Help me. Talk me out of buying a SRT-4
05-21-2003, 09:03 AM
#1
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Help me. Talk me out of buying a SRT-4
Okay folks, I need to pickup a new car soon. I really like the STi or Evo 8 but with have plans on buying a house this summer so I have to scale back. The WRX would be nice but for less money (and a lot less to mod) I can get a SRT-4 and run low 13s, high 12s (and yes I do more than drive in a straight line but I'd love to have a 12 sec street car).
What I like about the SRT-4 is the bang for the buck and I'd also feel more at ease parking it here in this industrial environment (Pearl Harbor). What I don't like is the fugly looks, and questionable build quality and reliability (haven't owned an American made car since my '70 Challenger in High School).
Comments, discussion please. TIA.
What I like about the SRT-4 is the bang for the buck and I'd also feel more at ease parking it here in this industrial environment (Pearl Harbor). What I don't like is the fugly looks, and questionable build quality and reliability (haven't owned an American made car since my '70 Challenger in High School).
Comments, discussion please. TIA.
05-21-2003, 09:13 AM
#2
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I say go for it. Someone will get on here and say that it's 'still a Neon', but if it's what it's billed to be, I think you'd probably enjoy the crap out of it.
I love my WRX, but it seems to me what sets it apart from the pack is the AWD. That means that during the snow and rain, and going down the dragstrip, there is an advantage. What strikes me is how many FWD cars during AutoX are competitive.
You've got the HP. The tires and suspension you add on should level the playing field considerably.
Plus, I want to see what one's all about.
I love my WRX, but it seems to me what sets it apart from the pack is the AWD. That means that during the snow and rain, and going down the dragstrip, there is an advantage. What strikes me is how many FWD cars during AutoX are competitive.
You've got the HP. The tires and suspension you add on should level the playing field considerably.
Plus, I want to see what one's all about.
05-21-2003, 10:22 AM
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Straight line potential is there with the srt-4. I mean, race teams already got one in the 9's.
I think that mopar or whatever they call their motorsports division, is supposed to start carrying performance parts. If you could get these installed and warrantied that would be a plus too.
It is a good bargain but as long as you can get one at MSRP and good luck to that.
OBTW, have you looked under the hood and seen where the turbo is? SUCK!
I think that mopar or whatever they call their motorsports division, is supposed to start carrying performance parts. If you could get these installed and warrantied that would be a plus too.
It is a good bargain but as long as you can get one at MSRP and good luck to that.
OBTW, have you looked under the hood and seen where the turbo is? SUCK!
05-21-2003, 10:42 AM
#6
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Aloha Mister 2!
I'm not from Hawaii, but somtimes wish I was, anyhow, perhaps spend some time in the SRT-4 forums, maybe they'll 'talk' you out of buying one.
If there's only a small margain of play in your "willing to pay" price, hunt down a bug eyed WRX, save yourself that 1,2K.
Good luck with whatever you decide (but chooose Wisely oR face having to eXplain your mistake to us!)
-tp
I'm not from Hawaii, but somtimes wish I was, anyhow, perhaps spend some time in the SRT-4 forums, maybe they'll 'talk' you out of buying one.
If there's only a small margain of play in your "willing to pay" price, hunt down a bug eyed WRX, save yourself that 1,2K.
Good luck with whatever you decide (but chooose Wisely oR face having to eXplain your mistake to us!)
-tp
05-21-2003, 11:22 AM
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It's hard to argue with the bang for the buck value. You can't buy a faster new car for less than 20K, unfortunately you probably can't buy the SRT-4 for MSRP in Hawaii. I've heard that they're going as high as 26-27K with mark-up. At that price range there are certainly better options - mehlt's wagon or an 03 WRX.
05-21-2003, 02:11 PM
#14
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That car is one serious pocket rocket!
If that's what you're looking for (insane bang-for-the-buck, power, straight line speed) then I don't think you can go wrong.
When it comes to "zip on the cheap" the SRT4 reminds me of the old Shebly Charger 2.2's or Omni GLH's or anything with the Mopar turbo 2.2l... They were a BEAR to launch, and the torque steer could rip your arms off but with a boost controller they were running 13's down the 1/4 back when Chevy could only eke out mid-14's from their flagship Corvette...
Food for thought.
No matter what you buy - I won't be able to tease you becase you'll soon own the garage that it's parked in! Congrats!
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If that's what you're looking for (insane bang-for-the-buck, power, straight line speed) then I don't think you can go wrong.
When it comes to "zip on the cheap" the SRT4 reminds me of the old Shebly Charger 2.2's or Omni GLH's or anything with the Mopar turbo 2.2l... They were a BEAR to launch, and the torque steer could rip your arms off but with a boost controller they were running 13's down the 1/4 back when Chevy could only eke out mid-14's from their flagship Corvette...
Food for thought.
No matter what you buy - I won't be able to tease you becase you'll soon own the garage that it's parked in! Congrats!
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05-21-2003, 04:04 PM
#15
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Thanks everyone for the replies.
I will be talking to Jeff, I'm hoping that he might be able to give me a great deal on a '03 WRX with the new '04s coming in. We'll see.
Mach5 - the turbo is against the rear firewall but the manifold/turbo assembly is a kinda strange setup.
BoOM - Yeah, those stupid windows are a big negative for me. I take my dog riding around a lot (3-1/2 year old Black Lab) and she likes hanging her head out the back. It'd be a pain to crank them down and back up everytime.
I will be talking to Jeff, I'm hoping that he might be able to give me a great deal on a '03 WRX with the new '04s coming in. We'll see.
Mach5 - the turbo is against the rear firewall but the manifold/turbo assembly is a kinda strange setup.
BoOM - Yeah, those stupid windows are a big negative for me. I take my dog riding around a lot (3-1/2 year old Black Lab) and she likes hanging her head out the back. It'd be a pain to crank them down and back up everytime.