Is the Srt-4 for me?

I’m a proud owner of a 1995 Mitsubishi 3000gt SL. Despite everyone’s beliefs my car has proven to be very reliable. I bought it at 106k miles 3 years ago, and at 140k miles now, I’m ready to sell it. It’s time for a new car.

My budget is about $17,000. It is very tempting to buy a 3000gt VR4, a little too tempting. But this time around I’m looking for reliability. I was thinking along the lines of a Honda Civic Si Hatchback, but it lacks in the power department. I love fun cars. I am looking for logical, intelligent, unbiased opinions.

My job is roughly 20 miles away, and I travel out of state a lot. I’ll be putting an estimated 2,000 – 2,500 miles per month on which ever new car I purchase. I’m not looking for fuel economy as the 3000gt is below average so any car would be an improvement. I do a lot of driving. I very rarely abuse my cars. I’ll be going to school for these next 4 years so I need a car that would hold up for that long. I will keep the Srt-4 completely stock just as I have with my 3kgt. I’m just looking for a car that I wouldn’t have a worry in my mind of it breaking down on me mid-trip as I’m driving out of state. I’m not sure if the Srt-4 is that car. But they sure look like fun. Any opinions? Thanks

The Srt-4 is as reliable as you make it, if that makes sense. As long as basic upkeep is met then she'll be extremely reliable. If you are planning on doing a lot of driving, then stock would definitely be the way you would want to keep it. With 17k, you could get an 04-05 with less than 20k on the clock.

It seems that just about everywhere I read the SRT-4 gets bashed on in the reliability department. I’ve read so many negative remarks about its reliability that I now have this notion of the SRT-4 being a malfunctioning mechanical nightmare. I will test drive the SRT-4 and the WRX. I’m going to have a blast with the SRT-4 I’m sure of it. It will most likely be more fun than the WRX, but the deciding factor will be reliability.

Why do most people say these cars won’t make it past 100k? Did Dodge/Chrysler really build a car that horrible?

If I get the SRT-4, I just picture myself taking it to the shop once every few months. I don’t want that. I will baby my next car with maintenance. Maybe you guys can get my hopes up. I know a car lasts longer if it’s properly maintained. But everywhere I read it people call it “just another cheap plastic neon.” How does the SRT-4 feel when you’re driving it? Does it feel cheap?

Sorry, but from everything I’ve read I picture this car rattling plastic at 100k miles … Someone please prove me otherwise as I have no knowledge of SRT-4’s. They are beautiful machines to me. I’m not sure why people bash on it just because it’s a neon because really, it’s not. Shed some light please. I need a car that will last me 100k miles. Thanks

I'll go out on a limb here and say you've been asking these questions on non-srt forums. My friend has one with 107k and still boosts 17lbs dailey. Like I told you, they are as reliable as you make them. I bought mine brand new and the only thing to go out that wasn't because of myself is the clutch master cylinder. Other stuff has broken but it was because I had modified it or changed it. Personally, I would not trust buying a high mileage srt solely because of the fact that I don't know where it's been and whose being romping on it. The motors are still overbuilt and can handle a lot, though.

I've been snooping around in the wrx and honda forums a little too much. So many people hate on the srt-4's ... it's ridiculous. In the 3 years that I have had my 3000gt SL I can honestly say that I respected any and all srt-4's. I have never looked at them as "a neon with a turbo". And I never dared to race one, ever. So I have total respect for them.

But I hope it isn't as people say it is. I've read stuff like "my friend's srt-4 literally fell apart", and that scares me ... I'm not about to spend 17g's on a car that won't last me 3 years. But then again using logic, no offense to anyone, but most teenagers acquire this car as their first car, first manual, first driving experience, and that plays a lot in reliability. I'll be test driving one really soon.

Do they feel cheap? And by cheap I mean like plastic? I once rented a base model PT Cruiser and hated it due to everything from Dash Board to Door Side panels being 100% plast. It felt cheap. If I get an srt-4 it will be for spring/summer cruising (and joy riding) for myself and my girlfriend. I'm not looking for Luxury, but I'm also not looking for cheap plastic material everywhere I touch.

I love the styling of the srt-4 and so does my girlfriend, "Just don't get the orange blast" she says lol which in my opinion is an awesome color that mixes very very very well with a light grey. I hope I'll love the build of the srt-4.

*Double Posted* Please Delete =P Thx