I got the official word on how Chrysler is going to phase out the four models that are getting killed off in the name of cost-cutting. Production of the 2008s started earlier this year, and now it's simply going to end -- so you will be able to find 2008 models of the Dodge Magnum and Chrysler Crossfire, PT Cruiser Convertible and Pacifica for a short while longer. That's not a terribly big deal for the Chrysler models, which are largely unchanged for 2008, but the '08 Dodge Magnum did get some significant improvements including updated styling and a refined interior.
This has me wondering if the "short" 2008 model year will have any effect on collector values for the Magnum, particularly the SRT-8. Chrysler muscle cars of the 60s and early 70s are often worth a boatload of money because of their scarcity. For GM and Ford, a run of 1,000 cars was considered pretty small. But in Chrysler's case, there might be fewer than 50 of a given type of car because that's how few they sold. (One example is the 1971 Plymouth 'Cuda convertible with the 426 Hemi engine. Chrysler sold only seven. Seven!) On the other hand, if the styling changes aren't seen as improvements, collectors might turn their back on the '08s. Guess we'll have to wait thirty years to find out... -- Aaron Gold
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Photo © Chrysler Corp.
Anyone who buys one and puts it away thinking they’ll be rich from it someday is nuts. Not that it won’t appreicate in value. All old cars do, even dumpy sedans. It’s just getting them there. You’re better off almost always by putting your money in a safe investment than let it sit idle…or almost so, because there will be costs associated with keeping it pristine: storage space, occasional attention, insurance, etc., etc. Better to drive it and keep it nice.
BTW, I’ll betcha a ‘72 Mercury Comet GT is worth more now than it was ten years ago. Not much more, but there’s a curve where cars go from being used cars to collectables. Some cars just sink lower, take longer and don’t rebound as high.
Maybe I was mistaken in the value of my 05 Magnum.If the interior picture is,indeed,of an 08,then mine is identical to it.I can not see any difference between the 08 and my 05.Maybe it’s something I missed in your picture.I have learned recently that just because Chrysler says it,it aint necessarily so.I hope my next Japanese car maker treats me better than Chrysler.
The main difference on the 08 Magnum was the restyled front fascia which features smaller grill openings and a sligtly higher, raised and more prominent front bumper. My understanding is that the main interior change was additional sound insulation.
Looks like my next car will be American made a Honda Nissan and Toyota.I have had 2 magnum the sxt an rt and I liked rt. most likely they’ll drop everything except for the jeep line,which is kind of ugly and bed gas mileage.all that matters is profits and big bonuses for management .today the only build cars for profits not what people really want or like .number of years ago I would have bought a pt only if they wooden made a bigger like to shore will base minivan.so when they dump the scars there goes my resale value for trade in the value thank you Chrysler
According to the Chrysler press release on the ‘08 Magnum:
“• Interior refresh including redesigned instrument panel, instrument cluster, center console and door trim panels
“• LED lighting in front cup holders and front/rear door-map pockets (included in R/T Popular Equipment Package option)
“• New cloth seat material
“• New speed control stalk located at 4 o’clock position
“• Satin chrome bezels and accents added to instrument panel, center console and door trim panels
“• Upgraded soft-touch surfaces on arm rests, center console and door trim”
– Aaron
Not surprised with the decision. These models have not been good sellers. At the end of the day, the right decision. I’m actually surprised they did not cancel a few more models – including some from Jeep…
Mike
To add to what I think Dennis said… American cars always seemed to be about making something that people should like. That was great when there was no other choice. Then the Japenese got into the market and started making cars people wanted. Things seem to have evened out right now, but Chrysler made a few too many bold moves and brought models to market that weren’t big enough sellers. Which goes to show niche market vehicles aren’t all that a car company needs to be successful.
…ummm…
*throws hands up in the air*
I give up.
(just messin with you)
I agree with Mike. Why they didn’t cancel the Jeep Compass and Commander is beyond me, unless they have been and just weren’t mentioned. The Commander is a decent looking truck, but it was a mistake from the beginning. Why they would try to build a vehicle with third row seating out of another that barely seats the back seat passengers comfortably by making it a few inches longer and taller in back is beyond me. I know they were trying to platform share to keep costs down, but all they did was waste their time and money.
The Compass, like the Dodge Caliber is poor vehicle all the way around. The Compass is just better looking. Jeep has always been about serious off-roading. True, they have attempted basic cars a few times in the past, but they never made it more than a few years (Jeepster). The Compass just makes the Jeep name seem desperate. Jeep needs to keep their Wrangler, Liberty, Patriot and Grand Cherokee (with some much needed redesign), do them well, keep it simple and focus on what it does best.
What about the new Challenger? That’s the only Dodge I think is worth collecting. (Unless you can afford a Viper). Haven’t heard much about it, and didn’t see it mentioned in what’s new for 2008. Did that get cancelled as well?
The Challenger is still on; it’ll debut at the Chicago auto show in February. Leaving it out of the Dodge cars: What’s new for 2008 article was an oversight that I’ve since corrected.
I’ll update what’s there as more info becomes available.
American cars always seemed to be about making something that people should like. That was great when there was no other choice. Then the Japenese got into the market and started making cars people wanted.
Right on the money Supra! Not only did Detroit make cars we should like, they had the audacity to dictate our tastes as well:Tons of chrome… no chrome/monochromatics, fins…no fins, etc. Those upstart Foreign makers approached the public from other fronts. The Europeans appealed to “drivers” with enginerring rilliance, while the Japanese interested those who wanted reliability and durability. The old days of GM’s Motorama showed that GM was all about glitz and constantly changing body styles to make the car you bought two years ago seem obsolete next to the new model of the same car they were unveiling today. Unfortunately, the mechanicals were as obsolete as the body styles within those few years as well. They were doomed to failure one day. I don’t cry for them, because they gleefully made millions, while the rest of us were on the side of the road waiting for the tow truck!
So devastating to see the Magnum go! I was planning my purchase of the 08 SRT8 version of the Magnum for months now. It was the only car that offered muscle car, cool immage, sportiness, and utility in one package. There is no other product on the market that will give you all that in one package. Shame on you Chrysler!!!!