Bye Bye HSV... Hello Chrysler!

[8HSVR8]

Gday..

Well I traded in my HSV Maloo after just 3 months or so of ownership and also sold my VY2 R8 a little before that...all to go and buy a new 300c SRT8!
Damn what a car! after a 2 month wait I picked it up on sat arvo... have already clocked up 200km's.. im sure most have read about these..let me tell you they are worth every dollar..i couldnt be happier. After thinking long and hard and comapring against another new HSV as thats what i was planning to get.. theres no doubt I made the ryt choice..for about the same money as a new R8.. $80K or so. The specs, interior , PERFORMANCE and LOOKS..are something the HSV'S dont even come close to..its amazing how much of a head turner this car is.
Another huge reason for me to buy non HSV was because how much HSV rips you off again when you go to trade your used HSV.. by giving stupid trade in values.. and also realeasing new models etc almost every 2 years or so and flooding/ruining their own market!
Any one else thinking of one of these..?

Cheers
Shane

[V8BRUTE]

So where's the pics? :D

Will have to admit these certainly have the on road presence nailed down well, not many cars will turn heads like a standard 300C but the SRT version is something else, good choice on your ride bro :thumbsup:

[seldo]

Another huge reason for me to buy non HSV was because how much HSV rips you off again when you go to trade your used HSV.. by giving stupid trade in values.. and also realeasing new models etc almost every 2 years or so and flooding/ruining their own market!
Any one else thinking of one of these..?

Cheers
Shane
Congrats...nice car ;).... You reckon HSV values are poor - Just give us another post when you decide to trade it again will you....?

[Wayne@GM Motorsport]

how about some pictures

[XLR8 V8]

The SRT-8 looks very tough on the road. Personally I would have waited to see what HSV has in store with the VE models before committing.

[Tombo]

Just wondering how it compares for servicing costs, insurance etc? Had a look at the Chrysler website, definitely looks like a sweet ride...

Cheers

Roy

[Aus8]

These things certainly grab your attention on the road thats for sure! A great look! These days no one looks twice at a VY/Z HSV.

Aus8

[8HSVR8]

Congrats...nice car ;).... You reckon HSV values are poor - Just give us another post when you decide to trade it again will you....?

Good Point.. What i looked at were things like.. Chrysler havent realesed new models in the 4dr car market as often as holden..so that alone tells you it may hold more value there arnt as many new models floating around...compared to HSV. Also ive had 2 new HSV's in the last 2yrs... and at trade in time theyve been worth at least $20k less than wat i paid for it..in the space of no more than a year! all well looked after cars with low kms.
Anyway just driving around in the chrysler and seeing the look on HSV owners is enuff to make me smile! I still luv HSV as a good family/sports performance car no doubt.. but compared to for dollar to dollar value and enjoyment from driving its like chalk n cheese! When i picked up my car in the dealers yard..they pointed out in the back no less than 6 VZ/VY R8 that had been traded that week and the owners joined the 3 month wait list fot the SRT8! Thats gotta be saying something...
Havent had a chance for pics yet..but will get em up sooon.. also waiting for the mesh "bentley" grill to arive in a week or so to be fitted...will take some pics then!

Cheers
Shane

[MICK_EZEKIEL]

Saw a review of it on drive... http://media.drive.com.au/?ie=1&source=drive.com.au%252FEditorial%252FVideo%252FVi deoIndex.aspx&player=wm7&rid=20379&rate=300&sy=drive&flash=1&t=08HHDH
(you might need to go to video settings on the right and change them the the right connection speed for the video to run smoothly)


I cant belive it runs on 4 cylinders when driving in the city... thats pretty good for fuel...

Looks great though!!

[ozwild]

I saw a black one with tinted windows
big crome wheels it looked the goods,
made me stop and have a good look.

Congrates on you new ride, hope you
get heaps of enjoyment out of it.

[vysandman]

From some angles the 300C looks hot and from other angles....well?
The back doesn't seem quite right. The high sheetmetal sides and low glass look tough though. There's been one posted on here (not an SRT-8) that has 22" rims if you do a search you will see it. You're right about HSV poor resale values and at least you had a look at the opposition. The resale value couldn't be any worse than your HSV's..............................or could it ?

[zorro]

correct me if I am wrong but aren't 300C's based of a Merc E class?? Either way good car agree though on the rear end still not looking right but anyway.

That aside how does it go compared to the R8? A bit apples & oranges but still interesting. Also give it some time and telll us how much fuel she drinks.

[VZSS250]

What i looked at were things like.. Chrysler havent realesed new models in the 4dr car market as often as holden..so that alone tells you it may hold more value there arnt as many new models floating around...compared to HSV.

Be careful because the 300C has been in the US since 2003 so it is well and truly ready for an update. Autoblog made this much clear when a senior exec at chrysler was quoted as saying the interioir was in need of a major makeover. This is what stopped me buying.

Also, the SRT8 is far more expensive than an R8 when you take into account the on road price of these two cars...dont fall for that marketing bull being put out by Chrysler.

Otherwise its a beautiful car...congratulations and enjoy.

[Vulture]

Also, the SRT8 is far more expensive than an R8 when you take into account the on road price of these two cars...dont fall for that marketing bull being put out by Chrysler.

Particularly the price that you could get a run-out R8 for :eek:

[Swordie]

Nice car. I find the SRT has a low key body kit compared to the HSV which is what I prefer. I would love a wagon version of the SRT.

[Spectrum]

Swordie,
There's a Dodge Magnum R/T AWD available, thought I don't know whether in Australasia...
http://www.intellichoice.com/reports/vehicleReport/vehicle_nmb/17100/section/specs/type/new/year/2006/make/Dodge/model/Magnum

[VU_SS_UTE]

These things certainly grab your attention on the road thats for sure! A great look! These days no one looks twice at a VY/Z HSV.

Aus8


Too true, unless modified a bit they command the same attention as an Exec these days...

[JET-GTO]

Nice buy man!:dance:

I think 300C's are an awesome car :thumbsup:

Tell me, what are they like in right hand drive? I've only driven a left hand drive one but I know my 2002 Jeep Grand is a bit tight on foot room in the drivers side and I'm pretty sure thats cos they're originally LHD was just curious if chrysler had done the same on the 300C ?

cheers

[nang3]

nice one mate, wheres the friggen pics!!!!!

i was after an SRT before my phoon but couldnt handle the wait!! still might get one one day

[Aussie V8]

Congratulations on the SRT8. Right now on the value holding up subject, check out CarSales. There is a used one there for $90k, which is $8.5k more than the new price. The Chrysler 300C and especially the SRT8 will hold their value for a long while yet.

On the subject of an update to the 300C, the next one in the US is due soon with a freshen up of the interior, so rumour has it, but it will be basically the same as when it was release in NA in March 2004.

Check out 300CForums.com for all the 300C & SRT8 "secrets".

Enjoy your ride.

[Holden Man]

Well done, nice car

I would be happy just to have this car with no running gear in my longe room as I think the design (shape) is awesome.

I see HSV as a car to have more fun in and I see the Chrysler as a "look at me / what are you looking at, I'll punch you in the face" cruiser. You will definately get more heads turning in the SRT8.

2 HSV's for 1 Chrysler ?

[Darkrayne]

I love the fresh look of the 300C SRT - 8 but the tankyness and boxy shape throw me off it.. Love the power plant and stance and presence it has but the overall look is just not one for me i guess.. maybe something i could look at when im older and thinking about retiring! :D..

but man! saw an 05 Grange in the paper on Saturday with only 14k on the clock for $59k! :D

[Brass Munky]

Swordie,
There's a Dodge Magnum R/T AWD available, thought I don't know whether in Australasia...
http://www.intellichoice.com/reports/vehicleReport/vehicle_nmb/17100/section/specs/type/new/year/2006/make/Dodge/model/Magnum


Those dodge magnums are awesome looking cars, makes my fetish for wagons even worse. Wernt they released a few years ago, i remember seeing a motoring journo doing a big standstill in one.

Nice choice on the SRT-8 too, if only they did an SRT-10 version as well:idea:

[Swordie]

Swordie,
There's a Dodge Magnum R/T AWD available, thought I don't know whether in Australasia...
http://www.intellichoice.com/reports/vehicleReport/vehicle_nmb/17100/section/specs/type/new/year/2006/make/Dodge/model/Magnum

I saw some Dodge wagons in the U.S last year, they look even better in the flesh.

[Tron2004]

Sorry, but I'm going out on a limb here.... FUGLY !!!!!

[Pickles]

Congratulations on the SRT-I'd love to see how they drive!
However, whilst used HSV values are not good, neither are many similar cars, when you are trading them at only a couple of years old, where most of the depreciation takes place.-However, over a longer period of time, when maintained in good condition with nominal ks, things level out & they're not much different to others.
Cheers, Pickles.

[Rick76]

Sorry, but I'm going out on a limb here.... FUGLY !!!!!

Don't worry you're not alone there.... IMO that front end is shocking. :hide:

http://www.chrysler.com.au/Projects/c2c/channel/images/304591_464972_552_275_SRT8_banner.jpg

I like the rest of the car, and the overall package, but the front end spoils it for me. They do look good all pipmed out but the front end always turns me off.... its so damn ugly!!

I like this angle better...
http://www.chrysler.com.au/Projects/c2c/channel/images/304541_464922_270_150_capability.jpg
or
http://www.chrysler.com.au/Projects/c2c/channel/images/304536_464917_270_150_exterior1.jpg
as long as you cant see the front.

[SSBarney]

http://www.chrysler.com.au/Projects/c2c/channel/images/304591_464972_552_275_SRT8_banner.jpg
.

Should read
Brilliant Performance!
Brutual Refinement!
BUTT Ugly Face

[GTS215i]

Resale value looks healthy atm with due to the waiting list.. 90k :shock:

http://www.carsales.com.au/pls/carsales/!cs_content.dealer_vehicle?vehicle_id=3317400&current_rec=12&total_rec=14&sort_type=1&make_id=34&model_id=5106&state_id=7&region_id=108&search_distance=25

[shrapnel]

Congratulations on your new car. Don't want to rain on your bbq but everything I've read about 300sc indicated the handling wasn't good and the electronics interfered with power delivery... I hope you find it good enought tho :) It certainly looks the goods!

[vt350phantom]

2 month wait!! How did you get one so quick? I was told 9 months absolute minimum!!

[Borci88]

Na mate, people will always disagree. But i think you made a great choice, Sick hot looking car... but make sure you change the front grill.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/742000-742999/742000_1_full.jpg

Something along the lines of this is in order me thinks.

[8HSVR8]

Nice buy man!:dance:

I think 300C's are an awesome car :thumbsup:

Tell me, what are they like in right hand drive? I've only driven a left hand drive one but I know my 2002 Jeep Grand is a bit tight on foot room in the drivers side and I'm pretty sure thats cos they're originally LHD was just curious if chrysler had done the same on the 300C ?

cheers

Gday Mate

Not too bad in ryt hand drive.. but the footwell is abit tight...i suspect cos of wat you say..they wer left hand drivers. I find my left leg a little cramped.. but not to the point of it being uncomfortable..Its no major prob for me...

Cheeers
Shane

[8HSVR8]

nice one mate, wheres the friggen pics!!!!!

i was after an SRT before my phoon but couldnt handle the wait!! still might get one one day


No pics yet mate...cant stop driving it!
Waiting for a couple of things to get done in a week or 2.. add a new grill,tints etc..then the pics shall come!
I thought of the F6 as a potential purchase for me.. i comapred this car to almost every 4 dr performance car..in the $70 - $85k range and just couldnt turn away from the SRT8.. If you are able to get one mate..you wont be dissapointed...

cHEERS
sHANE

[vt350phantom]

Na mate, people will always disagree. But i think you made a great choice, Sick hot looking car... but make sure you change the front grill.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/742000-742999/742000_1_full.jpg

Something along the lines of this is in order me thinks.


Thats F*#ken bewdiful!!!!! I want one!!! :dance:

[8HSVR8]

Congratulations on your new car. Don't want to rain on your bbq but everything I've read about 300sc indicated the handling wasn't good and the electronics interfered with power delivery... I hope you find it good enought tho :) It certainly looks the goods!

Hi mate,

The handling on mine is not bad at all..as I had the Mopar adjustable suspension fitted upon dellevery..so its reall good.
But stantard and the normal 300C are abit soft..most magazine articles say this. I never drove one before buying so I couldnt say..
The elecs do interefer abit..like a T/C type thing..but there are a couple of ways to totally disable this ive found out..then the fun begins!

Cheers
Shane

[8HSVR8]

2 month wait!! How did you get one so quick? I was told 9 months absolute minimum!!

Gday,
The car I got was an order cancelled by another customer..while it was being shipped.. I was fortunate enough to be given the chance to take this silver SRT8 instead of a black one like id wanted..after seeing another silver one in person I was sold..and took the silver car.
Dont worry if your still waiting mate..its well worth the wait!

Cheers
Shane.

[8HSVR8]

Na mate, people will always disagree. But i think you made a great choice, Sick hot looking car... but make sure you change the front grill.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/742000-742999/742000_1_full.jpg

Something along the lines of this is in order me thinks.

Gday

Cheers mate.. yeah Ive got the mesh bentley type grill coming in..not cheap they are!! but it sets off the front end totally i think!

Cheers
Shane

[Brass Munky]

Na mate, people will always disagree. But i think you made a great choice, Sick hot looking car... but make sure you change the front grill.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/742000-742999/742000_1_full.jpg

Something along the lines of this is in order me thinks.


That looks awesome. I just had a look at it on the west coast customs website, only thing i can say is, 'only in america'. imagin trying to get that registered here in Aus, be friggin rediculous

[8HSVR8]

correct me if I am wrong but aren't 300C's based of a Merc E class?? Either way good car agree though on the rear end still not looking right but anyway.

That aside how does it go compared to the R8? A bit apples & oranges but still interesting. Also give it some time and telll us how much fuel she drinks.

Hi Mate
The trans is a merc item..
Its alot quicker and comfortable than either of my hsvs..The Maloo was tuned to about 315kw too..so roughly the same sorta power..but put ur foot down in the srt mate what a rush..it shoves you in the seat hard! and noise is awesome even with the standard exh..sounds awesome.. having the autu/manual box is good tooo..but ive just left it in auto... the box is good too..selecting and changing at the right spots..unlike the old hsv boxes! It definately feels alot quicker than iether of my hsvs.. but i havent really put the foo down hard yet..still "running" it in!

Cheers
Shane

[GTO_]

These things certainly grab your attention on the road thats for sure! A great look! These days no one looks twice at a VY/Z HSV.

Aus8

Disagree, HSV VY/Z get plenty of looks. I've rocked up next to quite a few of these 300's and the GTO gets the more looks by far! (no contest).

Don't mind the 300. But I wouldnt buy one, reminds me of a fridge on wheels. Also handles like one. People who say they can handle obviously can't steer, or don't take any car to it's limit.

Every nerd wannabe gangster either owns a 300 or wants one. Yeh thanks, but no thanks! If we can't go fast or drive something fast, what do we do? Give up, buy a 300, and then knock HSV's.

Now a Chrysler Challanger when it comes out? Thats a different story. That's something worth claiming to be tougher than something from HSV.


Resale value looks healthy atm with due to the waiting list.. 90k :shock:

http://www.carsales.com.au/pls/carsales/!cs_content.dealer_vehicle?vehicle_id=3317400&current_rec=12&total_rec=14&sort_type=1&make_id=34&model_id=5106&state_id=7&region_id=108&search_distance=25

Yeh right, and when did anyone get the $ they advertised a car for? :lmao:


Congratulations on your new car. Don't want to rain on your bbq but everything I've read about 300sc indicated the handling wasn't good and the electronics interfered with power delivery... I hope you find it good enought tho

Very true, THEY DON'T HANDLE, period! Top Gear in the UK did a review Jag v 300 v GTO ... The 300 came last in their reveiw ... Yep and the GTO first.


Na mate, people will always disagree. But i think you made a great choice, Sick hot looking car... but make sure you change the front grill.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/742000-742999/742000_1_full.jpg

Something along the lines of this is in order me thinks.

Sure looks good, but for the $ thats been spent on that thing, I'd rather get a low k's Modena, look better, sound better, go harder in a striaght line and around corners. What's the diff? You can't park either of them anyway.



Hi Mate
The trans is a merc item..
Its alot quicker and comfortable than either of my hsvs..The Maloo was tuned to about 315kw too..so roughly the same sorta power..but put ur foot down in the srt mate what a rush..it shoves you in the seat hard! and noise is awesome even with the standard exh..sounds awesome.. having the autu/manual box is good tooo..but ive just left it in auto... the box is good too..selecting and changing at the right spots..unlike the old hsv boxes! It definately feels alot quicker than iether of my hsvs.. but i havent really put the foo down hard yet..still "running" it in!

Cheers
Shane

This makes me laugh ... You had 315kw and it was slower????? In a lighter car????? What are you trying to re-write physics? I'd suggest getting a more reputable workshop (if you were told you had 315kw), or you're wishing the heavier 300 with similar power @ what 318kw? is faster ... Come on lets get real here!



Either way I'd bet my GTO it will be the HSV's saying "Bye Bye Bye Chrysler ... Hello Reality!" to you. :lmao:

[Pickles]

Yeah, GTO makes some realistic comments. We get plenty of looks in our GTO, not that we're concerned about whether we do, or whether we don't--WE like it, & that's the main thing FOR US. Lots of people who've looked at the GTO, who haven't had a close look at a VZ GTO before, whilst being familiar with the Monaro CV8, have been very impressed with the GTO's extra features - LS2, seats, brakes, wheels etc, & they're even more impressed when they feel a bit of that LS2 torque!
So, we don't feel that a GTO is any way "put in the shade" by the SRT,-- I guess it boils down to what you like. However, A DODGE CHALLENGER, in factory RHD, well, that'd be something else again!
Cheers, Pickles.

[8HSVR8]

GTO
Relax matey..dont cry now! I think your takin it all too serious mate. I just said what I felt was MY opinion about my cars..I didnt bag GTO'S so dont know why your turning it into mines better than yours?

Too me the SRT feels quicker..than the ute and yes it does have the power I said it had..maybe the way power is delivered etc makes it feel abit more quicker or exciting..maybe I should have said that not to confuse you. is it not possible to get 315kw from mafless edit,otr, exh? IV got dyno papers...damn ive been ripped off.. :bawl: !

And yes they do look like a fridge on wheels..a nice stainless steel double door fridge with ice maker and the damn works..but i still luv it.. its a damn expensive fridge! Yup i admit i "cant steer a car or take it to its limit" I just own and drive a 9sec drag GTR for the hell of it..sorry mr skaife :) and dont even make me start on what else is in my garage buddy..keep playing with your GT SLO :)

And you dont need to be a "nerd wannabe gangsta " to own one mate.. dont need to be nasty here mate..i see lots of older guys driving around in plain 300c around etc..they dont seem like nerds or wannabes.

You dont need to bet your gto mate..you keep it cos your probly still paying it off :wave: while im onto better things(in my opinion)! Geez..the GTO guys are so easily upset!

Anyway enuff silly arguing.. they are both different cars and doo what they do to keep their owners happy..I just wanted to express how I felt after owning them both... simple.

Cheers
Shane

[HSVMAN]

8HSVR8,
congrats on your new ride! Personally I love the look of the SRT300, its fat, big mean and fast for it's size. The entry model looks bland in comparison but still carries presence. Would I buy one over a VE HSV? No. But I understand why some have done so over VZ HSV like yourself.
All large cars have suffered lately being hit by fuel rise etc but I dont think it's permanent. Currently in NZ (you may have seen the news article) the worst hit is Ford, and I think it will only get worse for them because of their massive price cutting, effectively killing off resale across the range. Wholesalers dont want to know about any BA XR series on offer.
Holden have suffered also but will recover somewhat with new pricing inititives in the pipeline... Ford however have to battle VE for the next 2 years and it will hurt them a lot according to insiders I have spoken to there.
Chrysler on the other hand have not had good history of resale however the current popularity of the 300 series could help maintain good values. According to a leading Auckland wholesaler there are a lot of HSV's being quoted as trades (prob on new HSV's) but nothing coming from Chrysler dealers. Time will tell. Enjoy it while you have it :)

[Spectrum]

Hello HSVMEISTER!!
Finally sold the LX-8 after being broken-into 4 times in the last 12 months: pissed me off no end as I really loved the car. More frustrating was the lack of interest by the cops..."Ok, I'll send you your incident report for your insurance company"!!...

Now have a VZ SS which this morning is in getting a catback exhaust dpone during the 3k service, and then next week will get OTRCAI and MAFLESS tune....

Must say it feels quite claustrophobic in the SS after the LX-8. I'll get another LX-8 when I see a good deal going on one..

[Gatecrasher]

Congrats on the new car Shane


...Another huge reason for me to buy non HSV was because how much HSV rips you off again when you go to trade your used HSV.. by giving stupid trade in values..
You're dead right in that department though - from what I hear, trade in is shocking.

The guy I sit next to at work has a C180 Merc of which he paid just over $70k for 2 years ago new from a dealership. Mercedes sent him a letter in the mail last week offering him at trade-in value of $62,500 for the car if he upgrades to the new model. I thought that was fantastic value they were offering - esp after 2 years.

[HSVMAN]

Congrats on the new car Shane


You're dead right in that department though - from what I hear, trade in is shocking.

The guy I sit next to at work has a C180 Merc of which he paid just over $70k for 2 years ago new from a dealership. Mercedes sent him a letter in the mail last week offering him at trade-in value of $62,500 for the car if he upgrades to the new model. I thought that was fantastic value they were offering - esp after 2 years.

Trade in values are massively covered by new car margins on most Euros ;)
Where Holden and others went wrong, they gave away all their margins and the trades had to suffer. Even now late model used cars are selling close to same as discounted new cars :eek: From what I know Holden intends rectifying this and protecting the residual values of it's brand

[GTS215i]

Congrats 8HSVR8 on your purchase, my uncle traded his 300c in for the SRT and loves it. I've taken it for a test drive and i was very impressed by both performance and features, extremely comfortable too.
Some people here just can't handle anyone being an individual and enjoying another piece of machinery that hasn't got an Holden/HSV badge on it.



http://www.haroc.1337thing.com/ls1/GTS215/srt61.jpg

[VZ05]

The guy I sit next to at work has a C180 Merc of which he paid just over $70k for 2 years ago new from a dealership. Mercedes sent him a letter in the mail last week offering him at trade-in value of $62,500 for the car if he upgrades to the new model. I thought that was fantastic value they were offering - esp after 2 years.
thats part of a mercedes buy-back scheme.. more and more dealerships are doing this thesedays.. you just cannot say no..

i doubt you'd have much room to negotiate on the new car you trade in on.


those srt's are beautiful

[Gatecrasher]

That is a great idea Mercedes are undertaking. But you're probably right... wouldn't have much room to move on the price of your new car.

Still... I think HSV should implement this as it would probably help keep the 2nd-hand prices of their cars strong.

[Dacious]

Mercedes and BMW do this because otherwise their cars would die in the arse come resale time. This way, even private resale is artificially maintained because of the guaranteed price a dealer will pay. What it means is the dealer cuts the margin he would make on resale of the 2nd hand car (which he resells for new price - maybe 15%), but makes it up by selling you another new car for full whack. Pretty neat marketing. Plus the 'buyback' is probably conditional on you having full 'dealer recommended' servicing etc. Which means they will sting you on everything to do with the car. Standard 318 scheduled service @ every 7500km = ~$1000 according to my friend who has a poverty pack. And they don't pay their apprentices any more than Holden do....

You pays your money, and takes your choice. If you buy a new Holden or Ford, you may 'steal' it at a 'special' price. OTOH, when you go to sell, your resale is affected by shorter turnover in model life, coupled with probably the same car, loaded on runout, selling for less brand new than you paid 2 years prior. If your'e fashion conscious and turn cars over every two years, they'll get you coming, or get you going, whatever you buy. The only one who at the end of the day is smiling is the dealer.

The SRT8, if it is selling for over the odds, is because of hype, short supply and flavour-of-the month-status. Granted you are buying a German-made car. But it has US sensibilities (major selling feature=straightline squirt) and is entirely fashion-driven in appeal. Which means subject to the vagaries of fads.

Come back in two years time - then we can make an assessment of what they are going to be worth longterm.

[Aussie V8]

The SRT8, if it is selling for over the odds, is because of hype, short supply and flavour-of-the month-status. Granted you are buying a German-made car. But it has US sensibilities (major selling feature=straightline squirt) and is entirely fashion-driven in appeal. Which means subject to the vagaries of fads.


I don't agree with you on that one.

The Chrysler is significantly better engineered than the local product (notwithstanding the advances that may have been made with the VE). A fairly significant amount of the components are straight Merc and higher quality than what I have seen before on locally assembled cars.

I recommend you drive or ride in one and experience the great NVH compared to both Stateman and Fairlane. I ride in Airport Limos every week and I can report that the Chrylser is the quietest, smoothest, vibrationless and most stylish. It is also good value for money when you consider the kit you get too.

Sorry guys, read the motor mag test reports, they all rave about the SRT8.

[BigFella]

shane well done i love these things so much, the looks the power and just the way it looks on the road...

I wouldnt compare one to a GTO at all, maybe a grange but not a GTO, after all the GTO is just a 2 door VT commodore!

Well done and happy motoring!

[Swordie]

I would compare them to a Senator. There is LWB 300C on it way in the U.S. My initial impression when sitting in one is a VY/VZ has more space internally.

[Dacious]

I don't agree with you on that one.

The Chrysler is significantly better engineered than the local product (notwithstanding the advances that may have been made with the VE). A fairly significant amount of the components are straight Merc and higher quality than what I have seen before on locally assembled cars.


How is it 'significantly better engineered'? It has an iron 2-valve 'Hemi' that's not even a hemi - more like an iron copy of an LS-series motor. Underneath it's last gen E-class Merc - except in steel, not alloy. But it has US-grade interior materials and cliff-faces of hard plastic which to me are not a step up on anything local. In back-back comparisons in the 'states the SRT is only lineball with a stock LS2 GTO with 17" SS rims and crap BFG tyres, so a GTO or Clubby R8 should hand it it's arse in any dynamic assessment.

NVH may be good, but from what I've read even in the fanboi tests actual 'steering/handling/roadholding' is not up to HSV standards, due in no small part to its' +10% weight penalty plus origins as a US boulevard cruiser. For 95 big ones, if it's a serious performance car I'd expect a lot more. You are paying BMW/Merc prices for essentially a hotrodded US domestic.

Lets see where they are value-wise in two years' time. Looks are subjective - to me, IMO, YMMV, it is just a symptom of everything wrong with US styling, they've given up and just make slabby, chromed barges with odd unfunctional elements like squashed roofs.

[JNP304]

Good on ya Shane for daring to be different. Awesome looking car and good value. The standard 300 are outselling statesman and fairlane and prices seem stable so far so hope yours keeps up resale when you go to sell her. As for the comments by GTO grow up mate no one was attacking your 2 door Club Sport so leave him be!

[mac06]

Everyone buys a particular car 'cos that's what they want to drive. There is rarely any right or wrong choice, unless it's a Lada. Point is, if you're happy with your purchase then good on ya! Nobody else has to drive it but you. If you find down the track that you made a mistake, sell it and get something else.

On the subject of resale values, I remember years ago when Landrover Discovery's were flavour of the month. There was a 10 month waiting list and if you wanted one you paid full whack. Resale was good until they went out of fashion. Then you couldn't give them away. Same thing happens with all cars.

[Aussie V8]

How is it 'significantly better engineered'? It has an iron 2-valve 'Hemi' that's not even a hemi - more like an iron copy of an LS-series motor. Underneath it's last gen E-class Merc - except in steel, not alloy. But it has US-grade interior materials and cliff-faces of hard plastic which to me are not a step up on anything local. In back-back comparisons in the 'states the SRT is only lineball with a stock LS2 GTO with 17" SS rims and crap BFG tyres, so a GTO or Clubby R8 should hand it it's arse in any dynamic assessment.
Yeah, you make some fair points, but be careful zooming in on the motor as the LS-series is still push rod too. It may be a generation old MB platform but it is ahead of the currently available locals. What is it about the plastics? Okay the dash is huge but I reckon the plastic finish is good. Remember I said I ride in airport limos at least twice a week and cannot believe the Statesman dashes, ie. the dash comes from China and the airbag cover comes from India (well that is what it looks like)

NVH may be good, but from what I've read even in the fanboi tests actual 'steering/handling/roadholding' is not up to HSV standards, due in no small part to its' +10% weight penalty plus origins as a US boulevard cruiser. For 95 big ones, if it's a serious performance car I'd expect a lot more. You are paying BMW/Merc prices for essentially a hotrodded US domestic.
Maybe true on the full out handling. BTW the SRT8 is $81500 driveaway. Can you tell me what other import has as much performance, size and equipment for that?

Lets see where they are value-wise in two years' time. Looks are subjective - to me, IMO, YMMV, it is just a symptom of everything wrong with US styling, they've given up and just make slabby, chromed barges with odd unfunctional elements like squashed roofs.
Yup, sure, we will see but if the phenomenom of North American, the Middle East, Europe and Asian (yes the 300C is in high demand in Japan too) is anything to go by, the 300C & SRT8 formula is on the money and demand continues which will hold values high

[VX11SS]

Mercedes and BMW do this because otherwise their cars would die in the arse come resale time. This way, even private resale is artificially maintained because of the guaranteed price a dealer will pay. What it means is the dealer cuts the margin he would make on resale of the 2nd hand car (which he resells for new price - maybe 15%), but makes it up by selling you another new car for full whack. Pretty neat marketing. Plus the 'buyback' is probably conditional on you having full 'dealer recommended' servicing etc. Which means they will sting you on everything to do with the car. Standard 318 scheduled service @ every 7500km = ~$1000 according to my friend who has a poverty pack. And they don't pay their apprentices any more than Holden do....

You pays your money, and takes your choice. If you buy a new Holden or Ford, you may 'steal' it at a 'special' price. OTOH, when you go to sell, your resale is affected by shorter turnover in model life, coupled with probably the same car, loaded on runout, selling for less brand new than you paid 2 years prior. If your'e fashion conscious and turn cars over every two years, they'll get you coming, or get you going, whatever you buy. The only one who at the end of the day is smiling is the dealer.

The SRT8, if it is selling for over the odds, is because of hype, short supply and flavour-of-the month-status. Granted you are buying a German-made car. But it has US sensibilities (major selling feature=straightline squirt) and is entirely fashion-driven in appeal. Which means subject to the vagaries of fads.

Come back in two years time - then we can make an assessment of what they are going to be worth longterm.
BMW have a driving style based system, you dont service every 7000 kays can be up to 15000. As for 1000 per service thats bollocks.

[Pickles]

shane well done i love these things so much, the looks the power and just the way it looks on the road...

I wouldnt compare one to a GTO at all, maybe a grange but not a GTO, after all the GTO is just a 2 door VT commodore!

Well done and happy motoring!
It's very interesting to note how many 2 door coupes are based on their 4 door siblings. There have been, & are, many. In terms of vehicles mentioned in this thread, it is perhaps pertinent to note that the retro Dodge challenger, which will be available in 2008, is also to based on a 4 door platform, that of the 300C!
Cheers, Pickles.

[seldo]

I would compare them to a Senator. There is LWB 300C on it way in the U.S. My initial impression when sitting in one is a VY/VZ has more space internally.
I had a good sit in one recently side-by-side with my Senator, and I'm afraid it didn't ring my bell. I really wanted to like it and for an initial moment of rush of blood to the head thought I should get one...Don't get me wrong - there was nothing wrong with it except I thought it was a bit, um...bland inside, the seats were hard, there didn't appear to be as much leg-room in the back, and I found the high window-sill a bit claustrophobic... But, outside...with the metallic black paint, 22" bling wheels, chrome mesh grille and extra dark tint...it screamed Mafia.... Again, pretty tough, but not my cup of tea. I prefer the sleeper look...

[8HSVR8]

GTS215I

Ur uncles car looks great..exactly like mine..and im waiting on the exact saame grill! they do luk great and go great yea?!

Cheers
Shane

[Dacious]

BMW have a driving style based system, you dont service every 7000 kays can be up to 15000. As for 1000 per service thats bollocks.

He showed me the receipts on his lease statement - $980 for a major service including the special 'German' lubes and associated charges. And if you drive hard or in hot/dusty conditions the service indicator can come on earlier - like his does. His model 318, it's 7500km or six monthly alternating major/minor services.

[lowriders22]

Congrats on your new car. its a great show car with nice set of rims. most of the time people turn around to see the big rims on the car.....
Also it doesnt give the aggressive look like HSV'S. Perosnally i would prefer a HSV over any other car within its price range.

[fyreblade2000]

Hi All,

Congrats on your new SRT8!!!

All I can is VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE!!!

It's good to have Chrysler back in the Aussie performance scene.

Both Holden and Ford have been the major players since the early 80's and in my opinion it's good the have the old (matter of speaking) HEMI\Mopar back in the Aussie market place.

It won't be long now till we see a HEMI goiing around Bathurst!! woohoo!!!!

The contention of "King of the Mountain" can not only be based on who's the best driver but also who the best car maker.

Can you imagine!!! the top 3 leaders of a Bathurst race Holden, Ford, Chysler!? (Not necessarily in that order too!)

As more HEMI's come into the market place this will no doubt benefit us Holden\HSV and FORD\FPV lovers because now, there is more competition for our Hard earned dollar and I am not talking about price either. New Technology, Gadgets, Features and the like.

SO COME ON LADS let's be OPEN MINDED ABOUT THE WHOLE THING!!!

Just my thoughts!

Now let's all go to the PUB and have a beer!!!!:beer:

[VSSII]

He showed me the receipts on his lease statement - $980 for a major service including the special 'German' lubes and associated charges. And if you drive hard or in hot/dusty conditions the service indicator can come on earlier - like his does. His model 318, it's 7500km or six monthly alternating major/minor services.

True, BMW's can be a little expensive to service but any Benz is no more than any locally made attempt at a world class luxury vehicle. I remember about 9 years ago the then released 3 series was advertised claiming $300 000 000 of R&D went into it. Mercedes spent this same amount on the rear suspension alone!! However. This rear suspension was used on everything from the S class limousenes to the C class soccer mum cars. Everyone got the same mercedes quality no matter what model they purchased. BMW do not have this philosophy and hence are much cheaper. "german lubes"??? Someones getting scammed! LOL

Any attempt by a manufacturer to artificially inflate a vehicle's 2nd hand value will only be VERY short term. Check your redbook values for the last 20 years and you will see Mercedes Benz have the highest resale of any other vehicle.

[vt350phantom]

Hi All,

Congrats on your new SRT8!!!

All I can is VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE!!!

It's good to have Chrysler back in the Aussie performance scene.

Both Holden and Ford have been the major players since the early 80's and in my opinion it's good the have the old (matter of speaking) HEMI\Mopar back in the Aussie market place.

It won't be long now till we see a HEMI goiing around Bathurst!! woohoo!!!!

The contention of "King of the Mountain" can not only be based on who's the best driver but also who the best car maker.

Can you imagine!!! the top 3 leaders of a Bathurst race Holden, Ford, Chysler!? (Not necessarily in that order too!)

As more HEMI's come into the market place this will no doubt benefit us Holden\HSV and FORD\FPV lovers because now, there is more competition for our Hard earned dollar and I am not talking about price either. New Technology, Gadgets, Features and the like.

SO COME ON LADS let's be OPEN MINDED ABOUT THE WHOLE THING!!!

Just my thoughts!

Now let's all go to the PUB and have a beer!!!!:beer:

Well said mate, totally agree!!

[clarkey62]

Sorry, but I'm going out on a limb here.... FUGLY !!!!!
Agreed I reckon they look shitful

[payaya]

I don't agree with you on that one.

The Chrysler is significantly better engineered than the local product (notwithstanding the advances that may have been made with the VE). A fairly significant amount of the components are straight Merc and higher quality than what I have seen before on locally assembled cars.

I recommend you drive or ride in one and experience the great NVH compared to both Stateman and Fairlane. I ride in Airport Limos every week and I can report that the Chrylser is the quietest, smoothest, vibrationless and most stylish. It is also good value for money when you consider the kit you get too.

Sorry guys, read the motor mag test reports, they all rave about the SRT8.

Um did you read the whole article??

"The GT comes up much Rosier. From the first sniff of a curve you swear that the GT is 200kg lighter than the SRT8, such is its nimbleness. Its keenly accurate on turn in easily the most razor like of the three, with a superior fingertip communication through the wheel that makes the HSV feel woolly and the SRT8 lifeless. Balance is malleable and composed, and while the Gt is the most willing o hang out its rear boots, both throttle response and SSS six speed are sharp enough for the most accurate metering of Newtons on corner exit.
Braking suprisingly also falls in the GTs favor. While the other two get 4 piston glory hardware all around the SRT8 uses Brembos, the Senator has HSV premium calipers - the FPV males do with standard issue Brembo 4 piston front and generic single piston rear combo, and not PFV's Premium six pot/four pot option. And yet the GT offers the best combination of progressive feel and iron clad bite, far nicer that the Chryslers or Senators anchors.
Of course nine and ten tenths driving are merely two tenths of the overall equation. HSW Senator is a class act but four speed shows compromise at both ends of the driving spectrum. the grandest irony here is that the capable SRT8 punishing ride robs it in the one disipline it should command everyday crusing ultimately, the FPV GT all but clinches the deal as the most complete and refined driving experience thats not particularly lacking anywhere, at any pace, even if its fine executive status is tarnished somewhat by its cheap and lairy stipped suit.
funny enough though we all fought over the SRT8's keys for the haul back to Melbourne."

So its not the best stopper, its not the best handler, its not the most comfortable. I guess it could be better engineered in quality of parts and build quality.

I do like the Style tho :)

[OneManEmpire]

After watching the video review http://media.drive.com.au/?ie=1&source=drive.com.au%252FEditorial%252FVideo%252FVi deoIndex.aspx&player=wm7&rid=20379&rate=300&sy=drive&flash=1&t=08HHDH
of the SRT i found the guys comment funny... he said this thing goes like a cut cat...
he would piss his pants if he drove a real V8... like a 750 BHP 6.5 twin turbo animal that purrs and turns all the heads you ever want, and would suck the badge off the Chrysler and mail it back to you before it got back home... :wave:

It's not my thing i'm affraid, and i can understand your dissapointment at HSV resale values... on the flip side tho.. had you fitted an APS TT kit to either your of your hsv's, you wouldn't have needed some big heavy barge like the srt, that doesn't handle and is underpowered.

Just my thoughts. Glad your happy with it. I'll be interested to know what you get as a trade when that time comes, as we all know, it is only worth what someone is willing to pay... at the end of the day.

Be safe, be happy.