Since last fall sometime I've been feeling like it's time for a change from the pickup that I've been driving for 20 years now. One that I'm looking hard at is a new `17 or lightly used `15-16 Dodge Charger or Challenger. Not sure about which engine I'd want, I need to test drive a couple different ones to figure that out.

I'd be interested in hearing any opinions or horror stories about either model. In particular: general reliability, electronics (how easy is the touchscreen system to use - the last and only vehicle I've driven that had one of those was a `13 or `14 Explorer, and it was a nightmare to figure out), comfort (I'm 5'11" and 240#), and whether you feel like the 3.6L V6 is "enough" engine.

Will follow with interest, I've been looking hard at the 2014 R/T Chargers as that's the last year I can get V8 and AWD.

Yeah, I don't know why they don't offer AWD in the new R/T models. Not enough demand to justify it, I suppose. I talked to a dealer about the AWD in the `17, and decided against it. It knocks the fuel economy down a couple of points when it's active, and I would only really have use for it maybe a week or two out of the year around here. You can turn it off via one of the menus, but it will automatically turn itself back on under some conditions, so I'd be constantly telling it "No, dammit, I don't want it on now!". I don't know if the 2014 AWD is set up the same way or not.

No V8 manual charger?

That's crap.

Just get the fastest one you can afford.

The 6th gen Camaro SS is a HOOT. Just throwin that out there...

Nope. You can get a manual tranny in the V8 Challengers, but the new Chargers are all automatics. Which is ok for me, as I've got a pretty messed up left knee.

V8 is iconic, but it's a want not a need the V6 is pushing north of 300 HP in both Camaro and Challenger/Charger, so if it's just wanting to have the car it's looks and not all the high insurance premiums or low gas mileage, or cool bad ass thumping exhaust and 500 hp, the V6 is good.


FYI the current V6 has more power than the 5.0 V8 Mustang GT of the late 90's and those were a hoot to drive...

quote:

Originally posted by DoctorSolo:
No V8 manual charger?

That's crap.

Just get the fastest one you can afford.

The 6th gen Camaro SS is a HOOT. Just throwin that out there...

Yeah, if you're looking at Challenger then you kinda gotta look at Mustang and Camaro too. I eliminated the Camaro pretty early on as I just really don't care for the styling of the new ones, and the trunk and back seat are really tiny. There are a gazillion Mustangs out there and besides I owned one once before - it was a great car, but I'm looking for something different this time. It's still on my short list, but mostly just because I've pretty much always been a Ford guy.

I have a 2014 Challenger Rallye Redline, which is basically top trim SXT and some appearance upgrades, but addbthe R/T sport suspension. It is V6. I got it for my son, but occasionally we trade and I drive it.

Very reliable so far, no issues. The sport suspension is absolutely awesome, especially with the better tires I put on the car.
The engine is powerful "enough," however if I had it to do over I would get the v8. But I figure my 20 year old doesn't need 500 hp to race around in, just get himself in trouble. But if it were me, I would do the R/T or SRT8.

But really I like the new Mustang GT coming out and the Camaro, which have amazing suspensions of their own.

A friends wife has a 16 Charger AWD with the V6 and they both love it. She drives it year round so the AWD more than pays for itself here in snowy E. Wash. They are the type that don't care about gas mileage so I can't say what they are getting.

Jim

One word... DEMON

I really like the Challengers and would get whatever the lowest price would be on any V8 model with 485hp (probably the most usable HP, the Demon/Hellcat just smoke the tires). Then, I'd just add aftermarket anything I wanted that didn't come from the factory. I'd also go late-model used, or get a 375HP used 5.7 V8 and add a supercharger!

Oh well, just a dream, my car is a company sedan, family vehicle is a '16 F150 Super Crew.

392

This message has been edited. Last edited by: LS1 GTO,

quote:

Originally posted by rekstrom:
Very reliable so far, no issues. The sport suspension is absolutely awesome, especially with the better tires I put on the car.

What did you put on it? One of the optional tires, or aftermarket?

The automatics are faster in the 1/4 mile.

quote:

Originally posted by HRK:
V8 is iconic, but it's a want not a need the V6 is pushing north of 300 HP in both Camaro and Challenger/Charger, so if it's just wanting to have the car it's looks and not all the high insurance premiums or low gas mileage, or cool bad ass thumping exhaust and 500 hp, the V6 is good.

That's pretty much what I'm looking for - something kinda sexy looking, but not necessarily with the real muscle. "Enough" power for me is enough to maintain 65MPH going up Cabbage Hill with a trunk full of camping gear and rifles. I'm not interested in racing. Cabbage is a ~10 mile long 6% grade over in eastern Oregon.

Big, big Charger fan here. I've owned one (2012) and been issued one (2016). The cars are awesome. I hear guys pop in to Dodge threads and tell horror stories about this or that, but it ain't my experience. I purchased a 2012 V6 new in 2012. The car was a little slower on top end than the V8, but it really would get up and go if you needed it to. If you drove it decent, it got really good gas mileage. One trip in Virginia, I got 31 MPG actual with the cruise set at about 75 MPH. I got rid of the car at 26k, and bought a new 4x4.

Last year, I was issued a 2016 police package Hemi AWD. The car has been awesome. Top speed on the track at driver's training is about 149. The AWD handles great in the snow, and will do as well as a truck without the ground clearance. If you drive it halfway decent on the interstate, it will get around 19 or 20 MPG. The harder you stay on it, the more it drinks gas. Around town, cop driving, I probably get 14 MPG. Out of all the cars and SUVs I have been issued over 21 years, the Charger is tops in pursuits. Nothing holds a candle to it. Not even the fabled LT1 Caprice of the mid 'nineties.

Dodge has really got it going on with the Charger. I will buy another V6 at some point for a travel car.

quote:

Originally posted by Expert308:

quote:

Originally posted by HRK:
V8 is iconic, but it's a want not a need the V6 is pushing north of 300 HP in both Camaro and Challenger/Charger, so if it's just wanting to have the car it's looks and not all the high insurance premiums or low gas mileage, or cool bad ass thumping exhaust and 500 hp, the V6 is good.

That's pretty much what I'm looking for - something kinda sexy looking, but not necessarily with the real muscle. "Enough" power for me is enough to maintain 65MPH going up Cabbage Hill with a trunk full of camping gear and rifles. I'm not interested in racing. Cabbage is a ~10 mile long 6% grade over in eastern Oregon.

The V6 in the eight speed will do you then. It is plenty.

A couple of years ago, I got to drive a 2015 Charger, manual, v-8 with the tweak that put it just over 500hp. Just got to drive a short straight road, but 90 is just no sweat to get there, quickly. One thing that impressed me most was the interior, the red catskin leather was probably the nicest I've sat on. I'd give up the monster engine if I had to, to get that interior.

quote:

Originally posted by HRK:



FYI the current V6 has more power than the 5.0 V8 Mustang GT of the late 90's and those were a hoot to drive...

A lot of people overlook this fact and are hung up on V-8s. Who doesn't love a V-8? But at least look at the reality of the 6. It is a lot of power.

Then, to completely ignore that comment; my brother-in-law loves his Challenger. He has the one with the second most powerful V-8. It will, of course, go faster than you are allowed to drive and gets there real quick. A lot.

I would opt for a Charger R/T in graphite grey 7 days week