Guest Post by Wendy C.
Buying a car is an expensive prospect, but nothing beats the feeling of driving a new vehicle off the lot. Unfortunately, if you want to make sure that you drive off in a car, truck, or SUV that will serve you well for years to come, you’re going to have to do some research first.
Recently, I began evaluating the Chrysler 300 as it compares to a Cadillac CTS. They have similar body styles and seating arrangements, and I have had positive experiences with both manufacturers since I started driving many years ago. After browsing around online for a bit, I decided it was time to visit a St. Louis Chrysler dealer and also check out a local Cadillac dealer so that I could test drive both cars for comparison’s sake.
Right away, I noticed that the Chrysler 300 is a longer, wider car. Even though it seats five, just like the Cadillac, there seems to be a lot more leg room in the Chrysler. If you’re planning on having passengers in your back seat on a regular basis, that extra space will likely have a big impact on your final auto-buying decision.
Similarly, the 300 has more cargo space as well. The trunk is spacious and ready to accommodate a full haul from the grocery store, all kinds of sporting equipment, luggage for a long vacation, or whatever else you might need on the road. The CTS has space, but not nearly as much.
As far as fuel economy is concerned, the expected MPG is about equal despite size differences. The Chrysler gets 14-19mpg in the city and 23-31 on the highway. The Cadillac gets 16-18 and 26-27 respectively.
The CTS does have a longer and more comprehensive warranty, but the 300 still has the solid 3 year/36,000 guarantee that most auto shoppers have come to expect. The Chrysler is also much less expensive, and of course, price isn’t something you can just ignore when thinking about a new car. Whether you’re buying it outright or making monthly payments, you want to make sure that your vehicle suits your budget as well as your style.
Of course, you can open up your selection to other makes and models, too. With both of these cars sitting approximately two months on the lot before they sell, you have time to think things over carefully and make the right decision for your new vehicle.