New guy here... questions on the Magnum...
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New guy here... questions on the Magnum...
I'm looking at picking one up by the end of the month here... i have a few questions if you could shed some light for me...
Would you buy it again if you had to chose over...?
Any nagging concerns about the car...?
How much should i be able to get an '05 RT for now...?
How the power of the Hemi...? does the car feel quick...? I'll be coming from an Audi S4...
How large is the trunk area, back seat...? I'm a bit over 6' tall, will i be able to use a child seat behind me without him banging into the back of my seat...?
Is there an exhaust upgrade to unleash some of the sound from the Hemi...?
Thanks...
Any other input would be appreciated as well...
Would you buy it again if you had to chose over...?
Any nagging concerns about the car...?
How much should i be able to get an '05 RT for now...?
How the power of the Hemi...? does the car feel quick...? I'll be coming from an Audi S4...
How large is the trunk area, back seat...? I'm a bit over 6' tall, will i be able to use a child seat behind me without him banging into the back of my seat...?
Is there an exhaust upgrade to unleash some of the sound from the Hemi...?
Thanks...
Any other input would be appreciated as well...
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RE: New guy here... questions on the Magnum...
Other than taking out a deer at 35 mph (the deer got up and ran off!...minor damage), I've had great luck with my RT. I'm getting 16.8 avg mpg on a city "stop & go" course from home to work (I live in Germany) and 22+ on the autobahn. I'd definitely buy another RT. The Hemi is quick but requires more rev time than I'm used to having crossed over from a 2002 turbo SAAB. Once spooled up it goes though. If you've had a turbo you may have to adapt to a bit slower spin up.
There's actually nothing about the car I dislike. The back seat is large, and at 6 ft, I can actually put someone back there without their knees being buried in the seatback. I've hauled two bicycles and a small freezer in the rear with the seats down (hence my move from SAAB...SAAB has no hatchback now in the 9-3 line)
All in all, a great car. I'm replacing the tires/wheels (need a higher speed rating for autobahn use), exhaust, hood, etc. I can't speak to the exhaust except that Magnaflow and Borla seem to be the exhaust mods of choice. We'll see in a month.
There's actually nothing about the car I dislike. The back seat is large, and at 6 ft, I can actually put someone back there without their knees being buried in the seatback. I've hauled two bicycles and a small freezer in the rear with the seats down (hence my move from SAAB...SAAB has no hatchback now in the 9-3 line)
All in all, a great car. I'm replacing the tires/wheels (need a higher speed rating for autobahn use), exhaust, hood, etc. I can't speak to the exhaust except that Magnaflow and Borla seem to be the exhaust mods of choice. We'll see in a month.
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RE: New guy here... questions on the Magnum...
I think my R/T is the best all around hot-rod I've had in a long time.
No problems except the occasional windshield pop.
Replaced the muffler with Magnaflow and the resonators with custom tips....sounds great!!
Getting a cold-air box also helps both performance & overall sound. I have the AirRaid.
Tremendous torque from a dead stop.
A chopped wagon, European drivetrain & musclecar motor...what's not to like
No problems except the occasional windshield pop.
Replaced the muffler with Magnaflow and the resonators with custom tips....sounds great!!
Getting a cold-air box also helps both performance & overall sound. I have the AirRaid.
Tremendous torque from a dead stop.
A chopped wagon, European drivetrain & musclecar motor...what's not to like
Captain
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: FL.
RE: New guy here... questions on the Magnum...
The Magnum with the Hemi engine is the way to go, great pickup and economy. I must be a slow driver because I usually average over 20 MPG around town and over 24MPG on the highway. Most of my driving around town is in the 40-50 MPH, living in the suburbs if a small town.
There is no "trunk" space, this is a station wagon, plenty of room with the rear seats up or down. A tall driver should be happy behind the wheel, especially with the available adjustable pedals and the tilt/telescope steering wheel.
I have Flowmaster mufflers and a cold air intake system, they give you more power and a great sound.
You can't go wrong with a RT, but don't expect any bargain prices on the 05's, most dealers mark them up.
There are a few used RT's out there, that might be your best bet.
Bob
There is no "trunk" space, this is a station wagon, plenty of room with the rear seats up or down. A tall driver should be happy behind the wheel, especially with the available adjustable pedals and the tilt/telescope steering wheel.
I have Flowmaster mufflers and a cold air intake system, they give you more power and a great sound.
You can't go wrong with a RT, but don't expect any bargain prices on the 05's, most dealers mark them up.
There are a few used RT's out there, that might be your best bet.
Bob
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RE: New guy here... questions on the Magnum...
Diesel, my bias opinion is that this car is the best all around car...especially for the price. The quality is great, and I've had friends who are used to Mercedes and BMW's drive in it with me and they can't believe how well it drives. As for the comparison to the Audi, I'm not real up on those cars. I CAN tell you that a newer A4 tried racing me on a winding country road and he couldn't keep up. When I saw him riding my butt I decided to see what I could do to get away and he tried to stay on me but I lost him, especially coming out of the corners. I'm sure his handling is a bit more spry in the corners since it was a lot smaller, but his power just wasn't there. At the end of the road at a stop sign all I could see him doing was shaking his head.
Only mods I've done on my RT are the auto headlamps and a 360 Air Intakez CAI (which probably adds more sound of HP than actual HP). Flowmasters are my next mod.
MPG I'm getting around 15-16 (I have a lead foot) on my city driving and around 27 on the freeway if I keep my foot out of it, 23-24 when I'm playin' around on the freeway.
Plenty of legroom and headroom too. A person who's 6'1" can easily sit in the back without hitting their head on the roof, and I carry my daughter and her friends in their carseats in the back without a problem.
Prices are still at or above MSRP from what I've seen and heard. They don't stay on the lot more than a few days if that.
Again...I'm biased because I own the car, but I really do love this car and wouldn't trade it for anything else right now!
Only mods I've done on my RT are the auto headlamps and a 360 Air Intakez CAI (which probably adds more sound of HP than actual HP). Flowmasters are my next mod.
MPG I'm getting around 15-16 (I have a lead foot) on my city driving and around 27 on the freeway if I keep my foot out of it, 23-24 when I'm playin' around on the freeway.
Plenty of legroom and headroom too. A person who's 6'1" can easily sit in the back without hitting their head on the roof, and I carry my daughter and her friends in their carseats in the back without a problem.
Prices are still at or above MSRP from what I've seen and heard. They don't stay on the lot more than a few days if that.
Again...I'm biased because I own the car, but I really do love this car and wouldn't trade it for anything else right now!
Professional
Joined: Jun 2004
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RE: New guy here... questions on the Magnum...
ORIGINAL: Diesel
I'm looking at picking one up by the end of the month here... i have a few questions if you could shed some light for me...
Would you buy it again if you had to chose over...?
***I would buy it again even over a Mercedes wagon or Murano or Volvo or.... all of which were on my original list of considerations. After 4100 miles I have not changed my mind.
Any nagging concerns about the car...?
***I've come to the conclusion the sound system stinks - crummy equalizer is the main problem - 3 channels is a total joke and there is no way to "get it right" by adjusting it. Power is ok but I can comfortably listen to it all the way up.
Non folding passenger seat is stink number 2. It gets old reclining the seat and removing the headrest to get 2x4s in - this is supposed to be a station wagon isn't it??? (this will be fixed in '06 - and I'm thinking of trying junkyards when people have had a chance to crash the '06s)
How much should i be able to get an '05 RT for now...?
***Certainly less than invoice. (Try Lou Fusz - tell Vicki Emling I sent you and we can split the finders coupon)
How the power of the Hemi...? does the car feel quick...? I'll be coming from an Audi S4...
***Surprisingly no it does not - at least not compared to my 1969 GTO. No torque off the line is the problem. But I saw the gas prices coming so I nixed the SRT8. And fun is available simply by getting the GTO out of the garage.
How large is the trunk area, back seat...? I'm a bit over 6' tall, will i be able to use a child seat behind me without him banging into the back of my seat...?
***Back seat is great, no trunk though, the tailgate is ok but the low roof line eats into the space.
Is there an exhaust upgrade to unleash some of the sound from the Hemi...?
***yes, and more mods should come as opposed to a mercedes or volvo etc.
Thanks...
Any other input would be appreciated as well...
I'm looking at picking one up by the end of the month here... i have a few questions if you could shed some light for me...
Would you buy it again if you had to chose over...?
***I would buy it again even over a Mercedes wagon or Murano or Volvo or.... all of which were on my original list of considerations. After 4100 miles I have not changed my mind.
Any nagging concerns about the car...?
***I've come to the conclusion the sound system stinks - crummy equalizer is the main problem - 3 channels is a total joke and there is no way to "get it right" by adjusting it. Power is ok but I can comfortably listen to it all the way up.
Non folding passenger seat is stink number 2. It gets old reclining the seat and removing the headrest to get 2x4s in - this is supposed to be a station wagon isn't it??? (this will be fixed in '06 - and I'm thinking of trying junkyards when people have had a chance to crash the '06s)
How much should i be able to get an '05 RT for now...?
***Certainly less than invoice. (Try Lou Fusz - tell Vicki Emling I sent you and we can split the finders coupon)
How the power of the Hemi...? does the car feel quick...? I'll be coming from an Audi S4...
***Surprisingly no it does not - at least not compared to my 1969 GTO. No torque off the line is the problem. But I saw the gas prices coming so I nixed the SRT8. And fun is available simply by getting the GTO out of the garage.
How large is the trunk area, back seat...? I'm a bit over 6' tall, will i be able to use a child seat behind me without him banging into the back of my seat...?
***Back seat is great, no trunk though, the tailgate is ok but the low roof line eats into the space.
Is there an exhaust upgrade to unleash some of the sound from the Hemi...?
***yes, and more mods should come as opposed to a mercedes or volvo etc.
Thanks...
Any other input would be appreciated as well...
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RE: New guy here... questions on the Magnum...
"***I've come to the conclusion the sound system stinks - crummy equalizer is the main problem - 3 channels is a total joke and there is no way to "get it right" by adjusting it. Power is ok but I can comfortably listen to it all the way up".
You can't possibly be talking about the Boston Acoustics system with the 250+ watt digital amp in the R/T.
I'm a musician, record producer that has owned several recording studios and the sound system in my R/T rivals some of those systems for power, the clarity is fantastic and I've never been able to turn it more than 3/4 without pain.
Mine sounds fantastic with either my homemade CDs, retail CDs or the satellite.
I've never heard a better car system including the custom ones.
You can't possibly be talking about the Boston Acoustics system with the 250+ watt digital amp in the R/T.
I'm a musician, record producer that has owned several recording studios and the sound system in my R/T rivals some of those systems for power, the clarity is fantastic and I've never been able to turn it more than 3/4 without pain.
Mine sounds fantastic with either my homemade CDs, retail CDs or the satellite.
I've never heard a better car system including the custom ones.
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Professional
Joined: Jul 2004
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RE: New guy here... questions on the Magnum...
ORIGINAL: Diesel
How the power of the Hemi...? does the car feel quick...? I'll be coming from an Audi S4...
How the power of the Hemi...? does the car feel quick...? I'll be coming from an Audi S4...
i am a HP junkie, and my only regret is that i didnt wait for the SRT8. well, i guess i'll truly know after a test drive one.
as for the sound system, the boston acoustic isn't bad for an OEM system. it's a little bit bass heavy. there is A LOT of room for improvement in sound if you go aftermarket, but that is the case with any car.
AJ_Gil i want to take u for a spin with my newly upgraded sound system i think you'll change your statement.
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RE: New guy here... questions on the Magnum...
ORIGINAL: Diesel
Would you buy it again if you had to chose over...?
Would you buy it again if you had to chose over...?
ORIGINAL: Diesel
Any nagging concerns about the car...?
Any nagging concerns about the car...?
ORIGINAL: Diesel
How much should i be able to get an '05 RT for now...?
How much should i be able to get an '05 RT for now...?
ORIGINAL: Diesel
How the power of the Hemi...? does the car feel quick...? I'll be coming from an Audi S4...
How the power of the Hemi...? does the car feel quick...? I'll be coming from an Audi S4...
) did its bes 1/4 mile in 14.20 seconds. Best 0-60 was 5.70. Its not a Vette... but going to Costco, loading up and still kicking the crap out of a Mustang at a stoplight (did that yesterday) in a Corvette. Poor sap could see the toilet paper and towels stuffed against the rear window
ORIGINAL: Diesel
How large is the trunk area, back seat...? I'm a bit over 6' tall, will i be able to use a child seat behind me without him banging into the back of my seat...?
How large is the trunk area, back seat...? I'm a bit over 6' tall, will i be able to use a child seat behind me without him banging into the back of my seat...?
ORIGINAL: Diesel
Is there an exhaust upgrade to unleash some of the sound from the Hemi...?
Is there an exhaust upgrade to unleash some of the sound from the Hemi...?
Professional
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 137
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RE: New guy here... questions on the Magnum...
ORIGINAL: AJ_Gil
"***I've come to the conclusion the sound system stinks - crummy equalizer is the main problem - 3 channels is a total joke and there is no way to "get it right" by adjusting it. Power is ok but I can comfortably listen to it all the way up".
You can't possibly be talking about the Boston Acoustics system with the 250+ watt digital amp in the R/T.
I'm a musician, record producer that has owned several recording studios and the sound system in my R/T rivals some of those systems for power, the clarity is fantastic and I've never been able to turn it more than 3/4 without pain.
Mine sounds fantastic with either my homemade CDs, retail CDs or the satellite.
I've never heard a better car system including the custom ones.
"***I've come to the conclusion the sound system stinks - crummy equalizer is the main problem - 3 channels is a total joke and there is no way to "get it right" by adjusting it. Power is ok but I can comfortably listen to it all the way up".
You can't possibly be talking about the Boston Acoustics system with the 250+ watt digital amp in the R/T.
I'm a musician, record producer that has owned several recording studios and the sound system in my R/T rivals some of those systems for power, the clarity is fantastic and I've never been able to turn it more than 3/4 without pain.
Mine sounds fantastic with either my homemade CDs, retail CDs or the satellite.
I've never heard a better car system including the custom ones.
***that's the one I've got and it still stinks. Since you say you are a musician then you must know about the vastly differing compression in music especially from say the 1960's vs the 1980's (and even Radio vs CDs), on top of that different artists and studios turned out vastly different product in the same era but 1960 vs 1980 gets the idea across. There is simply NO WAY to make all music with differing codecs and different response curves of the audio paths ( 2 track Beatles comes to mind) all sound fantastic with a 3 channel equalizer that tends to add more mud than it does bass, in fact staying close to "0" to me seems best. Which rings true - they tuned it for flat (or as flat as they could get it) and it's the emphasis/deemphasis curves that are the problem. For example based just on the BA speakers below 50Hz is a problem - it trails and it isn't terribly tight - although "tight" is also a function of higher level harmonics. Adding "bass" not only adds low energy but because the curve is so large it brings on the 60Hz "boom" so you can't win. Maybe I got used to my computerized 12 band equalizer with multiple factory and user presets to tailor the music exactly as I liked it. (At home I have an Ashley parametric EQ, 3 chanel dynamic cross and an old Carver hologram for giggles). For the price and what else is on the market/aftermarket it's simple, 3 channels are lame, and no presets is a higher level of lame. I'd rip it out except for the NAV and sirius. Oh power - Chaka Khan on 38 with the windows down is ok.