I'm currently in the market for a used car and am really considering getting an SRT-4, but I haven't been able to find much information as far as reliability goes. I drive alot, though mostly highway miles and I need to keep be able to keep the car for a few years without it constantly breaking down on me.
2006-09-13 18:03:05 · 9 answers · asked by evolution 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Dodge
I have a 2004 and its a great car. I don't drive it every day though, more of a weekend toy.
2006-09-14 13:32:25 · answer #1 · answered by Cowboy Jacob 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The SRT-4 does not sound like the right car for the type of driving you want to do. Until last month, I owned a Dodge dealership, so you can believe what I am telling you. The SRT-4 is more for performance driving. You should stay with the regular Neon. If you find one you like, have an independent mechanic check it out for you. Run a car-fax on it. Get the vehicle identification number and have a dealer run what is called a VIP on it. This will show any warranty work performed, any outstanding recalls, etc. Also, find out where the car was purchased and serviced and get a copy of all records. Any repeated repairs are a sign of trouble. Get an extended warranty, one from Chrysler, not any other company such as Fidelity Warranty. If the dealer tried to push another type of warranty on you, he is not looking out for your interests. Also, the best thing is to change the oil on a very regular basis, such as every 3,000 miles. Keep all service records you get. Finally, don't buy a car because you fall in love with it or it's looks turn you on. If a dealers sees you like a car, he is going to screw you.
Be realistic and shop around. If a dealer says something to the effect, "what do I have to do to put you in this car today" tell him you are not buying any car today! Good luck.
2006-09-15 14:15:43 · answer #2 · answered by brucenjacobs 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The questions about Neons seem to constantly grace these pages. I have an '05 SRT4 and an '02 R/T. We have also had an '01 R/T and a '95 Plymouth Neon Sport. My '05 has never been back to the dealer. The others never had any major problems. My observations/recommendations over the years are:
1. Routine servicing helps keep problems, especially really expense ones, at a minimum.
2. Service the car when the problem first appears. Even if the repair person cannot duplicate the problem,your concern has been documented.
3. About 95% of unsolved service complaints on new cars are caused by dealer laziness, stupidity, incompetence or intransigence, not by the manufacturer.
4. If you treat your car harshly it will treat you harshly.
5. If you are shopping for any new or classic muscle cars, buyer beware. Many are/have been thoroughly trashed, leading to a short, tough life.
My SRT4 is a great car. Driving a powerful car is very exhilarating!Good luck.
2006-09-14 09:58:48 · answer #3 · answered by db79300 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The major differences for reliability between an srt4 and a neon are the engine and suspensions. The srt4 engine is plenty reliable, but it is does have a mitsu turbocharger on it, so after being driven you need to let it idle for 3 minutes before shutting the engine down to cool the turbo and bearings down. You can buy a turbo timer that will do it for you. other than that consideration, they are very reliable cars.
If you do alot of driving, remember that the stiff suspension and 17" wheels dont make for a very comfortable ride...
2006-09-13 23:59:03 · answer #4 · answered by neondohc 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Just wanted to clear up the above post about needing to cool down for 3 minutes..
thats really only if you push the car a lot. for standard driving you can shut the car off as soon as you park. its not going to do any damage. so dont let that be a deciding factor for you in this.
As far as reliability. Chrysler (Dodge) has been the only domestic manufacturer to increase in reliability and consumer satisfaction in the last year.
Hope that helps.
2006-09-14 22:41:19 · answer #5 · answered by malibuboatgu 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have a 2005 SRT-4 and I love it. The only downfall is that you have to use 91 for gas because it's a performance car. So take that into consideration before you purchase it. My car runs great and handles very well. However, it is a bumpy ride and can have one hell of a blind spot......but I wouldnt trade it for the world.
2006-09-16 12:40:10 · answer #6 · answered by wildbutterflychick 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
one with low miles should be alright for a while if its has ben taken care of it should be a good car,as with any car though have a good mechanic check it over real good before you buy it,the mileage sounds a little low to be on that car, most of them have more than that put on the the first 5 years,do regular maintenance on it and it should last you a while,good luck
2016-03-27 00:40:42 · answer #7 · answered by Cynthia 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, it's just a Neon on steroids. Check out http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/home.cfm for recalls, service bulletin's and defects investigations of the SRT-4
2006-09-14 01:25:56 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
sure, it's only a neon on steroids and neons are pretty good cars.
2006-09-13 18:27:29 · answer #9 · answered by ? 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋