Home Page Owners Registry Discussion Forums ProwlerMall Event Scrapbooks About

Click here to return to the Prowler Online Board Main Page
Thread Closed  Topic Closed
  ProwlerOnline, Plymouth/Chrysler Prowler Discussion Forum
  General Prowler Discussion
  Last year of the KAT! (Page 1)

Post New Topic  
edit profile | register | preferences | faq | search

   Bottom of Page
This topic is 2 pages long:   1  2 
next newest topic | next oldest topic
Author Topic:   Last year of the KAT!
JUST JP


POA Site Supporter
Prowler Junkie
Personal ScrapBook

From:Navarre, Florida, USA
Registered: Oct 2000
Admin Use

posted 03-26-2001 04:42 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for JUST JP     send a private message to JUST JP   Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote   Search for more posts by JUST JP
I believe this is the last year of the Prowler. Please post if you would like to hear my theories why.

------------------
JUST JP
2000 Black Kat
"self-proclaimed" poorest Prowler owner

mods:
1) ceramic pads
2) K&N filter

butchcee


POA Site Supporter
Prowler Junkie

From:Lake Ariel, Pa.
Registered: Sep 2000
Admin Use

posted 03-26-2001 05:00 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for butchcee     send a private message to butchcee   Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote   Search for more posts by butchcee
I'll bite-Why?

------------------
AL
Yellow is DCOOLEST

cwatsonjr
unregistered

Admin Use
posted 03-26-2001 06:54 PM           send a private message to butchcee   Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote   Search for more posts by cwatsonjr
I'll byte - why - It doesn't make sense for Chrysler to get rid of a sure seller. If they had to they could take it out of limited production and they would sell like hot cakes.

------------------
Cliff Watson
E-Mail Me @ Home (Weekends & Holidays)
E-Mail Me @ Work (M-F)
'98 IB Dodge Durango 5.9L 3.92 SLT+
'01 PB Dodge Dakota 3.9L SLT+
Future Owner of '01 Mulholland Prowler

HiHoSilver

Prowler Junkie

From:U.S. of A.
Registered: Aug 2000
Admin Use

posted 03-27-2001 07:46 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for HiHoSilver     send a private message to HiHoSilver   Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote   Search for more posts by HiHoSilver
Here is what I have heard over the years.

1) The tooling on the Prowler was never meant for a long production run. Especially not a normal yearly production load. Somewhere I remember hearing that the tooling had a maximum number of about 20K cars and that would be it.

2) I heard that someone at DC from the D side said they didn't need two image cars and since they already have the Viper they didn't need the Prowler.

3) Lots are starting to get congested with Prowlers. I have seen 3 local dealers who typically didn't have any in stock (maybe 1 every 4 months or so) now have 5-7 new ones in stock.

4) Let's face it, the Prowler is a very limited appeal car. Either you love it or you hate it. So that rules out about 50%+ of the audience. Now add the fact that it really isn't an everyday car (I'm talking purely in terms of storage and seating capacity), so that probably eliminates 70% of the 50% that love the car but, can't afford it as a 2nd or third car.

My too sense,

------------------
Trey
Post 2001 Black-Tie #005
(your welcome Larry)False alarm, it's gone now.

Mods: 2001 Speed Yellow Porsche Cabriolet

ALLEY CAT





POA Lifetime Site Supporter
Prowler Junkie

From:mesa, az, USA
Registered: Jul 2000
Admin Use

posted 03-27-2001 07:55 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for ALLEY CAT     send a private message to ALLEY CAT   Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote   Search for more posts by ALLEY CAT
Just JP - We all have heard that production will run through 2003. I believe you are somewhat right, but not 2001 being the last year of the run. I feel the 2002 run will be the end. Considering the time to retool the Conner plant for the Crossfire to be built there, this seems more logical (Mr.Spook). JMO - no facts to back up my thoughts.

------------------
Larry Salzman
Call 911 - there is a Prowler in my garage....

CJ





POA Lifetime Site Supporter
Prowler Junkie
Personal ScrapBook

From:Rochester Hills, MI USA
Registered: Jul 2000
Admin Use

posted 03-27-2001 08:01 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for CJ     send a private message to CJ   Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote   Search for more posts by CJ
Well, as I have said before.......rumors and speculation are just that. Don't believe everthing you hear or read.

If you remember, the Prowler is scheduled to run through 2003.......that hasn't changed.

Consider this: The Connor Avenue Assembly Plant where the Viper and Prowler are built, builds ONLY these two vehicles. It is a plant where vehicles are hand-built, not mass-produced. If the Prowler was eliminated from this plant, something would have to replace it. Otherwise, the Viper platform would have to absorb all the costs of the plant, which in turn would most likely increase the cost of the Viper significantly. It would not make sense to do that.

In addition, the Germans do like both the Viper and the Prowler!

cwatsonjr
unregistered
Personal ScrapBook
Admin Use
posted 03-27-2001 08:05 AM           send a private message to CJ   Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote   Search for more posts by cwatsonjr
What about the Howler?

------------------
Cliff Watson
E-Mail Me @ Home (Weekends & Holidays)
E-Mail Me @ Work (M-F)
'98 IB Dodge Durango 5.9L 3.92 SLT+
'01 PB Dodge Dakota 3.9L SLT+
Future Owner of '01 Mulholland Prowler

PaulR


POA Site Supporter
Prowler Junkie

From:Dallas,Tx., USA
Registered: Aug 2000
Admin Use

posted 03-27-2001 08:10 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for PaulR     send a private message to PaulR   Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote   Search for more posts by PaulR
Sorry but I have heard the Howler is a NO GO!

------------------
PaulR

CJ





POA Lifetime Site Supporter
Prowler Junkie
Personal ScrapBook

From:Rochester Hills, MI USA
Registered: Jul 2000
Admin Use

posted 03-27-2001 08:12 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for CJ     send a private message to CJ   Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote   Search for more posts by CJ
No plans for that to be built.
ed monahan





POA Lifetime Site Supporter
Prowler Junkie
Personal ScrapBook

From:Cincinnati, Oh, USA
Registered: Jul 2000
Admin Use

posted 03-27-2001 09:27 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for ed monahan     send a private message to ed monahan   Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote   Search for more posts by ed monahan
HiHoSilver, they have not even produced 10,000 Prowlers yet, which puts a slight hole in your theory. I contend that the only reasons that they sit on the lot is due to a lack of advertising. Everyone believes there is a waiting list and they cost $75,000. Only the hard core enthusiasts check into the true facts and wind up buying one. I seriously doubt that 50% of the people hate the car. Maybe 10 % don't care for it. JOMO and my two cents.

This message has been edited by ed monahan on 03-27-2001 at 09:41 AM

Wayne Finch



POA Site Supporter
Prowler Junkie
Personal ScrapBook

From:Toronto, Canada
Registered: Sep 2000
Admin Use

posted 03-27-2001 10:15 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Wayne Finch     send a private message to Wayne Finch   Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote   Search for more posts by Wayne Finch
Further to CJs comments, I believe changes made to the Viper are intended to boost sales significantly which, if this happens, would no doubt end Prowler production at that time. That time would coincide with current plans to end in 2003.
If there was a reason to stop production (plant retooling, Crossfire?) then I believe also that Prowler production would ending rather quickly. Current sales are not keeping up with the low level of production which is always a bad thing. There is no compelling reason to keep producing this vehicle in this environment but there is also no reason to idle production when dealers will still take the cars.
When the time comes to end production, I think they should run the car in a rainbow of different colors, each limited to production of 50-100. Wouldn't that make for some colorful Prowler events.

This message has been edited by Wayne Finch on 03-27-2001 at 10:20 AM

Phillip Schirico
Prowler Newbie

From:Dallas, Texas,USA
Registered: Oct 2000
Admin Use

posted 03-27-2001 10:27 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Phillip Schirico     send a private message to Phillip Schirico   Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote   Search for more posts by Phillip Schirico
&& I BELIEVE FOR EVERY DROP OF RAIN THAT FALLS A ..
P R O W L E R g r O W S ...
CJ





POA Lifetime Site Supporter
Prowler Junkie
Personal ScrapBook

From:Rochester Hills, MI USA
Registered: Jul 2000
Admin Use

posted 03-27-2001 10:30 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for CJ     send a private message to CJ   Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote   Search for more posts by CJ
Yes, Ed......

They didn't do a lot of advertising at the beginning because everyone already wanted one and they weren't planning on mass-producing them. It is definitely a niche vehicle for a certain type of buyer. The other problem was and still is the fact that a lot of dealers are still asking outrageous prices. You notice on this board, that the dealers who are offering them at or below MSRP are the ones selling them.

NightProwler
Prowler Junkie

From:Chicago
Registered: Oct 2000
Admin Use

posted 03-27-2001 10:34 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for NightProwler     send a private message to NightProwler   Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote   Search for more posts by NightProwler
Sometimes the answer is right under our nose. SLOWING ECONOMY. The slowing economy is having its effect on all luxury items (higher priced cars, boats and aircraft) not just the Prowler. The Porsche dealer in Hinsdale, Illinois on the south side of Ogden Ave. has about 75 Porsches of all types sitting in the lot. Want a new Porsche at dealers invoice....call them up. The Ferarri dealership down the block isn't moving much product either.

Like I posted before, higher priced ($40,000 a unit for Matercraft/Malibu/Ski Natique/Cobalt) runabout boat sales are down in 2001 while entry level Bayliners ($12,000) are up. Corporate jet aircraft values as well as commercial jet values and lease rentals have dropped significantly from 2 years ago. New car dealers of all makes have 102 days of inventory up from 65 days. From an historical economic perspective low interest rates don't stimulate demand for luxury items in sluggish economic times.

How long will Prowlers be produced? Not much longer given (i) the Germans are in charge now and they weren't responsible for the Prowler's birth and don't have any emotional ties to it and (ii) sagging Chrysler profits won't be tolerated by the Germans.

------------------

Have a good time and be a good time.

This message has been edited by NightProwler on 03-27-2001 at 10:37 AM

ed monahan





POA Lifetime Site Supporter
Prowler Junkie
Personal ScrapBook

From:Cincinnati, Oh, USA
Registered: Jul 2000
Admin Use

posted 03-27-2001 12:09 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for ed monahan     send a private message to ed monahan   Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote   Search for more posts by ed monahan
I hope you all are right and they quit making them very soon.
HiHoSilver

Prowler Junkie

From:U.S. of A.
Registered: Aug 2000
Admin Use

posted 03-27-2001 12:58 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for HiHoSilver     send a private message to HiHoSilver   Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote   Search for more posts by HiHoSilver
quote:
Originally posted by ed monahan:
HiHoSilver, they have not even produced 10,000 Prowlers yet, which puts a slight hole in your theory.
Never said they had produced that amount yet. What I said was that it would only be able to handle 20K total for the life of it.

I contend that the only reasons that they sit on the lot is due to a lack of advertising. Everyone believes there is a waiting list and they cost $75,000.
Anyone with two eyes that drives on a freeway here can see the dealers have loads of them. The fact is, it's not an everyday car and most can't afford a 2nd or 3rd car just for playing with.

Only the hard core enthusiasts check into the true facts and wind up buying one. I seriously doubt that 50% of the people hate the car. Maybe 10 % don't care for it.


It's nothing against the car or the people that drive them (I had two in less then a year) but, you have to admit it is a limited interest car. I think it was Bob Lutz that coined the phrase, "Either you get it or you don't" refering to the Prowler. As much as I loved the car, my wife hated it. She put up with them and would ride in them but didn't care for them at all. I know that is the same for a number of other married people in here. If most people loved them, then with the limited amount that has been built, there would be no spares lying around at dealers.

------------------
Trey
Post 2001 Black-Tie #005
(your welcome Larry)False alarm, it's gone now.

Mods: 2001 Speed Yellow Porsche Cabriolet

ed monahan





POA Lifetime Site Supporter
Prowler Junkie
Personal ScrapBook

From:Cincinnati, Oh, USA
Registered: Jul 2000
Admin Use

posted 03-27-2001 03:14 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for ed monahan     send a private message to ed monahan   Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote   Search for more posts by ed monahan
You didn't convince me, Trey. They aren't sitting in dealers lots around here. Most people tell me that they have never seen one before. I last heard that statement on Sunday. I agree that it is not for everyone or in everyone's budget, BUT with 250 million people in the USA, I think they can sell 20,000 without any problem. They are sitting in lots where the dealer wants $68,000 for them. I get a ton of thumbs up and have only had one person say they didn't like it. That is my take on it. I hope they quit making them but I doubt if that will happen within the next 18 months.
butchcee


POA Site Supporter
Prowler Junkie

From:Lake Ariel, Pa.
Registered: Sep 2000
Admin Use

posted 03-27-2001 04:07 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for butchcee     send a private message to butchcee   Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote   Search for more posts by butchcee
I agree with JP. Where is he anyway? If I was DC and was floundering, I would stop making the least cost effective thing. It would take a look into their books to figure out whether it would be wise to stop or postpone production, or keep popping them out. Maybe better to cut and run at this point. It would make sense if they stopped manufacture for one year to regroup and skip 02 production to make 03 the final year so they could clean up inventory. This is all conjecture as noone really knows what will happen yet including DC. I think those with the bucks for multiple cars will be sitting on good stuff 3 or 4 years after the last one is made.

------------------
AL
Yellow is DCOOLEST

Pirana

Prowler Junkie

From:The Amazon River @ DFW
Registered: Jul 2000
Admin Use

posted 03-27-2001 04:09 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Pirana     send a private message to Pirana   Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote   Search for more posts by Pirana
2 Mullohand and 1 Silver at MSRP @ Mid Cities P/J/C in Arlington, TX. Demand has really dropped.

2 Silvers and 1 Yellow (used dealer) for under $38k.

1 Yellow (used dealer) at a Lexus dealer under $39k.

Too many used ones out there! My opinion.

------------------
Victor C.
www.carsoundsinc.com

Lance.d
Prowler Junkie

From:Tulsa, OK
Registered: Sep 2000
Admin Use

posted 03-27-2001 04:27 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Lance.d     send a private message to Lance.d   Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote   Search for more posts by Lance.d
Pirahna,

the real question is hows your stock portfolio, with the prowler being a niche car. The car is purchased with mainly expendable income. With this being a election year and a changing of the guard, the market is kind of up and down. I know there are some economists out there on the board what about that theory.

------------------
Lance Delk
L.delk@quinnoftulsa.com
L.delk@mailcity.com
800 722 7686

Wayne Finch



POA Site Supporter
Prowler Junkie
Personal ScrapBook

From:Toronto, Canada
Registered: Sep 2000
Admin Use

posted 03-27-2001 06:20 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Wayne Finch     send a private message to Wayne Finch   Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote   Search for more posts by Wayne Finch
Lance, you are right. Strong economic times and wealth are required to sustain sales of cars like the Prowler. We are obviously in a slowdown which could drag on for months or years.
With the Prowler production lifespan being limited anyway, I would use the slowdown to prepare for the next run in the economy which would be to introduce a new car (or as I stated in an earlier post, DC can hope that Viper demand is strong enough to utilize the entire plant). The plant itself may be expendable (I don't believe DC has committed to building it at Conner Avenue but I could be wrong).

Bottom line is that the Prowler will be a very limited production vehicle that I do not believe will ever lose its hot rod image and will looks as good on the road in ten years as it does now. I personally wish DC would announce exactly what they plan for future production (enhancements, engines, colors) so that I can add to the stable without worrying about a more improved vehicle coming down the pipe.

------------------
99 Blackkat
99 Supercharged Shelby Durango
01 ??

ed monahan





POA Lifetime Site Supporter
Prowler Junkie
Personal ScrapBook

From:Cincinnati, Oh, USA
Registered: Jul 2000
Admin Use

posted 03-27-2001 06:20 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for ed monahan     send a private message to ed monahan   Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote   Search for more posts by ed monahan
I wish I would have purchased a second Prowler a year ago, taking money out of the market. Instead I have half of what I did have and the Prowler sure didn't drop to half of its cost.
MidlifeProwler
Prowler Junkie

From:Silver Spring, Maryland USA
Registered: Aug 2000
Admin Use

posted 03-27-2001 06:53 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for MidlifeProwler     send a private message to MidlifeProwler   Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote   Search for more posts by MidlifeProwler
How long will they keep an inventory on spare replacement
parts once production is ceased.
CJ





POA Lifetime Site Supporter
Prowler Junkie
Personal ScrapBook

From:Rochester Hills, MI USA
Registered: Jul 2000
Admin Use

posted 03-27-2001 08:10 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for CJ     send a private message to CJ   Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote   Search for more posts by CJ
I don't know about all of you, but I, for one, am not going to worry about when or if they stop building Prowler. I am ecstatic that I have one and I am going to enjoy it every minute I can! (After I get it out of the bag of course!)
WildCat





POA Site Supporter
Prowler Junkie
Personal ScrapBook

From:North Louisville, Indiana, USA
Registered: Jul 2000
Admin Use

posted 03-27-2001 08:24 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for WildCat     send a private message to WildCat   Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote   Search for more posts by WildCat
Did I read that right

CJ is LETTING THE CAT OUT OF THE BAG

------------------
Larry & Sue Mayes


This topic is 2 pages long:   1  2 

All times are CT (US)  Top of Page  Previous Page

 Return to General Prowler Discussion  next newest topic | next oldest topic



Administrative Options: Open Topic |Make Sticky | Archive/Move | Delete Topic
Post New Topic  
Hop to:

Contact Us | Prowler Online Homepage

All material contained herein, Copyright 2000 - 2012 ProwlerOnline.com
E-Innovations, LP

POA Terms of Service