Out of Pod Experience

Since you guys get the cars I'm looking at LONG before I do, just have a few questions.

Currently looking to trade in my Audi A4 for either the new what you call Ford Fusion or the 2012 model+ of the Chrysler 300C. Since you guys have them released over there, how do you rate them?

Currently I've heard the Chrysler handles like a boat but that doesn't bother me, looks pretty and is comfortable. The fusion however is completely new to me. Saw that they ripped off the Aston's front to make it pretty but I have no idea what the ride is like as we won't get it till 2013. Pricing wise the top tier of Fusion should be about 41,000 AUD, the Chrysler V6 is about $45 000 AUD.

Would welcome any experience other then "FORD/GM" debate and all Yank cars are terrible, I've driven enough Euro cars to know they're just as bad(*cough* jag S-tupe, Merc C series)

Dood, a lot of US based makes are improving in quality since the GFC, especially GM/Holden and Ford. Chrysler though are at the bottom of a recent list of reliability out of all car makes: 300c, Jeeps, etc etc are the lowest in terms of quality.

The Mondeo should be a great car to drive

You might want to check out http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum/133 too?

1 series M is more M than the M3 tho.

bit tiny however.

Just wanted to pop in here and thank you Aussies for the few Holden Monaros and Commodores you sent our way a few years back, damn shame GM didn't know how to market them properly in the USA.

The Chrysler is RWD and the Ford is FWD, that alone might be enough to make your decision for you. I've never driven either of those.

Thanks for all the input guys.

GM(Holden) over here are actually becoming ridiculously good cars, the Malua(spelling?) for a Ute actually looks quite nice and I've heard nothing but good things about the Captiva. Hell the Feds use them for cop cars now.

In terms of an M3....yeah I don't think you looked at my price range, those things, along with c63's are in the $150,000+ AUD. I did consider a 3 series BMW though as they had a recent price drop to $50,000 rather then the $60,000 that Audi A4's and Merc C200's sit at currently. The sole reason I hadn't is obviously social connotations.

The reason I've been looking at American Cars lately is Australia is finally getting a few more and they appear to be better build quality as people have said. Combined with how they look right now, I've always had a thing for a 300c, and the new design looks more in line with that. The Fusion basically came out of nowhere, we have the Mondeo here but top gear showed its new design and basically its a poor mans Aston in terms of looks, but I had no clue on the drive, having only experienced the Focus which was surprisingly good.

I had been a bit hesitant on them, but most Australians seem to be buying up Chryslers like they were hot cakes, in Brisbane currently about every 15th car is one I swear. The neighbor has one, and other then handling hasn't complained about it in 5 years.

Theres a good few ford fusion models kicking about. Looked at a fusion (I think it was a fiesta) deisel yesterday and the mpg was very nice, it just depends what model you get. The new focus and fiesta engines are almost godlike in range and reliability. Can pickup a 1 year old fiesta for less than £9000 too

If the OP can find one of the new(ish) ford Focus Titainiums they are a fantasic car. Drove 3000 miles across eupope and back in one and loved it.

incoming "because of falcon" jokes.

I love the Focus <3 I have my 3rd one at the moment, they simply don't feel like a family hatchback to drive. The rear seat space and boot are a decent size to.

Don't get a Chrysler or a GM car. They've gotten better since they got they had a bankruptcy scare and had to get a bailout, but they're still not that reliable....