If you've spotted some alluring Chryslers on the AutoTrader site, and you're toying with the idea of perhaps buying one, should you take all leave of your senses and go through with it?
Chrysler had quite a glamorous, American vibe to their locally-available cars, while they were still here, that is. I remember thinking that the Chrysler Crossfire was quite hot, but it wasn’t known for handling as well as it looked. If I see a Crossfire now, I notice how badly it has dated.
Fiat Group Automobiles South Africa and Chrysler South Africa, responsible for the Jeep and Dodge brands, Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Fiat Professional, MOPAR, and Chrysler, existed side-by-side in the local market since 2012. Chrysler forms part of the FCA Group (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles), which exited Mzansi in 2017 along with Dodge.
“This unfortunate situation has arisen from our principals in the USA no longer building Chrysler or Dodge vehicles in right-hand-drive configuration. We will, however, continue to support and service the existing Chrysler and Dodge vehicles through our franchise dealers”, said FCA.
Locally available Chryslers in the used-car market
Everyone is looking for a used bargain these days, but the last thing you want to buy is a gas-guzzling lemon that will make you bleed money in the long run. While Chryslers are by no means bad cars, the ones still available are usually high-mileage models or cars with large, naturally aspirated engines, or both. And from a reliability perspective, Chrysler is not exactly Lexus or Toyota. You don’t need a crystal ball to figure out that car parts may be hard to find or expensive, services may cost a pretty penny, and you’re not going to get the best fuel economy either when you’re driving a brute. In fact, we have someone on our team who had quite a few bad mechanical experiences with a troublesome Jeep.
In the same breath, there are one or two Chryslers that may look like an appealing option for families, such as the seven-seater Chrysler Grand Voyager (MPV) with a 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine (usage is rated at about 8.4 l/100 km, but we reckon it will be closer to 10, like the Isuzu D-MAX 300). There are some very affordable models available online and they’re pretty high on safety and convenience features.
This 2013 Chrysler Grand Voyager 2.8CRD (diesel, with 120kW and 350Nm) Limited with 167 000 km is in Bedfordview for R194 900.
If you’re looking for a spacious bruiser, the V8 Chrysler 300C SRT8 (if you have unlimited petrol at your disposal) is mean but quick, with plenty of Gangsta-attitude. But eish! Fuel consumption is claimed at 13 litres per 100 km from its 6.4-litre engine, and that is not even based on daily usage in the city. There is a V6 diesel available too if you simply MUST have a 300C.
Brutish but stately. This is a 2009 Chrysler 300C 3.5 (petrol) with 180kW and 340Nm. It’s priced at R139 990 wth 129 000 km on the odo, and can be found in Pretoria.
Would I buy one, though?
As a family car? Not unless I had unlimited funds or were married to a wealthy auto-repairman. I was keen on the 300C but since fuel prices have gone insane, I now tend to love downsized diesels and hybrids. Also, as we’ve mentioned, servicing and parts pricing/availability via the FCA group don’t enjoy the best reputation. So, just like Simon Cowell on BGT, I have to say: It’s a “no” from me.
However, if you’ve fallen head-over-heels, then make sure you take out a comprehensive mechanical warranty so you’re covered when things start going wrong.
Keyword: Is Chrysler good for families?