i have been very impressed lately whenever i have rented a new chrysler product and was wondering about the dodge magnum wagons. what are your opinions ,experience''s or any other juicy info you know would be great
I've never driven one, but keep in the mind that the Magnum is not new and is no longer in production. It was made starting with the 2005 model year and going through 2008. For all but the last of those model years, Chrysler was still part of DaimlerChrysler, and only the last model year was made by the current, Fiat-owned version of Chrysler. If you've been renting late-model Chryslers, I wouldn't necessarily assume your experiences with those cars would automatically translate to the Magnum, a car not in production for six years and produced for most of its existence by a company technically no longer in existence.
Don't know what years you are looking at but my suggestion is stay away from the 2.7 litre completely the 3.5 was ok although I seen a few with rocker arm assembly issues. The 5.7 seems to be the best engine choice, in my opinion. One of the most common complaints I hear at the Chrysler dealer where I work is front end noise. Usually what is refered to as the torque strut arms, the rubber bushing goes bad on them. They have also extended warranty on fuel tanks on the cars built on the LX platform to unlimited months and miles. So if you experience one that shuts off at times but immediately starts back up, it is a problem with the fuel tank usually. These are just my opinions and info I have seen being employeed at a Chrysler Jeep Dodge Dealer since 2005. If you have any specific questions I would be more than happy to ask some of the more experienced techs we have. All and all I like the Magnum and hated to see it go away and believe it to be a good car. Good luck with whatever you decide. Dennis
After driving and enjoying my 01 Durango, I'm even more curious about the Magnums. Its funny how even though I've always been a GM/Pontiac kind of guy, the only 21st century cars that I have any real attraction to are all Dodge. Durango, Magnum, Charger, Challenger.
Hummmm? Magnum's I've been behind the wheel of 3 of the 4 engine models. Never touched the 2.7L I think it was. IMO, the best buy would be a 3.5L V6 for economy and knowing it hasn't been abused and will still get you there quick enough. 2nd choice would be the 5.7L V8 (Hemi RT) because it will still live on 87 Octane. 3rd choice would be the 6.1L V8 (Hemi SRT8) simply because it requires 93 octane to function properly and I might be able to not loose my license for at least 2 or 3 months. And NO HOLE IN THE ROOF would be a + for me but that's a personal hang up I have with potential water issues... And if I added one more to the fleet I'd be a single man again for the first time in 51 years, Jer
I agree with the Drive Train Opinions already expressed, And I agree that I thought the Magnum is a very nice looking Wagon, when I actually looked at and tested one in 2008, I decided it is really a tall roofed Sedan, not a wagon. No lower storage compartment (space taken up by the spare tire and gas tank) and the low rear roof line was not dog friendly for us. Greyhounds need quite a bit more head room and space. It wasn't a bad car, but it didn't have any more room than the Pontiac G8 we purchased, and the Back seat was smaller than the G8 Also. Its to bad they stopped its production before Fiat could upgrade its interior. They have made a big difference in Chryslers Interior looks and Quality.
Though I've never driven one, I always thought they were sharp looking and was very impressed that Chrysler gave the station wagon a shot once again. Too bad it only lasted a few years or, perhaps, other manufacturers would've followed thier lead and started producing long roofs again.
Never driven one.... That was my big complaint with the styling - the severely slanted roof at the rear really limited visibility and cargo space. I thought it would have been a much more attractive wagon had the designers made the roof flat, or even given it a slight kick-up over the cargo area. Also... Weren't some years of the 5.7 V8 done with cylinder de-activation for better fuel economy?
Yes they were Marshall. Both 5.7 and 6.1. were designed and built to run on 4 cylinders. I guess my issue comes down to being ah tight wad. Those wagons with either Hemi in them make anyone selling one think they have a gold mine on wheels! the prices on either one with the larger engine is way out of line IMO, Jer
I've always liked the looks of them. Love to have one. But I like the looks of a pretty woman too. Can't really afford either! Too much expense and upkeep.
2006 they got the cylinder deactivation on the Hemi. I can only remember 4 or 5 of the SRT8 Magnums coming through here and even today if we see one most have low miles and primarily used for their specialty vehicle. When I was doing new car inspections we had the state contract for government agencies and had a few police package and they were fun to drive.
