Assistance and Knowledge Needed Please

[The Don]

Greetings All:

New member here, and let me give some kudos to the forum, great information and immense base of knowledge from the members.

I have been looking at the 300 SRT-8 for purchase, but am having a little difficulty in locating my all black with every option, and then negotiating the price. I have an '06 Infiniti M35 at the moment, and will probably have to sell it myself rather than get hosed on a trade.

I'm thinking about waiting for the 2007 model, and in turn ordering one specific to my liking, but I'm wondering what next year's model might offer. I am a tech freak, and I would love to see Chrysler put these options in:

Voice activated navigation, along with voice activated climate controls, bluetooth, etc.

Maybe a little better materials on interior appointments; dash felt a little "spongy" to me.

Heated and cooled front seats

One touch windows on all windows from the driver's side

Digital climate controls rather than the dial pots.

Anyone know the skinny on the 2007 model? I'm also wondering how the pricing is holding up with the 2006 models, and how the residuals are doing.

Much thanks!

[kenm]

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[artichoke]

The front seats are heated though they are not cooled on all SRT8's. They also slide back and the steering wheel goes up automatically when get out of the car, then slide back into position when you get in and turn the key. I think that's really neat.

The interior materials are practical not Bentley-like. I know what you mean about the rubber finish. It ain't leather. Cheapness of the interior has been debated in another thead here 300c Interior . Apparently some pieces of the interior are from much cheaper Chrysler cars, like the center console. (But it's a nice console anyway, I think.) And this same car starts in the 20's with the Base edition. Chrysler has used lots of production efficiencies in this car to save money, obviously. There's no remote release for the fuel filler door, I think because it would slow down or complicate production. I think that this cost-consciousness helped me get the car for a low price, so I'm happy with it. When driving the interior is very functional and usable. I like the seats already in the SRT8, don't you?

I doubt the interior will become much plusher in 2007, 2008, 2009, ... Frankly the market isn't screaming for the change.

Nobody I know of is selling their almost-new SRT8 so we lack data as to resale. (Isn't that interesting! Does it mean you can't get a used one at any price?) You might see if any sold thru ebay to get a sense of the market.

If you're looking to get even more for your $45,000 or so, I don't know how to advise you. If you're willing to spend a bit more and want an even bigger car, you might wait for the Imperial that has been shown in concept. The display car apparently had a very nice interior. See for example this thread:
Chrysler Imperial - should we wait or not?

Cheers ...

[artichoke]

Originally Posted by kenm

Warm welcome The Don.

You are correct in this is a very informative forum and a great bunch of enthusiasts.

We have not been able to find out any of the new features that may be out on the '07 as of yet. There is a number of us who are waiting to see what new goodies may be available.

DCX is offering incentives know to the dealers because of the surplus of cars, so dealing right now for the buyer is very good!

Are there dealer incentives now on SRT8's? Around when I bought Chrysler had a $1000 dealer incentive on 300C but not 300C-SRT8.

[The Don]

thanks for the replies and for the good information.

Still a hard decision to make. My M has everything that can be imagined, rear DVD, DVD-A, 5.1 Audio, Voice Activated Systems, etc. Point is, I would be giving a few things up in terms of electronic percs to get unbridled horsepower. If the SRT already had those things, I probably would have one in my garage by now. Of course if the SRT had those things, the price would be sneaking up to $60k as well.

Seems a good buy for the money, but I'm a little, well maybe more than a little, about how the residuals will hold up.

I can remember dealers selling the 5.7 hemi 300C for $3k over MSRP due to limited production, demand, etc., and look at the values now.

[ResumeSpeed]

As I mentioned in the "need info on the 2007s" thread changes for the 2007 model year are going to be minimal from what I have seen so far. The REC navigation radio will continue and I would not expect any "upgrade" as far as interior materials go. Engines and transmissions are the same as what is offered in 2006. Have not seen any photos but I suppose it is possible there could be a minor cosmetic change or two on the interior or exterior.

[The Don]

If I decide to purchase, and elect to wait until the 2007 model year, any estimate as to when (meaning what month) I could submit a build order?

[ResumeSpeed]

Originally Posted by The Don

...Digital climate controls rather than the dial pots...

This is a feature that I miss, DCX eliminated these on most models starting in 2005. The new 2007 Aspen (Chrysler's version of the Durango) will be offering a new Climate Control assembly that will have a large LCD type screen. I have not been able to confirm yet if a similar control will be used in the 2007 LX models.



2007 Chrysler Aspen climate control

[ResumeSpeed]

Originally Posted by The Don

If I decide to purchase, and elect to wait until the 2007 model year, any estimate as to when (meaning what month) I could submit a build order?

As far as I know order banks are going to open in June, but don't hold me to it. Production starts up in July however and ordering usually opens up ahead of that.

[The Don]

This is what I like about my current ride, in that everything is coordinated and displayed on the screen. Radio stations, fuel info, tire pressure, temperature settings, etc.

It's cool when I say "Driver Temperature 70" and it does it automatically. Even cooler when I say "Dial Home", and it dials my home number.

Like I said, I'm a tech freak.