I am still in the market for an SXT, just trying to time it right with other expenses etc...

Now, the 05 stock is getting lean and the 06's are starting to roll in.

What are the basic differences for 06 over the 05 SXT's.

One thing that appears to be weird is the dodge.com website does not have an SXT RWD. You have to select the SE and then add the SXT package....They offer the SXT AWD as it's own selection...kinda weird....

I have issues with all first model year cars(Stratus, Intrepid), so I will not buy one, unless I am reasonably sure that it made very late in the first year run...does that make sense??

I just feel that they have worked out some issues in the 2nd year and it produces a better vehicle.

I am not sure, but I think you can get the 5-speed trany on the 06's, where it was not an option on the 05's. Is that a worthwhile advantage?

 

I would buy an 06 over an 05 simply to get the fold down front passenger seat. I've said this before - it gets really old reclining the front seat and removing the headrest to haul 2x4s, 2x6s, 2x10s - you get the idea - is it a wagon or isn't it? However once I got an 06 the first thing I'd do is order the gas struts for the hood. A prop rod? - geesh what next a K-car spare tire? Jury is out on the 5speed trans. Some poeple don't like how they shift and there's a TSB out on that too. Only drove a 05 SXT as a one day rental - with foot on floor trans shifted fine.

 

I've been waiting to confirm that the 2006 SXT will offer the 5-speed auto starting in October. 5-sp and a rebate will be a trick Holloween treat.


http://autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=102475


Chrysler expanding use of its five-speed automatic transmission
RICK KRANZ | Automotive News
Posted Date: 5/30/05
DURHAM, N.C. -- The Chrysler group will put five-speed automatic transmissions in 2006-model Dodge Magnum and Chrysler 300 models with the 3.5-liter V-6 engine.

The running change, from a four-speed automatic, will be made in the fourth quarter, after 2006 models go into production.

Chrysler said the change will improve vehicle performance and fuel economy.

The driving experience will be smoother, says Craig Love, vice president of the Chrysler group's rear-wheel-drive product team.

"You don't have quite so many upshifts (and) downshifts going through the mountains," Love said at a Dodge media event here. "That's when it really shines."

The five-speed transmission was not offered when the V-6 equipped 300 and Magnum went on sale last year because of capacity constraints. Production at the automaker's Kokomo, Ind., transmission plant is being expanded this year.

Joe Grace, senior manager of the company's premium vehicle platform team, says the five-speed transmission improves "real world fuel economy," even though the government ratings "remain the same": 19 mpg on the city cycle and 27 mpg on the highway.

Today the five-speed automatic transmission is available on Magnum and 300 models equipped with the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8. It is standard on the Hemi-powered 2006 Charger R/T and the 250-hp 3.5-liter V-6-equipped Charger SE and SXT.

The 2006 Charger went into production last month.

The four-speed automatic transmission will be used on 2006 Chrysler 300 and Magnum models with the 190-hp 2.7-liter V-6.

Fleet versions of the Charger SE will be equipped with the 2.7-liter V-6 and four-speed automatic.

 

I would try to get an 05 to get the 7/70 instead of the 3/36 on the 06's

 

I agree with Husker, go for the better warranty.

Bob

 

Last I read, the 5-speed would not be available until late December-Early January for the SXT.

I think the reason you see the AWD/SXT is the AWD is not offered with the SE.

 

I thought they dropped the 7/70 warranty for 05....

 

I have an '05 and it has the 7/70. I was told '05 is the last year.

Marshall

 

They (DC) changed the warranty for the 06 models. The 05 has the 7/70 and the 06 has 3/36

 

I got the 05 as it had the 7/70. It is a later production 05 and seems fine. I had wanted the 5spd with the 3.5 but oh well. Bought it in late june.

Even with the 4spd it goes down the freeway very nicely.