2004 SRT-4's..

[Charlie]

As for the $20k price......i'd rather go with a used, sporty car and put a lil money in it.
If you want a new car, go for a Cooper, they are fun and get the CooperWerks package, for 200hp......(not as much as the Neon, but at least you aren't driving a Neon!)...and besides the Cooper is a lot lighter!

Cheap, light interior components - it's the closest thing to a modern muscle car that's existed in 30 years. I like the cooper S with the works package, but you do realize that that starts at about 29k, a few options and you're in the 30-32k range for that car. The MCS also isn't that light either, it's around 2650.

For 20k, I'd snag a Mini Cooper (non s) and a set of R compounds. I've specced out what I want on the base cooper (sport + suspension, sport cloth seats) and gotten the car to around 17.9.

-Charlie

[808BMW]

If they had a "Mopar RWD conversion kit" I'd be on it like white on rice in a glass of milk on a paper plate in a snowstorm.

[e9nine]

Most of you guys hate it just because it's a Chrysler. Most of you people hate Corvettes bcos they're made by Chevy... its ok to be a little bit biased but you guys take it to the extreme sometimes.... If they were to disguise a whole bunch of cars and have most of us test drive them, I wonder if you'll be able to differ between which is an e46, Audi, Chrysler, Infinity G35, Mercedez Benz C class and whatnot.

I don't like domestic cars but give them props when its due...this car is a competitor to the WRX and EVOs and at that price tag you know which one will be easier to afford, maintain and upgrade...

[TIATO]

The SRT-4 has great specs, just dont care for the look or for the build quality of the interior. I dont even mind it being a dodge, they have built some great race cars (old neon and of course the Vipers), Heck I even owned a K car beater for several years after college. That new neon body is just not attractive.

[TIATO]

If they were to disguise a whole bunch of cars and have most of us test drive them, I wonder if you'll be able to differ between which is an e46, Audi, Chrysler, Infinity G35, Mercedez Benz C class and whatnot.

LOL, some time ago when I was driving a German guest back to the airport in my Mk4 Jetta 1.8T, I covered up the steering wheel VW logo and said "Look, its an Audi A4" Vw is more Audi than VW. - same parts, same smell, same feel. VAG (Volkswagen / Audi Gruppe) built up VW at the expense of Audi. A real shame.

Of the above named cars, you would be able to tell the difference between the Chrylser and the Infinity. The german cars would be a bit tougher to gauge, but still be possible. A Mercedes handles differently than a BMW.

[e9nine]

If they were to disguise a whole bunch of cars and have most of us test drive them, I wonder if you'll be able to differ between which is an e46, Audi, Chrysler, Infinity G35, Mercedez Benz C class and whatnot.

LOL, some time ago when I was driving a German guest back to the airport in my Mk4 Jetta 1.8T, I covered up the steering wheel VW logo and said "Look, its an Audi A4" Vw is more Audi than VW. - same parts, same smell, same feel. VAG (Volkswagen / Audi Gruppe) built up VW at the expense of Audi. A real shame.

Of the above named cars, you would be able to tell the difference between the Chrylser and the Infinity. The german cars would be a bit tougher to gauge, but still be possible. A Mercedes handles differently than a BMW.

ha ha that's funny on the VW - Audi tip...
You're among those who can tell the difference so you're kinda "excluded" ;) at the same time I always end up going :roll: when some people who have rwd say their cars are fwd and vice versa. The comparison of the Chrysler to the Infinity is obviously not a literal one, maybe the Neon to the A4 ??

[Jb325is]

The interior really is not that bad, the stereo and ac and whatnot are pretty much out of the chrysler parts bin, but the seats, the shifter and the guages are all nice. if anyone has driven it, its really suprising. You dont feel much when you first get on it in first, but when the turbo spools up at about 2500 rpm, the tires just start spinning. It also sounds pretty good and has excellent brakes. The exterior is opinion, as it always it. I like it, so do many other people, so you can't say any one car is better than another because it "looks better to you", thats all objective, so its a moot point

[Z3Jonathan]

Most of you guys hate it just because it's a Chrysler. Most of you people hate Corvettes bcos they're made by Chevy... its ok to be a little bit biased but you guys take it to the extreme sometimes.... If they were to disguise a whole bunch of cars and have most of us test drive them, I wonder if you'll be able to differ between which is an e46, Audi, Chrysler, Infinity G35, Mercedez Benz C class and whatnot.

I don't like domestic cars but give them props when its due...this car is a competitor to the WRX and EVOs and at that price tag you know which one will be easier to afford, maintain and upgrade...

Agreed. I'm not saying we should all go out and buy SRT-4s because they're the best thing since sliced bread. What I'm saying, is that as enthusiasts, this is a car worth appreciating. Yeah, its a Neon, but historically Neons have done very well in SCCA Showroom Stock, and Neon ACRs regularly rip up SCCA SOLOII. In short, its a blast to drive with an undeniable bang-for-the-buck.

Case in point: Jay Leno has a Ford Fiesta with a mid-mounted Taurus SHO V-8. Are you guys telling me you wouldn't be able to get over the fact that its Fiesta and beat the living snot out of what has to be an incredibly light, fun car to drive? Would I go out and build one myself? No, but I can appreciate why Leno owns one.

[Charlie]

Most of you guys hate it just because it's a Chrysler. Most of you people hate Corvettes bcos they're made by Chevy... its ok to be a little bit biased but you guys take it to the extreme sometimes.... If they were to disguise a whole bunch of cars and have most of us test drive them, I wonder if you'll be able to differ between which is an e46, Audi, Chrysler, Infinity G35, Mercedez Benz C class and whatnot.

I don't like domestic cars but give them props when its due...this car is a competitor to the WRX and EVOs and at that price tag you know which one will be easier to afford, maintain and upgrade...

Agreed. I'm not saying we should all go out and buy SRT-4s because they're the best thing since sliced bread. What I'm saying, is that as enthusiasts, this is a car worth appreciating. Yeah, its a Neon, but historically Neons have done very well in SCCA Showroom Stock, and Neon ACRs regularly rip up SCCA SOLOII. In short, its a blast to drive with an undeniable bang-for-the-buck.

Case in point: Jay Leno has a Ford Fiesta with a mid-mounted Taurus SHO V-8. Are you guys telling me you wouldn't be able to get over the fact that its Fiesta and beat the living snot out of what has to be an incredibly light, fun car to drive? Would I go out and build one myself? No, but I can appreciate why Leno owns one.

A Korean car with a japanese motor and an american badge. Some of the brand snobs on here wouldn't know what to do with themselves.

-Charlie

[rwh11385]

A Korean car with a japanese motor and an american badge.
-Charlie

sorry, i couldn't help myself

p.s. you know what car i despise? the Crossfire aka Chryslers's rip off of the SLK. That is retarded, taking Mercedes hard work, make it lower quality and sell it for less. If Chrysler keeps mooching...... it will like, ya know, suck. (My friend whose dad owns a SLK is angered by its release..... dirtying the chassis and such)

[LoVaT]

It's all about horse power and upgrades right? The SRT is cheap horse power, and it's Plymouth's new killer... suck it up.

[rwh11385]

d it's Plymouth's new killer... .

hehe, you fell into my trap!

Plymouth no longer exists, it was discontinued because of lack of sales!!!!
haha

[e30ct]

I give the srt4's 3years at the most. Then after millions of recalls they are out of production.

[SlammedE30]

I give the srt4's 3years at the most. Then after millions of recalls they are out of production.

Yeah, I'm just waiting for the rash of recalls they have because they keep blowing motors up. But if they don't....then I might have to look into getting one :puppy:
-Ted

[Z3Jonathan]

I give the srt4's 3years at the most. Then after millions of recalls they are out of production.

They will be out of production I believe in '05. The motor itself is nothing new... the 2.4 has been around for a while, and the turboed version is used in the PT Cruiser.

I believe the previous recalls regarding the oil pump have been solved (which caused some engine failures). Also, remember that Dodge was very understanding and prompt about engine replacements when this all occured. I could bring up the S54 bearing failure issue....

Moreover, MOPAR has been releasing some fairly impressive upgrades (stage II is coming up soon), so they obviously believe the motor is capable.

That said, yeah, the SRT-4 probably won't hold up as well in the long run as say, and E30. That said, a lot of enthusiasts are buying them, and will probalby maintain them properly in the long run.

Jonathan