I'm interested in buying and 2003 SRT-4 with 40,000+ miles on it from a dealer. My main concern is how do I know if it has been abused and what is going to be the life span if I do actually buy it? Is there some pointers for me to tell me what is wrong with it or what to look for?

 

Personally, I'd pass on a 2003 model for a couple of reasons.......First, you'll get 15 more horsepower if you buy a 04 or 05. Second, the 04 and 05 have a limited slip diff (LSD) that was badly needed on the 03 model.

Whatever model you get, stay away from those that have been heavily modded. They usually have been driven pretty hard. Try to get one with an oil catch can that was installed by the owner. Most people that do that have an interest in maintaining their car, at least to a degree.

Dusty

 

Thanks Dusty. I was doing some research it said that the 2003 was underrated with 215 HP but I definately agree on the LSD.

 

Dodge also put bigger fuel injectors on the 04/05 model years and tweaked the PCM as well. The 03's suffered from fuel starvation at high speeds. Depending on who's dyno you believe and the weather conditions, Modern Performance rates the later models at around 245/250 hp with only a drop in K&N filter.

 

03's suffered from fuel starvation at high speeds??? hahaha now i really have heard it all. funny, my car was stull pulling hard at 145mph on the stock injecgtors. stop the 03 bashing please, they're not nearly as bad as people want to believe they are. the lsd doesn't make THAT big of a difference (yes i do know that, i had no lsd and now have one), and they were just as fast in a race as a 04/05. i did a 13.8@101 stock, with my fuel starved open diff 03 lol