Car Stuff

Sometime in May, or possibly slightly later, I will be obtaining a new vehicle. Well, new to me anyway, it will probably be best for the family to buy used. Less to pay off and, theoretically, smaller payments. The trouble is that the two vehicles that I really like are either new or redesigned models from 2011. This could affect the payment plans a bit and send me looking in a different direction. However, I believe that these two will work for me as a buyer and be within the budget allowed.

The vehicles I am looking at are the Jeep Patriot and the Chrysler 200. Same family of cars, but two radically different models. I chose the two on purpose, looking at the pros and cons of SUV vs. sedan. I test drove both, thinking that I would clearly prefer one over the other. Naturally, this did not happen. So now I have a decision to make.

Both will easily fit the three children in the back, so that is not a concern. In the end it may boil down to money alone, but just for fun I'll explore some of the reasons I like both and offer you at home a chance to chime in with your opinions. Which will, of course, be duly considered and dismissed accordingly.

Let's start with the Jeep. It is more manly and rugged by design. Sits nice and high, too, and can go off road. Though, let's face it, me going off road would only happen maybe three times in the life of  the vehicle, and one of those would be due to sleep driving. Still, the ride is quite smooth considering what it is and the mileage is good.

There are a few cons though. Storage is a little bit limited, and the seat belt set up for the back seat is less than ideal. Also, power windows/locks and remote entry are options on the model I'm looking at. There have also been some complaints about leaking sunroofs on the Patriot and I love my sunroof so I'd want one if I could afford it. Annoying, but on the plus side I could play M*A*S*H every day by calling it a veeee-hicle in classic Rizzo style, and going all Col. Potter on it when it dies (as was my brother's recommendation). So in the end not much on frills, but an SUV that seems built to last.

On the other end of the spectrum is the Chrysler 200. Chrysler was bought by Fiat a few years ago, and their first priority was to take the ailing Sebring, overhaul it almost completely and come out with a quality mid sized sedan. In my opinion they have achieved admirably. Though it retains the Sebring's high roof line, almost everything else has been redone, thus making it a brand new old car. Which is just fun.

The 200 has more storage space ( a trunk) and a bit more legroom. The designs both inside and out echo luxury cars, especially on the driver's side dash and LED headlights. And the thing just zips along, very sporty like. It is also one of the quietest cars I've ever been in, although three kids in the back seat would change that. All in all though, a snazzy little car that's fun to drive.

The cons here are a little different. Some drivers have complained about the LED accent lights, but they are a fairly new product and I think just take a little getting used to. The 200 is also a bit more expensive than the Patriot so finding what I want in a used car may be more difficult. There is a slight safety concern in that I've heard some reports of engine stalls, mostly at red lights, but these seem to be fairly isolated. And besides, a certain number of any model car produced will have weird problems, and sometimes you buy a lemon. Lemon laws are designed to help new cars more than used, but that's a chance one takes.

So as far as problems go, I'm looking at restarting a car, or drying out a car. Six of one, in my opinion.

I could go on about technical details and options and what not, but why? The practical stuff is what I'm interested in and I believe these cars to be neck and neck. It's just a matter of deciding if I'm going to stick to the SUV thing like everyone else where I live and be in a more rugged vehicle. Or, do I go back to driving a small sedan with some luxury trappings and a nimble, quick ride? Money and availability may make the decision for me, but all that being equal, it's a tough decision. We shall see.