- #915 of 958
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Re: SRT8 [aa00]
by kodiakten
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Mar 06, 2008 (7:20 pm)
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Replying to: aa00 (Mar 06, 2008 1:23 pm)
I had a 1996, the a 1999 Jeep GC Limited 5.7's then a 2002 BMW 4.4i X5 with all the options then now the 2006 Jeep GCSRT8 which I now have 33,000 miles under my belt in. Nothing short of my 69 427 Camaro in 1969-72 comes close to the fun of driving the “beast”. The SRT8 has no resemblance what so ever to the GC’s of past. Quality, ergonomics and interior design are light years better. When Daimler-Benz redesigned it, not only did they put rack and pinion steering with the V8 (unusual for a V8 SUV) that gives it long term precision steering but they covered basically every other complaint I had with the X5 and didn't add other to replace them. My X5 had a poor throttle pedal design (slack at start and sticky feeling when pressed after 20k miles, dealer said that’s the way they are), mirrors weren't great, seats weren't as comfy, heater warm up time was great (as is the SRT8) and the steering was precise and tight throughout it’s miles just like the SRT8. Cornering was confident in the BMW but nothing like the SRT8! Great and solid brake feel in both. A lot like the Corvettes I’ve driven. Throttle response in the BMW was good, but again nothing like the SRT8! The X5 had a few annoying issues like the seat belts denting the door panel when they retracted but great seat heaters both bottom and back, just like the Jeep’s. The X5 steering wheel blocked the Speedo and Tach in the position I liked the seat/wheel in, Jeep now is much better there to. The rolling rear storage cover is better in the Jeep as is all the little storage pockets and areas (though I thought the glove box flashlight/charger receptacle in the BMW was cool). Reliability & problems have been much better than the BMW too. Guess I could go on, but the Jeep really has it going with the SRT8 and I can say that after 30k miles, which is pretty good.
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- #916 of 958
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Re: SRT8 [aa00]
by guertin
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Mar 06, 2008 (9:01 pm)
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Replying to: aa00 (Mar 06, 2008 1:23 pm)
You can relax regarding Jeep dependability. Until I bought a 2007 Jeep SRT8, I too had some concerns. But, according to Consumers Reports and other reviews, the Jeeps are much better built (perhaps the Mercedes influence). But, more importantly, this SUV is super fun to drive (power you won't believe) and safe too. And, for $45k, you can't beat it. And, the seats are quality as is the rest of the interior. The rear seating could have more room but for kids it is just fine. And, the front end could be 2 cm higher off the ground. And, I would like to get a little better than 13 mi/gal and even 600 HP!
There is a powerful Porche SUV that might have a little more acceleration. But, this sucker costs at least $95k! Nothing else comes close to the Jeep SRT8.
In summary, I love the car and would buy another instantly.
Jacques
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- #918 of 958
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More Powerful Jeep SRT8? [aa00]
by guertin
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Mar 06, 2008 (9:26 pm)
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Replying to: aa00 (Mar 05, 2008 5:25 pm)
Hi aa00. Regarding design change for the Jeep SRT8 . . . I have heard rumors of more power in 2009 or 2010. But, I know little else. I know what I would like. 600 HP and 600 torque! And, 2 cm higher front end. And, rear fender lights that work. And, a little more room in the rear seating area. And, better visibility on the sides. Oh, and 20 mi/gal. But, not at the sacrifice of 0 to 60 mph in less than 5 s! In fact, I would like to see 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 s or less! This could be done (are you listening Daimler-Chrysler?) with use of graphite, titanium, magnesium, etc, to get the SUV at 4,000 lb but with no sacrifice of body strength. Cost is a likely problem. I would be willing to pay $10k more for all this.
Jacques
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- #919 of 958
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Re: More Powerful Jeep SRT8? [guertin]
by jbjtkbw00
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Mar 07, 2008 (4:12 am)
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Replying to: guertin (Mar 06, 2008 9:26 pm)
I believe there was a Hennessey version of the SRT8 that pulled 600 ponies. It was sick. I forget which auto mag it was in, but I also think it added $25k+ to the price.
Here's the link to it SRT600 Jeep SRT8
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- #920 of 958
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Re: SRT8 [kodiakten]
by aa00
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Mar 07, 2008 (6:09 am)
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Replying to: kodiakten (Mar 06, 2008 7:20 pm)
Thanks guys for all the info, especially Kodiaten for breaking down the srt vs bmw. As great as the x5 is, I do have some of the same issues as you mentioned. I hate the lag at start. The jeep would be my everyday car, but only occasionaly with both kids in the car. Just need it have space if needed. The gas doesn't scare me that much as the x5 is only getting 18-20mpg. It is more important to enjoy your ride than to save a nickel. One last thing, was there much differance with the 2007-2008? There seems to be quite a few 07's out there for sale with under 10,000 miles on them, but wonder how hard they were driven. Not sure if I should spend another 8-10 grand for a 08? I think the interior in the 08 is upgraded? Thanks again guys!!
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- #921 of 958
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Re: SRT8 [aa00]
by jbjtkbw00
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Mar 07, 2008 (8:37 am)
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Replying to: aa00 (Mar 07, 2008 6:09 am)
Honestly, I think with the 2008, you're only getting an option of HID headlights, hill descent/ascent control and the MyGig Entertainment system (which is quite nice).
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- #922 of 958
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Re: SRT8 [jbjtkbw00]
by aa00
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Mar 09, 2008 (5:22 pm)
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Replying to: jbjtkbw00 (Mar 07, 2008 8:37 am)
After doing alot of research, I feel like I might go ahead and buy new. My msrp is 46,675 and right now, the best price I have is 43,305. Any thoughts on this or any leads you can provide on discounting dealers? I am in Florida. I will also have a trade...Thanks...
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- #923 of 958
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Buy SRT8 Now? Yes!
by guertin
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Mar 09, 2008 (8:36 pm)
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Hi jbjkbw.
I would buy now. Two reasons. Firstly, your price of 43,305 is wonderful. (I could only get 1,000 off MSRP for my 2007 SRT8. And, that was after much fighting. Some dealers wanted $10k over MSRP!) I suspect that you are getting this price because of the current economy and perhaps the SRT8 is not quite as "hot". And, there is the matter of higher gas prices. The secondly, reason is that in a month or so, the 2008 may no longer be made. That would mean waiting until perhaps November for the 2009 with the possibility of a much greater price.
Jacques
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- #924 of 958
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All Weather Tires
by suomi8
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Mar 11, 2008 (9:13 am)
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So I was reading some past posts about the SRT-8 with regards to the tires and how they were 100% performance tires and pretty terrible in the snow. Well looking now on the SRT-8 website it looks like it comes with all season tires (http://drivesrt.com/en/jeep_grand_cherokee/handling/index.html). Can anyone with a 2008 SRT-8 confirm this and how it handles in inclement weather? Living in Illinois there is no way I could buy this vehicle if it still handles like garbage in the snow.
Thanks!
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