First non-Nissan car review(SRT-4):

[cullenj76]

OK...

I'm pretty comfortable with my decision. This is my first non-nissan car. This is what I think of the car so far...

Powertrain: In stock trim the car has gobs of torque everywhere, but is mild-mannered under supervision. First day I drove it and especially the first day I drove it after I "broke it it" I was impressed, but now I'm already in need of more horsepower. I bought a stage one ECU, but already sold it. I was planning on adding MOPAR stage 2, boost controller, turbo-back exhaust, suspension, etc. Now that I've added it all up in my spreadsheet(props to Hal), I might as well buy the .50 trim AGP turbo kit and be done with it. Only one problem... warranty. The car is brand new and has a pretty decent warranty.

Drivetrain:Damn thing is indestructable from what I hear and I'd believe it too after driving it for a few weeks. It's strong, firm, tight, and unforgiving. Sometimes feels like a dog-box transmission. Clutch engagement is suprisingly smooth, yet grippy. Not a comfortable, extremely smooth transmission, but feels VERY stout. That's a comprimise I'm happy to live with.

Handling:The car does not handle as well as my maxima did even when my maxima had 215/60 series crap tires on it, but the maxi had RSB,FSTB,tokicos, teins, and ES bushings so it's not really a fair comparison. The srt-4, like the maxima before upgrades, likes to tail-hop when sustained in a bumby corner. It does handle alot better than the maxima stock for stock, but is not as predictable.

Exterior:I am still getting used to the wing. I like the raked look(little higher in rear than front) and also did on the maxima with tein h-techs. The sideskirts, front lip, and rear valance(ground effects ) are mated to the car very well and do not look akward on it. I love the front end, but am not too taken with the rear. Happy with the factory wheels, but not the damn red brake calipers. Not a big fan of hood scoops, but this one does not suprisingly bother me.

Paint:I'm super anal when it comes to paint and so far I've found only a couple of blemishes. Back bumper is a little dull, but not noticeable to the average bear. P.S. Black sucks.

Interior:It's more outdated than my '95 maxima and it's ten years newer and it's as ergonomic as a cardboard box, other than that I'm pretty happy . Shifter is perfectly oriented for the driver as is the steering wheel. It's seats are comfortable, yet restraining in corners. Carpet and fabrics are subpar. Overall I'm satisfied.

Fit and finish: Not nissan quality but not unacceptable either. Somethings make me want to vomit or maybe laugh, but that's just me being a perfectionistic self-righteous car fanatic.

Overview:I am happy with the SRT-4. It's a real blast to drive. Reminds me of an SE-R... a real SE-R (91-92) in some ways. I miss my maxima, but would no matter what car I went with. Damn good car for the money. The fact that it is the best off the showroom floor platform to build upon is undeniable and proven.

Goals: At this point my goal is around 300whp/wtq on stock turbo with no nitrous while under warranty. Tighten suspension.

Naughty Goals: 450whp with no nitrous. Byebye warranty

[jdmfreak]

LOL! Sounds like fun. Im not really a fan of the SRT-4s, but looks like you're having a blast.

One question. Why black? I have a black Max and I know that they look nice when clean, but are a pain in the *** to keep em that way. Why'd ya choose it over the other colors?

[MinisterofDOOM]

I think it's impressive that the SRT-4 makes the power it does with that aged engine (its SOHC, right?) while its competition using things like VTECH and the like can't keep up. While I'm not particularly a Neon fan, I'd definitely say the SRT-4 is a respectable car, and I've always been a Mopar guy. congrats on the car. I know how annoying black can be, but it's by far the sexiest color on most cars. The SRT-4 looks a lot better black than the yellow everyone seems so fond of. Black is always better (Shift_darkness)!!!

[MetaOrbit]

Man...I'm jealous!

Sounds like a lot of fun. See if you can't trade trunk lids with a Neon SXT owner or something. Just hang out in high school parking lots..I'm sure you'll find some ricer in training that wants a wing that tall (the ONLY thing I don't like about the SRT4).

Have fun with it!

[maxhopper]

Just hang out in high school parking lots..

Too late, where do you think he found his girlfriend.

j/k

[MinisterofDOOM]

Hey there's a dude in my apartment complex with a neon who I'm sure would LOVE that big ugly wing. Unfortunately, his car is orange. Of course, he'd probably think that the new wing and trunk being black was cool since it "looks like CF." Iono, just a thought.

[jdmfreak]

^ Chances are that he'd think it'll be teh shiz if he had that black trunk, spoiler. But then again his car is orange so that wont work out for cullen anyway.