Thanks Mike.

I'm fine with the rag top but I think she wants a coupe.

Still, she's looking at them as well..


roadster with a stick

 

Franc,
I did see a couple of black coupes on there and they were a bit better priceds and good mileage. There were a couple of SSB and Aero blue that looked really good. You should talk her into a nice Aero.

Good luck.

MikeR

 

Franc, you buying a coupe.....Jane got to ya didn't she....

 

Spdracer35 has a good deal on an Aero Blue SRT. I thought sure Cathy would go for it. But this Mary Kay thing has her locked into the Black.

The roadster in black would be awesome but again, she wants this as her Mary Kay car. She needs the room (relatively speaking) for her stuff. Pink is out for me but the black coupe would be OK. She wants it pinstripped in pearlescent pink. Ugh!

Doc, Jane had nothing to do with this. It's Cathy's gig, all the way. I'm just pulling for the SRT version.

That said, I wouldn't mind the metalic grey.


roadster with a stick

 

OK, now that you've all had some fun with me, back to my question.

Compared to the NA, how much more does it cost to operate the SRT.

Parts, materials, gas, insurance?

Tickets?


roadster with a stick

 

Franc, I really hope you do get an SRT. I love seeing folks with 2 Crossfires.

As for the costs of ownership for the SRT, I can't speak to the costs of an NA Crossfire.

But let's look at the costs of an SRT by category.
First maintenance:
- Oil changes cost the same as on the NA.
- I'm not aware of any additional maintenance required on the supercharger than on the rest of the vehicle.
- Stock warranty is only 3 year / 36,000 mile

Gasoline:
The SRT will get around 20 to 22 mpg for most folks. I keep track of my mileage, and I've got an average of 19 mpg over the course of 13,000 miles. Keep in mind that includes a summer of drag racing and several long trips. Also the SRT requires premium gasoline. Doesn't the NA also?

Insurance:
This will be different for everyone. My SRT added only $40 a month for complete coverage onto my already $82 payment for my 2003 Eclipse GT. Keep in mind though, that includes a discount for storing the SRT for 3 months a year.

Parts:
Well, this is a touchy subject. You won't need to replace anything except maybe the intercooler pump, which you can get for around $150 for an improved model.
The real problem with parts is the parts you'll WANT to buy. I've added around $3,000 in parts to my SRT. It's a compulsion. I think there's 12 step program for it, but I haven't made the first step - admitting that it's a problem. It's too much fun!

Tcikets:
I'm not gonna mention that. I don't wanna jinx myself.

 

its cheaper to operate than an N/A...a lot cheaper...tell Cathy that....

 

I told her, but she remembers what you said about black ones being faster.

I told her that was also true.

Doc never exaggerates, right?

roadster with a stick

 

Thanks Tom.

The tickets would be Cathy's problem more than mine. She used to smile and get out of them. I wonder how well she will fair with Barney Fife now.

You listed the stuff I pretty much noticed on the SRT forum. Including the mods and how easily one can get caught in it.

Insurance should be a reduction for us. I'm selling both my big 126 body Benzes. They run me $ 250 a month and I don't even drive one of them.

I think my monthly costs will be about the same. Parts for Benzes are unbelievable. A Bosch fuel distributor is $ 1,800.00.

roadster with a stick

roadster with a stick

 

I would love to see you with a SRT-6. But you asked for the facts. I get 13 MPG. Island driving. The stereo is OK but if your accustomed to better, and many are, sound system upgrade. You should already know about the whiplash effect the car has, with the SRT its double. First look is for the crossfire and second when they realize its one of those really fast ones. The car is willing to be driven slow. It's equally willing to go like stink. No tickets so far but if you floor it to pass your going 20 or 30 mph faster before you clear the car. Literally in one or 2 seconds. Be sure to pull out fast or you'll hit the other car in the back. The ride is...harsh over bumps. As good as the roads is the best characterization. The trade is for impressive stick. (I have the Michelins) You will be amassed the first time you take a corner the fastest you've ever taken it in any other car and realize you weren't close to the limit. I hope your wife likes being seen as a Bond Girl. Thats what the car will do for her (if she isn't already Bond Girl like) The security guards always make a flyby right after I park. All the attention is nice. If you use Valet Parking, your car will be in a prominent location. (In P.R. the expensive, or impressive cars are always parked where everyone can see them.) Nothing like being parked between the Bentley twin turbo and Ferrari. My SRT insurance is less than my other cars. So far no maintenance costs other than an oil change. My wife refuses to drive the SRT and bought it for thinking of her. You need to have her drive one.
In summary, great car, reliable transportation, you will become Mr. Jones (or Bond) in the eyes of strangers. Not a transportation appliance. A transporter. Daily operational costs, less than your SEL's.

Les

 

Franc,
Brazilian177 has a black SRT6 coupe for sale at $18K with 31K miles in the For Sale forum.

MikeR

 

thanks mike, I didn't see that!


roadster with a stick

 

As far as servicing, I have the dealership do everything, and it is the same rate as the NA. I have warranty until 2015, so I'm not sure about parts cost.

I'm getting about 18 MPG city 20 MPG highway, using 91 octane gas. With 93, I get about 2-3 MPG more.

Insurance for me is about $100/month. (31, unmarried)

The ticket cost is $0, so far.

 

Thanks for the responses guys. It helps me sell the case for an SRT vrs a bargain Lmtd. I beg your indulgence as I post my day to day saga on this quest for a second XFire. It helps to just get it out.

As does the input from friends, including the tease and ribbings. Every once in a while, some useful advice. Thanks


Valkriderguy, your DVD is awsome and after watching it, cathy got in the mood.....for a Crossfire so I'm playing it a lot.

Typhoon says he got his SRt for $ 13.5K.
There was one in Oregon that went on E-Bay for $ 16.1K. Cathy is interested at those prices.

Brazilian177 has a great car, tastefully modded and almost priced right.
He is in New England where the grand kids are so that actually helps his case.

We had a contract cancelled today. Our Customers are getting that post catastrophy caution in their negotiations. It is starting to sound much like post 9/11. So we are being cautious about spending money.

This is going to take awhile, maybe months. So keep the cards and letters (and cat calls) coming as well as the leads on SRT out there for sale.


roadster with a stick

 

Hey my friends...still selling the SRT-6....if things get better, let me know...

 

Great story with a sad ending....Can't wait for another great story from you with a happy ending! Keep your head up, your day will come!

 

As Maxwell Smart would say, "I missed it by thaaaaaat much."

I had Ebay on the screen with Colorado Cruiser's desired Aero Blue SRT pictured at a Buy it now price of $12,000. My last conversation with Cathy ended in a "NO Way Jose" stalemate so I started to PM him about the listing so he could bid on it.

That's when Cathy spotted it and asked,"what are you doing? I said NO new Crossfire." But then she saw the Buy It Now and (I might be exaggerating but I swear she ripped the mouse from my hand) took over. Sorry Colorado, but she wanted it.

Ever see a woman at a Macy's sale with a purse full of gift cards? Yeah, like that. Flaring nostrils, big eyes, heavy breathing, yeah like that.


But as many now know, the Ebay listing was a scam. By this morning, the truth had set in.

Rule #1, "If it seems to good to be true, it probably is."
Rule #2, "Never buy on line with a wire transfer"

<<<<<and most important>>>>>

Rule #3, "If she has flaring nostrils, big eyes and is breathing heavy, best you be able to deliver. Don't dissapoint."

Ssssssssshh! This is gonna leave a mark.


Set back but not defeated. The quest continues.


roadster with a stick

 

This is getting to be one great Saga! Keep at it Franc

 

Hey Franc, spdracer is selling his Aero Blue SRT-6 with 23 thou miles for only $16,500. That's a steal!

 

It's been a steal for some time, at a higher price.
Every week I apply for financing.
Every week my numbers don't come up on the Lotto.


Sigh


roadster with a stick (still)