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Chrysler gives customers $2.99 gas. FOR THREE YEARS!

autoblog.com — Buy a new Chrysler product and the automaker gives you a card to pay for gas... at $2.99 a gallon... for three years.

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  • arturoimaz, on 05/07/2008, -8/+25There has to be something tricky on this deal. It sounds to risky for Chrysler to start such a promotion for three years.
    • nonymous666, on 05/07/2008, -4/+62Nothing trick at all. It's just not that great a deal.

      Figure an average of 12K miles driven in year.

      And 20mpg.

      That's 600 gallons of gas.

      600 gallons at $4 a gallon is $2400.

      600 gallons at $3 a gallon is $1800.

      A $600 savings. Big whoop.

      Most rebates when buying a car at least 4 digits. Even if you drive more average miles, or have a less effiicent car, the card then probably equals about the same as if they gave you a regular ole rebate when you bought the car.
      • heypetray, on 05/07/2008, -4/+17multiply that $600 savings by 3 years and that's $1800

        Now imagine the state of the gas crisis in 3 years, should things continue as they have. We'll probably be crapping our pants over $4 gas...

        Just saying...
        • sbaino, on 05/07/2008, -15/+2bump
        • EtherGnat, on 05/07/2008, -0/+2The article says they're hedging on the fuel prices, which means they're at least partially locking in current prices. Add in the fact that they're undoubtedly getting a discount on the gas and there's a strong inverse correlation between gas mileage and the cost of a vehicle and I'm sure they'll do just fine. I'm sure it won't cost them anymore than the cash rebates they typically offer.
      • teddyrux, on 05/07/2008, -1/+4I love math.
      • remccain, on 05/07/2008, -4/+8but..but...but... All those new oil reserves discovered and the end of the war... The price will go down, right? I mean, they promised, right?
    • dirtyhipster, on 05/07/2008, -2/+3What if gas (Unlikely) hits $5/6 per gallon in the next 2-3 years?
      • masterm1nd, on 05/07/2008, -6/+3People would use less gas and somewhat cancel out the elevated price to Chrysler.
        • Drogoganor, on 05/07/2008, -5/+7*snort*

          Inelastic demand.
          • masterm1nd, on 05/07/2008, -2/+2And?
          • j0ker666, on 05/07/2008, -1/+1No, the petrol market is actually elastic!
            The price is going up and up but people are still buying the same amount.
        • masterm1nd, on 05/07/2008, -2/+3Nevermind actually I'm wrong about that since gas would still be 2.99 for the people under this deal. I can see this creating a mini gas black market. I bet Chrysler put a cap on the number of gallons you can get th accounted on.
          • EtherGnat, on 05/07/2008, -1/+2"I bet Chrysler put a cap on the number of gallons you can get th accounted on."

            If you had bothered to read the story before commenting you would know that is correct. It's limited to 12,000 miles per year based on the EPA fuel efficiency for the vehicle.
          • masterm1nd, on 05/07/2008, -0/+1If you had bothered to read the comments the guy below you already said that.
        • newms32, on 05/07/2008, -2/+2If you had read the article you wouldn't have to wonder.
        • robbiemuffin, on 05/07/2008, -1/+3don't count yourself out too quick, people would use less gas is the main argument for the prices going down (or not skyrocketing at least). not everyone is going to buy a chrysler.
        • purzzzell, on 05/07/2008, -1/+3@masterm1nd: there's a "yearly allotment" - but they don't specify it - I've been looking and can't find it....
        • thymidine, on 05/07/2008, -0/+3The yearly allotment is the number of gallons of gas your vehicle uses to drive 12,000 miles at the provided EPA estimates.
      • dOOBiEx213, on 05/07/2008, -2/+5Unlikely? This is what I'll be saying to you in 2 years: LOL NOOB.
      • krinn, on 05/07/2008, -0/+5I suspect they've estimated the total cost of the program and invested that amount of money in oil futures. Therefore, even if oil goes to $200 a barrel, they're covered.

        If you think gas is going to hit $5/6 per gallon in the next 2-3 years, you could make the same investment. http://quote.yahoo.com/q?s=USO
        • BruiserBob, on 05/07/2008, -1/+2Ummm...Correct me if I'm wrong(pretty sure I'm not), but when you purchase futures of ANY kind...if you do not sell then within a certain amount of time, you actually have to RECEIVE them. Now, I don't know about you, but I don't have a massive gas storage tank in my back yard. Is this just me?
        • CedEx, on 05/07/2008, -0/+0I guess that depends on how far into the future they have purchased... just like leaps for options...
    • burnblue, on 05/07/2008, -1/+10Here's your trick: http://www.tundraheadquarters.com/blog/2008/05/06/ ...
    • bremstrong, on 05/07/2008, -1/+3If they offered $3/gallon gas with purchase of SUV four years ago, it probably wouldn't have gone over nearly as well.
    • rockstar1o9, on 05/07/2008, -3/+2I haven't read the fine print...but if you can buy gas at 2.99/gal for your friends and family as well, and pocket part of the difference, it could be lucrative...

      Edit: Read the fine print and it says the annual cap is 12k miles based on EPA :(
    • rblancarte, on 05/07/2008, -2/+3Yea the trick is that you have to buy a crappy Dodge/Chrysler.
    • sjbdallas, on 05/08/2008, -0/+1What i'm wondering is how they are doing this. If it's some kind of negotiated deal with on gas company, or some kind of bulk purchase, or do they have to get gas at a chrysler dealership? I'm thinking if it's possible to lock in the gas price as some kind of benefit, then how long before it becomes more commonplace like health insurance?
  • Snokage, on 05/07/2008, -16/+70on the top it looks great. but the downside is your buying a Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep
    • PATSCRU, on 05/07/2008, -9/+2totally...why drive a ford when you can buy a dodge and push?
      ZING!
      • weasel435, on 05/07/2008, -0/+5If there's one thing a Ford can do is make it to a gas station. Too bad they're not offering this up, huh?
      • eschompthis, on 05/07/2008, -4/+4are you ***** kidding me ford is garbage
        • barnett25, on 05/07/2008, -2/+4The new Fords are actually much better.
          • TheGuruStud, on 05/07/2008, -0/+1trucks maybe
          • barnett25, on 05/08/2008, -0/+1What about the Ford Focus? Isn't it getting all kinds of great reviews?
      • iindigo, on 05/07/2008, -1/+4FORD = Found On the Road Dead
    • MattNF, on 05/07/2008, -3/+15you're
    • Shuukyoku, on 05/07/2008, -3/+4To be fair, with all the extra gas you're guzzling, you probably average the cost out to one normal car. Either that, or they just don't expect the damn thing to make it three years.
      • fakeid781, on 05/07/2008, -0/+1The person that buys the car keeps the card for 3 years, meaning they can sell or get rid of the car and keep the car.
      • RealityCheque, on 05/07/2008, -0/+2Charger gets 24 miles per gallon...not bad for a full-sized car.
        • nihilite, on 05/07/2008, -1/+5yeah. but not good, either.
          • RealityCheque, on 05/09/2008, -1/+0You let me know another car that has similar size and power that has significantly better gas mileage that is under 20,000; 24 is pretty good for a 4,000 pound car.

            It's not the most economical, but it sure as hell beats an 18mpg SUV.
    • schoate09, on 05/07/2008, -7/+7Honda/Acura is all I will ever buy.
    • inverselogic, on 05/07/2008, -1/+0Nissan/Infinity/Cadillac for moi ....well Chrysler has the 300.
  • AJQuick, on 05/07/2008, -13/+31Next Chrysler Digg Story: "Chrysler Goes Bankrupt!"
  • Speed42, on 05/07/2008, -9/+13As a Chrysler owner, I have to come to the defense of the company's reputation. In the seven years I've owned my PT Cruiser, I've had no major problems, only regular maintenance items.

    The biggest catch I can see in this program is that it doesn't cover and SRT vehicles, which are the most fuel-guzzling Chrysler sells. The program also does have a limit on the amount of gas you can buy each year, but it's not ridiculously low. Really could be a deal-maker for some car shoppers.
    • DeathJux, on 05/07/2008, -3/+81I am silently judging you for owning a PT Cruiser.
    • Dumbledorito, on 05/07/2008, -1/+4Other than having not a lot of cargo room for its size and being built on a Neon frame, isn't the flimsy "emblem handle" a lousy way to open the trunk? Around the midwest, I'd assume it would snap off the first time you tried to open the hatch after an ice storm.
      • Flummoxer, on 05/07/2008, -0/+2My parents have owned one for 7 years too and it's in good order.
        • TheGuruStud, on 05/08/2008, -0/+1I'm calling everyone's bluffs. I have a buddy with one (he got it for free at least) and it's in the shop practically every month haha.
    • 1randomguyO8, on 05/07/2008, -5/+17-1 for owning a PT cruiser.
      • tekkitan, on 05/07/2008, -1/+7It's funny because his username is "Speed42"
        • aceakm, on 05/07/2008, -1/+14It's not funny because he's 42 and addicted. He needs to see help.
    • cleric04, on 05/07/2008, -1/+12My friend has to take his girlfriend's PT in all the time. It suffers from classic Chrysler problems, steering rack and transmission. Not to mention it sucks anyways.
    • motogoat, on 05/07/2008, -3/+10Isn't a PT Cruiser like driving around in a tribal tattoo?
      You know what they say...PT Cruisers for PT Losers. I don't know what it means but I hear it all the time.
    • schoate09, on 05/07/2008, -1/+2One experience doesn't speak for all. The PT Crusier is notorious for problems. "Chrysler: Engineered Beautifully"
    • YamiJim, on 05/07/2008, -1/+5wow, i dont want to jump on the pt hating bandwagon, i dont hate you for driving a pt, i hate you for driving a neon with a pseudo-retro bodykit.
      • nihilite, on 05/07/2008, -1/+1that probably made sense to you when you typed it in there. ... i dont disagree with your post, i disagree with your reply to his post.
  • mca1990, on 05/07/2008, -0/+50They're not losing all that much actually. It's just another way for Chrysler to distribute rebates but instead of the buyer receiving all the money upfront it comes to them over a span of three years.
    • Ryan0617, on 05/07/2008, -0/+6And they know that while you arent getting it all at once, they can spend the free cashflow on other investment (Hence make more money).
    • nonymous666, on 05/07/2008, -0/+4Also, lets them keep the price of the car higher instead of lowering it with a rebate. Then, for those that finance the car through chrysler, the principal will be higher and chrsyler will make a few extra bucks on the extra interest than if the customer didn't have to finance as much due to a rebate.
      • purzzzell, on 05/07/2008, -1/+3Go to the dealership on the last day of the month when they need to hit quota, they'll find rebates that have been off the book for years to get you to buy a car :)
  • Rotzooi, on 05/07/2008, -10/+2They must know that gas prices will drop under $2 soon.
  • kiiwii, on 05/07/2008, -2/+9This is actually pretty smart of them. While over the course of 3 years you'd only save maybe $1,000 or so, it's a savings you'll see every week or so which will give you peace of mind when it's time to fill up.

    I don't know the details of it, but it also seems like you'd be able to fill up anywhere, so you wouldn't have to "shop around" for the station that's 10 cents cheaper or whatever.
    • purzzzell, on 05/07/2008, -0/+1"select" stations, but I'm sure they have a relationship with ONE of the major oil co's.
    • air12ick, on 05/07/2008, -0/+1So what if gas drops below the 2.99 mark (might be possible, .5% chance of it happening). Also the smart thing to do was to spend that money on R&D so we can get off this great need for oil to just a want for oil.
      • kiiwii, on 05/07/2008, -0/+2"So what if gas drops below the 2.99 mark (might be possible, .5% chance of it happening)."

        Just pay with cash or another credit card.
      • fokov, on 05/07/2008, -0/+1Maybe they believe in a Free Market (I'll wait while the laughter dies down....................) and they want you to pick the company you trust in which to invest the saved money.
  • techstar25, on 05/07/2008, -1/+47This will save the average person around $350/year. That's only about one months car payment. Not a big loss for Chrysler at all. However to the average consumer, it sounds like some amazing deal. Great PR stunt, but not much of a savings really. You'd be better off taking a $1500 rebate.
    • heypetray, on 05/07/2008, -4/+415K miles driven in year @ 30mpg = 500 gallons each year

      500 gallons at $4 a gallon is $2000.
      500 gallons at $3 a gallon is $1500.
      =$500 savings each year
      =$1500 over the course of 3 years

      Now realize that in 3 years, gas will more than likely be over $4.00/gal
      It's a matter of saving over time, or saving immediately. They want you to save over time so they can use your money towards capital investments.

      That's my take. Correct me if I'm wrong.
      • boberto, on 05/07/2008, -0/+5keep in mind they are limiting the card to an average of 12,000 miles per year and a jeep is probably getting closer to 22 mpg than 30
      • mwolfzorn, on 05/07/2008, -1/+3No, they want to you do this so your car loan starts out ~$1500 more, so they are going to win out no matter what.
      • smoger, on 05/07/2008, -0/+1in 3 years gas will be over $5.00 per gallon. it will be over 4 in a few months.
    • nihilite, on 05/07/2008, -0/+1GM is highly involved in developing alternative fuels and are partnering with many ethanol/biodiesel/electric energy companies. maybe they are banking on their ability to come to market with new fuel technology that will offset demand for fossil fuel?
  • RaspberryBarret, on 05/07/2008, -8/+2Seems a bit creepy to me.
    • solidus636, on 05/07/2008, -0/+2How the heck does it seem creepy?
    • motogoat, on 05/07/2008, -0/+1What's a 'barret?'
    • Christia, on 05/07/2008, -1/+1I second that reaction. Feels like GM tries to hold on to their market shares by offering consumers thirsty cars, in fact encouraging them to go against the environmental trend. If they want to stand up towards the Japanese, Chinese and Korean brands, in the long run, their money is better spent on R&D...
      • krakelohm, on 05/07/2008, -0/+1Chrysler is in no way part of GM.
    • newms32, on 05/07/2008, -0/+0oOoOoOoOoOoOo
  • dagnabbit, on 05/07/2008, -1/+67Funny how just a few months ago this would be considered a punishment.
    • coheedcollapse, on 05/07/2008, -0/+4Yup. I remember thinking "There's no way gas will hit $4 next year." Holy ***** was I wrong.

      It's weird thinking that when I started driving it was under $2. Can't believe it's gone up so much in such a short amount of time.
      • elislider, on 05/07/2008, -0/+3i remember thinking it was pretty cool when it dropped to 95 cents / gal... that was a few years before i started driving tho
    • Henman, on 05/07/2008, -12/+0STFU, bitch. Earn some more money and quit complaining. Jeeze.
  • jalancast, on 05/07/2008, -6/+29It's a total rip-off if you're planning on buying a new Ram:

    http://www.tundraheadquarters.com/blog/2008/05/06/ ...
    • makemoneynotart, on 05/07/2008, -1/+1Ah you beat me to posting this. I guess it could make sense on different models though.
    • newms32, on 05/07/2008, -0/+2article is wrong
      "Um… if you get the Dodge Ram and want the gas card they *still* give you $3000 cash back. So you only give up $2500 in exchange for the card. This article makes no sense."
    • Urzeitlich, on 05/07/2008, -0/+5A website about the Toyota Tundra is a reputable source of all Dodge Ram news.
  • borez, on 05/07/2008, -4/+3Considering what's going to happen to the price of oil in the next three years, that seem like the bargain of the century.

    Now where's the catch?
  • airwalkery2k, on 05/07/2008, -2/+13But... but... what about when all that cheap oil I kept hearing about from the Iraq war's stunning success in 2003 floods the markets?
    • heypetray, on 05/07/2008, -0/+3Sorry airwalk... they had to use the money to pay off China. I'm bummed too.
  • HenvY, on 05/07/2008, -8/+7Spend a few thousand dollars to save a fewhundred/thousand of dollars...yeah, seems like a good idea. Maybe if you're a McCain supporter who's looking for a new car.
    • kylere, on 05/07/2008, -0/+2Maybe if you are dumb enough to still think Clinton is going to win, you should buy one
  • shanson13, on 05/07/2008, -2/+4When they file for bankruptcy protection (and they are very close), good luck getting them to pay the difference at the pump!
  • MrTito, on 05/07/2008, -10/+2So, when gas averages at $5-6 a gallon three years from now, your gas costs will suddenly double. Brilliant!
    • KMartSheriff, on 05/07/2008, -1/+4You don't even understand what's going on here, do you?
      • MrTito, on 05/07/2008, -1/+1Obviously you can't read too well. If you're paying $2.99 a gallon for 3 years, when that ends you're gonna be paying whatever the regular price is. That'll probably be $5 to $6 dollars a gallon. So that $3 gas you got used to, poof, gone. Now you're paying twice as much. It's about as good of a deal as an adjustable rate mortgage.

        So yeah, I do now what's going on here. Maybe you should try to figure it out too.
        • ArmandoM, on 05/07/2008, -1/+2Yeah everyone, it's much better to gradually pay more just like the rest of us as we approach $6, that way your costs won't be doubling in 3 years.
          • MrTito, on 05/08/2008, -1/+1I never said it'd be better to gradually pay more. Either way we're all getting ***** unless we do something to change our ways. Getting it on the cheap though doesn't help, especially because it increases demand. But you tell me that suddenly having something you budget for (or should budget for) double in price is good, sound fiscal responsibility, then go ahead. I'll opt for other solutions.
  • ryanhayn, on 05/07/2008, -5/+12Eat a dick Chrysler. I gots muh bike.
    • Badandy127, on 05/07/2008, -3/+8Eat a dick ryan. I gots muh airbags.
    • motogoat, on 05/07/2008, -3/+4What's a 'muh' bike? Is that like bmx?
      • aussieNickuss, on 05/07/2008, -3/+3"I've got my bike." - are you new to the internet?
  • blurrie, on 05/07/2008, -4/+17instead of solving the problem and making more environmentally responsible engines and investing in research... we'll just throw money at the problem.
    • rpad, on 05/07/2008, -1/+4Exactly! This is a marketing ploy that makes for a quick sale. It also encourages people to buy more gas. It appeals to the short-sighted solution of saving money now instead of making changes for a better tomorrow. Consumers and auto makers need to be more thoughtful and responsible.
  • xTRUMANx, on 05/07/2008, -5/+7Apparently, someone has done the math already and concluded its a scam. Judge for yourself: http://www.tundraheadquarters.com/blog/2008/05/06/ ...
    • mendozatron, on 05/07/2008, -0/+2Seems like a better deal to get the money chopped off at the pump, Getting a nice rebate at the start is nice, but sometimes filling up hurts pretty bad.
    • newms32, on 05/07/2008, -0/+3You were beaten by a mere 13 hours
    • purzzzell, on 05/07/2008, -0/+3if you read the replies to that, apparently the math is wrong - you only lose $2500 of the $5500 by going for the gas card, so it actually adds up to 8200 in savings by his math.
  • weasel435, on 05/07/2008, -2/+12I don't think Chrysler won't really feel the hurt on this. You have to be able to make it to the gas station before the car breaks down to take advantage of the deal!
    • masterm1nd, on 05/07/2008, -0/+4double negative = confusing
    • ArmandoM, on 05/07/2008, -0/+1I however, do think they won't really feel any hurt, more because it's not that much money you'll be saving though. My 10 year old Jeep makes it just fine to the gas station, unless I let it run completely empty first.
  • starbuck86, on 05/07/2008, -0/+1they secretly invented the process of gas summoning
  • lukak, on 05/07/2008, -1/+2I wouldn't mind being called john smith..
  • nickcozy, on 05/07/2008, -7/+5My bike gives a better mileage,so chrysler can ***** off with their cheap gimmick.
    • newms32, on 05/07/2008, -3/+4Don't be bitter, someday you'll be old enough to get your license.
    • RealityCheque, on 05/07/2008, -2/+2And you are also a huge ***** nerd that gets made fun of for riding your bike around.
    • purzzzell, on 05/07/2008, -1/+3@newms/reality - think he may be talking about a MOTORCYCLE??? and even if you're riding a bicycle, if people ask, you say "I'm saving more on gas and getting exercise" - y'ain't gonna get picked on like the 40yrold virgin anymore, that's kinda admirable today.
    • KMartSheriff, on 05/07/2008, -0/+1Come to L.A. and try getting around on your bike.
  • b0rna, on 05/07/2008, -3/+2It may be a ripoff, but i have an idea. Just have every single person you know, friends family etc...start using the card, as you wont need to refuel daily. Or even, every person in your family...as most families own more than a single car.
    • duggdowncatisad, on 05/07/2008, -2/+0It's limited to 700 gallons a year. Try again.
      http://www.abcnews.go.com/Business/story?id=479198 ...
    • nonymous666, on 05/07/2008, -0/+3Actually, reading the terms, it's limited to 12K miles a year. Don't know where ABC is getting 700 gallons from.

      They will 'calculate' how many miles you've driven based on the EPA fuel economy estimate for the model car you bought versus how many gallons you've bought.
  • dstz, on 05/07/2008, -3/+1So, that means no war with Iran? I'm disappointed.
  • LayLadyLay, on 05/07/2008, -2/+0Round 1: Digg vs. Reddit
  • lorean, on 05/07/2008, -7/+2Indicates a week product.

    Consumers should by a car for the car.

    • ExSlashdotter, on 05/07/2008, -0/+2How do you figure? Other dealers are offering rebates and whatnot. Thats the norm now across all the manufacturers. This is just a rebate applied over 3 years.
  • DonKarnage25, on 05/07/2008, -1/+17The main problem here is that we've gotten to the point where we think $2.99 is cheap gas. Congratulations.. they've got us.
    • darkixion, on 05/07/2008, -3/+1*ahem* Here in the UK fuel costs the equivalent of $8.14 per gallon. I'd gladly pay a meager $2.99 per gallon.
      • nyx210, on 05/07/2008, -1/+5UK != US
      • bxblox, on 05/07/2008, -1/+4taxes... we've been through this already... would you gladly give up your healthcare for it?
        • KMartSheriff, on 05/07/2008, -1/+3Seriously. Do people just ignorantly forget that most of the EU pays crazy taxes with their gas, so that whole "duhr gas costs more in Europe" argument kinda doesn't work.
        • fokov, on 05/07/2008, -1/+1America pays more in other areas whereas UK pays directly. USA pays a bunch of money using the military to secure the purchases and the oil itself. UK doesn't use its military like that. We are actually paying around 8 -12 when it is all said and done, but as long as people don't add the figures together, they will think we have it good.
      • EgaoNoGenki, on 05/07/2008, -2/+1Many credit cards work overseas. Consider getting this card mailed to you, Don.
      • gl77, on 05/07/2008, -0/+1why not go the extra mile(s) and go to the middle east.....only 14 cents a gallon there.
    • Skitals, on 05/07/2008, -0/+2It's not necessarily about "cheap" gas, but the peace of mind of not worrying about rising gas prices for the next 3 years. But imagine if in 3 years gas prices have skyrocketed to $8+ a gallon... would be quite the rude awakening.
  • playuhh, on 05/07/2008, -2/+12Hmmm... I'll feel sorry for Chrysler when gas hits... wait WTF? They reserve the right to cancel the program at any time eh?
    Buried as a gimmick to prey on new customers exploiting their woes from high gas prices... dirty *****...
    sounds like version 2.0 of Hillary's proposal...
  • Kegher, on 05/07/2008, -3/+2they know it's the oil companies using the goverment created unrest in the middle-east that have driven up the prizes, as soon as Obama will be president and put everything to rest with a good talk and pulling troops out of Iraq prizes will drop to normal levels and Chrysler customers are screwed paying $3 a gallon for another two years..
    • EgaoNoGenki, on 05/07/2008, -0/+1Prices - p-r-i-c-e-s.
    • EtherGnat, on 05/07/2008, -0/+2"and Chrysler customers are screwed paying $3 a gallon for another two years.."

      They can't force you to buy gas at $3/gallon. What are you smoking?
  • holyskeleton, on 05/07/2008, -0/+13Also from Autoblog:
    Chrysler criticized for $2.99 gas, Suzuki jumps on bandwagon
    "...noting that at today's current average price of $3.61/gallon, a customer would save about $400 a year under Chrysler's program. Being the smart folk they are, the scientists also pointed out that customers could save the same amount from a 3 mpg bump in fuel economy over 15,000 miles or a year of driving, and that better fuel economy also continues saving the customer money after three years. Damn, scientists are so smart with the math."

    http://tinyurl.com/67olyl
  • masterm1nd, on 05/07/2008, -0/+7Or better yet buy a used car and save a hell of a lot more.
  • Krissam, on 05/07/2008, -6/+1why do the frigging americans whine over their gas prices? here in denmark we've been paying $5+ per gallon for years.
    • Akairenn, on 05/07/2008, -2/+10Because my backyard is bigger than your entire freaking country. Seriously, though - Americans complain because unlike you Europeans, we have little choice but to drive anywhere. Keep in mind our geography is rather completely different than that of Europe; we've also only a few hundred years of constant settlement, rather than the millenia Europe has. Conversely, our population is spread out to a ridiculous extent. There remain vast swaths of territory over here where your nearest neighbor is miles way, let alone stores or - dare I say - gas stations.
      • mlavergn, on 05/07/2008, -3/+3Odd, you don't hear Russians or Canadians complaining to the same extent and both of those countries have larger areas and are more sparsely populated than us here in the US. The reality is that the US news loves to jump on boo-hoo type stories like this and (almost) everybody then joins in the chorus.
        • sanosuke001, on 05/07/2008, -0/+1not entirely true. 90% of Canada's population is within 200 miles of the US/CA border. And Russia doesn't talk to anyone else. (sweeping generalization)
        • rhino369, on 05/07/2008, -1/+1Bitching and not doing anything about it is our national past time. Just below killing brown people and above guns.
    • Skitals, on 05/07/2008, -0/+5American's drive more. We don't have very efficient alternatives, unlike other countries with higher fuel prices.
    • jozb, on 05/07/2008, -0/+2Well imagine if the $5 / gal went up to $15 / gal, wouldn't you complain?
    • LeRenard, on 05/07/2008, -0/+2If we have to go further than we can walk or bike in the time we've got, we have no option but to drive. I have to drive 130 kilometers to work and back every day. There are no trains, buses, aircraft, taxis, etc, to switch to. I have been trying for a year to find someone to carpool with. Gasoline is now my #1 expense. The cost of fuel is causing our food prices to increase as well as all our other items because unlike in your country, most of our food and goods are transported via trucks instead of freight trains and cargo ships. The trucks burn fuel too, so they offset the costs in the costs of the things we buy. High fuel prices will destroy the American economy, and our states and cities don't have the money to start installing trains and trams.
      • EtherGnat, on 05/07/2008, -0/+1"and our states and cities don't have the money to start installing trains and trams."

        Of course we do, if we make it a priority. In fact it would be quite the profitable thing to do if people would actually *use* them, but people in this country are far too attached to their cars.
        • rhino369, on 05/07/2008, -0/+1You'd have to have a train station every mile or so spread out through entire suburbia for people to actually use them . Elevated trains and subways work great in densely populated cities but not in the suburbs.
    • EgaoNoGenki, on 05/07/2008, -3/+3Public transportation is so well-established in Japan. It's a shame America is more backwards in many ways.
      • Duositex, on 05/07/2008, -1/+3America is not backwards compared to Japan, it's just that Japan is only 4% the size of the United States. Check the CIA World Factbook if you don't believe me.
      • KMartSheriff, on 05/07/2008, -1/+1Are you an idiot? If you'd take the time to look at a map, Japan just happens to be almost as big as the asshole of America. I would LOVE to see you guys come to America and try to get around not using cars. Please, try me. Bikes can only go so far.
        • EtherGnat, on 05/07/2008, -0/+1The majority of Americans live in or near cities, areas which are perfectly capable of being serviced by public transportation.
  • arlinostrop, on 05/07/2008, -0/+13.95 per gallon in russia
  • WickEd101, on 05/07/2008, -1/+0I've heard deals for FREE FUEL FOR A YEAR. This seems no different. In fact depending on the price fluctuations in oil this may actually be cheaper for Chrysler to run. They more than likely have sponsors for where to fill up, which will bring those gas stations business in return. Plus don't forget you're forking over thousands of dollars to begin with.
  • trigatch4, on 05/07/2008, -2/+1@ "Crossfires (they are still around?)"...... they are the sickest car that Chrysler makes
    • nonsapiens, on 05/07/2008, -0/+4Sick being the operative. Crossfire, powered by an aging Mercedes engine, with a transmission that's notoriously unreliable and prone to breaking. Not only that, but I agree with Top Gear's description that the car looks like a crapping dog.
      • ExSlashdotter, on 05/07/2008, -1/+2Agreed. Price aside, I'd still take the mazda mx-5 or turbo solstice.
  • d686, on 05/07/2008, -2/+9Talk about ass backwards. Chrysler, take the cash and pay an engineering firm to help you increase the efficiency on your vehicles by 3MPG and you will save your customers more, nevermind helping the planet.
    • EgaoNoGenki, on 05/07/2008, -0/+1?...ssA
    • smoger, on 05/07/2008, -0/+1..and at the same time they'll have trouble getting rid of the cars people won't buy because the fuel economy isnt great. which is the whole point of this.
  • Skitals, on 05/07/2008, -0/+1Autoblog says it's 12,000 miles a year, but on NPR yesterday they said it was the first three years OR the first 12,000 miles, whichever came first. I thought that was the hidden clause/dealbreaker... so which is it?
    • rayjitsu, on 05/07/2008, -0/+1I heard this on NPR also. This deal doesn't even cover the Chrysler cars that are fuel efficient, which are few. Definitely read the fine print. Don't get suckered by the crappiest car company in the USA.
  • jimbowf, on 05/07/2008, -0/+3...or you could keep the car you have and not spend thousands on a new one
    • smoger, on 05/07/2008, -0/+1there's always people looking for new cars. especially people who are specifically looking to save money at the pump(though i suspect those people arent going to buy a 25mpg car anyway)
  • mojonandha, on 05/07/2008, -1/+1Is this some kind of a joke? come on people get real. Chrysler definitely has a clause somewhere in the contract that says they can withdraw this deal anytime they want , even without informing their customers. Check it out. THis will go of 2,3,4,5 months max.
  • bgthigfist, on 05/07/2008, -2/+4Car Talk Guys said the deal was for 3 years or the first 12,000 miles. How many of you drive 4,000 miles a year? I'd almost pay the premium NOT to drive a Chrysler.
    • IEatHamburgers, on 05/07/2008, -0/+1If you live out in rural areas 12,000 miles a year is cutting it close. I remember when my parents leased a couple Chryslers and they were both near 12,000 miles by year's end.

      Of course, they also had loads of mechanical problems, and Chryslers don't start when it's below 20 degrees outside - you would think that if the company headquarters are located in Michigan and the cars are designed and built in Michigan, they would be able to plan for Michigan weather, but nooooooooooo.
  • jozb, on 05/07/2008, -2/+4Cool, now they are bribing you to buy their cars. Why not spend some money in the R&D department and create some jobs along the way and make an affordable small hybrid.
  • overkillingness, on 05/07/2008, -4/+1They're going to lose some serious money on this...
  • tonyDigger, on 05/07/2008, -3/+1Will Chrysler still pay if they go bankrupt? The way fuel prices are rising, and considering people jump into this offer, they should go bankrupt in about a year :)... But what the heck, we still get cheap fuel for 1 year!!!! Cumon!!!
  • TheInformer, on 05/07/2008, -3/+2You want a guaranteed way to make money?

    Buy 10,000 gallons of gas and store it for a few years, then resell it.
    • EgaoNoGenki, on 05/07/2008, -0/+5Gasoline decomposes after 6 months.
      • Anonchrist, on 05/07/2008, -0/+1Oh reality, why do you scorn us so?
    • cybrguy, on 05/07/2008, -0/+1fuel stabalizer can be added to get it to 18 months.
  • spankr, on 05/07/2008, -2/+3So Chrysler is spending money to keep people on gasoline - great... what forward thinking! Nah, we don't need governments to mandate energy policy for the automakers - they're best at doing it themselves...
    • nitrojunky24, on 05/07/2008, -0/+1these are the people who used engines from 60's up until 2002 I mean sure they updated to fuel injection and all that but the engines where the same at the core old freaking pushrod V8 engines from the stone age thanks a lot dodge!
  • fuzzlog, on 05/07/2008, -1/+0Problem is Chryslers are mostly gas guzzlers... oh wait, we don't care anymore, we got 'cheap' gas.
    Isn't there a saying that goes: "You only get what you pay for" ?
  • MegaHyster, on 05/07/2008, -1/+5It'd be a hell of a lot funnier if they sold an electric car, and said they'd cover the gas for free.
  • EgaoNoGenki, on 05/07/2008, -1/+1If Mitsubishi could go 1-up above Chrysler and offer gas cards at $1.99 a gallon (52.5¢ a liter), then more sales, no doubt. In fact, Mitsubishi would probably have a bigger monopoly than Microsoft.
    (My host father works for Mitsubishi, by the way.)
  • tylermenezes, on 05/07/2008, -1/+1This is not a good deal. When you run the numbers, you save something like $5,100. Now there's currently a $5,500 cash back deal. $5100
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