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September 28, 2009

Buying a New Car: The Purchase, The Review, The End

By Mike Musto

RideLust.com

Well the journey is finally over, it’s been over one month since I started my hunt for a new car and it finally came to an end this weekend. It’s been a long harsh road filled with a host of automotive ups and downs. If you recall I started my search during the “Cash for Clunkers” program, but alas, it yielded nothing but annoying dealer confrontations. Then I tried the “certified used” route but this too was met with more aggravation due to inept dealers. I finally settled on a low mileage, privately owned vehicle that fit my needs and wants and honestly feel that it was the best way to go.

Continue reading after the jump!

First I identified my vehicle of choice – in this case I wanted a previously owned Dodge Magnum SRT-8. Then I began my search through all the obvious sales vessels, ebay, Craigslist and Autotrader. Then began the phone calls and questions, emails and photo’s. Now keep in mind that sometimes, private individuals can be no better than dealers, but for the most part private sellers seem to be a bit more forthcoming with information, plus you have more room to negotiate when price talk comes around. After checking out some 15 or so SRTs online and at private residences I finally found what I was looking for some 900 miles away in Atlanta, GA. A one owner, 24,000 mile car that is truly in showroom shape.

The deal was struck and I flew down to Atlanta last Saturday to pick up my new ride. While down south we figured why not use the time to put the new Magnum through its paces and see how it really performs as a daily driver. The Magnum, like the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 is based on an old Mercedes E-class platform and shares common components like the transmission, stability control and front & rear suspension. Immediately upon taking the wheel the Magnum you feel as though you are driving something solid. Road feel is good, but the steering is a bit on the light side for a performance based machine. Interior components are good, but not great and you can see where Chrysler saved a bit of money. The seats in the SRT Magnum however are FANTASTIC and as a big guy this is something I look for in a vehicle. Leg and head room are top notch as well.

The obvious reasons for getting any of the SRT models are the engine, brakes and suspension. Now, there are those of you who will argue that this is not a “real” HEMI, but quite honestly, who cares? At 425hp / 420lbs.tq. the 6.1L is a mill that churns out some pretty competent power, enough so that it moves the 4,200lb. Magnum to 60 mph in a scant 5.2 seconds and propels it to a top speed of over 165 mph, not bad for a big ole’ station wagon. The brakes are 4 pot Brembo’s that float on 14.2″ rotors up front and 13.8″ rotors in the rear – to put it mildly, this thing stops. I drove the Magnum about 1,600 miles last week and all the while thinking that I had made the right decision. Oh yea, I also got around 21 mpg cruising at 75 mph – not too bad considering what it is.

The ride and road handling manners are top notch. Pitch the big Magnum into a corner and it complies without resistance. Keep in mind though that this is a big machine, so if you get it loose you’ll need to work to get it back. Traction control is the ever present techo-nanny that keeps you from having too much fun, but if you are so inclined you can disable it enough so that you can do those big smokey burn outs to impress the neighbors. Granted the Magnum is no longer the latest and greatest, but it’s big, comfortable, goes like hell and still has a big fat warranty on it, which is a huge plus on any performance based machine. Now, is it a car that I will keep forever? Not sure yet and quite honestly that will depend on how it holds up under NYC driving. I would like to think so, but only time will tell. As for right now though, I think I’ll just sit back in those big comfy seats, put my foot down and enjoy one of the worlds fastest grocery getters.

Permalink:

Posted at 11:16 am in brembo, Chrysler, Dodge Magnum SRT8, Hemi, Mike Musto, Mr. Angry

Comments

90xjpunk
Oct 2, 2009 at 1:26 pm

albania_fier you’re a piece of shit. way to contradict yourself in your own comment. jackass.

MidKnightMopar
Oct 2, 2009 at 9:12 am

The magnum looks great, congrats on getting what you wanted and loving it.

KrashingV8 – you ever consider the fact that your buddies dodge is “rusting out” do to the salt used on the icy roads in the winter? it is not a dodge thing, it is an owners lack of car for longevity.

savethesohc
Oct 2, 2009 at 7:04 am

who cares

megadealsdaily
Oct 1, 2009 at 9:28 pm

clean ride 5Starz… http://www.megadealsdaily.com Sale ends Sunday!!! So buy now!

RobAGD
Oct 1, 2009 at 7:58 pm

Hey you will love it !

I have a 100k on my 5.7 RT ( With lots of SRT bits added to it )

I race the crap out of mine, Drag Racing and Road Courses, added Heads and Cam at 56k miles hasn’t missed a beat so far.

If you wanted to put the Angry Logos on the Wheel centers Billet Tech can do them for you. They just need the art work.

Jim Brennan
Oct 1, 2009 at 5:39 pm

I was just lurking around here admiring Mike’s new car. But there was one comment that made me a little angry…. and I’m looking at you Metal4TheMasses. Your comment about “attitude” is way off base. You can politely criticize without getting personal. Saying that Mike only used this column to boost his ego or pump up his image was uncalled for. The reasoning behind this series of postings is to highlight the bulls**t many of us have to put up with when buying a replacement vehicle. It’s just Mr. Angry’s way of doing a public service, and to brag about his new badass ride.

Hey Mike, can I now buy the wheels off the old Minivan now?

sledgek
Oct 1, 2009 at 5:23 pm

love dat car i wish mine had do 6.1

___nes___
Oct 1, 2009 at 4:00 pm

something along these lines MR. Angry:

http://www.wayneswheels2002.com/FooseNitrous.jpg

(A Magnum happens to be in the picture too! A sign maybe.)

GreezyGre
Oct 1, 2009 at 3:44 pm

clean magnum….no hating here but some people were born to hate it’s just in there blood….this is a perfect stock vehicle u haven’t did anything to it,no rims, paint but yet u still get hate….I wonder why is that….HATERS is all i can say…F em they gone do it anyway…

ColeG
Oct 1, 2009 at 3:42 pm

I don’t care what anyone says, that is a bad ass car. congratulations!

MrAngry
Oct 1, 2009 at 3:22 pm

Haroun – Now this is what I mean about an uneducated comment.
.
“2019…. Its going to be a clunker. Second, all Dodges have terrible resale value. Why Dodge? Gas guzzling American car was a poor way to go. Dodge makes nothing good. Sorry America you loose. Should have gotten an M5, M3, or something foreign with good value.”
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So what you’re telling me is that in the year 2019, when this Magnum is 13 years old, it will be a clunker… well sir, that is very possible. However if you actually knew anything about the Magnum and or any of the other LX series of cars from Dodge or Chrysler you’d know that they are built using previous generation Mercedes E-class architecture. You know… the foreign cars with good value that you’re referring to.
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As for an M5 or M3… I hate to tell you, but I did own an E39 M5 and while yes, it was a decent car, the resale value TANKED as did the values of the new E60s, in fact you can pick up a used E60 for under 35k right now, remember, those cars were 86K NEW… but yea, you’re absolutely, they hold their value great…

MrAngry
Oct 1, 2009 at 3:10 pm

Metal4TheMasses – This post has absolutely nothing to do with ego my little friend. In fact if you go back and read the first two posts of weeks prior, you’ll see it was a segment on the trials and tribulations of buying a new car.
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This is was your first comment: “Why is this a front page article? Who cares? You bought an ugly car. Congratulations.”
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So don’t kid yourself Scooter, you jumped on me to make YOURSELF feel better and boost YOUR ego by coming at me and stating and opinion in a confrontational manner. As for your Kia – rock on with that little bugger if you choose, hell, I drove a 12 year old minivan for the last two years as a daily driver, which you would’ve known if you’d have read the first two installments of this piece.. but you didn’t read them, you just decided to comment with no facts in hand.
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dudefromthenorth – Dude, my Mom had a green 1979 Ford Country Squire wagon with that same wood paneling – that thing just needs California style surf boards on top to make it complete!
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___nes___ – hmmmm… got me thinking…
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Troy_RUFFCUTT – I agree with the Estate they sell in the UK, VERY COOL car.
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patlalande123 – Bravo!

Haroun
Oct 1, 2009 at 3:10 pm

2019…. Its going to be a clunker. Second, all Dodges have terrible resale value. Why Dodge? Gas guzzling American car was a poor way to go. Dodge makes nothing good. Sorry America you loose. Should have gotten an M5, M3, or something foreign with good value.

patlalande123
Oct 1, 2009 at 2:39 pm

Metal4TheMasses,
WHO IS WE? your one person. it seems as if you are quite jelous of his car, im sure that Mr.Angry has a great reputition and is KNOWN on this site and has lots of room to spare as far as his ego goes. He certanly DOES NOT need to boost his ego. unlike you, your reputition is the moron who drives a kia, “running synthetic Mobile 1 oil, regular oil changes, and scheduled maintenance”-haha and some stupid bolt on K&N air filter. Im sure that, maybe two of the x amount of people praising his car, you make him feel bad.

Metal4TheMasses, i have a few questions for you. does it make your life or you feel better to come to this blog, see all the people that are ripping you up, and make you want to post more STUPID comments!? Do YOU know why they only made magnums for a few years? and no its not because the arent a good car.

___nes___
Oct 1, 2009 at 12:26 pm

you should put some black/graphite/polished wheels with a red stripe and put a MR. Angry center caps!

Metal4TheMasses
Oct 1, 2009 at 8:46 am

MrAngry, we all know you have this “attitude” you have to keep up for the sake of this website but it sounds like you have trouble taking criticism. I’m sorry that you don’t like the fact that I think it’s an ugly car. The way I look at this article is that it’s used to hype you up, and boost your ego. One thing you have to remember is that there is a reason they only made Magnums for a few years. Oh, and go ahead and hate on my car all you want. Just remember you’re going against everything you work for with this website.

stunna2255
Oct 1, 2009 at 7:54 am

THE MAG IS CLEAN.. FACTORY RIMS LOOKS GOOD.. BLACK IS ALWAYS A NICE COLOR..KEEP IT CLEAN. I’M SURE U WONT MAKE IT LOOK TACKY

dudefromthenorth
Oct 1, 2009 at 12:15 am

“Wood Paneling” http://www.ptwoody.com/graphics/dm004_1_400w.jpg

albania_fier
Sep 30, 2009 at 10:37 pm

And if anyone is going to critisize me spelling I been stuck in dead stop traffic for ten minutes now and I’m typing on my iPhone and it can be rather difficult

albania_fier
Sep 30, 2009 at 10:33 pm

I love how some hatred leave comments like ooh Chrysler wouldn’t touch it with a ten foot pole you drive anexplorer you aren’t cool expecially that homo with the Kia spectra pussy!!! And who cares if no one buys dodges in Ontario I’ve been to Toronto and all I see is chinks and indians of course they’re buying up hondas and other jap crap (no racism). Come down to where I live plenty ofchryslers nice magnum though

CMCCANE
Sep 30, 2009 at 10:12 pm

Great car but I like the newer Magnums because the headlights aren’t so large and bug-eyed. But none the less that car is beautiful and its the SRT-8!! Congrats!

Balt9mm
Sep 30, 2009 at 7:08 pm

Sick new ride man, I would love to drive one. Nice come up. KrashingV8 as for Dodges rusting in Canada, since it snows like year round up there all bets are off dude. And what, your few friends experiences make it true for all Dodges?

patlalande123
Sep 30, 2009 at 5:02 pm

sweet ride Mr. Angry! keep it clean!
nice responce to “Metal4TheMasses” …foriegn car owners.

KrashingV8, i live in Ontario and i have never seen or heard of a dodge rusting out, nor have i heard about the government owning GM, they have gotten loans but the GOVERNMENT DOESNT OWN GM, for that fact im pretty sure that most car manufactuer have? I am not for GM nor dodge, im a die hard ford fan. I am just wondering where you are getting this info!? Correct me if i am wrong.

wsbob
Sep 30, 2009 at 4:51 pm

Very underrated machine compared to its brethren. But I see this car becoming a much more popular car with time like El Caminos and a future Obscure Muscle Car.

dAVMARR
Sep 30, 2009 at 4:02 pm

Hey check this site out for headlight mods on ur car! accstyle.com or aacstyle.com cant remeber which it is but they offer halo designs that look pretty sick on these cars…. and there nor LED there brighter!!

KrashingV8
Sep 30, 2009 at 12:37 pm

my opinion is not based on me being a ford guy. its just up here where i live, GM of canada was bought out by the ontario government and they are pushing GM onto people with all of their radio and tv adds. We now call GM, Government Motors. As for dodge, lets just say no one is buying a dodge up here. i have seen more dodge vehicles traded in at ford, honda, toyota dealerships then ever before. these are not old dodge cars, they are 2 or 3 year old. None of my friends own a dodge because of there reputation up here. my best friend has a dakota. its a money pit he has put $2000 in the last 3 weeks getting it back on the road, and its a 2002. a couple wks back i saw a 1 year old dodge ram pickup, rusting out! how can a car company justify their lack of quality control? until they get their heads out of their asses, i wont drive a dodge or gm. period!

JesusJr
Sep 30, 2009 at 11:39 am

MrAngry, do your thing. Just because a lot of people like chrome doesnt mean you should leave it. Its the typical thing to do and I feel you would appreciate being more than just typical. I am planning on getting rid of my all chrome wheels myself for that reason. Great car, looks like you got really lucky with the find.

98nizzonrt
Sep 30, 2009 at 11:19 am

The Magnum is sweet man! I was reading the comment about the 300 front clip on Magnums in Europe. I think they call them 300 Estates over there or something I have read. Anyways, I live in KCMO and yesterday I saw a cherry red Magnum with the Charger R/T front clip traveling down 152 highway. The Magnum looks good stock tho!

ROUSH_STG2
Sep 30, 2009 at 11:07 am

lmaooooo@ Angry’s comment to Metal masses! Checked out his 1* rating Kia lol….but yah no room to talk what’s so ever!

Dboy23
Sep 30, 2009 at 8:36 am

Just wanted to say congrats on the purchase, it’s a beautiful car, hope it treats you well.

I had a 2007 Dodge Charger R/T with the “Hemi” and it was horrid. My trans went out within’ three months of owning the car, along with my power steering pump twice. I had fun with it every once in a while but didn’t rag on it at all. I hope this Magnum treats you better though. Once again congrats!

Mike Musto
Sep 30, 2009 at 7:38 am

As with everything in life there are compromises. I needed to be able to haul stuff around and did not want to go down the SUV road. It’s fun, fast and somewhat of an oddball… hell, either way it’s 100 times better than my old 133,XXX mini-van…

13sDatsun510
Sep 30, 2009 at 7:15 am

congrats on the new ride. to much body for me but if you got stuff an family to haul, i guess thats a wise choice. they do look pretty good for stock trim. good luck on the new mods, toss in the motor an toss on the wheels form the charger an youre set!

Troy_RUFFCUTT
Sep 30, 2009 at 7:00 am

Im not much of a fan of the Magnum, I do like the Hemi, but its a nice ride. If u do make a Mr. Angry edition, I have a suggestion…here in Europe they sell the Magnum as a 300C front on the Magnum, I do like that combo alot. Even tho im not a huge fan of the regular Magnum they do look nice when someone gives them a special touch. Congrates on getting what u was looking for

MrAngry
Sep 30, 2009 at 6:40 am

Hmph… everyone seems to like the chrome, so maybe I’ll leave em’ on…

IROCstangs
Sep 30, 2009 at 6:23 am

nice i think it looks 20x better with the chrome rims those where the first things that poped out at me. it goes great with the tips i would defintly leave them on. i would add maybe a srt8 charger hood it would stand out more i really cant tell the diffrence between a sxt and a srt8 magnum when takin a quick glance a charger sxt and a charger srt8 huge diffrence in them. im not a station wagon guy and honestly i do prefere the charger much more but i do understand the point of the magnum though. just i would think first before removing the chrome rims or atleast put highly polished rims on there. good luck. thinkin of puttin that hemi in my durango. something for the stangs to worry bout o ya did i mention s/c with nitrous?

MrAngry
Sep 30, 2009 at 5:56 am

Metal4TheMasses – Dude you’re absolutely right! What was I thinking wanting a vehicle putting out 425hp / 420lb.tq. Next time I’ll go out out and buy 2006 Kia Spectra5… you know, so I can be just like you.

19cutlass92
Sep 30, 2009 at 5:54 am

yo
are you going to make a Mr. Angry edition of this car?
that would be cool

kbevere
Sep 30, 2009 at 3:42 am

looking good. one bad ass ride.

camarofreak30721
Sep 30, 2009 at 12:08 am

If it were my car, I would leave the chrome wheels on it. I think they look awesome in contrast to the solid black. Especially with the hint of chrome on the nose. Beautiful car. Congrats.

Flavorade
Sep 29, 2009 at 11:33 pm

Congratulations on the ride! I pray you get many enjoyable miles out of it with minimal to no problems.

My cousin desires one of these because of the “exclusivity”. Down here in LA all you see is SRT-8 Chargers, Challengers, and 300′s, but rarely, if not at all, do you see a Magnum SRT-8. I have only seen one, and it was across the river where the rich farmers live, and that was two years ago.

The old E-series platform puts me off of these things. The SRT-8s would seem better at castrating hybrids, and eco-boxes, and then red-assing ricers at Saturday’s Midnight Maddness, than chasing Porsches around a circuit. That theory is not final, however, as I still have not found a person I know who owns one. Maybe if I receive the opportunity to use one at the next lapping day, it will change.

tavares86
Sep 29, 2009 at 11:24 pm

Good choice.

XTZTwinTurbo
Sep 29, 2009 at 8:04 pm

Impressive. Nice Hemi

camaryyy09
Sep 29, 2009 at 7:42 pm

Wind and Fire

Metal4TheMasses
Sep 29, 2009 at 7:09 pm

Why is this a front page article? Who cares? You bought an ugly car. Congratulations.

fixdaserver
Sep 29, 2009 at 6:48 pm

clean car, the hemi definitly adds value but to me these cars look like a hearse, especially in black. i’d put some stripes on it; nothing crazy, just some quality painted white pin striping down the sides to break up the murderous monotone.

MrAngry
Sep 29, 2009 at 5:48 pm

How come? and give me an honest answer… not BS stuff like “I’m a Ford guy, or I like Nissans” – back it up.

KrashingV8
Sep 29, 2009 at 5:17 pm

i like the looks, but its STILL a dodge! its like a GM product. I wouldn’t touch one with a ten foot pole.

Jbaker1121
Sep 29, 2009 at 4:30 pm

nice station wagon

nathanpc23
Sep 29, 2009 at 3:03 pm

Nice station wagon.

ROUSH_STG2
Sep 29, 2009 at 1:45 pm

always loved the srt line up, congrats on the purchase….if I had to do it all over again it would have been a magnum or a charger srt

MoparRob07
Sep 29, 2009 at 12:50 pm

Mike, CONGRATS on your Maggie man! Looks great!

MrAngry
Sep 29, 2009 at 12:50 pm

So far so good guys/gals. I think one of the coolest things about this car is the sleeper factor as very few people know what it actually is. As far as mods go it already has a cat back exhaust system on it so it has a nice grumble to it, I think that will be about it though, as I don’t want to jeopardize reliability and or my warranty. Plus, it really doesn’t need anything as it’s fast enough already and I already have the other cars to tinker with. Plus this thing is like a big computer to me…
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A few cosmetic things will changed though. First and foremost the chrome plated wheels will be leaving shortly. I’m not a chrome guy and I have line on a set of SRT Challenger wheels that will fit perfectly. In fact before they were on the Challenger there were actually on Magnum SRTs for 2008. I’m also reinstalling the side moldings. Up here in NY parking and doors dings will destroy your car regardless of how careful you are, so as much as I like the Maggie going al’ fresco without the moldings, they are needed so they’ll be back.

albania_fier
Sep 29, 2009 at 11:55 am

Excellent choice, Chrysler is the way to go and a 6.1 hemi, well that’s just grand

vincenzo53
Sep 29, 2009 at 11:39 am

Lucky guy… great find.. how did you get it back home without registration?

Im considering buying a car way out from where i am. The last time, the guy was nice enough to leave his registraion on my car and i FedExed the plates back to him. im sure that won’t happen again.

EL-CHAMO
Sep 29, 2009 at 10:24 am

beutiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SHOTyme70
Sep 29, 2009 at 9:43 am

Man that looks very nice!! Excellent grab! At the MPG you stated I would definitely consider this as a replacement for my SHO…

PureBusiness
Sep 28, 2009 at 7:31 pm

I’m really happy for you man!!

GTwildfire
Sep 28, 2009 at 6:57 pm

Good move, Mike. This gets better MPG than the hulk I suggested and you can’t get a better deal than private sale, if you know what you’re doing… and you know what you’re doing.
-
It looks pristine.

whtfocus77
Sep 28, 2009 at 5:13 pm

daamm that thing looks spotless !

mustang_lover66
Sep 28, 2009 at 5:00 pm

Beautiful!! I wouldn’t do a whole lot to it, that thing is fast and sexy as-is…

Chris Borrelli
Sep 28, 2009 at 1:52 pm

Cool, but yeah any mods in mind?

snowboarding125
Sep 28, 2009 at 12:20 pm

Any plans for it or are you just gonna drive it as is?