It isn't quite time for bottom fishing, but it is getting close. Depending on what your needs are, you should soon be able to pick up a decent car from a dying brand at a very good price.
If I was in the market, here are some cars I would consider:
GM:
- Pontiac Vibe -- Decent small hatch, though a rental fleet favorite. Nice, practical package. Weird rear window.
- Pontiac G8 -- Probably the best car Pontiac is selling now. I'm not a fan of the nostrils, but otherwise a very sharp car. Good engines.
- Pontiac G6 -- Decent midsize sedan/coupe. Also a rental fleet favorite.
- Pontiac G5 -- Great if you wanted a Cobalt to begin with, or a functional compact car.
- Pontiac Torrent -- Decent, practical small SUV, saddled with a crummy Chinese built engine.
- Saturn Aura -- Won the 2007 Car Of The Year award. The precurser to the new Malibu. Sharp looking.
- Saturn Astra -- Great small car, if a little underpowered. Tight European style and handling.
- Saturn Vue -- Decent small SUV, if a bit heavy.
Chrysler:
- Chrysler 300C -- Long in the tooth but still a nice design. If you don't mind gun-slit windows and so-so fuel economy, this is a nice rear wheel drive choice.
- Chrysler Town & Country -- Competent. If you need a minivan, you may be willing to trade Honda dynamics and residual values for the discount on one of these.
- Dodge Ram -- Newly refreshed, the Ram is hlghly rated and is winning comparisons against other full sized pickups in the press.
- Dodge Journey -- New crossover SUV from Dodge. Looks like a decent package, reviews are mixed.
- Dodge Challenger -- Chrysler's Mustang fighter.
- Dodge Charger -- Sportier, meaner version of the 300c. Rear wheel drive, aggressive styling.
In my opinion, these vehicles are good enough that someone could buy one without massive compromises, and reap the benefits of the desperate pricing environment. I think it is unlikely that you would be stuck with an unfixable car if something did break, even if GM and Chrysler are broken up in bankrupcy court. Even if the companies collapse, the market for replacement parts and service will ensure that someone will be able to repair them. With the government warranty backing there isn't much warranty cost risk, either.
