Right now, a lot of the dealers are listing really good incentives that bring the actual cost way down. I just bought a new 2012 Dodge Challenger SXT Plus. I financed about $25K for it, with 305hp, leather interior, keyless entry, and UConnect (similar to Ford’s Sync(r) system). I do go in knowing what I am willing to pay per month, as I generally keep cars 3 – 4 years before trading. With the commute I make, my husband, who is my finance guru and negotiator, doesn’t want to come and pick me up when an older car breaks down. I’ve had enough older cars in my life to last a lifetime. Now that I can afford a nicer one, by God I will drive a nicer one.
The gas mileage for the Challenger is slightly less than that of the 2008 Nissan Altima coupe I traded for it. I loved my Altima, but after the fist year and a half, it had developed a whine that was random. Having never had a car with the CVT in it before, but having had ones (Chevys) that had transmission issues), the whine bothered me. And I got into the Challenger (130 more hp) for only $16 more per month than the Challenger. I feel safer in the Challenger – I can get out of the way when I need to, and it’s a heavier car, so it just feels stronger and safer.