Jeep - SRT8 - Experience?

asphaltgambler · 08-01-2011, 12:30 PM

Looking to buy (possibly) a used one '08-'09 - we have had several Grand Cherokee Limited's and will absolutely buy another over the other Detroit offering's but am considering the SRT8 as an option

I have two customers who say they love theirs and have had no issues. That supposedly those vehicles are built at a 'seperate' facility. I tried the SRT8 forum, but you have to join even if you want just browse, not interested to do that. I know they are basically hot rod suv's with limited towing and that's ok for what we do.......

So anyone here have first or second hand experience with these??

Dottore · 08-01-2011, 12:47 PM

I briefly owned a Chrysler 300 SRT8 and loved that engine. The engine is a bomb. Pity about the handling of the car.

Not sure how the Grand Cherokee—but the engine is a gem.

rattlsnak · rattlsnak's Garage

Complete bad a$$ vehicles. Have seen no major issues with them at all. (i was a chrysler tech for way too long). basic stuff here and there, but no trends..

Oracle · 07:15 PM

I want one bad.. and have started saving my lunch money ;-)
Interior is top notch and the growl from the engine is sweet mus
ic... I hope to post something useful soon...

The new one is coming.. http://www.jeep.com/en/srt8/

And very criticized by the 1st gen owners, the new one is more capable but apparently more mundane too..

VincentVega · 08-01-2011, 08:07 PM

One passed me today on the road, great sound.

No starter for me

Premium Gasoline
11
City

12
Combined

14
Hwy

jeffgrant · 08-01-2011, 09:03 PM

When I went to buy one, the SRT8 wasn't "authorized" for off-road travel. If you did, it voided or affected the warranty.

As a result, I got the 5.7L Hemi instead. Still a beast, but at least I could go fishing up in the mountains.

slow&rusty · 08-02-2011, 03:13 AM

Love these...the new gneration just released do not look anywhere near as cool or tough as the first generation.

asphaltgambler · 08-02-2011, 05:47 AM

Yes - about the only off road stuff we do is sometimes drive around the rear of our house to unload *****. I have a bike trailer, but it is a small, open kind that occasionally we use. The other thing is if we buy one we generally keep it unitl it dies or gets to 200K - then replace. Have had good succes in the overall cost of ownership over the lifespan.

I'm very anal about maintenance, proper car and feeding and keeping it clean. I do NOT think the other SUV Detroit offerings will hold up over time like the Jeeps we've had

kaisen · 08-02-2011, 11:41 AM

The big hindrance is towing. Because the prev-gen SRT8 had center-mount exhaust, adding a trailer hitch is nearly impossible without redoing the exhaust system and rear bumper valance. It's not meant to haul stuff, it's meant to haul ass.

asphaltgambler · 08-03-2011, 05:21 AM

Actually discussed this with one of my customers, he said there is a "hitch kit" to haul up to class II trailers, that leaves the exhuast intact?

Oracle · 08-03-2011, 07:35 PM

Yes, the srt8 forums have many pictures of that... basically you buy the hitch for compass or one of the smaller suv and it's a bolt on. Up to 3500#
The catch is the exhaust will burn the boat or possibly the trailer front, Underneath the SUV those exhausts are the easiest thing to remove and fit some temporary solution.. not an issue at all.

asphaltgambler · 08-04-2011, 06:21 AM

looking (web only) at one local - major dealer, not auction buy, was trade in. Did VIN auction business-to-business wholesale/ research. Very competitive in asking price, all looks good so far. My research indicates not many people buying this kind of SUV for all the above reasons, this type veh is not this dealer's main product, not even manufacturer. Most people in this area seem not to be buying suv's in general with gas prices high and economy uncertain

asphaltgambler · 08-04-2011, 06:23 AM

They do not seem to be all that popular now. There are currently @27 used srt8's with-in 125 miles of me and @282 for sale in the US, excluding craigslist and private

David in VA · 08-04-2011, 12:04 PM

I recently bought am '08 GC Limited with the 5.7 Hemi to tow to the track. Extremely thirsty, I would guess the SRT8 is even more. Compounded by a smallish gas tank makes for frequent trips to the gas station. I bought mine CPO with a full warranty for another 4 years, with all the gadgets and stuff they have I don't think I'd want to own one out of warranty.

kaisen · 08-04-2011, 02:05 PM

At the auctions, clean 2008 SRT8s bring $31-33K, and 2009s bring $36-39K with much less miles and more warranty. Just a data point when negotiating.

asphaltgambler · 08-05-2011, 04:53 AM

Yes thanks - have a contact with a B-to-B listing of wholesale auction sale prices in/near our area. The one we are looking over is older ('06) with 53k, one owner and service records.

speeder · speeder's Garage

When you add-up the depreciation and fuel alone, (not to mention brake pads and insurance), it seems like an enormous amount of $$ down a rabbit hole for a vehicle that essentially does nothing. Is it really that much fun to drive?

Not trying to throw cold water on your idea, just might be a good thing to let it stew for a couple weeks before pulling any triggers. I've been known to get a vehicle or two in my cross-hairs that did not make a whole lot of sense when looked back on. They might be cheaper in 2 weeks as well, the way things are going.

asphaltgambler · 08-05-2011, 10:31 AM

good comments all..............yes for a DD it is a little on the extreme, it's actually for my wife who is also a nut for hot rods (one reason I married her) Agree gas/tires and insurance will be a hit - but not that much greater overall compared to a GC limited.

I do all my own work (I'm in the business) and access to oem parts at wholesale. We will think about it more though next week. If I had to pay retail for parts/services - no way

grendiers · 08-05-2011, 03:37 PM

Don't forget the original SUV, and Jeep lineage as well, check out Grand Wagoneers. Yes, newest one is from 1991, but hey, we have old P-cars as well! I have a rust free version, an '85 I bought in New Mexico. We drive it back and forth from WI to NM each spring and fall between our houses. I installed a fuel injection kit, more for reliability in the mountains and the hot crappy humid WI summers. Lots of space, 12-13 mpg, depending on wind direction, and very reliable. We daily drive it, and bought it at 70k miles, now have 93k. If you're into vintage vehicles, not a bad one to have. I've towed our 924 turbo (now have the '85 911) behind the GW on a two wheel dolly, still go 65mph, and 12 mpg. Here's us leaving NM this past April, 911 on trailer behind truck, and 924 turbo behind GW.