After much thought and consideration, I have finally decided to order a new SRT-8 Jeep. I had given the GC Overland some thought (better rebates - more practical overall), but I kept coming back to the SRT-8. To hell with practicality - you only live once and this Jeep rocks!

Even though I've decided on the SRT-8, I'm now in another state of indecision. I can't decide if I want red or black (I'm leaning towards black, but based on the website poll, red seems to be more exclusive). I definitely want the SRT 1 Option Group, but I'm unsure of the rear infotainment center (don't think I'd use it much). I'm not even sure about the Ziebart Vehicle Protection Package (rustproofing, underbody sound deadener, interior fabric protection). This seems like a waste of money for a southern California Jeep, but I could be wrong. The extended warranty seems like a no brainer to get, but I'm open for suggestions.

While I'm on the subject of purchasing/ordering a new Jeep, has anyone experienced dealer inflated prices (up to $20,000 over MSRP) on these bad boys. I've experiened this here in SoCal and had to go elsewhere to get one below MSRP. And while I'm on the subject, how long has it been taking for these Jeeps to get delivered? I'm supposed to turn in my order form tomorrow and was told to expect 60-75 days for deliverey. That doesn't sound like what I've been seeing on this website.

Anyway, this website has helped me decide that a SRT-8 is what I need to get me going - now I need some help in getting the right options. Any and all inputs would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

I'm loving mine! I prefer the red. It is incredible looking in the sunlight. Besides, everyone knows red is much faster. ;)

I got mine off of the show room floor so it already had every option available on it. We haven't used the DVD player yet but, who knows, someday I may need to wait for my wife to do some shopping and can throw on a movie. One thing to keep in mind, if you simply want to go as fast as possible, these options are heavy and will make your Jeep slower. However, in my case, the Jeep is the family vehicle and these options make it that much more fun. I have other hot rods if all I want to do is go fast.

I'm not a big fan of extended warranties myself. I used to alway buy them until I got to thinking that with all the money I have spent on unused warranties over the course of many years, not only could I have paid for a lot of repairs, I could have bought a couple of new cars outright. The one time I needed the extended warranty the company refused to cover the problem based on a technicality. Since then I never buy extended warranties. In my experience, most problems with a vehicle surface long before the factory warranty runs out. And, although I plan to keep this particular Jeep pretty much stock, I often make modifications to my cars and trucks that void the warranty anyway. But, that's just me.

Good luck and I hope you're Jeep comes sooner than later.

I bought the black it looks sweet when its clean but just make sure you keep it clean or it looks like crap. I got everything but the Infotainment. You can go to any aftermarket stereo store and get a DVD unit and screens placed in the headrests for a lot cheaper then the dealership sells. I also didnt like how the screen hungdown on the unit that jeep offers. I placed my order in January and it hasn't even been built yet. I got lucky because I got an order that someone placed in December and he moved away and didn't want the vehicle anymore so I got his. I don't know if this is true but I heard that they have met their quota on engines and they will not be building anymore this year.

... I don't know if this is true but I heard that they have met their quota on engines and they will not be building anymore this year
Not true. Total production quantities are determined way in advance, well before production even starts. Jeep SRT8 production will continue each and every month, with just a short breaK in July for the 07 model year changeover.

Heard they were making about 100 per mo, that gives about 600-800 for the '06 MY.

Heard they were making about 100 per mo, that gives about 600-800 for the '06 MY.
A lot more than that. About 1600 have already been built so far, more than 500 this month alone.

SRT8 OPTIONS UPDATE

Just a quick post to provide an update on my SRT8 Jeep decision and thank everyone for all of the great information and discussions on the forum.

I ended up ordering an Inferno Red Grand Cherokee SRT8 Jeep through a military program (Navy Auto Source) and got what I considered “A Hell of a Deal” (below MSRP), especially when compared to what the local San Diego Jeep Dealers were asking (up to $20,000 above MSRP). I ordered my SRT8 with the following options:

Color: Inferno Red
- I thought about black, but I’ve already got to two black cars (T/A and Mustang) and I needed a change. Plus a red SRT8 is featured in the Jeep Grand Cherokee 06 Sales Brochure and this might be the only year for Inferno Red (being replaced with Metallic Blue next year?), so it may make it more collectable.

SRT OPTION GROUP I (AY1)
Includes:
Air cond ATC w/dual zone control
Bright pedals
Deluxe door trim panels
Heated front seats
Parksense rear back-up system
Power adjustable pedals w/memory
Power sunroof
Power 8-way driver, memory; 4-way pass seats
Radio/driver seat/mirrors memory
Rain sensitive windshield wipers
Side window curtain frt/rr air bags
Sirius satellite radio with 1-year service
Smartbeam headlamps
Supplemental side air bags
UConnect hands-free communication
- This Option Group seemed like a good package deal – it had most of the options I would have ordered anyway (side airbags, sunroof, dual zone control).

6CD/FULL MAP GPS DISPLAY NAV RADIO (REC)
- I thought the GPS was a cool option.

I opted NOT to get:

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (NHK)
- Not really a requirement in SoCal.

ELECTRONIC INFOTAINMENT SYS GROUP (AEK) (requires AY1 Group)
Includes:
DVD screen in overhead console
DVD player located in center floor console
Includes 2 wireless headphones and remote control
Includes capability to play cd music thru the headphones
- I might regret this later, but I was looking at cutting some costs.

My Navy Auto Source Representative has informed me that I now have a VIN, but no delivery date, so I’m in the “Hurry up and wait” phase that some other folks in the forum are in. I’m anxious to get this ride and I’m hoping gas prices won’t go up to much more so that I can afford to drive the Jeep once it does arrive.

This forum provides a wealth of information, which helped me decide on a Jeep SRT8 and which options I should get. It has also made me aware of potential problems that I might encounter once I get the Jeep (rough tranny shifts, vibration/growling sound under moderate to heavy acceleration), how to overcome them (TSBs), and potential upgrades (brakes, intake, exhaust, exterior mods). All I need now is the Jeep SRT8 to apply them to!

I have been getting black cars for years but I settled for Inferno Red because that's what the dealer was getting in (fully loaded). No regrets - it is much easier to keep clean and it is very sharp. If I can like the red anyone can. I was the first person to get one in my area (Connecticut) and you pretty much had to take what the dealer was getting in. It may be different now but waiting on a special order may take awhile.