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(1) I have seen a few 2006 models advertised, but are these really 2005 models?
(2)There are many good used 2005 models out there as well as some nicely-discounted 2007 models. What are the differences between the 2005 and 2007?
(3) Any particular problems to look for when buying used?
(4) Given that these have a lot of Mercedes parts, are the parts and service expensive?
Thanks for any insight or advice you can provide. I appreciate it.
Biggest issues I have investigated are 1. Expensive tires to replace, 2. Expensive oil changes, 3. Mercedes realibility which some say is good and others say is bad, 4. Expensive to change headlight bulb.
Good luck.
To both 1 and 2 - Just the VIN numbers were changed and I believe some minor MINOR features that are pretty insignificant. No more SRT though.
To 3 - I bought mine used wiht 19k back in '95. Look for the same as any other car, but go back through the forum as I've seen some refer to the cooling system having issues. I had mine for 2 years problem free. Only got rid of it due to becoming a dad.
To 4 - Uh YAH!. Oil changes range anywhere from $80-$120. I had the package, so I never paid for mine. But with 70% MB parts, yes, it can get pricey, especially from the dealer.
I hope this helps somewhat. You will probably get a few more responses due to varying experiences with their vehicles. I wish I could add more, but I had a truly problem free, beautiful ride! :P
You can get some decent replacement tires at tire rack. OEM will be pricey though.
Right on the mark with oil changes.
The answer to question #4 is - Yes. These are expensive cars and repairs can be expensive. I usually think warranties are rip-offs, but for this vehicle I would highly recommend a Chrysler warranty. They aren't that expensive - you can get a good extended warranty for about $1300. These require synthetic oil changes about every 7000 miles which can run around $100 + (these cars take 8.5 quarts of oil!)depending where you take your car to get serviced. Keep in mind an independent Mercedes shop may be a good place to get this done if your Chrysler dealer is too outrageous and you don't feel confident in your own skills.
Can somebody tell me how noisy is the car with the top up at cruising speed? Is there a lot of buffeting and intrusive wind noise past the windows? I live in Florida and summers are unbearably hot and humid - hardly the best time to ride around with the top down. Also, how effective is the air conditioning? Any issues with the climate control?
Are there any other issues and problems with these cars that I should be aware of?
The top mechanism seems quite complicated and I wonder how long will these tops function properly and how expensive they are to fix. Seems there are one too many servo motors working this top. Quite frankly I would prefer a well designed manual top.
Are aftermarket rollbars or higher arches available for rollover protection? The standard arches behind the seats appear to be too low to do any good in a rollover crash. Is the windshield strong enough to keep from collapsing in such a scenario? How are the frontal impact crash ratings on this vehicle?
It seems that incentives are the best on new leftover 06 models. Are the incentives the same on the new '07s? The local dealer is discounting their new '07 roadsters only about $ 12k off the sticker. I have seen new '06s discounted more than $ 15k.
I maintain my tires closely since I want to put off that $1,000 to $1,200 as long as possible. I've heard stories of them wearing out in 10,000 but in my opinion, that would be rare. I had an SRT-6 coupe that I spun the rear ties on a lot and the tires were still fine at 20,000. The tires are not uni-directional, so they can be rotated from side-to-side.
Don't forget this cars linage...90% Mercedes parts and assenbled at the Kharman plant. Quality is first class. The roof will withstand a rollover, but you'd have to screw up really badly to flip this thing.
I would recommend buying a windscreen (fits between the rollbars and easy to install). Significantly reduces wind noice with the top down. I am in Tennessee and our summers are at least as warm as yours and thge humuduty may be worse. I was surprised how many days I put the top down during the worst of the summer. I used to drive older English roadsters as toys. They were miserable with the top down except on the best of days. This car has a strong ac and heater and I've used it with the top down at 90 degrees, 60 degrees and everywhere in between. Buy while it's there and enjoy. In a few years these cars should be real collector items.
The '06 models are getting hard to come by at dealers and you should expect $10,000 to $12,000 off sticker.
R.S.
(p.s. - one speeding ticket also, but thank goodness, it was 52 in a 35 zone)
My SRT-6 is my daily driver/racer. I have the all-season Contis and have had absolutely no problem in the snow. Just switch to the "W" mode and you should be fine. In fact, this car has amazed me by how well it gets around in the snow because several other owners claim the car is horrible in the winter. I don't know if they have different tires or don't know how to drive, but I am impressed. I have had no issues with the windows fogging up as long as I keep the defrost on the lowest speed and adjusted to half-way on the temperature dial. I also shut all the vents on the panel as the heat in this car works too well.
Can't wait to get it on the track this spring!
I have been reading this site for over a year. I have a 05 SRT-6 with 4000.0 on it.
Its a second car or toy if you wish. I have all the Chrysler Acc. I could get. The lighted door sills. The rear Security Cover. and the 06 SRT side badges. I was told by Chry. in Jan. 07 they never made cars past 05. But I have found out now thats was far from true. For those wanting Security Cover it rolls like a window blind. The
holes for holding it are THERE in each coupe. Just feel them out with your hand and
cut hole out. The kit comes with cut-out pattern. I have replace blower motor also. The engine has a slight ticking sound like some of your car do. It does NOT move in
the snow with the summer tires I learned the hard way.