So the time has come when I'm thinking about trading in my Lightning on something a little more "practical" for my daily needs and I'm essentially down to the SRT-8 and a Trailblazer SS...

What I'm kind of looking for is the following:
-The extra seats over the Lightning
-The more secure (from the elements and whatever else) storage
-minimal towing ability (at least 3 times a month maybe 1K-1.5K in trailer ranging in anything from a single PWC trailer, double PWC trailer or a small flat trailer with a 4 wheeler on it)...

I have a company gas card so the large fuel consumption isn't a factor for me (if it was I wouldn't have my Lightning now)...

From what I can see the SS has more "versatility", a cheaper price and a better warranty, but I do so like the look and performance of the SRT-8...Visually it's just very appealing to me...From a standpoint of modification I could see at the most possible a CAI, exhaust and maybe at some point a tune (if it exists)....Serious modifications are not for me as I'm a watercraft enthusiast and the modification budget only allows for the extensive aftermarket stuff I do to them...




So what I'm wondering is the follows:
-What kind of problems are you guys running into with daily drivers
-What is a realistic price to shoot for
-What's the cost for a new set of tires and what kind of tread life are you guys getting out of a set (I hit my vehicle up for 30-40k a year)
-Basic service and amintenance costs and frequency (anything out of the ordinary?)

Pretty much just trying to get a feel for the ins and outs of what I'm looking to expect...I will be starting to set up some sit downs with dealers and potentially test drives in the next few days and just want to go into the whole situation well informed.

Thanks,
Chris

The weight that you want to tow is no problem, Curt make a hitch rated for 2000 lbs. Mopar is getting closer to having their own hitch(3500#). If you don't plan on modifying and want to be fast with a better looking truck I would definitely get the Jeep. I have had no issues with mine so far but I only have 3000 miles on mine. If you want the best price contact or PM championjeep on this board and he will sell you a Jeep for 500 over invoice and will deliver anywhere in the country. If you stay with the runflats they run around $400 ea. depending on front or rear. Test drive the Jeep and you won't want the Trailblazer.

The weight that you want to tow is no problem, Curt make a hitch rated for 2000 lbs. Mopar is getting closer to having their own hitch(3500#). If you don't plan on modifying and want to be fast with a better looking truck I would definitely get the Jeep. I have had no issues with mine so far but I only have 3000 miles on mine. If you want the best price contact or PM championjeep on this board and he will sell you a Jeep for 500 over invoice and will deliver anywhere in the country. If you stay with the runflats they run around $400 ea. depending on front or rear. Test drive the Jeep and you won't want the Trailblazer.


quick hijak here.......its $500 under invoice............continue

quick hijak here.......its $500 under invoice............continue
OOOOPPPPPSSSSS!!!! :) ;)

I had a 00 and an 04 lightning, from a pure performance perspective you will love the GCSRT8 over the lightning. The GCSRT8 also has a lot more bells and whistles. I got my fully load 07 at 42k. I use my GCSRT8 as a daily driver and have had no issue other then break squeal. I moved away from the lightning for all of the same reason you are looking for at GCSRT8.

I bought the lightning because it was the fastest truck and its aggressing looks, when I made the change I used the same criteria. If I owned a TBSS, I would dread the day I pulled up next to a GCSRT8.

With the stock grand cherokee hitch and the bumper mod I launch a 24 Ft maxum and cart it around the marina and out around the area to fill it with fuel with no problems so far. I posted pics of the initial hitch install a while back and I am now making the end flush with the bumper. The light connector was turned on from the factory on my 07

All very good things to hear...

I've got a couple test drives set up for later in the week. So far I've only found 2 actually on lots. One silver and one red...The dealer with the silver said it's been there a while and they're open to the idea of moving it...(don't they all say that until they get you in there...)

So let me ask this question...One dealer told me they sold for MSRP...Now I see Champions saying $500 under invoice. I know invoice is lower but just how much...

BTW - I have see a lot of positive feedback on the champions deals. Possibly if I'm sold on one after a test drive that may be the route I end up taking...

From a post of championjeep "on a fully loaded one....MSRP of $46,580, invoice is $43,325."