Why? Because I can (or could). I used to make a wheelbarrow full during the high-tech boom here in Seattle. Since I'm a car freak I indulged myself w/ several I'd always wanted. The problem was that I always wanted something I didn't have so I traded often. Fact is, other than the 88' 911 I didn't keep any of 'em more than 18 months.

If I've given the impression I was rich and buying new stuff, I wasn't (other than the 00' Vette). I just got to whet my appetite on lots of older stuff (most 80's Porsches) including a '79 930 (a disappointment) and a '91 ZR-1 Vette (fastest car I've ever driven). Needless to say, I have a very understanding wife though I've certainly tried her patience.

For one reason or another it always seemed like I needed something different. Then, a couple of years back, I got custody of my two boys which changed things significantly. These days it's four doors or, at least, four seats. The tech boom died so I had to become a bit more reasonable w/ my car choices which includes vehicles w/ good warranties (read "new").

Also, not long ago I made an enemy of my insurance company by totalling my wife's RX-8 so I've had to become even more conservative.

Having said the above, I have to admit that no matter what you hear you're not losing that much over other, more expensive cars by owning your SRTs. I really loved the '00 Vette but knowing what it cost always took some of the fun away from the experience. Also, I'm not a gold-chain wearing, chest hair showing, blow-dried hair having kinda guy.

I will, however, own another ZR-1 someday - the closest thing to a sportbike on four-wheels I've ever come across. I'm also awaiting a big biz deal that, if it pays off as I hope, will make either a Lambo Gallardo or Ford GT a reality.

 

Interesting.

Yeah,,,You have had some great cars. I was just curious if there was something about the SRT-4 that pulled you to it vs all those other types of cars. After driving those types of cars, one might thing that you would find the SRT as a bit of a let down. It's good that you didn't, because you seem to have really enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing the logic on your choices. I really would like to have an EVO, and that's why I was so curious as to why LSP didn't like it. She knows her cars, so when she gives her opinion on one, I do take notice. I've never driven an Evo, but would love too. I feel the SRT doesn't have much power in first and part of second gear, so I find it interesting that you feel the Evo doesn't, either.

There hasn't been, as of yet, a car out there that I think would be my "perfect" car. I love several things about the SRT, but when looking for the perfect car, it doesn't have the looks. The car that I love the looks of, most of all, is the corvette, but when driving my friends C-5, it just feels cheap in some fashion. I like the Evo's look, quite a bit, but still, it is not exactly what I want. There may never be the perfect car for me, because I would be really hard to please, but as far as a great car for the value, the SRT is close. I even like the interior on it. I don't like the headlights on it, and I would love for the fender wells to be wider. But overall, there is something about this car that I just really like.

Gotta run,,,,,I have to find out which gold chain I'm wearing tomorrow, and also blow dry my hair. I have this really bitchin open collared shirt that I'm wearing tomorrow, and I need to get enough rest so that my chest hair stands proud and erect.

Thanks for the comments

 

Hope you didn't misunderstand the Vette ref about the gold chains, et.al. Maybe it's just me but most guys (my age) driving Vettes seem to fit that category.

The SRT was a GD hoot for the money. I've always had a thing for cheap speed and this car fills that bill perfectly. It's been less than two days an I've had plenty of buyers remorse re: trading the SRt for the Evo. I really hope I'll get over it but that's just the way I am.

BTW, the only reason I'm unsure of the Evo is that I can't yet rip on it because I'm still in break-in. I believe I'll like it more than the SRT but won't say so until I have reason to.

Bottom line is, the SRT is one helluva deal at it's price. I've had lots of cars and I consider mine one of the most enjoyable given all the factors involved. Isn't that what it's all about?

 

yeah the Evo's are a nice car,but i wouldn't trade. i am also thinking about an Evo. going to keep the SRT though.

 

Should of waited for 07.



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Wait for '07? Hell no... I'll jes' trade 'er in...

 

That used to be my old screen name. Yes, I am a chick, and thats me and my car with Providence, RI in the background in the sig. I just liked the way I made that sig better than some of the newer ones I made, so I put it back up.

I really like the C5s. The suspension control my friend's C5 has, is 3 options. Touring, Sport and Performance. I havent seen too many C5's with this in them, but its very impressive I must admit. I steal that car whenever I get a chance. Though we did race once, and I won......[8D]

 

Well, I would like to contribute to this EVO and Corvette debate.

Two years ago I wanted an EVO bad. After joining some forums and reading some reviews, I started to get nervous about the clutch and other warranty issues. I remember one poll said 26% had clutch issues and of those 30% said the dealer did not want to replace it under warranty. The district manager had to review the case, and it took time. That scared me away.

The next year the srt-4 came with a limited slip, and I bought one. I love it. 30k miles in a year and a half love it! I love to drive. The car (sorry lilsparkplug) has given me ZERO issues. Yes, I have modified it (stage 1). I have ran a 13.8 (never drag raced before) in Muncie In and still am very happy with that.

My father owns a Corvette. Very cool car. It feels faster than my SRT-4, but my SRT-4 has spanked it EVERY TIME to 60 mph. Go figure.

Last Sat, I went and checked out the EVO IX. I like the new seats, rims, and 10 additional horses. I don't like the 35k sticker. Yep, the car handles like a dream.

If it were in my means would I trade my SRT-4 for the EVO? Most likely no. If the SRT-4 were paid off and I had the means would I get the EVO? Yep. I would take one over a Corvette.

My 2 cents. Thanks for listening.

 

It all boils down to what is most important to you. For me, the idea of saving over $10,000 and still having a car with kick-butt performance (aka most bang for the buck) was a perfect match. After all, when you get down to basics, any car will get you from point A to point B and with the traffic in most metro areas today, the chance to really "punch it" is getting more rare by the day.

Besides, the 10K will just about pay off my 40 acres in Colorado. Sometime in the future if you're tooling down state highway 142 about 3 miles east of the Rio Grande river in the San Luis Valley, stop in for a beer. We'll compare notes on how much your depreciated "must have" car is worth versus my appreciated home and property.

Just my 2 centavos.....

Dusty

 

and just for the record... LilSpark = hottie...