I have been looking at the SXT (in lui of an SUV)- Hemi is nice but I can't justify all that power if im not towing something or racing - and the last thing I need is tickets. so as a parent and hunter and fisherman -who will occasionally be hauling a deer or two and a trunk full of fishing equipment and yes - maybe some lumber from home depot. i am curious to know a few things from SXT owners.

FIrst - how many SXT owners are out there and how many are having (or not) the problems described in some of these threads (accelaration, pull to right - etc) - out of you who are - when was the car manufactured - is it an early April model or later?

Second - The car seems low to the ground. anyone experience any ground clearance issues? I plan to take the car upstate, grass farm roads (not mud tracks) and am not sure this is the car to use.

THird - true MPG of the SXT.

Fourth - what are you hauling and what drawbacks are you finding with room

I test drove both the RT and SXT and I have to say they are nice - i am quite sold on the SXT - and the magnum is touted as the car to replace the SUV - (at least in some reviews I read) but not sure if its going to be very practical (comfortable no doubt) for everyday use. I now own a subaru and throw just about everything i can think of in it (now don't go ballistic on me - cars are for using and hauling stuff)

 

I have a sxt, I have a little pull, I have not gone back to the dealer yet, it is not that bad, however i will bring it in shortly. I had a mini van that I traded in for it. I have three small kids, they don't fight anymore or less then when they were in the van. I just took a 7 1/2 trip with the wife three kids and a labador(I bought when of those cages to keep the dog in the back) had pleanty of room for or luggage even with the dog in the back. I made the tri on one tank of gas, I have not figured out the actual milage yet, but it is better then the mini van got. I was going to get an R/T, but like you said with the kids and stuff, how often was I going to be able to get on it? The SXT is just as much of an attention getter, It almost makes you laugh how much poeple stare at you, everywhere I go people ar looking or asking me about it, you would have thought it was a Ferreri or something. I am going to be pulling a Jet Ski as sone as the hitch gets released.

 

To answer some of your questions:
Front end pull - yes, I was one of the first to get it actually fixed, July 7, after three trips to the dealer, they finally got the correct specs from Hunter Alignment. Now runs true with the slightest of crowning. That's normal.

Ground Clearance - NOt a brush buggy for sure since you only have 5.8" of ground clerance.

Gas Mileage - I do about 50/50 hiway and city and am currentloy getting right at 22 mpg as a composite.

Storage/Hauling - No complaints so far. Deer/fishing gear: be sure to get the cargo liner or use some heavy plastic sheeting (sheeting will problay be a lot cheaper). Hauled two complete computer systems with large laser printers, etc. I also play drums and have put my rather large kit in the car with minor difficulty. I use to use my Expedition to haul mydrum kit in, just for reference. Here's a pic of my SXT and my drums to give you an idea.

[IMG]local://upfiles/5539/BDAD6BFDE4514D228F5325A8C437200D.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/5539/2A0D50D5068146A2821FFF27274687D5.jpg[/IMG]

 

NIce DrumKIT (nice magnum too) - how do you fit all that in the car? do you have to put the back seats down or get it all in the trunk?

I am waiting for the AWD drive to come out and then decide - I kee coming back to the magnum after every car I test drive - so if I dont like the last one on my list - im sure I will be getting the Magnum.

 

back seat down and packed TIGHT!

 

Ive had no problems yet.
Lovin the space and the power (upgraded from a honda civic)
I packed enough camping gear for 5 people and 4 actual people inside and rode in complete comfort

 

Here's the latest. I may now have the only Magnum SXT that has dual exhaust! Sounds almost like the Hemi at idle and pretty awesome when under a load. Have noticed substantial increase in low end torque and definitely climbs up the RPMs faster. Haven't put it on a watch yet but it seems faster now or maybe it's just my imagination. Here are some shots of what the install looks like and a link to what it sounds like now. I just hope everyone is having as much fun with theirs as I am with mine.

http://home.houston.rr.com/sikpuppy/MVC-405V.MPG

[IMG]local://upfiles/5539/A6934BBF22804F7EBBD8FADFB50C2F82.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/5539/9C6FE02851234D53A00F8A1889B55706.jpg[/IMG]

 

My SXT was one of the really early builds so I think that's why I've had my share of little problems, nothing catastrophic though:

1) Pulled to the right, got it fixed second time around; still VERY sensitive to road crown, however, so I am not 100% convinced it's right yet

2) Loose foam in the front fender panels (just forward of the front door hinges) were not glued down as they should be, so I experienced a ton a wind noise/flapping above 50mph

3) Air bag lights stayed on constantly. Had them recalibrate, works properly now.

4) Passenger side window switch stopped working in the up direction.

5) Broken front headlamp clips, noticed this before I even purchased the vehicle. Was probably due to transport. Caused headlamp to be loose in its socket. Just plain bad on a brand new car.

6) Broken rear headliner clip caused sagging in rear headliner. Again, where's the quality control people? On break?

7) My tires make a faint but noticeable "patter" sound, like you would expect from old or improperly worn tires. I think this might be alignment-related, but my SXT has not been as quiet as I had hoped.

Anyway, I knew that buying a brand new American model comes with risks so I accept these things (even though I shouldn't). Truth is, if I get a big raise sometime soon, I will probably trade my SXT for an R/T. So ultimately, the car is cool enough and offers good enough value that I am willing to overlook these bugs (even though I shouldn't).

On the positive side, I love the silky smooth engine and transmission, this car feels tight as a vault like a Mercedes, great handling due to 50/50 weight distribution, it's roomy, hauls a ton of cargo (I've already put it to the test), and gets looks where ever I go. Even mommys take notice. Priceless.

 

Hey Sikpuppy, how did you do the exhaust thing? Can any shop handle it, or what? Can you post the part numbers or whatever is required if another SXT owner wants to install? Thanks, man! Sounds cool, you're right, almost like an 8 cylinder.

 

The mufflers are Flowmaster 40s, all the piping was bent by the exhaust place. Made to fit, nothing in a kit as of yet but there may be something in the works. I've visited with my dealership, Allen Samuels, here in Houston, they loved the sound of the big bore V6. The service writer I work with brought out the service manager, he then brought out the sales manager, then out comes the general manager, just to here the car! Buch of really cool guys and one of the largest dealerships in the country to boot. They are going to try to get DC to do the V6 with duals for them or at least put together a kit, I mean, the pipes off the Hemi would work perfectly since they ARE the same from the exhaust pipe on back. The one trick is the cut out for the left side exhaust. I made a cardboard template from the right side, made a mirror image of it, the transferred it to the left side and cut it out with a Dremel tool. Came out great and took all of 5 minutes to do and saved a TON of money. The rear boot, unpainted cost $285, w/ paint and install between $500- $600. Believe me, this thing sounds much better in real life and even more gutsy when under a load. Thanks for the comments and let me know if I can give any more info.