Topic: Impala, 300, Malibu, or Charger which would you pick for the best overall car

[1971husky]

My 2004 Intrepid seems to be on its last legs.
I can't complain it has 300,000km, and I am the type of owner that doesn't do the regular maintance.

The dealer tells me I need a valve body and transmission solenoid pack which is around $1,300.
I was thinking about doing the repairs because I haven't spent much money
on the car over the years. But to my surprise they talked me out of doing the repairs
because of the high km's.  To be honest I  can't remember ever changing the transmission fluid.
They suggested a fluid change might help my problem of the high rpm, which just started a couple of days
ago.

If that doesn't help I am in need of a new used car. I put on alot of km's every year and I am a big guy standing 6'4 so I don't fit in most cars.
Just wondering what everyone thinks is the better car an Impala, Chrysler 300, Malibu, or possible Charger.
I would like to spend between $15,000-$17,000.
Or if anyone can suggest a different car. 
Buying a car just stress's me out.
Any and all comments would be great.

Thanks for your time.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

Of the cars you listed, the Malibu is the only one with an "average" or higher reliability rating from Consumer Reports. It also has the most modern design.

In the mid-size class there is quite a bit to choose from. Altima, Accord, Camry and Fusion are all pretty safe bets.

[saint_satan]

I second the Malibu.  I've had a couple as a rental and we have them as fleet vehicles at work - they seem pretty decent.  If looking for a domestic, check out the Fusion as well.

Not to sound like your mother (okay, maybe a little) but the $120 for a transmission service every 50K is money well spent.


SS

[triuman]

If the Malibu is a 4 cylinder, I would then go with the Impala. Lots of room, front wheel drive, nice car the Impala is. If the Malibu is a 6 cylinder, you may want to consider it as it would be more up-to-date tech wise............I'm just not that keen on the reliability and build quality of Chrysler/Dodge products.

[1971husky]

Thanks for the comments so far.
I am hoping to test drive the Fusion this week.

Should I be looking at the bigger engine to help handle all
the km's I do or the smaller engine to save on gas?

The last 2 Intrepids I owned had  3.5's

When I purchase a car I never look for resale value because
I bury all my cars with a ton of km's.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

Thanks for the comments so far.
I am hoping to test drive the Fusion this week.

Should I be looking at the bigger engine to help handle all
the km's I do or the smaller engine to save on gas?

The last 2 Intrepids I owned had  3.5's

When I purchase a car I never look for resale value because
I bury all my cars with a ton of km's.

The four cylinders these days come with 5 or 6 speed transmissions and fairly high outputs so are likely fine for most people. You’d really have to judge it for yourself.

Usually the fours have higher reliability ratings, though that’s not universal.

[Erik]

My cheapskate brother had the transmission rebuilt in his 1996 Intrepid last year for about $1500 total at a good independent transmission shop in Toronto. He is pushing 300,000 km on it and it has been pretty trouble free also. Shoot me a pm and I can get you the tranny shop info if you are interested.

If you read the forums on the Chrysler LX's (300, Charger, Magnum), the owners seem to feel that their cars are very reliable. Nice thing is that resale value blows on them, so you can get a lot of car for not much money.

[toolatecrew]

I'd say Fusion. With the new 2010/11 model fusions out used ones should be a very good deal (a NEW 2010 4cl base Fusion is 18 500 after employee pricimg promo on right now) You should be able to pick up an 08-09 V6 pretty loaded up in your price range.

Reliability has been very good. The 4 is going to get better gas mileage but having driven both the 4 and the 6 I think that if you do a lot of highway miles that the 6 is worth the slight $ premium and gas penalty . Second choice would be a Malibu. I wouldn't touch Chrysler the quality and reliability just isn't htere. The Malibu is very dated compared to the Malibu and Fusion.

There really should be a LOT of choice in terms of used Fusions out there right now

[Erik]

Checked Truedelta and they show the LX Mopars as being about average in reliability.