Car buying can be a fun experience, but thanks to the chip shortage, it’s been turned into a major hassle for most people and an expensive one. Whether you’re looking for a new or used car, it’s next to impossible to find one. Thankfully, there are still some vehicles on the market that you can find easily enough.

The chip shortage has had a devastating effect on the auto market

Between the chip shortage and the coronavirus (COVID-19), buying a car has become a lot more complicated. Automakers shut down plants briefly as some workers became infected, while others like Ford converted their assembly lines to manufacture badly needed PPE. Then the chip shortage took hold, and production of new vehicles came to a screeching halt.

So how are you supposed to buy a car if automakers don’t have the supplies to build it? You buy used. This, in turn, increases the price of used vehicles as they become more in demand.

New cars are rarely found on lots now, and many dealerships are hoping that consumers will order cars. However, not everyone is keen on purchasing a vehicle they’ve never driven. Even though online car dealers like Carvana and CarMax are picking up speed, not everyone is ready to make that leap.

But, there are vehicles you can find now if you aren’t too picky. It may not be the best solution, but considering the chip shortage is suspected to last into 2023, it’s worth looking at if you’re in desperate need.

You may be able to find these cars now

According to Cars Direct, Chrysler has the largest amount of inventory to check out now, as of last year. The main problem with this is that Chrysler has narrowed its lineup down to three vehicles. The once-mighty automaker now only manufacturers and sells the Pacifica, the Pacifica Hybrid, and the 300. 

It’s possible to buy other American-made vehicles, such as Ford, GM, or Buick, but it comes with a cost. Many vehicles are missing safety features like automatic start and stop and a steering column lock. 

If you do find a vehicle, you’ll most likely have to settle for what is available at the time or wait for an indeterminable date to get what you want.

Other imported brands like Toyota, Kia, and Honda will be challenging to find.

How great are the Chrysler vehicles?

If you’re in a hurry and are willing to purchase a Chrysler, you may wonder what the specs are like. 

The Chrysler 300 may fall under the radar compared to other sedans like the Toyota Corolla or Honda Accord, but it gets a lot of praise for being one of the most comfortable cars on the market. The standard engine is a V6, which produces 292 hp. The gas mileage is where the 300 looks a little lackluster, as it only gets 16 mpg in the city. If you can handle the rising gas prices, this little car might be worth considering.

The Pacifica is actually a rather nice minivan for the price. It comes equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 287 hp. Add in the fact that it gets 31 mpg, and the starting price is only $37,000. It becomes clear the Pacifica has a lot going for it.

Chrysler may not be where it used to be, but the American automaker may be about to make a comeback with a Pacifica equipped with a Hellcat engine. While most people may not think of a minivan as a powerful race car, that may be precisely what happens if Chrysler goes through with this.