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Used Dodge Magnums: Overview And How To Buy At The Best Price
Well, it was nice while it lasted. Looks, performance, features ... it was all there. It kind of made the wagon cool again. But its marginal sales volumes wasn't helped by an economic crisis and a bad car market, and the plug got pulled during a time of tough business decisions.
Actually, it won Edmunds.com "Editor's Most Wanted" award three out of the four years it was produced (2005 - 2008). What's more, Edmunds' Consumer Reviews, the ratings given by people who actually own the vehicle, score an enviable 9.2 out of 10. People who buy them, like them.
The Magnum was also a "Best Bet" award winner over at Cars.com and J.D. Power also gave them high ratings for Performance, Creature Comforts and Style.
In our opinion, although discontinued following the 2008 model year, a used Dodge Magnum has many traits that make it an appealing used car choice, including its unique and attractive styling, a powerful Hemi V8, solid performance, quiet driving, lots of interior room and lots of safety features. And it's also available as an all-wheel drive (in the SXT and RT models) for those looking for additional driving assurance in inclement weather locations.
Unfortunately, they've gotten harder nd harder to find as the years have gone by. But there are still some out there which can be found with some careful shopping.
There are four Magnum trims available offering increasing levels of performance and features. The base SE comes with a 200 horsepower V6 engine. But we see many buyers opting for the 250 horsepower in the SXT V6. The RT is equipped with a 340 horsepower V8, while the SRT-8 has an even larger V8 with a whopping 425 horsepower. These wagons can clearly boogey.
And its handling capabilities are surprisingly refined in the higher trim levels. AWD versions can also be a good SUV alternative for those in bad weather climates, although they really aren't meant for towing.
Used Magnum shoppers should note that the 2005 rear-wheel-drive SXT model debuted with a 4-speed automatic transmission. It was upgraded to a 5-speed auto in 2006. The all-wheel drive SXT models, however, always came with a 5-speed automatic.
Also notable was the addition of the R/T Performance Group for 2007 which boosted power another 10 horses. The 2008 model year saw both an interior and exterior update which upgraded cabin materials and gave the vehicle an overall more upscale look.
With some minor variations depending on model year, standard features on the Magnum SE include full power accessories, air conditioning, cruise control, a telescoping steering wheel and an audio system with a CD player and an auxiliary jack. The SXT has a more powerful engine, a power driver seat and 17-inch alloy wheels (18-inchers on all-wheel-drive models).
Standard features on the Magnum R/T include the V8 engine, 18-inch wheels (19 for AWD models) a firmer suspension, leather upholstery, a premium audio system and satellite radio. The high-performance Magnum SRT-8 is pretty much outfitted like the R/T, but also comes with 20-inch alloys, a stiffer suspension, upgraded brakes and unique interior and exterior trim accents.
Used Magnums can also be found with optional features such as navigation, a sunroof, a rear entertainment system and automatic climate control.
Overall, we think the Magnum makes a solid choice as a used car purchase for those looking for roominess, power and unique styling. And we can make a number of suggestions to help you save when purchasing one.
How To Buy At The Best Price
There are actually several different ways to buy a used Magnum at the lowest price, and even at wholesale. You can click on the links to each of the following methods to get the specific instructions.
First of all, here's a Lowest Price Used Car Buying Guide that details a super effective method, one that often beats down prices even to wholesale levels. And somewhat related to this, here's another excellent method that identifies Price-Distressed Cars Right On Dealer Lots. These are vehicles they are so desperate to unload they would welcome your wholesale offer.
In addition, you can also try the Public Car Auctions in your own geographic area. While there can be a lot of junk vehicles at these auctions, there are often absolute gems sprinkled in as well. This article reviews what to expect at open-to-the-public car auctions and how to locate them in your own area.
Also ... for those of you who might be interested in a brand new vehicle, if the price was crazy good, here's info on exactly How To Get The Best Price On New Cars, Trucks Or SUVs. This works just phenomenally well.