Picked up my 2005 SRT-6 w/ 12,050 miles on it. Of course when gleaming at it all shined up at the dealer you don't noticed all the small things. Of course it has it's share of dings (3), small chips, and light scratches however going into my 2nd week of ownership I've noticed even more troubling "blemishes":

Here's a pic of the car on the dealer's website- looks flawless...lol



However upon closer inspection I found more than a few dings and scratches- I found damage to the driver-side front rim/tire. Apparently whoever owned it before me (or the dealer) really liked rubbing the curb. There are many deep abrasions (curb rash) spots and even a small section where the sidewall is gouged and peeling up. It looks as if this wheel rubbed a curb more than once (notice the wear on the Pilot logo!). *Please excuse the horrifically dirty rims*

 

Underneath the hood I found some oddities. I found a roll of electrical tape behind the driver-side headlight under some hoses???


I noticed a weird oxidization look to most of the metals under the hood. Is this normal? If not what caused this? You can especially see it on the SRT-logo'd manifolds but it's speckled like this even on the metal of the transmission below. I may be able to scour it clean but it concerns me that others don't have this. ???


After reading the post about leaky valve covers I ducked to see if I could get a view of mine under the plastic intake tubes. Is that oil staining? Jeez I'm going to make myself obsessive compulsive over all of this....

 

Is that silicone residue around my headlights. lol I read the TSB on the headlights last night and while it involved rubber caps it didn't include siliconing it (ps the stock drainage tubes are still in the lights- ie TSB wasn't done on them)


Finally, maybe not something out of the ordinary but something I don't quite understand. First of all I'm not sure what this is under the hood. It resides rearward on the passenger side near the cowl. It's got a sticky residue across the entire part- as if there was some label removed. Is there supposed to be a label there? lol If so what was it? If not what in the world could it be from?


Anyway if someone could explain some of this to me I'd greatly appreciate it. I tend to be obsessive over car stuff thus the reason I'm not the best candidate for a "used" vehicle. However I couldn't resist the SRT-6. Thanks everyone.

 

The tire looks like it was run flat for a time.

It is easy during the excitement of purchasing a car to overlook things. Lesson learned I hope.

James

 

Forgot to add one- the bumper cover. It's seen better days. Whoever love riding the curb with the driver-side front wheel also liked driving over parking blocks. It got compressed so much I'm missing the bolt/clip directly underneath the chin spoiler (any idea where to get that replaced?) I also noticed a rubber gasket/tube that is loose along the damaged area and the engine tray.

 

Really?! Why because of the bizzare wear on the sidewall. I wonder if the rim is damage (other than aesthetic)...and I wonder if the tire is patched (ie the kit that came with the car) though that's not supposed to be permanent.

Should I fight with the dealer about this. They give me an automatic 3 month warranty with used vehicles. Though I worry that because it's a tire defect they'll claim it wasn't sold that way.

 

that's nothing a tube of polish and a tooth brush cant fix. Except the curb rash and silicone. At least you got the best color out there. Whatever you do don't hit the radio delete button or you'll be trying to figure out what happen to your radio for weeks.

When I first bought mine, I did the same thing. I didn't notice the front bumper was all scratched up from a parking stop. Then the back had some nicks. All comes with the excitement. Don't worry you'll be flying by people so fast they won't notice the little things.

 

What do you guys think-
1) Does that tire need to be fixed imminently?

2) Do they have to be replaced in pairs?

3) How much is a new OEM tire? Or should I go with another brand (though I'd assume the rears are more critical)

4) How much for 1 OEM Rim dare I ask?

PS That tarnishing on the metal surfaces is normal?

 

What did you pay for it??? A used car is a used car. Did you buy an extended warranty??? I would certainly look into one if you didnt.They(used cars) will have minor things and flaws.Bottom line is what did you pay for it.The rims can be reworked/fixed easily.Tires- at that mileage will probably need replaced any how.Front spoiler can be replaced or reworked.By chance did you get a car fax or history on it???The valve cover leak(if there is one) is an easy fix too.Does this car have any of the remaining factory warranty???
I guess I dont know what your looking for.To me it looks like a decent car-again based on what you pay for it.If you wanted a new one,here is one listed
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-...1%7C240%3A1318

Enjoy your new/used car and dont worry soo much about the small stuff,it will all come out in the wash-----------------------Dave-PS- get some new tires asap.That gouge could kill you.

 

Glen, what is funny is that we bought our cars from the same dealer and I had nearly the exact same situation/problems with mine!! LoL. Looked great all cleaned up at dusk! Didn't notice anything wrong with it. lol. One of my tires looked exactly like that and had the same problem with the rims. I had them refinish all of the rims, but they didn't give me new tires. I would ask the manager about that...... I had more dings than 3 as well! As far as the oxidation, I believe this is normal cause mine looked just like that. My valve cover leaks as well. I haven't fixed that yet and it's not under my warrenty. Cant say for sure about the headlight or the sticker?? I can tell you I had to purchase newer/used headlights (still need to install) cause mine are the worst I have ever seen on a crossfire. They are extremely hazed over on the inside.

 

If the dealer gave you a 3 month warranty,use it to the hilt.Get whatever you can out of it.---------Dave

 

OK, that's a new one on me .....................please explain?

 

Hey thanks for viewing/replying. I purchased it for $19,875. Car fax is clean- 1 driver, no accidents. Your right about the bumper cover- probably should simply replace it but I worry about the paint not matching etc. I had a nightmare of a time with my previous S2000 with that.

You're probably right about the tire. So- do they need to be replaced in pairs, and how much are these tires going for new?

 

Hey Chris, I dunno I may have caught up- I found another one on the ROOF, next to a stain I can't budge (bird poo that marred the finish?) lol. Judging from all these close-up pics you'd think my car is a wreck.

I'd glad to hear you saw the same patterned oxidization/staining on your engine. I'm probably going to order the Needswings intake tonight/tomorrow. I'd rather have the engine shroud off to be able to check for oil seepage at a glance. Oh...and not to mention the extra power and newfound SC sounds.

I haven't seen moisture in my headlights- even after rain. However they are a bit hazy, oddly enough- not yellow in color, more bluish. I can't tell if it's on the outside or inside. I may try some of my plastic polish on it. Btw, you may have good competition with your headlights- my friends 04 Coupe Lmt has TERRIBLE headlights- they completely condensate every time it rains. Are the newer headlights off 07 and 08s fixed/revised from the factory?

I found at least 3 or 4 things from the list of TSBs that apply to my car (windnoise, hatch rattle, etc). However I worry about them doing more damage when "fixing" these things. Dealers are butchers and could care less about cars they have in for service- especially warranty service. PS I get that annoying creak sound over my left shoulder near the seatbelt slot as well. Though my loudest interior sound is the rear hatch/latch. Sounds like it's lose when hitting bumps.

Lastly- you got them to "refinish" the wheels. Maybe I can have the same done with mine! It looks really bad- I can't believe I didn't see it before I bought it- I'm usually good about that kind of stuff. Bizzare...

 

ditto!

PS My radio does something weird too! If I have a CD in it and I turn the car on with the radio off it keeps making sounds like it's spinning/loading the cd. The only way to get it to stop is to turn the CD on then off again quickly....or simply turn it on.

 

For as much as these headlights cost, you would think they would last more than 2 years without looking like crap!?! LoL, I will fix the rattle for you in 5 seconds with a piece of electrical tape. Don't bring it to the dealer, they adjust the rubber stops, but that doesn't fix it. I have the wind noise too, but I know where it's coming from. It should be an easy fix. I will show you that too. Let me know when your intake arrives or when it gets a little warmer? lol I HATE winter!!

 

I am assuming the tires are original.AT 13k take a good look at the rears.Is there much left???The fronts,if original,I would replace the pair.If it were me I would buy a complete set(all four) Then you will know what you have with no surprises(plugs/patches)With tires generally you get what you pay for.It dont hurt to shop around.There are tons of tire critics rite here on the forum to help guide you to tires your looking for.This time of yr with the wintry weather,its a good time to buy and accumulate what you will need for spring to "gitter ready for fun time drivin" Good Luck------------------------Dave

 

If you press the radio delete button it ejects aka "deletes" your radio out the back of the car. You are then stuck with a hole in your dash and you have to go back to the dealer and purchase a new one for $1250. They added that feature because music is illegal in some countries and it saves you from being arrested for having an illegal radio in your car.

 

It is strange how we don't see these flaws until we hand wash the car, then everything shows up. Good luck with the touch ups and check out the parts for sale section as you may find some tires there.

 

WOW....good thing I learned this valuable lesson before I pick up my SRT!
...bet it makes a nasty hole in the hatch window. ROFL