Thinking about an SRT300

[Alex07M3]

Originally Posted by Chemicals

I have a hatred for all american cars. I think corvettes are beautiful and a good deal for the performance on paper, but I just can't stop associating the Chevy Bowtie with poor taste and poor quality. I recently sat in a brand new camaro to see if anything had changed; I had to lie to my friend and tell him how awesome it was. All I could think about is how damn cheesy it felt. These cars are like giant driving joke-mobiles. Same with Ford (even more so, I just don't even partially like any of their cars). I know it is unfair to lump it all together, but for god's sakes American Car Companies have agressive tarrifs on their competition and still can barely eek by, avoiding bankruptcy by borrowing unbelievable ammounts of money in the biggest consumer market in the world. Hilarious, considering BMW, Mercedes, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, etc. all make profits since their inception despite the hefty barriers to entry and logistics of foreign operations.

GMC and Ford, the two " 'Merican " companies even worth mentioning have net losses since their inception. They lurch forward off the backs of American taxpayer charity and pity (aided by the funds of hopefuls like me that would knee-jerk buy an F150 or Corvette and immediately regret it). I see them as a drain on the productivity of our country; people employed in those fields should be re-trained working in the tech and information industry where we still have a competetive advantage.

My Grandpa told my dad "son, never buy a chrysler product" and he passed that proverb to me after his oil field truck (Dodge 1500) lost its bed going down a dirt road. It wasn't bolted on from the factory, brand new. Awesome. 'Merica. I will not even mention the POS that was my '05 mustang.

Sorry for the hate, I just don't see any sensationalism over "new" american cars to be justified. I always investigate to see if they are finally worth checking out again, and I am always disapointed. SRT300? Never in a million years for me. Just one viewing of the "Detroit" themed comercials made me laugh. It tried to highlight the vehicles quality and luxury as-associated with Detroit...what a god damn failed concept if I have ever seen one.

[Alex07M3]

Originally Posted by Nine

I wish the Jeep was a lot more aggressive looking. I was thinking about picking one up...but I think I will default to a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited.

My friend has the new Jeep SRT-8 and I got to say that I find it pretty nice inside and out , not too flashy , probably the only american car I would ever consider bying , the Wrangler is not comparable , probably the worst ride you can get on a public road with a uncorfortable and cheap interior ! You better shop a bit more before making that mistake !

[tpowerdinny]

I'm really digging the SRT lineup. I really like the Jeep, just like that last gen. Can't stand the new gen's wheels though, anything is better. Even these weak black faced wheels



The Ferrari-rized ones may be a little too much but the stock wheels look better in black, can't see them as much







Even the old SRT8 wheels

[Singletrack]

I do not like the exterior or interior design of the 300. Has nothing to do with American vs. German vs. whatever.

[1MOREMOD]

your wife is right it is an old man car. i too just turned 40 and want more aggression like gt3 not less. snap out of it.

[PhillyNate]

American car quality has gotten alot better. There are some very fine American cars across the board now. That being said I could not see myself considering ownership of ANYTHING American except a Mustang or Corvette. Of the big 3, I perceive Chrysler quality/durability to be the worst. I wouldn't own a Chrysler if Lee Iacocca personally guaranteed it himself.

[Hurricane]

Originally Posted by PhillyNate

American car quality has gotten alot better. There are some very fine American cars across the board now. That being said I could not see myself considering ownership of ANYTHING American except a Mustang or Corvette. Of the big 3, I perceive Chrysler quality/durability to be the worst. I wouldn't own a Chrysler if Lee Iacocca personally guaranteed it himself.

+1. I would be concerned with the overall reliability of the Chrysler brand. 45K for a Chrysler is high IMHO. But if you like it then who cares. Buy it and enjoy!

[MojorisinM3]

Originally Posted by adc

Coming from an M3, I think you will love it for the new factor for awhile, then you'll desperately want to come back into the fold.

I went the opposite way - I just leased a Countryman S for my daily DC commute, what a ball of fun that car is. I just cannot seem to bring myself to get something bigger, clumsier, less fuel efficient.

I have decided the M3 is as big as I'll go for now.


Have you considered a used E63? Or looked again at a CPO E60 M5?

I'm trying to find an 08 CPO M5, however the CPO's are a big premium and those cars without a warranty are too risky. 11 mpg city isnt very exciting either.

[MojorisinM3]

Originally Posted by PhillyNate

American car quality has gotten alot better. There are some very fine American cars across the board now. That being said I could not see myself considering ownership of ANYTHING American except a Mustang or Corvette. Of the big 3, I perceive Chrysler quality/durability to be the worst. I wouldn't own a Chrysler if Lee Iacocca personally guaranteed it himself.

So would you all choose:

1. new 2012 SRT300 black / black chrome

or

2. 08 M5 40k miles no warranty

Both these cars are about $45k.

Remember my criteria is to move to a larger, more luxurious sedan. I'm not comfortable driving the M3 as a DD anymore. Its great for a quick sprint, but driving around in dress clothes / suit / dress shoes / etc I just dont fit into the small cabin very well. Plus 99% of my driving is on straight roads, no twisty roads anywhere I live.

[PhillyNate]

Originally Posted by MojorisinM3

So would you all choose:

1. new 2012 SRT300 black / black chrome

or

2. 08 M5 40k miles no warranty

Both these cars are about $45k.

Remember my criteria is to move to a larger, more luxurious sedan. I'm not comfortable driving the M3 as a DD anymore. Its great for a quick sprint, but driving around in dress clothes / suit / dress shoes / etc I just dont fit into the small cabin very well. Plus 99% of my driving is on straight roads, no twisty roads anywhere I live.

If those are the ONLY 2 choices I go SRT300...Reluctantly. Good luck.

[Arben72]

Have you put any thought into a panamera? It rides nice, handles well, and redefines luxury. You can probably get a second hand one for around 60 grand also.

[swanson]

it also redefines ugly

[Team Plutonium]

meh.

[dadealus]

1. Check out the NEW M3 sedan ... the new 3'er is suppose to have a few more inches for the driver and passengers.
2. nabb the first used F10 M5 in a few years
3. go all out and just get a f10 M5 new NOW (my fav idea)
4. Grab a used 2010 M5 right after the F10 M5 hits the market... the old M5 used price should dip.
5. field the possibility of a new or used 550i with the upgraded seats, msport package, active suspension, sport transmission, and steering
6. field the possibility of a new or used 535i with the upgraded seats, msport package, active suspension, sport transmission, and steering
7. if you have reached this option and are still considering the 300, slap your self in the face and proceed to step 1.

[pbonsalb]

If you don't drive your BMW because you are worried about putting miles on it, I would buy a car you can enjoy. If that is a Chrysler, Ford or Chevy, fine. I would drive something like a Challenger or Jeep SRT8, a Ford Mustang, or a Pontiac/Chevy G8 or Cadillac CTS-V. I am not wedded to BMWs.