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I will be shopping for a new car in 2013 and I want a larger sedan or coupe with a V-6 engine. My requirements are-
-V6 engine
-MSRP in $22K to $29K range.
-reliability/durability
-longevity- must be able to get 200,000 miles without major repairs or engine failure.
I do not care about fuel economy or gas prices. I drive 40K miles per year for my job, so I need a vehicle that is long lasting. My gas is paid for so not an issue. I want a fun car to drive that is comfortable, safe, and has some basic luxury features. I am not interested in the typical Japanese brand cars, so please do not mention Honda, Toyota, Kia, etc.
I have narrowed my search down to these models-
Ford Mustang
Dodge Challenger
Chevy Camaro
Chrysler 300
Dodge Charger
Ford Taurus
Buick Regal
Please tell me which of the above cars would be the best choice. Which gives me the most bang for the buck? I really am attracted to the Dodge Challenger and Chrysler 300 sedan, but I am scared to death to buy a Chrysler product. Are my fears justified? The car I feel most comfortable picking up is a Ford Mustang since I am so familiar with Fords. I like the size of the new Taurus sedans too. Is there a car I am missing?
Challenger is a pig, unless its the SRT-8 I wouldn't touch it, same goes with the 300, the 3.5 just isn't enough for the car. I am not a fan of the new Camaro, I would go Mustang(even if it is a V6) or the Taurus provided its a SHO
The Dodge Charger is a great looking car and the V6 has power behind it and since you are buying it new, it will have the 8 speed automatic so it should be fuel efficient as well. It looks so good though I would already have one if they came in a manual but they don't.
I'd go with the Charger. Sounds like what you want. Something fun and loaded with options, plus cheap (it's going to be worthless after a couple years anyways with the miles you rack up).
The Dodge Charger R/T and Chrysler 300C, with the 370HP 5.7 will get the 8 speed automatic later this year. I'd wait for the 8 speed, as the old 5 speed is ancient. Currently they hit 0-60 in 5.2 seconds, should be under 5 with the new tranny. The R/T Max with heated/cooled seats, heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, heated/cooled cupholders, remote start, HIDs, sunroof, 8" navigation, adaptive cruise control, blah blah blah can be found in the low $30's new after rebates. MSRP is around $35k. I'm seeing fully loaded R/T Max AWDs going for around $32k new right now. If you drop down the 3.6, you will be well in your price range.
The Taurus SHO would be fun, similar performance as the Charger R/T, but costs over $40k loaded up. I really dig the appearance changes in 2013.
Challenger is a pig, unless its the SRT-8 I wouldn't touch it, same goes with the 300, the 3.5 just isn't enough for the car. I am not a fan of the new Camaro, I would go Mustang(even if it is a V6) or the Taurus provided its a SHO
The 3.5 is dead. The Charger/Challenger/300 are now coming in base form with the 292 HP Pentastar V6, and they are entertainingly quick with this engine. Equipped with the 8 speed auto they now have, it is getting 31 mpg highway too, which IMO is very good for such a large and heavy chassis.
It is definately a worthy engine for the OP to consider, if he feels confident Chrysler has resolved the early head tick issues with them. I have seen very few complaints related to Charger in this regard.
With current rebates on the Charger ($2500 around here on the '13, $4000 on '12's), the OP could easily get a Charger for mid to low $20's by not loading it to the gills, and have a fun and comfortable large car!
V6 models are never in my radar, so, to make it exciting I'd consider only the RWD and 2-door.
That would leave Camaro, Challenger, and Mustang on the list. Out of all 3, I believe the Mustang is the lightest but it has a live rear axle (axle tramp under heavy braking). You can equip the V6 model with Recaro seats and V6 Performance package, unavailable in the other two, I believe. In my opinion, it is also the best looking out of the three. I'm a bit biased too since I have a '12.
Next up will be the Challenger; too bad it doesn't get Charger's taillights, it has the lowest power output rating among the three, and personally I'm somewhat leery about a Chrysler product. Regardless, I have a Challenger SRT8, a Ram SRT10, and a Viper ACR on my very long wish list. Today I wouldn't consider anything else in Chrysler line up.
Camaro is probably about on par with Challenger in my eyes. I could never warm up to its styling; it looks ok, nothing ugly but it doesn't do anything to me. Knowing GM, it's likely be heavily laden with electronics.
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