The life-span of the Chrysler Laser was extraordinarily brief. Launched in 1984, by the end of 1986 it was nothing but a memory. After sales in excess of 50,000 cars in both 1984 and ’85, sales of only 36,000 cars in 1986 motivated Chrysler to drop the car from their line-up. This Laser, from that final year of production, is listed for sale here on eBay. Located in Ballwin, Missouri, it is offered for sale with a clear title. The seller has set an opening bid of $5,000 for this Laser, but at the time of writing there had been no bids.
In spite of its turbocharged engine, this is not a car that will potentially appeal to a muscle car enthusiast. This is a car that is more aimed at those of us of more mature years who wish to combine practicality with a bit of performance. The seller seems to be that type of person and states that he is only selling the car as he needs a daily driver, and he feels that the Laser is too nice for such a role. Certainly, it appears to be in immaculate condition. You will be hard pressed to find so much as a chip or a scratch on the car. It isn’t hard to tell from the ad that the seller loves his Laser. His care for it extends to the fact that the car gets washed weekly, and once a month it is put up on stands, and the underside of the car and the engine bay are detailed! The bra that is fitted to the car is one of two that will come with the car. The second one is brand new and is still in the box. There are also sundry other parts that will be included in the sale.
Has anyone ever sat in here? The interior is all original and is absolutely immaculate. This Laser is the base model, so it does miss out on the leather seats, but I don’t necessarily see that as a bad thing in some respects. I can guarantee that the upholstery on those seats would be prone to dirty marks, but those ones are free of any marks or discoloration. This tends to indicate that the car has been well cared for. While the upholstery in the front is immaculate, that in the rear is equally as good. I’m not sure that anyone has ever used that rear seat.
The owner said that he details the engine bay once a month, and I can’t see any evidence to the contrary. According to the information provided, maintenance on this Laser is completed to the highest possible standards, and items like engine oil are high-quality products. When new this engine pumped out a respectable 146hp. The only modification that has been made is that the car is now fitted with a Mopar Direct Connection Computer. This allows the turbo to deliver 11psi of boost instead of the original 7psi. This should allow the Laser to produce more horsepower and better performance.
The Chrysler Laser failed in a market where there was potential to succeed. I can’t help but think that it may have found more success in either Asia/Pacific or European markets, as it would have hit those markets during the peak of the “hot hatch” era. In those markets, this car had the potential to succeed against cars like the Mitsubishi Starion and Cordia, the Nissan Gazelle and the Isuzu Piazza. Against those cars, the Laser would have held its own.
Junk when they were new, and junk now. You’d have to pay ME to take it.
JUNK, Did you ever own one new? Rude to call a well preserved car junk. Even if you did not like them. The owner thinks this a nice car and takes care of it. Lighten up.
It was better than ANY GM car from that era.
My grandfather had one of these when I was a kid and I loved it. If this was the same color as his, I’d probably try to buy it. As it’s not, I’m less blinded by nostalgia. I’d hardly call this specific example “junk” but I doubt many people dream of owning one.
I would prefer a Daytona, but would be very happy with a Laser… the 2.2 turbo the only prerequisite for either one. The care this one received is amazing – it’s clearly more than simple a ‘spray and shine’ for the sale, someone truly cared for this car. Great to see older cars in this condition, especially in original condition.
I have a daytona it’s every bit as nice as this one is! Heck the only difference I see between the two is the steering wheel and the rims! Mine has 7500 on it! I picked it up to run around in economically! Oh yeah mine has the naturally aspirated 2.5 not the turbo! I am actually really enjoying this little car very much! I didn’t see anywhere as to what specific size the motor is! Someone told me that the 2.2 turbo was problematic? I supposedly have the better motor, but I really don’t know!
The hat should be passed so the present owner can keep it. It doesn’t belong with anybody else.
Fun and sporty cars to drive
I loved my mother’s XE
The Laser existed because Chrysler-Plymouth dealers would scream bloody murder if only Dodge dealers had a sporty car to sell. Once the ’87 LeBaron coupe and convertible was introduced, the Laser became doubly redundant. Slow sales had little to do with the short life span.
That would be a perfect first car for my daughter… but she doesn’t want to drive a stick, even though I told her I could teach her… I imagine the seller is depressed that its only bid up to $5225 with less than 24hrs remaining. He states he won’t sell it to someone who would modify it… not good, after its sold, its not his any more.
I agree on the “won’t sell it to someone who will modify it” stuff. I see that from time to time from sellers. And just how does the seller know that a buyer isn’t bluffing when they say they will never modify it? Does the new owner need to check in with the seller on a monthly basis to make sure the car hasn’t been modified? Just silly.
I think the responders are taking the “modifying” comment a little too far!
I would imagine the seller means he has a lot of pride in the car and would be sad if someone screws up the originality.
He did state this car has won 12 1st place trophies
Plus, it’s already had a pretty major modification done already – he replaced the ECU with a performance unit that definitely affects the originality.
I’m not really surprised that Chrysler stopped selling these and IMO does not make this care any more desirable. A buyer is more apt to walk into a Dodge store to buy one of these than a Chrysler store.
I always liked these and considered them underappreciated. People wanted to compare them to Camaros and Mustangs, but the were something else entirely.
Look at the above pics. The front end looks like a cross between those 2 cars back then!
For sure the nicest Lazer in existence. Will be interesting to see if it sells and for how much. If you are a fan of fwd Mopars, this one should be in your collection
Thanks for all the kind words. looks like it itsnt going to sell, my reserve is well above the bid.
So did anyone buy this car? Does the car talk? Digital dashboard?
I really like it! I was hoping it had the digital dashboard and talked. That’s what mine had! Best of luck
Still available? Interested.