Hi everyone,
I am thinking of buying a Dodge magnum preferably AWD.
I'd like to knowwhat good/bad experiences are there with a Magnum AWD SXT or RT.

Also wanted to get some input on the gas mileage of AWD magnums, what about the V8 w/ the MDS.

Thanks for any input here!!!

 

I've got an '05 AWD R/T and I love it! Going through the snow we're getting right now in NE Ohio is a piece of cake. I also love the traction on plain old wet roads, you floor it and you go, no wheel spin(not as much fun-factor, but it gets you moving!) Cornering is great too. Car just seems to pull you right round the curves.
I average about 18mpg with a mix of city and highway with lots of short city trips every weekend. I'm not stingy with the pedal, so I could probably do a lot better. From what I've read, the SXT AWD doesn't get a whole lot better mileage, but someone that has one can tell you better than me.
Good luck with your choice. AWD or RWD, you're gonna love the Magnum!

 

Hello Fr8Hauler,
Thanks for your opinion, I totally agree and love the R/T awd magnum, matter of fact I test drove an 2006 SXT AWD yesterday, beautiful car w/ 40 miles on it but had bare minimal options. I currently own a 2004 Pacifica and thinking about trading in for an R/T. So i am leaving right now to test drive a 2005 R/T AWD w/ 40K miles on it and fullly loaded w/ nav, leather, sunroof etc.
Thanks again for the info, by the way your R/T is beautiful, I used to live up by Syracuse and I definately realize the snow fall and the need for awd at all times.

 

I test drove an 05 AWD RT last weekend and it was an amazing experience. The vehicle has 40K miles on it. I didn't experience any odd feelings about the engine and ride. Wanted to know if there are any serious problems that come up in mileage 40K and above on these RT's. I read there is issues w/ the tie rod and buffeting noise and transmission shudder? Any input would be helpfull before I buy this beast soon.

Thanks, -H

 

I havebeen dealingwith an out-of-balance feeling on my '05. It's a weird thing, it almost seems to travel from the front to the back and then front again. Recently, someone said it might be tie rod ends, I haven't checked those yet, but the dealer has been through just about every inch of the car to figure it out, replacing many parts(driveshaft, prop shaft, axle shaft, etc...). I have tried a few sets of tires, mostly Goodyear Comfortread. One day I think "it's gotta be the tires", next day I think "it's gotta be the drivetrain". This is definitely something to watch for, but I think there are alot of people out there who are having no problems like this with their '05. Good luck!

 

Bought one last week. Love it. 18mpg 80%highway. RT AWD Black/Leather/Nav
Insurance only went up $20 over my Accord. No problems so far except that gawdawful noise when u roll the rear windows down.

 

Which engine is in your R/T, the one you stated gets "18 MPG" with mix of city and highway? I have the 5.7 version and I definitely do not get that. I'm trying to get some idea of whether there is a problem with mine, or if the Hemi version is always getting way, way less than the trusy EPA numbers suggest.

I'll probably start a new thread if I don't find one related to the whole MPG topic (just joined today).

 

I am pulling 22-23 MPG with my RT and 5.7 RWD. I drive all highway and they are a great car for highway. They ride quiet and they stay put. Plus the Hemi is strong and the transmission responds very well to the pedal.