Unexpected good deal?

[Drew Dowdell]

Sure, it may not be best in class, but the 200 Sedan is a LOT of car for the money.

V6 Pentastar, 18" wheels, Leather, heated seats, remote start, S-Trim, Uconnect with 6.5" screen/Nav/20Gig HD

MSRP - $26,470

After Incentives, $21,333

[regfootball]

you noticed! It is a raging bargain.

But its a Chrysler!!!!!

What would a new Impala cost same equipped?

[pow]

I'd rather have a better car with less equipment than a worse car with tons of options. And in the case of the 200, it's arguably the worst car in its class, and the equipment you're getting isn't very valuable.

S-Trim consists of black paint on the grill, headlights, and wheels (costs Chrysler $10 in paint, maybe); embroidery on the front headrests ($10); silver stitching instead of black ($5); perforated steering wheel leather instead of smooth ($10); and a red "S" badge on the trunklid ($3). It may have leather, but it's very cheap leather that will show creases and wrinkles after one year. Best Buy sells remote start for $100, and UConnect navigation is slow.

If I had my heart set on a 200, I'd save $4,500 and get this Touring S four-banger instead: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Touring-New-2-4L-CD-BLACK-PREMIUM-CLOTH-BUCKET-SEATS-Front-Wheel-Drive-ABS-A-C-/160872415575?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item2574be4157#ht_7421wt_1085

[regfootball]

you'd want the v6. most definitely.

[vonVeezelsnider]

After someone else has taken the first couple years worth of depreciation, I would totally consider a 200 V6 Convertible as a second car.

[Drew Dowdell]

I've not had a problem with the UConnect in the 300c... is it that different in the 200? The S-Trim starts becoming a requirement when you start adding other options (at least according to the Chrysler website)... not something that I am actively seeking though.

But I'm looking at it this way... $21k for more options than I could get in a base Verano and in a Verano similarly equipped it is about a $7k - $8k difference.... plus... Pentastar.

[regfootball]

That is always the classic dilemma. An older, less glamorous, but well equipped subsidized car, or a newer model with more panache.

Chrysler did a masterful job of turning a lemon into lemonade with the Avenger and 200.

One other thing this brings up is the big price hike in smaller cars, due sure to more content. But this is a perfect example of how there is downward pressure for compact pricing when you get an opportunity to option up a midsizer for little more. Really, a Verano turbo would have a bit more go, but less space and maybe a few more lux gadgets. Look at how much more you'd spend.

I do think the Pentastar may be the item that would tip the scales if you want some go. I don't recall this car having crazy 0-60 though, even with the penta.

I wonder if by now the used Regal GS's are approaching that 25k price point.

Edited May 25, 2013 by regfootball

[Drew Dowdell]

I don't think a Verano Turbo would out scoot a 200 V6 by much, if at all.

[David]

Still the bargain will sell to those looking at only the bottom line of how much I can get for how little. Personally this is a car for those under 6' tall as I tried to fit into it. I would never consider it otherwise.

[regfootball]

I don't think a Verano Turbo would out scoot a 200 V6 by much, if at all.

I think the best time I saw for the 200 was like 6.7 seconds and the verano I saw a 6.4. The v6 is nice but you do have to wind it up a bit to get torque out of it.