top-seller or not. Go for the good buy!
I did that a decade ago when I bought my Saturn L300. Was cheaper than either the Accord EX-L V6 or VW Passat I was considering.
Plus GM was offering 0% on the loan! What's not to like?
The depreciation, for one. When I went to trade it in 7 years and 94,000 miles later, I was given only $3K for it. I suspect the Accord would have been worth at least twice that.
The repair bills, for another. The L-series was a European car in many respects, with Euro-priced repair bills.
"Dogs at the dealership" can translate into "Good buys". I could care less if something's a top-seller or not. Go for the good buy!
That can work out in your favor, but just make sure that it's a vehicle you're going to like. There's no sense in buying something you hate simply because it has good resale. But, at the same time, there's no sense in buying something you hate simply because it has a cheap price.
There's definitely a segment of the population that buys on price alone with no regard to quality.
For instance, my brother in law bought a 27" monitor at Fry's, paid $50 more than an online price match would have cost him (or just checking Amazon first to begin with, and then promptly paid $65 on an extended warranty for a cheap generic ACER monitor that you can get for $229 from an authorized dealers.
:mad: :sick:
My biggest question to him was why pay nearly $70 more for a warranty, rather than just get a good brand that will never need it, or comes with a long warranty standard? You could use that $70 bucks to buy a top-line model. Also, if it ever breaks and you got the cheap one, you could probably buy a used one in the future for the same price as that extended warranty.
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
The repair bills, for another. The L-series was a European car in many respects, with Euro-priced repair bills.
I've spent less than $1,000 on repairs to get my Euro car to 98,000 miles and counting. Repair bills are irrelevant if you buy something of quality that doesn't need repairs often.
Even if I paid $200 per repair on the domestic (which by the way, the average repair was more like $450), it would of still added up to many multiples more than my Euro car's repair costs, and that's in about 50% less miles for the domestic.
I'd much rather have a thousand dollar repair one time every 100K miles than require $400 every 3 or 4 months.
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
My own personal opinion is that too many people place far too much importance on what CR prints.
I don't think so. If your a sports car enthusiast, then maybe, but otherwise, I think people realize the refreshing honesty of CR, and that is why it is so highly valued.
They are straightforward in their approach. Yes, it heavily weighs on comfort, fuel economy, and safety, but that's OK. I think they keep car makers honest.
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
I don't think so. If your a sports car enthusiast, then maybe, but otherwise, I think people realize the refreshing honesty of CR, and that is why it is so highly valued.
And hey, after you look at their test results in one month's issue, you can thumb through the front and see who makes the best-tasting ketchup and which insect-repellant spray is best.
2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
Hmm a higher priced (probably with more profit) model stealing sales from a lower priced model, not such a horrible thing is it? I know the Malibu is supposed to be the higher volume model though, and that is why the refresh is being rushed, we will have to see if what they do improves its deficient areas or not. I don't think it is a bad car, but compared to its rivals the rear set is too small and the fuel economy is too low. I would bet that if the fuel economy was closer to the top of the class it would be selling better despite the smallish back seat, I think the fuel economy is its biggest problem overall ( I know others will sy the styling and interior overall suck, but I don't think it is too bad, and that buyers could overlook some of that if the fuel economy was there ( see Camry for refence))
From what I saw on the buying American thread the Subaru ImpezZa may not be quite as big a dog as that article makes out since the XV is listed separately and more than makes up for those sales, I don't think you will be getting a good deal on one of them ( since they are all made in the same factory). The MKZ is also a little misleading since as I recall they have only just got production fully p ( as I recall they were having some quality issues they were sorting out so the cars were slow to reach the dealerships). Besides that yes there are probably deals to be had on at least two of the other three.
Of course, there's also the present and future value of enjoyment. Buying cheap and not liking the vehicle is only exceeded in bad judgment by buying expensive and hating the vehicle. Regrets are an expense, and few cars are really equal.
Well I believe they said they were going to do something about the fuel economy, but you are right I doubt it will be a major change unless they are really serious about fixing their big mistake, and to tell the truth I think they need to ( though wether they will or not is questionable).
I agree the competitors are better, thus the low sales, no question there, I just happen to think that most buyers will be turned off with the fuel economy, probably before they even go and see it if they look online and see it is that much worse than the other newer cars in the segment, with competitive economy numbers they would at least get people to the dealerships and that might translate into more sales, without competitive economy numbers at least, they are dead in the water ( buyers might be able to overlook some other shortcomings but nowadays I don't think they will overlook a big difference in fuel economy, it has become too important).
For me, when I see the new Malibu (and when I was in my dealer's for an oil change last week, they had a bunch), the rear seat legroom just jumps out at me (particular in comparison with our '11). I don't buy on MPG first, but I think one thing the enthusiast mags can probably be blamed for is that horsepower is up, but MPG isn't up in the same way. Frankly, when we've lived with far less horsepower, I can live with less than 200 hp, even in a larger car, if the MPG is where I want it.
Believe it or not, my Cobalt, although a 5-speed and with no power-sapping features except A/C, has plenty of acceleration and 'scoot' for me. As with the completely smooth and mostly silent engine, it's hard to believe for those who've never ridden in one or driven one. I have to believe the newer GM's are even better in this regard.
2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
The Dart and Malibu are two sales duds this year, but as said previously, that can lead to good pricing. Are they terrible cars? Not hardly. If I drove either and liked it, and liked the dealer, I wouldn't think twice of buying one. I truly believe most people wouldn't mostly because of the stigma of going against the mainstream. So much good stuff is lost to that kind of thinking...cars, places to live, even popular music.
2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
I'm surprised to see the Prius on the list. I'm not surprised to see the MKZ on it. Lincoln hasn't has anything I'd find remotely desirable since the demise of the venerable Town Car. The Malibu a dog? I see plenty of them around here and no, they are not rentals!
I hated the 2013 Malibu when I first sat in one, back around September or so. But, it sort of redeemed itself for me when I sat in one at the DC auto show in February.
The back seat is still horribly cramped. When I put the seat back to where I'm comfortable, I don't think anybody could fit back there...not just tall people. There's only something like 2-3 inches between the front of the back seat cushion and the back of the front seat. So effectively, if I'm the driver, the car becomes a 3-seater.
However, I do think the front seats are fairly comfortable. And, the back seat itself actually is pretty nice too, just as long as you have shorter people up front and the seat's not all the way back! The interior and build quality seems to be pretty nice, as well. I do think the interior styling is a little busy, but at least it seems to be of decent quality.
Personally, I thought the front seats of the Malibu were better than that darling of the media, the Honda Accord. The Accord's seats felt a bit small, like they were really designed for a compact car, and they didn't go back all that far.
As for why the Dart, I think one reason it's not selling that well is because it seems a bit expensive. I think Chrysler's making the same mistake that they did when they launched the K-cars back in 1981, and even the Aspen/Volare in 1976. Too many loaded-up, expensive models, and not enough lower-priced ones. And, like the Malibu, the Dart's not all that fuel efficient for its class, either. And, the Avenger/Sebring, marketed as midsized cars, even though they're not *that* much bigger, are pretty low-priced. They're probably stealing a lot of sales that otherwise would have gone to the Dart.
Funny, the Altima was rated below a basic Malibu by CR, and the Fusion Titanium, their most expensive trim line, was rated in the 70's. I saw a Fusion at the Cleveland Auto Show and it stickered for $35K--I have to believe it was a 'Titanium'.
One thing I like about the Malibu that I think the others don't offer--even the '14 Impala doesn't--is the option of a side rub molding. Not sure why the makers think we don't give a damn about parking lot nicks anymore. But there they go, dictating taste again.
That is one of only three options I specified in my search for a four-door Cobalt XFE in '08--that, plus factory floor mats and ABS. ABS was tricky on an otherwise stripped car, but one was located in Indianapolis, six hours away, and that dealer only had it in inventory eight days.
2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
Comments
I also think they need to make list prices closer to transactions prices, then discount less. That's hard to do at first, and may be gradual, but that's really how you boost residuals - lower MSRP (even if invoice cost stays the same).
I'll also compliment your balance on being critical of GM, yet also posting praise. There are a number of GM loyalists who I never see praising other competitors. It's as if GM is all there is in the world.
I don't understand that. I don't worship any company.
I just saw that during the first quarter, the Tesla S has outsold both the Volt and Leaf!
Volt is still kind of wallowing, the LEAF sold in more numbers than the Volt in March.
This statement reminds me of the old 'All in the Family' episode where Archie and Mike were explaining what they saw in the same incident, although of course their perceptions were completely different.
I rarely see anyone ever post anything genuinely negative about Japanese or Korean makes (other than styling). Yet there are constant half-truths (if even that much) about GM here. One not terribly long ago was "Malibu NOT RECOMMENDED by CR". It scored higher than other midsize cars, but it wasn't that it was 'NOT RECOMMENDED'...it was not on their 'Recommended' list as it was a complete redesign. Sort of like "GM does not honor warranties on pre-bankruptcy cars". I could go on and on with that type of thing. Half-truths of that stature are never seen here about Japanese or Korean makes.
My guess is that the Malibu will make their 'Recommended' list after one year.
I have a problem with the rear-seat legroom and was the first person or magazine I saw ever comment on it. But if the price of the current model got down to, say, Cruze prices, I think it could be a great value. I value a quiet, solid ride more than slalom driving and the car does supposedly have those qualities.
I'm interested in seeing Impalas once they arrive at dealerships, although I don't see myself in the market for another car in a long time. My '08 Cobalt runs like new and our '11 Malibu is virtually new.
As you say, it's all in perception.
I attempt to post items I think are significant. Sometimes its good for GM, sometimes bad, and the same goes for foreign makes.
Check out the Buying American...forum. Several examples there...
You can spin things either way. I see what you're saying, but if it was not on the recommended list is certainly was not recommended. That isn't exactly a blatant error.
Sort of like "GM does not honor warranties on pre-bankruptcy cars".
I do seem to remember that there was at least one car (was it pre-BK police cruisers or something like that?) where warranties weren't honored. Not a blanket issue, but certainly at least a bit of truth to it, too.
But your post really doesn't address the original comment - have you praised a Toyota, or a Honda, or a Hyundai. Have some of the other loyalists?
I know I've said that I've had GMs with really smooth engines, or nice seats. Circle, while often very critical of GM, has also posted high praise article citations, etc.
Just looking for some balance. It's pretty obvious when posters are married to one make -- no matter what, versus the ones that look thoughtfully at all makes, pro and con.
Regarding the "Not Recommended Malibu":
Sales down 22% in March. Perhaps even more after the Impala debuts.
The eAssist version of the Impala will get 35 miles (56 kilometers) per gallon on the highway, GM said. That’s close to the most fuel-efficient version of the Malibu, which gets 37 mpg in highway driving.
While GM would like the new Impala to steal sales from outsiders such as the Taurus and Avalon, the automaker’s greatest challenge will be preventing it from cannibalizing too many Malibu sales, TrueCar’s Dominique said.
“From what I refer to as a perceived quality point of view,” said Dominique, the new Impala “is a step up from the Malibu in a lot of ways.”
Chevy = 32% Fleet Sales
GM = 26% Fleet Sales
Let's see if they can reduce this according to their current thinking.
Well, you don't follow the import brand threads, so of course not.
If you did, you'd hear me whine about:
* Cost cutting on new Sienna, last year Civic
* Wrong-way hatch out outgoing RAV4, older CR-V
* Tiny Nav screen used by Mazda and Subaru
* Low Res Nav on Hondas
* Clumsy suicide doors on Element/FJ
* FJ requires premium fuel = stupid
* Terrible visibility on Rogue, Sportage, too many to name
* Too-big rims on well equipped Impreza, Elantra GT, Mazda3
* Many, many more..
There is tons of room for improvement even in areas of design.
You may also remember I called the death of Suzuki (I was correct) and I said Mitsubishi would be next. I still think that's true.
It's a middle-of-the-road rating, not one of the top sedans. Didn't seem newsworthy then, and still doesn't now.
The Eco model scored poorly enough that it may be better not to mention it.
Even if CR declared the Malibu the "Car of the Century", it would still be a sales dud. And, its not the first, but only one recent entry into a long list of duds on which all manufacturers have entries listed.
Most objective posters don't see much sense in expending any effort in order to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear, regardless the make or model.
A middle-of-the-road finish will have no impact on sales.
lol, it won MT "Car of the Year" back in 1998 and still went on to becoming a fleet queen...
The Accord/Camry buyer base is a tough nut to crack, you really have to bring something special to the table in order to make headway. And even then, manufacturers are limited by capacity (Mazda 6 comes to mind here) and have no chance of matching either of them in sales solely because they can't build that many...
The Lambdas all enjoyed nice gains, despite the platform's age.
So they got rid of it even though they weren't finished paying it off.
They got a GMC Terrain Denali. That's a mouthful. The steering wheel says Denali, the outside says Terrain. Interesting the inside makes no mention of GM or GMC.
Here's something positive and balanced for this forum; I think this little SUV is 10X better than the Cheapquinox. It doesn't have panel gaps two fingers can fit through. It has a nice interior, and seems tightly put together for the most part. He got the 3.6 V6 I believe, and it probably has lots more power and lots more fuel economy at the same time than their old (what; 4 years?) Chevy.
Admittedly, I don't know what they paid, or what GMC asks for this vehicle, but it certainly presents a better argument for existing than the Equinox.
Still, I can't understand why they would continue to support GM.
OH yeah, I was able to find some flaws, but I had to look closely, the front and rear doors appeared to be aligned about 1 to 2 mm off. Close, but not perfect.
If you have pictures that is proof that something is wrong and there is no need for the dealer to duplicate it, sounds like a cop out by the dealer and Chrysler to me. I'd of told them to replace every part or the entire vehicle if they can't figure it out. Lemon laws.
Same with the check engine light.
Yet, people on here were saying how great cars that finished below the Malibu were.
I do think people still buy a lot on price, not just the 'top pick' of CR...hence, why the old Silverados sold so well last month.
I wouldn't rule it out if I liked the car.
I could pay cash for an XTS if I wanted to...but I'm a simple guy with simple tastes and can't see the reasons why I would buy a car that expensive.
I've bought four new cars, one used (for my daughter), and two Studebakers since 2002. Paid cash for each and every one of them. And even the second Stude was five figures. I prefer to not spend a ton on a new vehicle. And I don't allow a magazine writer to dictate my taste.
Actually, I'd wager only a small minority buy cars based upon CR's 'top pick' selection alone.
My BIL is really big on CR's recommendations, but even he balances it out with past experience and other pieces of information (professional and friends opinions, potentially negative public opinion comments, personal observations, etc.).
A CR 'top pick' may turn some heads, but what gets the attention of those that seriously research potential vehicles they are considering for purchase is the number of other sources that agree with CR 's findings.
My own personal opinion is that too many people place far too much importance on what CR prints.
Those truck and SUV segments again? That didn't help too much in the last economic downturn/gas price shock.
lHyundai, Kia recalling 1.6 million vehicles
Hm, my van broke down today and the Toyota has been on the maybe replacement list. Or I could look at another Quest and get a killer deal. Or we could just keep driving the third brand that's on the list.
I did that a decade ago when I bought my Saturn L300. Was cheaper than either the Accord EX-L V6 or VW Passat I was considering.
Plus GM was offering 0% on the loan! What's not to like?
The depreciation, for one. When I went to trade it in 7 years and 94,000 miles later, I was given only $3K for it. I suspect the Accord would have been worth at least twice that.
The repair bills, for another. The L-series was a European car in many respects, with Euro-priced repair bills.
Things to keep in mind.
Not to mention, a lot of things have changed in a decade.
That can work out in your favor, but just make sure that it's a vehicle you're going to like. There's no sense in buying something you hate simply because it has good resale. But, at the same time, there's no sense in buying something you hate simply because it has a cheap price.
For instance, my brother in law bought a 27" monitor at Fry's, paid $50 more than an online price match would have cost him (or just checking Amazon first to begin with, and then promptly paid $65 on an extended warranty for a cheap generic ACER monitor that you can get for $229 from an authorized dealers.
:mad:
My biggest question to him was why pay nearly $70 more for a warranty, rather than just get a good brand that will never need it, or comes with a long warranty standard? You could use that $70 bucks to buy a top-line model. Also, if it ever breaks and you got the cheap one, you could probably buy a used one in the future for the same price as that extended warranty.
I've spent less than $1,000 on repairs to get my Euro car to 98,000 miles and counting. Repair bills are irrelevant if you buy something of quality that doesn't need repairs often.
Even if I paid $200 per repair on the domestic (which by the way, the average repair was more like $450), it would of still added up to many multiples more than my Euro car's repair costs, and that's in about 50% less miles for the domestic.
I'd much rather have a thousand dollar repair one time every 100K miles than require $400 every 3 or 4 months.
I don't think so. If your a sports car enthusiast, then maybe, but otherwise, I think people realize the refreshing honesty of CR, and that is why it is so highly valued.
They are straightforward in their approach. Yes, it heavily weighs on comfort, fuel economy, and safety, but that's OK. I think they keep car makers honest.
As I've said before, we need 435 copies of you in Congress!
That's only true if interest rates are not at 0%!
And hey, after you look at their test results in one month's issue, you can thumb through the front and see who makes the best-tasting ketchup and which insect-repellant spray is best.
At least you redeemed yourself with an old car
I bet no one at the dealerships believes the story. Well, maybe on the Quest. :shades:
It's the fact that the competitors have better (at least, in more buyer's eyes) vehicles in or near the same price range.
One can't very well sell much of a good product if a superior product is just as available, and selling for the same price.
I just don't see many people running out an buying a $30K vehicle simply (or only) because it was a CR 'best buy" or "top pick".
Believe it or not, my Cobalt, although a 5-speed and with no power-sapping features except A/C, has plenty of acceleration and 'scoot' for me. As with the completely smooth and mostly silent engine, it's hard to believe for those who've never ridden in one or driven one. I have to believe the newer GM's are even better in this regard.
The back seat is still horribly cramped. When I put the seat back to where I'm comfortable, I don't think anybody could fit back there...not just tall people. There's only something like 2-3 inches between the front of the back seat cushion and the back of the front seat. So effectively, if I'm the driver, the car becomes a 3-seater.
However, I do think the front seats are fairly comfortable. And, the back seat itself actually is pretty nice too, just as long as you have shorter people up front and the seat's not all the way back! The interior and build quality seems to be pretty nice, as well. I do think the interior styling is a little busy, but at least it seems to be of decent quality.
Personally, I thought the front seats of the Malibu were better than that darling of the media, the Honda Accord. The Accord's seats felt a bit small, like they were really designed for a compact car, and they didn't go back all that far.
As for why the Dart, I think one reason it's not selling that well is because it seems a bit expensive. I think Chrysler's making the same mistake that they did when they launched the K-cars back in 1981, and even the Aspen/Volare in 1976. Too many loaded-up, expensive models, and not enough lower-priced ones. And, like the Malibu, the Dart's not all that fuel efficient for its class, either. And, the Avenger/Sebring, marketed as midsized cars, even though they're not *that* much bigger, are pretty low-priced. They're probably stealing a lot of sales that otherwise would have gone to the Dart.
The Altima seems to be muscling its way into the top ranks of mid-sizers. The Fusion is also making headway.
One thing I like about the Malibu that I think the others don't offer--even the '14 Impala doesn't--is the option of a side rub molding. Not sure why the makers think we don't give a damn about parking lot nicks anymore. But there they go, dictating taste again.
That is one of only three options I specified in my search for a four-door Cobalt XFE in '08--that, plus factory floor mats and ABS. ABS was tricky on an otherwise stripped car, but one was located in Indianapolis, six hours away, and that dealer only had it in inventory eight days.