
The process is simple, fast and there is absolutely no compulsion required. You just need to fill out a simple form, and within 24 hours, you would be getting a check in your hand to buy your car.
It seems Alfa Romeo finally will return to the U.S. in two years, bringing with it several cars that would compete with BMW and Volkswagen's Audi brand. Sergio Marchionne, chief executive of Fiat and Chrysler, said recently in a speech that he's increasingly confident that the struggling brand will be able to produce cars that are accepted globally, including in the U.S.
If the brand does return by 2012 as Marchionne said, Alfa Romeo's lineup of cars could be expanded, using platforms (the chassis, suspension and other key components on the underside of the body) now on Fiat and Chrysler cars. Chrysler and Italy's Fiat SpA formed an alliance after Chrysler emerged from bankruptcy in June 2009, giving Fiat a 20 percent controlling stake in Chrysler.
Among the new cars expected is a front-wheel-drive vehicle, called the Giulia that would replace the Alfa Romeo 159, which is currently sold only in Europe. The Giulia would be offered as a midsize sedan and a station wagon. The cars, built on Fiat-Chrysler platforms, would likely be manufactured in the U.S., beginning in mid-2012, according to reports by the industry magazine Automotive News. Introduced in 2005, the Alfa Romeo 159 is a compact sedan that comes with standard all-wheel drive and competes with the BMW 3 Series cars, which start at $33,150. Its 3.2-liter V-6 engine, which produces 260 horsepower, would most likely be used in the U.S. model.
A future, full-size sedan would likely be built on the Chrysler 300C platform. It would be considered the replacement for the Alfa Romeo 166, which was discontinued in 2007. Like the 300C, the Alfa Romeo full-size sedan would be a rear-wheel-drive car. It would likely be sold in the U.S. beginning in 2013.
The next year will be a telling one for the future of Alfa Romeo in the U.S., and as a brand in general. Fiat's plan to return the brand to the U.S. could be helped immensely by its Chrysler partnership, improving Alfa Romeo's technology, manufacturing and dealer infrastructure. But to become a competitor of BMW and Audi in the U.S. as well as Europe, it needs to be more successful as a brand.
Much of that success is riding on the launch of its newest model, the Giulietta, a five-door hatchback being introduced next month at the Geneva Motor Show. It will compete with the Volkswagen Golf, which starts at $17,620. The company is expecting to use the model to nearly double its annual sales, with plans to sell about 100,000 Giuliettas annually. If that happens, Fiat will be in a much better position to bring its Alfa Romeo brand back to U.S. soil.
Dear Driving for Dollars,
Six weeks ago, I signed a contract for a car. Five days later, I went back to the dealership and told them I couldn't afford it. I returned the car and the dealer gave me back my trade-in. Now they just came and took away my car. Is that allowed?
-- Trish
Dear Trish,
A case of buyer's remorse with the dealer allowing you to simply return the car with no financial outlay is unusual. But if that is what happened, it sounds like there's been a major mix-up. Do you have any paperwork that says the contract has been voided or canceled? Or is there something that says you returned the new car and received your old car back, free and clear? Getting things in writing is absolutely critical in situations of buyer's remorse.
Carefully look over all your paperwork, including your original contract, for something that indicates you owe a specific amount. There may be a clause or condition in your original contract that outlines what happens in cases of buyer's remorse. It is also possible that you still owe money to the dealer since it may be forced to sell the returned car at a reduced rate. Still, the dealership should have made that clear in writing and verbally when you returned the car.
Call the company that repossessed your car and ask its agents who gave the order (the dealer or the lender), then call that company and explain the situation, speaking to a manager. If your paperwork indicates you owe money, see if you can pay it right away and get your car back. If your paperwork does not indicate that you owe money, then speak to a manager at the repossession company to try to stop the sale of your car. Also, call the dealership to persuade management to release the car back to you. If you don't find satisfaction, contact your state's attorney general and file a complaint.
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Pros :Good looking great drive
Cons :questionable low mileage
Description :I have purchased the Beat PS and was assured of a good mileage around 15 kms, on city roads (Bangalore) and around 18 on long drivers, however I find that i am not getting mileage more than 8-9 kms on city roads. i thought initially this was due to the tuning upto 1000kms. I hear that is not the case, however, i am asked to continue to drive, and see, i am not sure, i hope things improve. I would be hugely disappointed and it would not be worth the cost, if am going to get anything less than 14 kms on city roads.