So this whole time I've been on the forum, I've had preferences towards the SRT (for obvious reasons). The extra speed, handling, and exclusivity were all things that made me pretty much snub the little Limited.

But, I'm in a situation at the moment that makes a certain Limited in particular look mighty fine.

See, my daily driver (a Buick affectionately known as "old man tan" (see gallery)) has undergone some significant hiccups in reliability. Seems like every week I'm replacing/bandaging some part to keep it chugging along. The paid-off creampuff has become a fussy old fart and I'VE HAD IT. It's in the shop as we speak getting a new supercharger.

Ironically, of all weeks, this was the week that someone finally decided to pay cash and take my Ranger (also in gallery) off my hands.

Currently, I'm vehicle-LESS. Thank God for a gorgeous charitable girlfriend that is loaning me her Accord for a few days 'till the Riv gets back on its feet...

So I've been HEAVILY shopping and have narrowed it down to two vehicles... One SRT in Charlotte for $15,999, and a Limited in Nashville (20 minutes away) for $12.5K

The advantages of the SRT are the obvious ones I opened with. Speed, beauty, handling, exclusivity.

It has 43K miles and three previous owners, however, and not a shred of warranty intact. The Limited has half the mileage and one owner, and warranty is alive and kicking until February '10.

And, as luck would have it, I always said that the only Limited I would choose would be one that had everything the SRT-6 couldn't offer; 6-speed, White, Cedar Interior. Bingo, bingo, bingo.

This car has all three. AND warranty. AND it's in my back yard. AND it's immaculate. Lady-driven. The list goes on...

Translation, I think I'm actually going to (tearfully) drop the SRT obsession for this car. Everything is too perfect not to, and the monthly payments AND insurance are significantly cheaper than the SRT. Plus the urgency of the situation kind-of dictates swift action.

It is a gem though. And it's not exactly like I'd be suffering, despite the massive speed handicap. Any Crossfire is better than no Crossfire. After all... if you're important enough, they'll wait the extra three seconds for you.

Long story short, I never expected to say this but I'm actually excited about potentially buying a Limited. For once, it doesn't seem like a massive sacrifice. The cheaper insurance, lower initial cost, distance away and existing warranty simply makes too much sense. The über-sexy color combo means I'll still have a winner in the looks department... now I'll simply have to tout the handling instead of brute speed.

So yep, that's my deductive reasoning. The SRT's are gorgeous but I'm growing old waiting on these things to become accessible. The ones that ARE affordable (to my budget) are beaten to death. And with the scarcity and price of parts for the SC32 engine, I'm a little skittish having no warranty whatsoever.

Wish me luck guys. Still negotiating with her on price but I'll simply keep wagging the check in front of her face. I'm almost in one of these puppies... soooo close.

 

Sexy as they are, a second-hand SRT6 - any SRT6 for that matter - is likely to have had a harsher life than a Liimted. Obvious reasoning being the SRT6 is intended to be driven hard.

Don't kid yourself thinking that any used SRT6 is a creampuff or a garage queen. Its been tromped on since the chubby guy at the Chrysler plant first drove it off the line.

Go for the warranteed Limited without remorse.

 

I second that, man, it showed up just for you. You clearly stated what you wanted, and here it is on a silver platter, and you know exactly where that came from. I have the white coupe, black interior, and the auto, which is exactly what I wanted. Yes it would be fun to really get tossed in the cargo area, at times, but realistically I don't have the ability to do that all that often and the Limited seems to give me just as much of a rush when I kick it. There ya, go. Good luck with whatever you do.

 

A white limited 6 speed?

How could you pass THAT up for the money?


I want a red 6 speed Coupe to go with my Roadster ... but it won't happen anytime soon!

 

Good luck.... The white is definitely beautiful. Only 2 months left on warranty, so not much value there other than any hidden things you may not initially notice that might come out in the first few weeks. Looking forward to some pics.

 

Hell I'd be willing to wait 6 seconds for you John!

As much as it hurts me to say it. I agree with the rest of the guys.

Go for the Limited!

 

The sun, earth and moon are in perfect alignment for ya. Go for it!

 

My thoughts exactly Dan ..... John, go for the White Queen !!!

 

Get onto some nice twisty roads and you won't really miss the extra power of the SRT. With the GTGs we've had here in SoCal I'm normally one of the few (I believe one time I as the ONLY) non SRTs to show up. Once we hit the canyon roads though, I've never had the slightest issue keeping up. Plus I get to row my own while we play, which the other guys couldn't do.

Yep, the SRT is faster is a straight line, but the real fun comes when the road turns, and then it matters less. Much less.

And never forget the old adage - It's more fun to drive a slow car fast, than to drive a fast car slow.

 

Just tried to do an all out search for an slk, c class, srt6 and apparently xmas is affecting used car pricing, lol. I have been thinking that if I were to get rid of my SRT6 then it would be for a SL55 or maybe an XLRV, but alas that is not to be for awhile. Good luck with everything John. Maybe you can put a rear turbo on it sometime when its available.

 

Purchased it today. Pics to follow with better lighting.

I'm stoked, the ride home was awesome.

 

Congrats, I personally like the white Crossfire I think they stand out more then the rest.

 

Good choice. Glad you're one of the driving guys now.

Cedar interior will grow on you. If you like it now, you will love it later.

Nothing beats a stick in these cars. Put a little into a CAI and a tune, you won't miss the SRT. They are great for eating Mustangs and getting you a ticket. But, having all that power you can't explore on the way to work is just .....well......stressful.

John, we got Cathy's back the other day. I'm already bored with it. Never happens with the NA manual Tarnny.

Good luck with the new ride.

Roadster with a stick

"the way it should be"

 

Congrats on the new ride!

White coupes look really nice.

And as others have pointed out When the road gets real twisty you will be right with cars that would pound you on the straights.

 

Congrats John! I'm sure you'll love it. Now drive it like there's no tomorrow!

 

Congrats. Just in time to make Senior Member.

 

Great point made here

 

way to go john!! im glad you found the one you wanted.
and besides you can always drive my slk32 when you want to beat jason at th track!!!

this needs to be in the coupe forum now that the deal is done!!

 

Thanks for all the positive feedback guys.

One thing I wasn't expecting -- I knew permagrin was automatic when in the driver's seat... but I didn't know it stayed on, even when you're on the couch after the drive!!!!

I spoke to Steve (32Krazy) tonight on the phone tonight, and we were already discussing mods. Of course, after all that banter we both agreed that I should just drive the fool out of it for a few months and simply enjoy it.

And yes bluedog, just in time for me becoming a senior

 

awesome John! Hope you have the greatest time with it!