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Saw red WK2 SRT8 in person, no test drive (long review)

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#1 · (Edited)
*my opinion, my $0.02*

As I stated in another thread last week, my dealer had a Deep Cherry Red Pearlcoat SRT8 ready to drop at any moment. Identical options as mine, built Oct 5, ordered after me, but there first. The truck has been sitting in the rail yard 20 minutes away from the dealer. I emailed my dealer when I saw it on the schedule and asked if I could come in to see it before the owner picked it up so that I could get a first glimpse of it...not many people have seen them yet. He said no problem. The truck dropped yesterday at 1:45pm and he emailed me immediately, I got over there around 3:30pm. I told my sales guy why I was there and he went looking to see where it was, came back and got me, and then led me out back to the enclosed area where it was secluded. I was not able to drive it, obviously.

First Impression/Exterior:
As I saw it across the way as we walked through the gate (sun shining) I immediately was indifferent. First thing that caught me was the color. Once again, I apologize to those who ordered it and do not want to be a Debbie Downer, but the color was an immediate "blahhh" to me. It's not "red" at all. It is a metallic maroon. With sun directly on it and a bit of dirt it does sparkle, but it is still not a red, it's a maroon or wine color. Add to that the competition gray color to the wheels and I found it very non-aggressive/non-sporty. I was hoping for something closer to my Spice Red GTO. They had a new 300S out front in the same color, and I didn't find it any different on that vehicle either.

OK, I'll stop with the color and move on to the exterior. My next impression was....hmmm, that's a "big" vehicle. Almost as if I felt someone should open the release valve for a second and let a little air out. I have to agree with the many review articles that said it is a bit bloated looking/feeling. It seems much taller and rounder than the WK (technical it is, but I'm going on pure visual perception here), whereas the WK seemed/is flattened down and raked forward. IMO, the wheels are the same in person as they are in pictures...they are OK, have grown a bit on me, but still could be better. The wheels/tires are definitely a change from the WK, once again, bigger and more "puffy." They are definitely high-quality products though. The brakes are exactly as advertised though, big and beautiful. As I walked around the vehicle the fit and finish seemed very good. The hood is very cool and well done, as is the entire front end. Both look very good and clean in person if you are one who is on the fence when looking at pics. The rear is very tight and clean, but I have to agree, the chrome strip across the back is terrible. A little gaudy. Painting it would be better, but if you want the Jeep emblem to stay chrome (IMO, way to go) then you will need to find a really good paint masker. It's molded into the strip. I did notice a bit of orange peel in the paint here and there along the sides of the truck.

I peaked under the hood, all seems clean and equal to the pics and a typical engine bay. Peaked under the rear and the undercarriage is spotless and clean, as should be. As for those crying about the exhaust tips; the tips are approx. 3" in diameter, the horn section then flares out and I'd guess reach 4.5-5". I fail to see the complaining here...exhaust diameter alone means nothing and could actually hurt performance by making it bigger. Not to mention, there is only about 3" or less of pipe from the exit of the mufflers to the beginning of the horns. Overall, the exterior seemed very well done from a manufacturing standpoint. From a perceptual standpoint, it definitely did not give off the same attitude of the WK. It looks like another higher level trim model, not necessarily the “street racing technology” trim model.

Interior:
Not much to say here. Interior is very nice and I found it comparable to what every person has said so far about it. Seats are very nice, slightly different than the WK, but still just as nice. Steering wheel was cool and the real carbon fiber trim was exquisite. IMO, MORE MORE MORE was needed inside. Which brings me to my main gripe for the interior….the center console. Yes, knew it was there, but the long piece of bright plastic silver from the nav to the cup holders is too much. IMO, they should have done more carbon fiber. Not that whole thing, but accent the center with CF or do smaller sections in CF with the silver there as the trim around it. Sitting in the driver seat looking out the front, the vehicle does seem bigger and bulkier than the WK. The instrument and cluster is much better than the EVIC from the WK that looks like it is from the ‘80s movie “War Games”, but I can’t stop wondering…..how awesome would the new nav and EVIC performance pages look on here???

Startup/Running:
Fired her up to hear the 6.4L. Err…………all I can say is the active exhaust or new engine/exhaust components must be in effect here. No rumble, no gurgle, nothing. It was like starting a normal vehicle. I blipped the gas a little (once again, I’m being courteous to the rightful buyer) and did here a bit of rumble, but our stock exhaust WK sounds much better IMO. When I remote start our WK in the garage it makes the house rumble, when outside the garage you can still here the faint rumble. With the doors closed it is very quiet inside. All in all a little uneventful, I’m going to chalk it up to being new I guess (or hope).

Conclusions:
I understand I did not drive the truck, but a majority of a purchase for me is looks, value, fit and finish. I can get an idea of performance by reviews and specs and why I am looking at that vehicle. With everything said, the Jeep SRT8 is a very nice truck. It looks clean, seemed to be well put together, nice brakes and interior, definitely more refined than the WK. However……..you knew it was probably coming by my write-up so far considering I have not been praising it like the second coming like most have……..it’s not a $60k+ vehicle IMO. Those paying mark-ups are insane. $60-70k is where serious automobile action comes in to play. When you buy something there, it better be bringing it. Seeing the total package I like it, much better overall than the WK, but I can’t say I “love it.” It doesn’t give off the bad ass persona like the WK. It seems (I know it technically is) puffy, tame, TOO REFINED, for a model suppose to be a high-performance vehicle. I think Jeep definitely succeeded in making the WK2 more of an everyday vehicle, but IMO, that’s the problem. This doesn’t lend to the price reflecting a hi-po vehicle engineered for super enthusiasts, like the Z06/CTS-V/Viper/GTR/AMGs/X5m/Cayenne Turbo/etc. On the flip side, although nice and comfy, it doesn’t lend itself to ultra luxury in that price category either.

Like I said, very nice vehicle, I could own it and drive it and be happy. I just really came away from the visit with an ehhhhhh feeling. I want a new vehicle (don’t need one), I’d be happy with this Jeep, but the price tag/performance reviews/difference from the WK (which we are keeping)/size/looks, just didn’t knock me off my feet and make me want more more more. I am not naive, I will not dismiss the fact that the price gouging and scheduling delays could taint my feelings a bit. But at $60k+, I’m debating with myself that you should probably have desirable feeling unless you have money to throw away. I’m going to keep an open mind and not rush to a decision yet, plus keep an eye on the mechanical issues and how long these continue to sit in storage. Longer they sit, more it tells me there is a problem. If that occurs, I will definitely be backing out. Next phase, if I plan to go on, will be what my dealer wants me to pay. I will pay no more than my price protected invoice + tax/title because that is the lowest I realistically expect they could sell for. This vehicle's price point to me should be no more than $55k when loaded with all options. It is not a $10-15k better trim model than the Overland.

 
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#2 ·
*my opinion, my $0.02*

I will pay no more than my price protected invoice + tax/title because that is the lowest I realistically expect they could sell for. This vehicles price point to me should be no more than $55k vehicle when loaded with all options. It is not a $10-15k better trim model than the Overland.
Thanks for the write-up, Schlep.

I am in full agreement about the price.
 
#3 · (Edited)
I have the same feelings as you. Although I haven't seen it in person, I am on the fence. I am holding my cards for another 2 years and taking a job in Afghanistan. Hopefully something will catch my eye by then. It would be nice to see a factor supercharged version, but that would only mean it is going to be another 10K-15K more. That is getting into house price money and I just can't see dropping that amount of coin for something I don't completely love.
 
#4 ·
Great write up and pretty much how I feel, 55k I would probably get one. For a comparison an SVT Ford Raptor is about 1-2000$ over a similar loaded F150 and there are different body panels including fenders, bumpers, grille, hood and steps, engine, suspension, wheels/tires, steering wheel, seats and some trim. I know it's less than the competition of sporty SUV's but I just think Jeep is trying to get into a price point they don't belong. As for reliability I hope it's better than my Overland which is currently in the shop for a steering column replacement and I'm driving my Brother's Raptor that has been flawless since he bought it almost 2 years ago.
 
#6 ·
This vehicles price point to me should be no more than $55k vehicle when loaded with all options. It is not a $10-15k better trim model than the Overland.
+1 and I have been saying this all along. Don't get me wrong, I agree with you also that the SRT truly is a beautiful vehicle, but just not that much better than the Overland to warrant the steep increase in price.
 
#10 ·
A guy on the red site picked his new 2012 SRT up yesterday and he's got an issue with it. He was complaining about when he takes turns it sounds like it was binding up. He took it back to the dealer today and they said they need to place the TCase in it. They said the rear end wasn't unlocking. Apparently, the TCase and rear end talk to each other. I guess the electronics in the TCase wasn't letting the rear end unlock.

So..... looks like Jeep STILL has electrical gremlins. Was kinda hoping they'd fix all their electrical crap.

Soooo.... if you pick up your Jeep, and it sounds like it's got a spool in the rear end, take it back. From what the OP said, his Jeep isn't the only one.
 
#11 ·
I wonder if this goes back to the "wrong oil" that was put in. Wonder if something went into the T-case that wasn't supposed to and now it's causing this issue.
Sucks, cause you would think the "fine tooth comb" that was the extra QC would have caught this stuff. I also saw that he was missing a radio button behind the steering wheel.
 
#15 ·
*my opinion, my $0.02*
Nice write up, I have to say I agree with 100% of what you said...

Something I noticed on the WK2's is that the top of the steering wheel blocks the top of the gauges - unless you tilt it way up. I prefer it tilted downward and it that position to much of the cluster is blocked. I'm also curious to see if the seats will "soften up" after awhile, they are way to stiff - possible due to the ventilation design. While ride quality is a major improvement, the driving position/seat comfort in my WK seems so much nicer than the WK2.
 
#19 ·
Now I'm really worried. Is the Deep Cherry Red Pearl Coat really THAT blaaah? I have one on order. if its closer to metallic maroon or wine, it sounds like the Sienna color on my old 2000 Grand Cherokee. My current 2006 SRT8 is Inferno Red, which I really love! Have I made a huge mistake which I can't undo? Have any other JeepGarage members seen Deep Cherry Red on a 2012 SRT8 and actually LIKE it? Also, why would Chrysler select such an ugly color from all their available Reds for our vehicle. Going back to Inferno Red or Red Rock would have been more logical. I'm steamed.
 
#20 ·
The SRT 8 that was on display at the New York Auto Show better have been Deep Cherry Red Pearlcoat otherwise Chrysler has misrepresented its red on this vehicle and I will not be happy when mine arrives. All the ads and even the posting on their headquarters Better be the correct color red. Anyone have any insight on this?
Have fun,
Matt
 
#21 ·
The color is different. The "red" at the NY Auto Show was Deep Molten Red, which is what I wanted originally as well. The "red" now is as you mentioned, Deep Cherry Red which is definitely not the same color and is more pink/maroon in hue I think. They changed because of shortages in paint from overseas.
 
#23 ·
My in-laws just got rid of there 200 Crimson Red Metallic Bonneville last year for a 2010 GC Laredo. I immediately thought of that car/color when I saw the SRT8, maybe one small shade lighter. Below are two pics of the color, one in sunlight and another not in direct sunlight (which will be the norm unless you live in FL/HI/Southern Cal, etc.)



 
#30 ·
in normal light, it is maroon, like the second of the three pics above.

now, everyone reading can take what I am saying about the actual Jeep SRT8 I have seen in person, or you can believe the know-it-all who keeps posting pics of an Overland sitting in the bright sunlight.
 
#31 ·
LOL.....I believe the "know-it-all" above doesnt like being proven wrong....again. Theres more pics on this forum and none of them look maroon....sorry...its a fact. Or maybe Jeep is using some super secret "other" deep cherry red on SRT's that are built on the same line as nonsrt cherry reds.........
 
#32 ·
LOL.....I believe the "know-it-all" above doesnt like being proven wrong....again. Theres more pics on this forum and none of them look maroon....sorry...its a fact. Or maybe Jeep is using some super secret "other" deep cherry red on SRT's that are built on the same line as nonsrt cherry reds.........
I've actually seen it in person thank you.

Longer I am here, more I realize why you started your own forum. Well aside from being banned on others. So, keep having a blast with your snarky comments from your throne here ;)
 
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#33 ·
wait a second dude....I never said a damn word to you! You called me a "know it all" for posting my opinion and then posting pics of ACTUAL deep cherry red on a friggin Grand Cherokee showing you and others its not maroon and I am posting "snarky comments from my throne"! What a laugheR! You are like this on EVERY forum you are a member of! WOW...Im banned on the red site because I didnt want to become a vendor.....SUE me! You can spout off all you want and spew lies...but you dont know shit! Ill tell ya what else...you dont like it here.....friggin leave dude...NO ONE is keeping you here and I can think of about 100 members who would throw a party! hahahahahahaha....you make me laugh.....boy you take these forums seriously huh?
 
#36 · (Edited)
"every forum I'm on?" I only own this screename on the internet with two other forums, the red one and a GTO forum, which I hardly ever post on. So, I don't know how you'd know what you say you do ;)



yep, because with your attitude I figured you'd ban my name immediately and I need to still speak with a couple people here about things ;) BTW, Kingmonkey is still here, and has been ;)
 
#37 ·
ok...its the only username you use? f16harm?

I have seen the threads at the red site...Im a member there. Its all good bro...i appreciate your opinion...but others are gonna post theirs too and sometimes it may be in contrary to your own. IMO...its not maroon and I posted pics to show my opinion...thats all. The throne and know it all comments was VERY uncalled for. I do this site for FREE and I do the best I can to walk the line between letting members have their freedoms and opinions. Sometimes...im not gonna lie....its hard. I do the best I can to keep it on a level playing field for all members. Im not sure what you are looking for here? Do you just want everyone to agree with you?
 
#38 · (Edited)
ok...its the only username you use? f16harm?

I have seen the threads at the red site...Im a member there. Its all good bro...i appreciate your opinion...but others are gonna post theirs too and sometimes it may be in contrary to your own. IMO...its not maroon and I posted pics to show my opinion...thats all. The throne and know it all comments was VERY uncalled for. I do this site for FREE and I do the best I can to walk the line between letting members have their freedoms and opinions. Sometimes...im not gonna lie....its hard. I do the best I can to keep it on a level playing field for all members. Im not sure what you are looking for here? Do you just want everyone to agree with you?
Schleprock: I own it here, red site, a GTO forum, that's it.
It was f16hard: just created, comes from one of my email accounts, which originated from my college degree and occupation. There are twitter accounts, forums, etc. with both these names on them, not me.

What you just lectured to me is about is actually what I was trying to get across to YOU. For instance, on this color thing, for all intents and pursposes you're telling me, who has seen it and providing an opinon, that I'm full of shit and have no idea what I'm talking about and am dead wrong. Not sure if others who might see it are afraid to say it because you run the place, or just agree with you because you run the place, but IMO your comments and attitudes a lot are what you explained to me. IMO, that's not how Admins should run a respectable site. Part of the down side to running a site is having to be a bit more PC.

I'm done, and moving on from this. I am fine now if you are.
 
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