Well the journey is finally over, it’s been over one month since I started my hunt for a new car and it finally came to an end this weekend. It’s been a long harsh road filled with a host of automotive ups and downs. If you recall I started my search during the “Cash for Clunkers” program, but alas, it yielded nothing but annoying dealer confrontations. Then I tried the “certified used” route but this too was met with more aggravation due to inept dealers. I finally settled on a low mileage, privately owned vehicle that fit my needs and wants and honestly feel that it was the best way to go.

First I identified my vehicle of choice – in this case I wanted a previously owned Dodge Magnum SRT-8. Then I began my search through all the obvious sales vessels, ebay, Craigslist and Autotrader. Then began the phone calls and questions, emails and photo’s. Now keep in mind that sometimes, private individuals can be no better than dealers, but for the most part private sellers seem to be a bit more forthcoming with information, plus you have more room to negotiate when price talk comes around. After checking out some 15 or so SRTs online and at private residences I finally found what I was looking for some 900 miles away in Atlanta, GA. A one owner, 24,000 mile car that is truly in showroom shape.

The deal was struck and I flew down to Atlanta last Saturday to pick up my new ride. While down south we figured why not use the time to put the new Magnum through its paces and see how it really performs as a daily driver. The Magnum, like the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 is based on an old Mercedes E-class platform and shares common components like the transmission, stability control and front & rear suspension. Immediately upon taking the wheel the Magnum you feel as though you are driving something solid. Road feel is good, but the steering is a bit on the light side for a performance based machine. Interior components are good, but not great and you can see where Chrysler saved a bit of money. The seats in the SRT Magnum however are FANTASTIC and as a big guy this is something I look for in a vehicle. Leg and head room are top notch as well.

The obvious reasons for getting any of the SRT models are the engine, brakes and suspension. Now, there are those of you who will argue that this is not a “real” HEMI, but quite honestly, who cares? At 425hp / 420lbs.tq. the 6.1L is a mill that churns out some pretty competent power, enough so that it moves the 4,200lb. Magnum to 60 mph in a scant 5.2 seconds and propels it to a top speed of over 165 mph, not bad for a big ole’ station wagon. The brakes are 4 pot Brembo’s that float on 14.2″ rotors up front and 13.8″ rotors in the rear – to put it mildly, this thing stops. I drove the Magnum about 1,600 miles last week and all the while thinking that I had made the right decision. Oh yea, I also got around 21 mpg cruising at 75 mph – not too bad considering what it is.

The ride and road handling manners are top notch. Pitch the big Magnum into a corner and it complies without resistance. Keep in mind though that this is a big machine, so if you get it loose you’ll need to work to get it back. Traction control is the ever present techo-nanny that keeps you from having too much fun, but if you are so inclined you can disable it enough so that you can do those big smokey burn outs to impress the neighbors. Granted the Magnum is no longer the latest and greatest, but it’s big, comfortable, goes like hell and still has a big fat warranty on it, which is a huge plus on any performance based machine. Now, is it a car that I will keep forever? Not sure yet and quite honestly that will depend on how it holds up under NYC driving. I would like to think so, but only time will tell. As for right now though, I think I’ll just sit back in those big comfy seats, put my foot down and enjoy one of the worlds fastest grocery getters.

Two BIG THUMBS up to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and their commitment to saving lives. It’s simply amazing to watch this test and see how the Bel-Air just crumples up. There are those who will bitch that a Bel-Air was destroyed in this test, but as far as I’m concerned it was necessary to show just how much technology and engineering go into today’s new cars.

Definitely makes me think about putting full cages in the Charger and Daytona…

Purchasing a new car has all the makings of a good mystery movie. Lies, deceit, cold hard cash and a cast of characters that couldn’t be made up even if you tried. You start off with the best intentions, thinking this will be a wonderful experience that will enrich your life. You read magazine after magazine in the hopes that the information contained within those pages will help you decide on the vehicle that best fits your needs. You ask friends, family and search the internet on a relentless quest to make sure that nothing in the way of information escapes you. You pump yourself up with a mental Rocky Balboa style workout and in the end you are convinced that you will win the upcoming war with the dealer.

Most of us have had an occurrence like this and truth be told, it can make something that should be a wonderful experience downright painful. I’ve been down this road multiple times, each time thinking I was more prepared then the last, sadly though, this is never the case. I originally thought I was going to write a blog on “How to Buy a New Car”… but, as it turns out, I suck at it. So instead this blog will focus more on why I hate the process, why I hate salesmen and what I did to finally find the car I wanted, at the price I wanted to pay.

*Salesman… this next section may upset you so continue reading at your own risk.

Dealing with the customer 101 – A Note to the Salesman:
I could care less about your background, I don’t care where you went to school, what your dogs name is or what you did for a living before you sold cars. I don’t want to be your friend nor do I want to BS about politics, religion or healthcare. I want simple answers to simple questions. For instance, if I ask you: “How much is this car?” and you answer with “What do you want to pay per month?”… well… that’s not really answering my question is it?

You making your quota at the end of the month is no concern of mine and by telling me that I can help you out with this is not really a good idea. How about helping me out with a better price? I didn’t come there to help you, I came in there for you to help me. Understand how that works?

Finally, please do not treat me like I am an infant. If you want to sell me a car, please just answer my questions, be courteous and don’t lie to me – as a consumer, I hate that.

In the end the process of trying to buy a new car at a dealership was simply to much to bare, so I abandoned thoughts of a new car in leu of finding the perfect used one. I’ve already narrowed it down and so far I’m very happy with not only the direction I’ve taken, but more importantly with the people I’ve dealt with.

I’ll keep you posted.

But I thought it was simply hilarious and needed to be posted - Enjoy!