DODGE NITRO SXT. Dodgy Pricing !!

csv8 · 16-07-2007, 04:56 PM

In America the Nitro SXT is $22k, the exchange rate makes it $26kaus. So, how come its $43k here ??
Even allowing all federal and state taxes and charges shoudn't at $17k to price ? Dodgy DODGE !!!!

**Polyal** · 16-07-2007, 04:59 PM

It certainly is not a $40k+ car, plastics like my old lego from the 80's!

andrewts · 16-07-2007, 04:59 PM

I'm guessing the RHD conversion costs a few dollars.

**Sorted** · 16-07-2007, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrewts

I'm guessing the RHD conversion costs a few dollars.

LOL............ Don't they do them for free, how rude........

anakha · 16-07-2007, 05:16 PM

Same story if you want a new Mustang here. Admittedly it is a third party company doing conversions but $100k+ for a US$30k car? Err, no thanks.

Envious · 16-07-2007, 05:18 PM

that sucks..

xr8-200 · 16-07-2007, 05:30 PM

Meh, I recon they look pretty dodgy any way.

kocho · 16-07-2007, 05:36 PM

Wheel arches make the VE look like a sissy.

JBomb3000 · 16-07-2007, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by csv8

In America the Nitro SXT is $22k, the exchange rate makes it $26kaus. So, how come its $43k here ??
Even allowing all federal and state taxes and charges shoudn't at $17k to price ? Dodgy DODGE !!!!

Wouldn't it be wonderful to live in a world full of ignorance and bliss where that sort of thinking seemed logical to someone. I can always dream.

BigAL_250 · 16-07-2007, 07:02 PM

There's also the cost of low volume importing, would add some dollars to that.

**TUF_302** · 16-07-2007, 08:09 PM

They maybe over priced but they look sweet!

mowog · 17-07-2007, 05:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrewts

I'm guessing the RHD conversion costs a few dollars.

The car is built as RHD no conversion required.

Tote · 17-07-2007, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JBomb3000

Wouldn't it be wonderful to live in a world full of ignorance and bliss where that sort of thinking seemed logical to someone. I can always dream.

Can you tell me why it wouldn't be that simple?
In the UK the Landrover TDV6 is about 32000 pounds, multiply that by the exchange rate of .43 and you get around $75K Aus which is within $5K of it's RRP here.
Why would the Dodge be more expensive if it is built RHD and we have a free trade agreement with the US which we do not have with the UK?
Regards,
Tote

csv8 · 17-07-2007, 08:56 AM

my point exactly

Nickxb · 17-07-2007, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xr8-200

Meh, I recon they look pretty dodgy any way.

Thats a truley awful pun

mowog · 17-07-2007, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by csv8

my point exactly

Simple choice dont buy one.

Unco · 17-07-2007, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JBomb3000

Wouldn't it be wonderful to live in a world full of ignorance and bliss where that sort of thinking seemed logical to someone. I can always dream.

please do bless us with your wisdom.

MAGPIE · 17-07-2007, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by csv8

In America the Nitro SXT is $22k, the exchange rate makes it $26kaus. So, how come its $43k here ??
Even allowing all federal and state taxes and charges shoudn't at $17k to price ? Dodgy DODGE !!!!

It does cost to transport them you know

Your quoting prices for the AUS Diesel version & the US Petrol version, diesel always carries a premium.

US version doesn't get the 20" x 7.5" alloy wheels as standard.

If you can't afford it, look for something more within your budget

:

ratter · 17-07-2007, 11:49 AM

ADR compliance testing and modifications would also have to be added into the price

Ringo · 17-07-2007, 01:49 PM

Hey...you all forgetting profit....gotta make some of that somehow.

It doesn't matter...they are going to sell out of these striking looking vehicles to the same people who buy Wranglers and Jeeps....fashion victims who then spend more on their sunglasses than on servicing.

Have a look at the pitiful resale value of second hand wranglers and chrysler products....very niche market.

JBomb3000 · 17-07-2007, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tote

Can you tell me why it wouldn't be that simple?
In the UK the Landrover TDV6 is about 32000 pounds, multiply that by the exchange rate of .43 and you get around $75K Aus which is within $5K of it's RRP here.
Why would the Dodge be more expensive if it is built RHD and we have a free trade agreement with the US which we do not have with the UK?
Regards,
Tote

It's priced the way it is as Dodge thinks thats what the market will accept, they are there to make money. To think it should be priced in Australia according to what it sells for in America is simplistic in my view. The Landrover you quote is no different it's priced to what the market will accept, it just so happens in this case that it's alot closer to the price it sells for in it's home country than the nitro.

Piotr · 17-07-2007, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by csv8

In America the Nitro SXT is $22k, the exchange rate makes it $26kaus. So, how come its $43k here ??
Even allowing all federal and state taxes and charges shoudn't at $17k to price ? Dodgy DODGE !!!!

So car companies should change the cars price every day to reflect changes in the Conversion costs?

[Tonko] · 17-07-2007, 06:22 PM

The title should be changed to something like:
DODGE NITRO SXT. Dodgy (fullstop)
2nd uglist car ever! (poll position goes to Renault Megane)
But something classy...

rapom1 · 17-07-2007, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JBomb3000

It's priced the way it is as Dodge thinks thats what the market will accept, they are there to make money. To think it should be priced in Australia according to what it sells for in America is simplistic in my view. The Landrover you quote is no different it's priced to what the market will accept, it just so happens in this case that it's alot closer to the price it sells for in it's home country than the nitro.

Exactly, cars are priced to what the manufacturer believes the market will pay. Take a Corrolla for example, they cost about 80% as much to build as a Falcon, but they RRP for just over half the Falcon RRP.

Why, because the market will only pay $19,990 for a Base Corolla.

Dave_au · 17-07-2007, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JBomb3000

It's priced the way it is as Dodge thinks thats what the market will accept, they are there to make money. To think it should be priced in Australia according to what it sells for in America is simplistic in my view. The Landrover you quote is no different it's priced to what the market will accept, it just so happens in this case that it's alot closer to the price it sells for in it's home country than the nitro.

Your on the money - you charge what the market is willing to pay. And in Australia, we make a lot of foreign businesses a lot of money.

Here's an example I have:

AUD$1,000 Seiko watch - made in Japan
I was able to buy online from a Seiko authorised dealer in the US for AUD$475 + $60 p&h to Australia = AUD$535

Exactly the same watch, no difference bar the US warranty (they all have 1 year Intl warranty no matter where they are purchaed)

robbo_yobbo · 18-07-2007, 12:17 AM

Yeah, Im on the "products worth what the market will pay" bandwagon.

Ive sold used stuff on eBay before for more than it cost to buy new at the shop - and thats here, in the country already!

So when theres no opportunity for the same product at a lower price elsewhere, then the higher price they will pay.

blueoval · 28-07-2007, 03:51 PM

so does everyone still like it or hate it?

I saw one in the flesh yesterday and I must say, it made me look twice. The wheels look huge to start with but the overall package to me seemed ballsy. I like it a lot.

nobbystang · 28-07-2007, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blueoval

so does everyone still like it or hate it?

I saw one in the flesh yesterday and I must say, it made me look twice. The wheels look huge to start with but the overall package to me seemed ballsy. I like it a lot.

It looks pretty good to me, just not happy with the engine/gearbox they have in it. Haven't driven one, but I haven't heard good things yet about them. A guy at work was thinking of buying a H3 til I showed him the Nitro. He's been in and test drove one and was very impressed with it, currently has an old Explorer.

Guess its not everyones cup of tea, but I really like the shape of it

blueoval · 28-07-2007, 04:18 PM

well I guess you cant please everybody, but it has high marks for styling thats for sure. First time I saw it on TV I thought it was a hummer. The styling gets your attention. I have been reading the reviews on it and it seems like the AWD system it comes with is to be used for off road ONLY. basically a front wheel drived car on bitumen.

I love the extra features u can get too. They are also throwing in 2 years FREE CTP insurance as a sweetener. They claim it will save you up to $3600. Not sure how much of that is true.

If I was in the market of a mid sized SUV, this would be on the top 5 list to choose from.

JBomb3000 · 28-07-2007, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blueoval

If I was in the market of a mid sized SUV, this would be on the top 5 list to choose from.

I'm looking at a mid to large SUV's ATM, had a look at the Nitro and these were my thoughts.

EXTERIOR
First impression was it looks a little taller and narrower than from the pics i looked at, probably emphasised by the relativley high window line, front and rear were as i expected. It's a love it or hate it sort of style and personally it works for me. The 20" rims look great and really don't look that big on the nitro, i would hate to see a stocker with the 16" wheels.

INTERIOR
The interior looks good but is poorly put together, the materials feel cheap and things like the indicator stalks feel like they would break very easily. It's fairly poorly designed inside as well no where near as practice or user friendly as a territory. The driving position is also very compromised, you sit way to high and upright which wouldn't be such a problem except the the steering wheel is only adjustable for height not reach, meaning that when your sitting where you can comfortably reach the pedals the steering wheel is just a little bit to far away. Keep in mind i'm 6'3" so i would imagine this would be even worse for shorter people.

DRIVE TRAIN
This is where the Nitro really shines, the 2.8L CRD is an absolute corker, in a higher state of tune than in it's wrangler or cherokee applications it makes 130kw and 460nm, coupled to the 5 speed auto it makes an excellent unit. The engine is smooth, quiet and pulls very strongly right off idle till about 3500 RPM. It will happily go to the 4500 RPM red line but forward progression becomes less rapid than bellow 3500 where the meat of it's torque is. The auto is fantastic as well shifting with smooth precision every time weather it be a full throttle upshift on the red line, a forced down shift using the manual mode or just regular driving in traffic it remained smooth and composed the whole time, never once did i think i wish it had have dropped a gear there or held one a bit longer it really is fantastic. To get a auto to work this intuitively with a diesel engine is a fantastic effort IMO.

RIDE/HANDLING
Given the fact that it has 20's i was expecting the ride to be some what compromised by this (although it has a 50 profile tyre which no doubt helps) but if anything it's actually the other way being a little on soft side. It will pitch and roll a bit when thrown around but nothing to excessive considering what it is, it also looses a bit of composure after hitting big bumps. What it needs is a little more body damping but as it sits now some degree of handling is traded off for comfort. Steering feel is not great either but once again for a vehicle of this type it's acceptable. The ESP also does it job well.

OVERALL
It has a fantastic engine and transmission, love or hate looks, acceptable ride and handling dynamics but is badly let down by it poorly though out and constructed interior and compromised driving position. I can probably deal with the crappy interior but the driving position i'm not so sure about.