Originally Posted by
Kris C.
I'm not sure what particular model mine is then if it's not considered a base. I do know that the dealer said it had the "Italian" package, with the red "Crossfire" on the rims and the orange/black interior. What would that be considered?
As for the shifting, there's no other way I can think to describe it, but that first to second shift seems like the car is kicking it out of first. I'll start to pull towards second, and it spits it into neutral. And then I'll put it into third. Does starting in second do any kind of wear/damage to the clutch or tranny?
The interior is called Cedar/Slate. I've been told that fewer than 10% of the 04's had it. It was never called the "Italian" package. Dealers love to make up stuff to make their cars sound more unique.lol If you have a red sticker that says Crossfire on your center caps, it's probably a decal that forum member "Andrew" sells. (looks like it came from the factory).
There was only one model built in the 2004 production year. In 2005, Chrysler offered it in a Roadster, the all black "Base" edition, and the SRT edition. If you didn't have an SRT, or a Base, then they were considered a "Limited", but the term "Limited" didn't start until the 2005 production run.
Some early cars did have a problem slipping out of 1st. gear. I can't remember what caused it, but it should have been taken care of under warrranty by now. You have a very low mile car, and maybe the problem didn't bother the previous owner enough to take it back to the dealer.
Personally, I feel starting out in 2nd. gear makes you slip the clutch just a fraction more than you need to than when you start in 1st. The more slippage, the more wear on the clutch.
Many people start out in 2nd gear if they are on a slight down grade. Other's feel it doesn't make a bit of difference at all. Your results may vary.