I test drove the 3.5 litre AWD magnum and was very impressed. I've been looking for a car that meets several needs. AWD is big. being able to take my big German Shepard here and there is another. I was looking at the Magnum(before i even knew it was available in AWD) the STi, the EVO, and my early favorite the 350Z. Well the 350 is out cause it has shit storage and that RWD would not to well in bad weather. I wasn't as impressed with the price and power of the EVO. I really dig the STi but no test drive, so I test drive the WRX. Fun car but the back seat doesn't fold down. Toting the dog around would be a lot less fun in that car.

I liked the Magnum's looks from the start. But I thought it's size and weight would really bug me being as 5 days out of the week it's just me in the car driving to and from work. But my test drive was surprising. First off the interior of the Magnum was simple yet felt clean and luxurious. A much more laid back feel than the WRX. The 3.5 would be a little weak for me, but I was impressed with how smooth and light the car felt. Much like my Intrepid feels much lighter than it looks. I have a feeling the R/T would feel even better.

How is the reliability of the new AWD system? The Dodge also had the best warrenty. 7/70 is pretty nice. The Magnum optioned the way I wanted it came in at $36 while the STi I saw was on sale for $31. The WRX felt more of a car for a younger person, where the Magnum felt more mature. And by mature I don't mean old man, I mean like professional but with a wild side.

I'm not sold yet, but I was pleasantly surprised. I want to test drive the R/T when they get one in, but this has opened my eyes to how much I liked the new series of Dodges. I'll be very interested to see the SRT-8 and Charger coming out this year. Should be interesting.

Mike

Hey Mike: Which dealership did you go to?

that's kinda high for a 3.5, but i could be mistaken. did you option the hell outta that thing?

Hey Mike: Which dealership did you go to?

Fitzgerald in White Flint/Rockville. they seem pretty nice over there.

The $36K price tag was what i did online for an optioned AWD R/T. Sorry the 3.5 was comin in way cheaper than that.

Mike

I haven't driven an awd version but I have driven both the SXT and the R/T. The R/T is fast like you'd expect but what surprised me was the SXT. It moved out pretty well; better than I expected. I'm hearing that there aren't too many awd versions available (not sure how many were made for this production run).

if your looking in that price range, id go check out the Chrysler 300's as well. and whats the infinity G35 run price wise?

Well the infinity is the same body as the 350Z, only with a back seat. I doubt there is going to be anymore room for a dog in that car vs. the 350. As for the 300C, I was hoping that front end would grow on me, but so far I still can't get past that grill. Way too bling bling for this white boy.

I'm hoping the Charger comes with a fold down rear seat, if it does then it might be a contender.

An SUV is the obvious solution, but I've spent so many years cursing them and their drivers as following a trend. I'd hate to be a hypocrit by buying one now. Mostly cause the gas mileage would suck 5 days out of the week!

Mike

I've driven the 3.5 Magnum 2wd and was very impressed. Probably my next car. I may drive the Hemi, but I have to make damn sure I could afford it before I do that since I'm sure I wouldn't want the 3.5 after a spin in a hemi!!

I drove an AWD with the 3.5, but the stupid dealer f*cked it up by putting low profile sh*tty tires and wheels on it and the ride and handling were just plain weird. Plus, with the low profile tires on an AWD there was so much clearance between the tire and the fender it just looked stupid. I wasn 't at all impressed, but will someday drive an AWD that hasn't been "modified"

lil tip, look for a dealer that sells in SURPLUS, i read on the magnum.net site that most of teh R/T owers bought their cars for 100 bucks elow invoice

thats $29,900

im thinking about it my self

ALi