Dodge the Dart?
 

I took a look at the new Dart, but didn't drive it, to be honest I didn't want to. It looks like one of those throw away cars that US manufacturers churned out in the mid 1990s to early 2000s, sort of a modern Chevy Cavalier or Oldsmobile Alero, and about the same quality. It just looks SO dated.

As a used first car for a college kid in about 6 or 7 years, sure why not I wouldn't mind giving $6,000 for one in good condition, but $20,000 for a nicely equipped new one including state tax, you must be joking.

As for the 1.4 engine, my lawn mower has a 1.4 engine, I don't care how many turbos you stick on it, it's still a 1.4, and the longevity of a highly stressed small capacity, high revving turbo engine is well established, it's the Mayfly of the engine world.

Thanks, but no thanks unless you can get me one for about $12k.

what do you drive right now?

My personal opinion, based on pretty much no first-hand experience, is the new Dart will be a pretty hot seller. Think of all the Neons you STILL see running around, or Stratus' or Avengers. None of those are probably half the car the Dart is...

I expect it to do fairly well for Ma Mopar

The new Dart has more content inside and out than my 02 stratus rt coupe....and the dart costs significantly less than my stratus.

What would you get with that price then? a Hyundai?
When I compared it to it's rivals like Civic, Corolla, Cruze, Focus, Elantra, etc... I don't see how the Dart disappoint people.
It would disappoint me only if I had to compare it with a BMW 3 series.
what can you get with 12k at 2012? seriously. you can buy a Nissan Versa with no A/C and has Manual window and door lock.

I expect this car to sell well as soon as Chrysler throws in Rebates and low interest finance. But as for Longevity, we'll see how it do 5 yrs later. Afterall, it's Euro design.

What's wrong with Alero and Cavalier? GM sold TONS of them. decent compart econo box, Cheap to fix, and I still see A LOT of them on the road.

I'm not really sure what you would get then? If you are comparing it to the rest of the small sedan class, its probably one of the best. I think it looks cooler and is cheaper than the Focus. Its not a Camaro or Challenger but I don't think people buying those cars are looking at this one.

I just drove one today, 1.4 turbo, 6 speed (I think all the ones on lots now are 1.4 turbo/6 speed), and honestly, it was pretty good. It ran pretty decent, not fast by any means, but definately pretty good for a whole 86 cubic inches...

No power under 2500 though; floor it and it just barely responds, but hit about 23/2400, and whatever limiting the ECM is doing goes away and she starts to move. Unfortunately, I had my mom with me and was driving in traffic in Salt Lake City, so didn't really get to unwind it. But...it seemed ok. A tune will be ideal IMO. They said it got in the 38 range driving up from Vegas.

I'd almost buy it now, but I'd REALLY like an AWD SRT version...

Expect to see these ALL OVER after they start cranking them out. I almost guarantee it...

scatpack, the 1.4l turbo is a little laggy below 2,000 from a dead stop at idle...but compared to the Cruze, Corolla and Civic - it is a far better car. The main competition fo rthe dart will be the focus and the new elantra lineup.

would a modification help that sluggishness?

Of course. I'm sure a tune will address the torque management/boost control feature they have in place. It's there to protect the clutch I'm sure.

Will they be comming out with a stage 1 from Mopar for the 1.4 or keep all the power goodies for the 2.4, does anyone know

If I had any complaint about mine, it's the lack of power under 2200 RPM, but once that Turbo kicks in, I can leave many cars in the rear-view.

I like that it has an engine the size of a lawn mower, and I've been noticing that in my wallet for damn sure compared to that V8 - sure you give up one benefit for another. I've owned a LOT more V8's than 4 bangers, for sure. So the larger savings on gas really hits the spot once you start getting past mid-way in years of life, lol!

I bet I can save enough on Gas this year to buy a first Gen Durango outright - then... i'll put on some dual-exhaust and get the larger V8 this time too, rawr!

I've always had a concern about small engines, turbo and maintenance - but when the dealer mentioned 'lifetime warranty' - I asked him where I should sign.

I LOVE working on project cars/trucks - but not my daily driver.

Hell, maybe I'll skip the Durango and get the car I have ALWAYS wanted... 1970 Dodge Challenger... RAWR!!!
No... I'd have to win the lottery for that!

But I can't say I'm at all unhappy with this Dart.