# New Here so dont hate! Looking to buy... and advice **URL:** \ **Category:** General Discussion\ **Created:** [January 14, 2017, 9:52pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-here-so-dont-hate-looking-to-buy-and-advice/98539 "2017-01-14T21:52:15Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![VOLVO-V70](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/8e8cbc/32.png) [@VOLVO-V70](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VOLVO-V70)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2017, 4:14pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-here-so-dont-hate-looking-to-buy-and-advice/98539/21 "2017-01-15T16:14:39Z")
> [@Ryan\_Smith](#): > > I emailed the guys on the show and they suggested I go here to get the ball You do realize the show is reruns . ---
**Author:** ![jtsanders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c2a13f/32.png) [@jtsanders](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jtsanders)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2017, 4:20pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-here-so-dont-hate-looking-to-buy-and-advice/98539/22 "2017-01-15T16:20:36Z")
If you are open to small cars, consider a VW Beetle. They have a surprising amount of room for the driver and are fun to drive. It has a turbocharged engine, and you have to change the oil at least as often as recommended by VW. It also comes as a convertible if that interests you. I’ve had the hardtop and convertible as rentals, and I would be happy to rent one again. ---
**Author:** ![db4690](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/db4690/32/2583_2.png) [@db4690](https://community.cartalk.com/u/db4690)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2017, 5:26pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-here-so-dont-hate-looking-to-buy-and-advice/98539/23 "2017-01-15T17:26:25Z")
I don’t think Ryan is going to be satisfied with a 4 banger Accord or Camry IMO he will feel they are gutless He would be better served with the optional V6, if he is considering those cars ---
**Author:** ![lion9car](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/59ef9b/32.png) [@lion9car](https://community.cartalk.com/u/lion9car)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2017, 7:28pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-here-so-dont-hate-looking-to-buy-and-advice/98539/24 "2017-01-15T19:28:14Z")
> [@VOLVO\_V70](#): > > Really, how much power would one need in bumper to bumper traffic in Houston. If I were trying to merge into heavy traffic, I’d definitely prefer to have lots of power on hand to be able to hit an open gap at speed. (Between your comments here and in the other thread, it appears that we don’t see eye-to-eye on the value of having sufficient power available in certain driving situations.) ---
**Author:** ![Docnick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecae2f/32.png) [@Docnick](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Docnick)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2017, 7:28pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-here-so-dont-hate-looking-to-buy-and-advice/98539/25 "2017-01-15T19:28:16Z")
If you are using your car to make a living and are driving a lot of miles, you need a suitable vehicle. A high powered V8 will cost a bundle in gas. But a V6 Camry might be a good compromise. I have a friend who had the exact same job (selling medical instruments) some years back. His car was a Toyota Cressida which he put 300,000 miles on with very few repairs. The current version would be a Toyota Avalon… To him, highway comfort, low maintenance & repairs and decent gas mileage was important. The Cressida was better than any US car at the time; I drove an Olds Delta 88 V8 and is was less reliable and guzzled gas by comparison. But the company picked up the tab, so I did not really care. ---
**Author:** ![galant](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/77aa72/32.png) [@galant](https://community.cartalk.com/u/galant)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2017, 10:44pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-here-so-dont-hate-looking-to-buy-and-advice/98539/26 "2017-01-15T22:44:12Z")
If I was paying for repairs and maintenance myself then I would try and stay away from Chrysler products because even though they are fun cars in the long run they would probably give you more headache. I also think you would not be happy with the Prius, but a Camry Hybrid might do the trick. The electric engine kicks in when you need the extra power; if that doesn’t do it then go with the V6. ---
**Author:** ![VOLVO-V70](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/8e8cbc/32.png) [@VOLVO-V70](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VOLVO-V70)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2017, 10:48pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-here-so-dont-hate-looking-to-buy-and-advice/98539/27 "2017-01-15T22:48:23Z")
> [@galant](#): > > If I was paying for repairs and maintenance myself then I would try and stay away from Chrysler products I second the motion. Fiat - Chrysler a merger of two struggling brands. Who knows what the future for them brings. ---
**Author:** ![Docnick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecae2f/32.png) [@Docnick](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Docnick)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2017, 12:13am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-here-so-dont-hate-looking-to-buy-and-advice/98539/28 "2017-01-16T00:13:55Z")
The future for Fiat Chrysler does not look good. The chairman (an Italian Canadian) has publicly revealed he would like a “merger” with GM. So far Mary Barra, GM’s CEO says they are not interested. The combination of low Italian productivity, militant Italian unions opposing any rationalization, and poor quality across the board has all the ingredients for imminent failure. The marriage reminded me of two losers marrying and trying to build a new life without changing any of their bad habits. When they go out of business, the US plants will likely be picked up by GM for a song and the Chinese or Indians may pick up Fiat. ---
**Author:** ![Mustangman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mustangman/32/44130_2.png) [@Mustangman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Mustangman)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2017, 10:13am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-here-so-dont-hate-looking-to-buy-and-advice/98539/29 "2017-01-16T10:13:11Z")
Stop-and-go Houston traffic?? Mileage allowance AND a monthly stipend? Big Guy? Fusion Hybrid, Accord Hybrid Camry Hybrid all great choices and more reliable than any Chrysler product you could name. A V6 Charger makes more noise than speed (my SIL has had 2) so I understand that issue. With speed come poor fuel economy. But there are options that balance both. So maybe Acura RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD with 377 hp and gets 30 mpg combined. ---
**Author:** ![jtsanders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c2a13f/32.png) [@jtsanders](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jtsanders)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2017, 1:42pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-here-so-dont-hate-looking-to-buy-and-advice/98539/30 "2017-01-16T13:42:13Z")
I think Marchionne made his desire for a GM merger public as a wide area announcement that Fiat was interested in merging with another auto company. While their choice might be GM first, I’m sure they would be open to other large manufacturers. Like GM, I’m not sure anyone would be interested in FCA. While Marchionne might want to get better through a merger, darned few companies would consider a merger with FCA a step in the right direction. ---
**Author:** ![MikeInNH](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a587f6/32.png) [@MikeInNH](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MikeInNH)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2017, 5:10pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-here-so-dont-hate-looking-to-buy-and-advice/98539/31 "2017-01-16T17:10:58Z")
> [@lion9car](#): > > it appears that we don’t see eye-to-eye on the value of having sufficient power available in certain driving situations Just because it’s a 4 cylinder doesn’t mean it’s gutless. Our 4 cylinder accords had plenty of power. Yes the v6 Lexus has a lot more power, but that doesn’t mean the Accord didn’t have enough power. It had plenty. ---
**Author:** ![insightful](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/insightful/32/2732_2.png) [@insightful](https://community.cartalk.com/u/insightful)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2017, 8:08pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-here-so-dont-hate-looking-to-buy-and-advice/98539/32 "2017-01-16T20:08:44Z")
> [@jtsanders](#): > > I think Marchionne made his desire for a GM merger public… Didn’t we go through this in 2000-2004? ;-] ---
**Author:** ![jtsanders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c2a13f/32.png) [@jtsanders](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jtsanders)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2017, 10:15pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-here-so-dont-hate-looking-to-buy-and-advice/98539/33 "2017-01-16T22:15:49Z")
I responded to @Docnick. You got a problem with that? ---
**Author:** ![Docnick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecae2f/32.png) [@Docnick](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Docnick)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2017, 12:42am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-here-so-dont-hate-looking-to-buy-and-advice/98539/34 "2017-01-17T00:42:51Z")
This was before the merger with Fiat. Chrysler would have gone under by itself. The worldwide shakeout is continuing. Even good companies like Mazda may not survive on there own due to their small size. So design and manufacturing ng tie-ups with Toyota and Fiat to spread development cost make sense. Industry experts forecast that there will only be 7 major car companies worldwide when the rationalization is complete. No one will say which seven, but Ford, Toyota, Nissan-Renault, Volkswagen, GM, Hyundai-Kia, and who knows who else will be there. ---
**Author:** ![db4690](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/db4690/32/2583_2.png) [@db4690](https://community.cartalk.com/u/db4690)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2017, 12:56am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-here-so-dont-hate-looking-to-buy-and-advice/98539/35 "2017-01-17T00:56:11Z")
I think GM would be very wise to NOT entertain any ideas of a merger with FCA ---
**Author:** ![insightful](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/insightful/32/2732_2.png) [@insightful](https://community.cartalk.com/u/insightful)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2017, 1:50am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-here-so-dont-hate-looking-to-buy-and-advice/98539/36 "2017-01-17T01:50:27Z")
> [@jtsanders](#): > > I responded to @Docnick. You got a problem with that? I’m referring to the previous failed purchase of Fiat by GM…what are you talking about??? ---
**Author:** ![jtsanders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c2a13f/32.png) [@jtsanders](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jtsanders)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2017, 9:41pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-here-so-dont-hate-looking-to-buy-and-advice/98539/37 "2017-01-17T21:41:40Z")
Do you mean the alliance in 2000 or something else? ---
**Author:** ![stargazer72](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/74df32/32.png) [@stargazer72](https://community.cartalk.com/u/stargazer72)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2017, 11:10pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-here-so-dont-hate-looking-to-buy-and-advice/98539/38 "2017-01-19T23:10:15Z")
> [@jtsanders](#): > > darned few companies would consider a merger with FCA Some CEO with racing heritage in his blood (can’t think of any offhand) would lust for Ferrari and Alfa access. Other than that, there’s not much of value from the Chrysler stable anymore. With Brexit taking Britain out of easy access to the Continent as a market, maybe some descendant of Colin Chapman might think he can see a future there. ---
**Author:** ![stargazer72](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/74df32/32.png) [@stargazer72](https://community.cartalk.com/u/stargazer72)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2017, 11:22pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-here-so-dont-hate-looking-to-buy-and-advice/98539/39 "2017-01-19T23:22:04Z")
> [@MikeInNH](#): > > Just because it’s a 4 cylinder doesn’t mean it’s gutless Agreed. The three main Japanese carmakers (Toyota, Honda, Mazda) all have very strong four-bangers in their midsize cars (2.4 L displacement). They are very capable in traffic, with surprising acceleration for merging, yet deliver good fuel economy - and outstanding durability. I left Mitsu out because of their impending exit from North America (due to chronic low sales) even though their engines are also capable. (It seems the engineers have inherited the company’s engine-design prowess from their Zero-building ancestors) ---
**Author:** ![stargazer72](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/74df32/32.png) [@stargazer72](https://community.cartalk.com/u/stargazer72)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2017, 11:38pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-here-so-dont-hate-looking-to-buy-and-advice/98539/40 "2017-01-19T23:38:35Z")
> [@Docnick](#): > > Industry experts forecast that there will only be 7 major car companies worldwide when the rationalization is complete. No one will say which seven, but Ford, Toyota, Nissan-Renault, Volkswagen, GM, Hyundai-Kia, and who knows who else will be there. I recall this forecast from at least twenty years ago. It seems to be an ongoing thing in the industry. At that time, I think Chrysler may have been still allied with Rootes Group (just kidding). Seriously, it was the “Diamond Star Alliance” which combined Chrysler (Pentastar) and Mitsubishi (Diamond) and gave Chrysler some small car technology for a while. Also, at that time, Nissan and Renault were separate companies, we had no knowledge of anything from Korea, especially cars, and one company that was expected to be absorbed by a larger entity was BMW. Times have changed, even if the narrative has not. [Previous page](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-here-so-dont-hate-looking-to-buy-and-advice/98539.md?page=1) [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-here-so-dont-hate-looking-to-buy-and-advice/98539.md?page=3)