ORIGINAL: MFIllini5
1) Will we be able to place deposits on 2009 R/Ts or SRTs at dealerships in April or May? What is a common deposit amount? $1000?
My dealer required $2k deposit... actual dealer deposits may vary...
2) Do people think the demand will be so great for the 2009 R/T's that I need to consider placing a deposit in April or May?
YES, once these start hitting the streets there will be many people who have never even heard of this car that will gotta have one!
3) Do people think the demand will be so great for the 2009 SRT's that I need to consider placing a deposit in April or May?
YES, see question 2)
4) Won't the first 3,000 or so 2009 SRTs go to the people that bought the 2008 SRTs last, but didn't make the production cut-off?
I would be certain that dealers who are on top of thier game will be offering 2009 orders up to those on thier "list" who missed the 2008 MY Challengers. Some will fall off due to various reasons described in the previous post.
5) When would be the earliest I can go to a dealership and actually see the various R/T colors in person for comparison prior to deposit / down payment? Since I was at the Chicago Auto Show I did see Hemi Orange, Silver, and Black in person, but I'd probably need to see these in person for comparison and so that I can see them in real sunlight (except Hemi Orange concept which I saw at Woodward).
The 2009 Challengers will PROBABLY be flying off the shelves of your local dealer would be my guess, but you never know with the current economy, fuel prices, etc.. Might be tough to find enough at one dealer at one time to do an actual side by side comparison. I'd say chances of that would likely be pretty slim... but, who knows, maybe you could get lucky. I would suggest keeping in close contact with any and all local dealers who might be getting some in.
6) No dealer asks that you make a down payment prior to the car being on the lot, right? Only a deposit?
I don't think any reputable dealer would ask for an actual down payment on a product they do not have in inventory, but would likely require a deposit to instill a sense of commitment from the customer if they are going to order and hold a car specifically for you.
7) I've read the 2009's will be on lots in August / September. Does that sound right? So will I have to wait until then to actually compare colors?
August / September sounds right to me. It sounds as though production is slated to begin in July, so I would guess the first 2009's should be showing up in August, but who knows what could happen to timelines and all leading up to that time.
Don't feel like you need to reply to all questions, but whatever ones you can, please do. Just use the question number to reply. Thanks!
These are guesses based solely on information I have been able to discern through my ventures on the web, dealer contacts, Chrysler customer service, etc.. Your actual results may vary.