The bad news, recent news reports indicate that unemployment will continue to rise until 2010. The good news, car dealers will be desperate to get rid of anything on their lots. They will offer add-ins that are too good to be true.
Consumers will have some money to spare, might be able to get a steal. If you want to remember the good old days when the economy was booming then ponder test- driving a retro coupe. The best American old-fashioned speedster's are the new Dodge Challenger, Ford Mustang and upcoming Chevrolet Camaro. The Dodge Challenger makes a comeback. Car buyers seeking a discount will be attracted to the 3.5 L, 4- speed, SE model because of its MSRP of $22,545. The V6 has a horsepower of 250 and 18 city/25 highway mpg. For those with deeper pockets and a need for speed, would consider either the automatic or manual version of the R/T version. Both have an MSRP of $30,545, which includes a 5.7 L, 5-speed transmission and a V8 engine. The SE and R/T model come with Aluminum wheels, 4 speakers, AM/FM CD MP3 radio. Challenger fanatics must check out the SRT8 model. It has a 6.1L V8 engine, 5-speed transmission and goes from 0-60 in less than five seconds. An SRT8 will run potential buyers around $42,245. The fastest (and most expensive)Challenger comes fully equipped with anti-spin axles, 20’’ chrome rims, leather interior, heated front seats, AM/FM CD MP3 radio, an iPod interface and 6 speakers. A convertible has been planned for 2010 but those arrangements have been scrapped. Ford has offered the retro Mustang for over 4 years now. The body style continues to sell. A variety of models are offered. The 4.0 L SOHC V6 Mustang has 300 horsepower (compared to the V6 Challenger’s 250) for only $20,050. You can upgrade for $23,270 to the V6 Pony Package. The 4.6L SOHC V8 Mustang GT is offered at $27,210. For only $2,000 more, you can upgrade to a Mustang GT Premium. A Shelby GT500 has an MSRP of $43,125 and 500-hp. The Shelby GT 500 convertible is $47,950. For a whopping $80,510, you can have the 5.4 L, 540 horsepower, supercharged V8 Shelby GT500KR. Chevy brings back production of the 2010 Camaro on February 16th of this year. The 2010 model is offered in the LS, LT and SS models. An LS model will have a 3.6L V6 engine, which will create 300-hp for a $22,995 price tag. The LT has the same engine along with a parallel price. The SS, for $30,995, has a 6.2L V8 with a horsepower of 422 and 20-inch wheels. All car experts rave over the new Camaro’s powerful engine, traction and sleek design. Dodge made the best progress to keep to Challenger old school, which is its downfall. The rear windows are so small that it is dangerous when backing out because there is a terrible blind spot. Also, the Challenger does not take well to rough roads. Be careful in the city. The car is a beauty but it’s unsafe. On the other hand, Ford is built tough but consumers maybe tired of the same model style and may be looking for something new. Chevy comes to the rescue with the Camaro. The interior of the Camaro is far superior to the simplicity of its competition. Chevy really put effort into selling quality. Ford and Dodge, in my opinion, brought back their respected retro coupes in attempts to fill deficit gaps. Not to say that Chevy hasn’t done the same, but at least the Camaro is well worth the money.
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