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Comments
nb2169
I'm going to have to go back in a couple months to check and see. At the very least by then I ought to be able to test drive a RWD model and see what the pricing actually looks like (I know what it says on dodge.com, but as always it tends to vary by dealership).
http://www.edmunds.com/new/2005/dodge/magnum/100380761/roadtestar- ticle.html?articleId=101403
Now, if they could just build reliable cars that "measure up" on the Reliability pages of Consumer Reports. It is sad to read through those pages and clearly see the American automakers with the same problem(s) on the same make year after year after year. It's obvious they don't have the quality assurance mechanisms in place to identify and correct problems on a timely basis and incorporate those changes in subsequent years of manufacturing the same vehicle. The PT cruiser, however, seems to be a welcome exception to the rule.
And that with the PT being based off the mechanicals of the much maglined and lowly Neon. Of course, my wife had a Neon and it was perfect, not a single squawk for the three years that she had it. Then again are our two Caravans, they too have been perfect with the exception of a dead battery after three years on the older of the two.
If I was due for a car right now, I would have no quality concerns what-so-ever about buying a new Hemi Magnum.
Best Regards,
Shipo
Shipo.. A number of us have had very similar experiences. My family has owned Chryslers for many years with no "catastrophic transmission failures" or any of the other issues that supposedly plague the vehicles.
Research included looking at Consumer Reports. My family abandoned American cars ages ago and I was burned on a bum GM product about 7 years ago. However, CR rates Chrysler cars (not trucks) as reliable as the benchmark Accords and Camrys.
Also, coming from a BMW, I'm no stranger to fit and finish problems and I actually look forward to increased quality with my Dodge. Speaking of BMW, the Magnum RT compares well (at least on paper) to a 540i wagon, at least the previous generation since the Germans are usually a few years ahead on technology (and the owner pays the price as Beta tester).
That 540i wagon would cost $60,000+ for what I'm getting in my RT for $34,000. Reliability should be improved over a 540i, performance the same, amenities similar, safety probably as good. The only thing a RT doesn't have over the BMW is the precise handling at the limit -- BMW's black magic.
Will the Dodge Magnum sell? I don't know. I'm not the "Joe Sixpack" target market but I'm in love with the concept. My friends and family who are more in the demographic laugh at the car. I would prefer it be marketed on its performance and technology merits, and how it compares to Euro sports sedans. Instead, we get monkeys.
There's a stigma owning a BMW and there may be the opposite stigma with the Magnum. Yes Bubba, that things gotta Hemi.
Research included looking at Consumer Reports. My family abandoned American cars ages ago and I was burned on a bum GM product about 7 years ago. However, CR rates Chrysler cars (not trucks) as reliable as the benchmark Accords and Camrys.
Also, coming from a BMW, I'm no stranger to fit and finish problems and I actually look forward to increased quality with my Dodge. Speaking of BMW, the Magnum RT compares well (at least on paper) to a 540i wagon, at least the previous generation since the Germans are usually a few years ahead on technology (and the owner pays the price as Beta tester).
That 540i wagon would cost $60,000+ for what I'm getting in my RT for $34,000. Reliability should be improved over a 540i, performance the same, amenities similar, safety probably as good. The only thing a RT doesn't have over the BMW is the precise handling at the limit -- BMW's black magic.
Will the Dodge Magnum sell? I don't know. I'm not the "Joe Sixpack" target market but I'm in love with the concept. My friends and family who are more in the demographic laugh at the car. I would prefer it be marketed on its performance and technology merits, and how it compares to Euro sports sedans. Instead, we get monkeys.
There's a stigma owning a BMW and there may be the opposite stigma with the Magnum. Yes Bubba, that things gotta Hemi.
Regards... Vikd
Either way, I like it and will seriously consider it when it arrives...
Regards... Vikd
I don't think you'd have to worry too much about the gas-guzzler tax with the MDS system on the hemi, I didn't see one on the 300C sticker at the local dealer the other day, and last I heard they weren't trying to classify the sedan as a truck.
I'm curious if the PT convertible still classifies as a truck or if they have to call it the car that it is.
They didn't even have head rests for the front seats on the base models! Because they were classified as trucks! Amazing what car companies get away with.
However, I was really let down by both of them. They both have essentially the same interior design and surfaces. In a word CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP. They look nice, but once you touch the surfaces, it feels low grade. A big motor and lots of flash is great, but the details are key in a $30k+ car.
Im really disappointed, I was expecting an upscale interior and finishes to match the exterior.
You're certainly entitled to your opinion, but I don't see how you can complain about a huge car that starts at $23,000 and can be optioned up to $30,000+ with a huge V8. At this price, you'd be in a much smaller Japanese car with a tiny V6.
It's a trade-off. You want a big car with lots of features? Then you might get the PERFECT interior. Frankly, I was extremely impressed with the 300 interior. The Magnum didn't float my boat, but again, this is a big, sturdy car for not a lot of dough.
If details are so important to you, it may be your best bet to get a $30,000 BMW 325 wagon. Of course, it's still a trade-off: You get a tiny little car!
I'm happy for Chrysler (and Dodge), and I finally feel like they have a car that can take on the world and WIN.
"It's a trade-off. You want a big car with lots of features? Then you might *NOT* get the PERFECT interior."
(I think this editing program drops words on me!)
http://www.dcxmediaservices.com/videoptrs/wms/dctv/Apr04/Magnum_M- usic_300k.wvx
i must admit the design is growing on me...but i'll never buy one being 36 and single with no kiddies...!
http://www.dodge.com/magnum/
This is no link to this from the Dodge homepage however, and the build you car configurator is not working 100%, but it looks like they are very close to launching it officially.
Kerry
So I looks like another few weeks until they start becoming more available.
Actually, I need nothing this huge for anything, but I love the fact that a spade is a spade, a wagon is a wagon, a Hemi is (almost) a Hemi and it has RWD rather than WWD (Wrong Wheel Drive).
And Vanilla is a way-hip color choice. Here's hoping it scores big.
kcram
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-- Mark
As far as the test driveswent.My wife and I both love the car. Though the SXT feels a little sluggish. I have a souped-up 2000 Bonneville SSEi nowandmy wife has a Mazda 626 ES. The SXT handles much better than my Bonneville, but does not feel any faster than my wife's 626. Probably is does not feel like it. The RT I ordered should be great.
Any questions holler.