Autos

Imagine spending $25,000 for a new car and then having buyer’s remorse. To give customers more peace of mind, Chrysler has begun offering a 30 day return program. TV commercials promise “if not satisfied, simply return it within 30 days.”

The truth is, it is not quite so painless a process, particularly to your pocketbook.

*MOUSE PRINT: “Customer responsible for 5% MSRP restocking fee, 50 cents per mile driven, and all financing, insurance and tax charges.” [TV commericial airing July 10, 2006.]

One might reasonably expect to have to return the car in good condition (additional fine print requires that), and to have to pay a usage fee for every mile driven. In this case, if one were to drive an average amount of 1,000 miles during the first month, that means there will be a $500 charge for use.

The real bite comes from the restocking fee, which on a $25,000 list price car (even if you paid $20,000), would amount to $1250. It is unclear how much the taxes, financing and insurance charges would add to this, but the total charge to change your mind about buying this car could easily be over $2000.

If you paid cash for the car, or used other than Chrysler Financial to finance it, you don’t have any refund rights under this program.

So, if you “just return it in 30 days,” expect to lose approximately 8 – 10% of the purchase price, or get no refund at all.

Are you sick of seeing Taylor Hicks singing in those Ford commercials yet? The company is using him to entice you to buy their brand by promising  “we’ll pay for your gas until 2007.”  Sounds like a generous offer. Or is it?

*MOUSE PRINT: “Receive maximum $1,100 debit card for gas. Amount varies by model.” [Commercial airing June 2006]

According to their website, you only receive the maximum $1,100 if you buy an SUV or select truck. You get less (only $1000) if purchasing other vehicles.

With today’s gasoline prices at $3 or higher a gallon, many drivers say they are paying $50, $60, $70 or more weekly to tank up. At that rate, gas for half a year (from now until January) would run $1300 to $1820 — way more than Ford will pay for.

“$0 for gas” may be true for those who purchase fuel efficient vehicles, drive average or less amounts, and spend less than $39 a week for gas. For everyone else, Ford’s $0 for gas promise is running on fumes. MrConsumer says no tanks.