Hey all, I've been looking to replace the Monte for some time, just because she's getting a little higher in mileage than I would like and I just think it's time for something new for a daily driver vehicle... Here are the couple of cars that I'm really considering:

-2008/2009 G8 GT
-Pros: Fast/fun, roomy, LS engine (reliable)
-Cons: RWD - Wisconsin winters would be somewhat rough



-New Gen Charger R/T AWD
-Pros: Fast/fun, roomy, good powertrain, nice interior, AWD
-Cons: Although it is AWD, ground clearance is somewhat lacking



-2008+ Silverado 1500 4x4 LT
-Pros: Quick for truck, can tow my cars, can gather parts, good space, whole bed for extra storage, 4x4 and tall, basically an LS engine so it'll be reliable
-Cons: Gas mileage, not as fun to build as a car



-Dodge Ram 1500 - Newer Gen
-Pros: Good power for its class, can tow cars, can gather parts, good space, bed, 4x4 and tall, nice interior
-Cons: Gas mileage, less aftermarket, less reliable than an LS powered vehicle, but not by much



Now here's the factors going into my decision..

-I want another fast toy for day to day, but I want something that makes sense as well.
-I'm planning to buy an LS3 C5 vette in the future, so having something to haul would be great
-Winter is a pain around here, 4x4 would be awesome, but not essential
-My daily commute is 18 miles round trip in the city, so gas mileage isn't the end of the world

All signs point to getting a truck and getting a Silverado since that's what I'm familiar with, however a good part of me still wants a fast car.

I would also like to stick under $20k, with less than 70k miles, so that's where the fun starts

Any thoughts?

Also, that being said, my Monte Carlo will be for sale, so anyone that is in need or interested, I'm open to negotiations.

 

Of the choices you posted, I'm on the fence between the charger and the silverado. Both vehicles offer good attributes and are both nice vehicles in both looks and reliability.

Keeping in mind you have the rambler, and the Trans Am already, your best and most logical bet would be the Silverado

 

Whatever decision you make, consider the problems with Chrysler tranny's that seem to be averaging around a 100,000 mile life.

 

If I was at your current situation I would go with the Silverado since it would be cheaper then the dodge. You already have your fun cat plus the truck can be made in to a fun vehicle as well.

 

Logic sucks doesn't it? haha

I agree, I like the Silverado, it has an LS engine essentially, it'll be fun to mod and I know it's reliable.

That's urban legend

I've personally had a few Chrysler vehicles that have been up in the 130k range without issues.. My Monte Carlo on the other hand.. 130k miles and 1st gear hates me lol

I agree with that, I'm okay with the generations prior to the ones that I posted as well, those were just the ones that I was mainly looking at.

Here's what I'm thinking now:



My brother currently has one with the 4.8 in it, I think it would be nice to have one with the 5.3 or even go with a 2500 and get the 6.0

The only problem is finding one with under 80k miles that is in decent shape.

 

I'd search for another low mile Monte

The more U have, the more that U have to worry about & the more that U have to maintain/take care of + $'s/insurance etc....

I'd keep your Monte & rebuild what it needs & invest in a home (Better investment)....That's all that's falling outa my head Good Luck `Mitch

 

^Agreed^
A few years ago Mopar had a major problem with their truck transmissions. In recent years their cars have been plagued with the same problem. I would stay away from the R/T. Considering your preferences I would go with the Silverado.

 

My Monte is just getting up there in mileage and isn't big enough for what I need. A truck will play a huge part in moving in if I do buy a home, but it will play an even larger part in having the space to carry a family in the near future.

The Monte will likely get fixed regardless, as I want the next buyer to have a reliable car, but I think it may be time for me to move on.

I had a 1995 ram, which was a supposed plagued vehicle, but I had it up to about 93k miles before I wrecked it and it was still running fine and shifting perfect, it was just taken care of.

I do know currently that there are some Jeeps with issues, but I believe those are all being taken care of for the most part.

I agree though, I think the Silverado suits me best at this point.

 

Silverado man. Since I got my truck, I always wondered how I got by without one.

 

In regard to my comment on the Chrysler trannys; my experience was with the company vehicle I drive, a 2008 Dodge Sprinter. My Sprinter as well as 7 others all had to have their tranny's replaced around 85,000 miles. Mercedes makes most of the van, but Dodge throws their logo on in and cheapens them up with their transmission and smaller brakes.