I am thinking about getting a Magnum.

I just can't justify the extra cost for the RT. Other than the HEMI what would be the next best reason?

Since I am considering changing from my 2002 Ram 1500 for MPG reasons, what MPG do you people get?

I am totally disappointed with my MPG. It does not even come close to what the sticker claimed to be the MPG, it's about 2/3 of the stated MPG.

Do the Magnums (regardless of engine) get the published MPG?

I drove V6 magnum while my truck was getting repaired and it was nice. The 3.5 V6 would probably be enough power for me.

Thoughts, suggestions?

 

From what I've seen and heard, you will not get the MPG on the sticker, at least initially. It appears to improve after some break in. If you were able to control yourself in the RT, I know I couldn't, you would be able to get MPG very similar to that in the SXT, at least on the highway. But like I said, if I had a Hemi, I'd use it. There are a lot of people getting 13-14 in the RT. I myself get 18-20 in my SXT with the majority of the driving being 2-3 miles at a time. I expect better on road trips but haven't really taken any yet. 356Magnum I think has touted in the 28-29 range on a long road trip. I think other than engine, the biggest advantage to the RT is the leather interior if you like that, better stereo options, and better looking 18" wheels. I haven't priced tires so I can't say whether the bigger tires is an advantage or disadvantage.

Basically the bottom line for which to get IMHO boils down to performance. If the 3.5 was adequate then likely the SXT is for you.

 

This thread kind of already exists here.

https://dodgeforum.com/m_176443/tm.htm

But to answer your question, I am getting a lot lower MPG than I thought I would with my RT. about 18 with mostly highway driving. This number is using the cars computer average and not good ole' paper math.

 

Then watch out because the cars computer is always optimistic by 1-4 mpg.

 

MY RT has about 7,500 miles on it now, also has a cold air intake and Flowmater mufflers. My around town average is 20 MPG, I live in a small town here in Florida and most of my driving is in the 40-50 MPH range.

On long trips (all interstate driving, using cruise control @75 MPH) I get at least 24-25 MPG.

If I step on it a lot, I usually get 16-17 MPG, still not bad.

Love my RT, if you can afford it, buy one. I should have bought the SXT (budget) but once I drove the RT - I had to have it.

Bob

 

if u're lookin for mpg, do not get the r/t. yeah the mds is great and all...maybe on a freeway lined with CHP and speed traps. but with the HEMI, u can't (i can't) help not to punch it here, there, everywhere (light punching eats gas too btw). it's like pie and ice cream. pie (magnum) is great but if there a scoop of ice cream(hemi) in front of you, you're gonna eat it (WOT)...and its gonna be goooood.

ps do a little searching on the forum...the pros / cons of these 2 wonderful wagons are all over the place

 

Klute,
RT all the way, man... You will have much more potential in the future. If you haveto stick with the STX, get the Limited Edition. It is basically an RT without the Hemi. I had to get all the options. I have a loaded RT, less Navigation System, Sirus, Hands Free Cell Phone and Sunroof. I enjoy getting lost, but not as much as finding my way again, so there goes the Navigation System. I don't believe in monthly charges, so there goes Sirus. I don't have a Blackberry, so there goes the Hands Free Celll Option. And, I don't like leaks in the roof, so there goes the Sunroof. Everything else was a keeper. Convenience Groups are very cool. Then the Safety Option. Bottom line, you need to chose if you want a Hemi or not. The STX will have the same options. But why not get a Hemi. Every STX Owner I've met on the Street like's their STX, but they like my RT better... And for $31,500, what else better could you get for that price. Case in point, with the RT, you can do this... [sm=gears.gif]

[IMG]local://upfiles/10346/741B74AD739D48D0AD2326514A0821C3.jpg[/IMG]

 

So what DID you get that isn't available on the SXT other than the Hemi and leather? (We all know the RT has more power so it's kinda useless for you to try selling the RT on that merit since Klute already said the 3.5 had enough power.)

One thing that I've been thinking is that the 3.5 is not the old slant 6 of days gone by. I think a lot of people who haven't tried the 3.5 are remembering those 6's. This 3.5 has more power than the 318's did when THE HEMI (426) was around.

 

Just as FYI, the SXT does come w/ LEATHER, as I have that option on my SXT. I also have a power seat (driver only) although no power pedals or passengar side power seat.

 

Sorry, I didn't mean to stir things up with the SXT or RT debate...

I really just need a vehicle that is a decent commuter (40 miles round trip(highway), which is about 3 gals in my truck) that looks good and handles nicely.

I want the abilty to haul bigger stuff...including my kids...