Bruce H.
Enthusiast
I've been very optimistic and enthusiastic about the premium upgrade design goal for the Gen V, reading all of the info I could find through its pre-release, and recently some new owner feedback. I was initially disappointed to read Randy Pobst's comments about the handling of the pre-production car at Laguna Seca, and then relieved to hear how the SRT tweaks rectified those issues. I've also been a little concerned about build quality, and constantly hearing how they had to build the car on a shoe-string budget doesn't instill confidence. While the TA beating the ZR1 was impressive, that didn't factor into my wanting the car at all, nor does it help with my mounting concerns. SRT with Track Pack is what I've narrowed it down to, and it's at a price I felt was fair and affordable for me.
But what's making me doubt that value and desirability is the way SRT and dealers are handling their customers. Taking deposits with no apparent intention of filling those orders on a timely basis while building unsold cars to sit on dealer lots, and some dealers price gouging to the point customers won't buy the ones that are built, all reflect so poorly that it's difficult to see that the price paid is buying a premium vehicle, from a premium brand, or from a dealer network commited to premium customer service. Chrysler and Dodge established their lacking reputation for build quality and customer service over decades, and if they're hoping to differentiate the Viper and SRT from their other offerings in that regard they're not off to a very good start.
So I'm holding off purchasing one until I see if SRT will turn things around and take steps to make the ownership experience a positive one, and one worthy of a premium brand and price.
But what's making me doubt that value and desirability is the way SRT and dealers are handling their customers. Taking deposits with no apparent intention of filling those orders on a timely basis while building unsold cars to sit on dealer lots, and some dealers price gouging to the point customers won't buy the ones that are built, all reflect so poorly that it's difficult to see that the price paid is buying a premium vehicle, from a premium brand, or from a dealer network commited to premium customer service. Chrysler and Dodge established their lacking reputation for build quality and customer service over decades, and if they're hoping to differentiate the Viper and SRT from their other offerings in that regard they're not off to a very good start.
So I'm holding off purchasing one until I see if SRT will turn things around and take steps to make the ownership experience a positive one, and one worthy of a premium brand and price.