Sorry, don't mean to brag but I received a call this evening from Chrysler Canada. I entered that win a dream car lease contest a few months ago. They're sending the paperwork via courier now. I'm recovering from shock still.

My problem is, I can't remember the details of the contest. All I know is that it is a 2 year lease of a Viper or a Crossfire. Not sure if I'll be on the hook for insurance etc.. or if there is a cash value. If it is a Viper and I have to insure it and feed it, I can't afford it...not sure what to do.

Anyone out there remember what the contest details were? I can't seem to find anything about it online. I'll have to try contacting someone there tomorrow.

Thanks.

 

Don't forget you will pay taxes on the value of the lease. At least in the U.S you would...

 

I checked last night and didn't find anything. Having a Viper would eat you on gas also.


-Matt-

[IMG]local://upfiles/284/8EBC71E423424ABB971A2C00D9BC88B3.jpg[/IMG]

 

Well, they did courier the package to me and here are the details.

It's a standard 24 month lease (24KMs per year etc.). They're paying $60,000 CDN worth of payments for me over 2 years ($2500 per month). No downpayment or any other fees for me. I have to insure the vehicle, maintain it, and of course fuel it. It's a 2004 black convertible (of course). There is no cash value, take it or leave it. Turns out that somebody else here in BC was drawn ahead of me but had to decline for financial reasons. So they drew another name and here I am.

They're doing a credit check on me now (to make sure I have a job etc) and then after a second round of paperwork, they will have the vehicle shipped to my local dealership. I think they want to have a bit of a ceremony with photos etc to prove that common people actually do win these contests. Whatever, as long as I get the keys for 2 years.

It's our second vehicle and I'll mostly be using it to get back and fourth from work which is about 10 KMs away. I wonder if I can get my hockey bag into the trunk? I've read there is room for golf clubs...is that true? And is there room for even a second set of clubs?

I don't even know if my wife will be able to drive it. She can drive stick but I've heard the clutch on these things is heavy. And how are they in the rain? I know these things aren't really meant to be daily drivers but I am going to give it a go anyways.

Insurance, well thank god I have a very good rating/discount (for now anyway). I've been quoted $2001 per year (whereas someone without any discount would have to pay $4142 per year). That's only $625 per year more than the 2001 Z24 that I bought 2 weeks ago for commuting. The Z is going to be very easy to part with, let me tell you. Gas, well you only live once right?

Anyway, as you can see I'm kinda psyched. Can't wait to get it.

 

About the taxes, I know that this is how leases normally work but I really doubt with this contest that they will make me pay the lease taxes. Doesn't say anything about taxes in the paperwork. But, thanks for the tip. I will look into it for sure.

 

You are able to fit a large sized golf bag with no problem, so I'd imagine 2 would be possible. That wasn't possible with the RT/10, even without the roof or windows. No need to tie the bag down or anything.

As long as she isn't topless, then it's fine. Garage kept would be the best obviously if you have one. Keep us updated too and ask more questions if you have any =)


-Matt-

 

Right on, sounds like my hockey gear will fit in there just fine.

Unfortunately, I don't have a garage so she's gonna be expsoed to the elements 24x7. Oh well, in 2 years I give it back...or if the residual is low enough, have a buyer setup come lease end and try to make some money on it.

I'm on the west coast (Vancouver) and believe it or not, we get only a few days of snow each year. Yes, I know this is Canada but we're right on the water here so it doesn't often drop below freezing. Anyway, I'm hoping to drive this beast year round. How bad is the gas mileage, really...I know they're spec'd at 12 city and 20 hwy. Does that seem fairly accurate?

Thanks guys!

 

Congrats man. Good luck and have fun. I have to say I'm jealous.

 

I pulled this from another site. Those numbers seem about right, you might actually get better Mpg then that.


-Matt-

 

Thanks again for the info. I really appreciate it.

How does the push button starter work? I guess you still put the key in the ignition (steering column) and then instread of turning it one click forward as in a normal car, you push the Start button?

I've been doing some research but haven't come across this info. Also, about the convertible top, is it power or manually operated? And the stereo, 7 speakers, is there a single sub-woofer somewhere?