Will be buying a Challenger soon

Discussion in 'Dodge Challenger General Discussions' started by GoFast, Oct 26, 2019.

Which Challenger

Poll closed Nov 5, 2019.
  1. New 2019 R/T 5.7L Shaker (If I can find a Shaker model)

    5 vote(s)
    62.5%
  2. Slighty used 2016-17 Scat pack 6.4L

    3 vote(s)
    37.5%
  3. Used 2015 SRT 392 6.4L

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%
  1. GoFast

    GoFast Active Member

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    I will be in the Market soon for a new car and am going to buy a Challenger. I always liked the classics and have been in love with the new design since they came out. I was originally just going to get a slightly used R/T model but my financial situation has improved so I think I can get something a step up as I am infatuated with the 6.4L engine. Here are the options that I have been looking at and the top of what I can afford.

    2015 SRT 392 w/ approx. 35000-45000 miles
    2016-2017 Scat Pack 392 w/ approx. 22000-32000 miles (possibly a shaker if I can find one)
    2019 R/T (5.7L) New (possibly shaker if I can find one)

    I have done the homework and understand the differences. In short - SRT has a better suspension and brakes than the Scat pack. Both have a large engine that the R/T.

    I can't afford a new Scat Pack or SRT, not interested in the V6, above are the models I'm looking at. More miles and more performance or less miles/new and less performance. I know I'm going to love any of those choice but am really liking the 6.4L.

    The car will be replacing a 2007 Altima SE (3.5L) and will be used for a short commute, I drive about 3 miles to public transportation, and then recreation use (fun on the weekends). Whether I would ever hit the track it TBD. (If I got the SRT I think I would be doing the car a disservice by not going to the race track every once in a while. And yes, I have raced on a track before, not in my car though).

    Anyone have any thoughts on which, and why? The thought of an SRT is exciting but I also like the thought of a branch new car.
     
  2. SRT-Tom

    SRT-Tom Well-Known Member Staff Member Super Moderator Article Writer

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    The best buy for a 392-equipped Challenger would be a 2016 Scat Pack. Great for the street and drag racing. However, if you plan to autocross it, I would get a 2015 SRT.
     
  3. B5blueRT

    B5blueRT Full Access Member

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    Any of the above! It really depends on what you what the car for. If you really plan on taking it to the dragstrip several times a year go with the 2016 Scat Pack.
    If it's mainly for short commutes and weekend/pleasure drives, don't rule out the new R/T. It'll have the 3 year warranty, most updated Nav/Tech features and SW and you'll be the first owner. For the street and pleasure driving, the R/T has more than enough torque and horsepower to get you in trouble and the suspension is fairly stiff especially with the 20" wheel package. You may see some better pricing on the '19's once the 2020's are on the dealer lots. I picked up my new 2015 R/T in August 2016. Saved me an extra few thousand bucks with all the new car benefits.

    All three of your choices are great. I chose the 5.7 R/T because you can only use so much power/torque on the street and the tires will still break free when I floor it going 30-35 mph. I'd still have fun running it down the track even if it doesn't get into the 13's and the suspension isn't so stiff I'd feel every bump and tar strip in the road. (There's a lot of potholes and road deterioration where I live.)

    Good news is you won't make a bad selection!
     
  4. Climber

    Climber Full Access Member

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    B5blue is right on and if you can locate one in that color good for you. If you got to have that 392 and can afford it and the insurance then take the plunge. The R/T Scat Pack would be the way to go. There are many of them around metro Denver these days but when we bought our '16 R/T three years ago they were RARE. We were in the local Dodge store a couple of months ago and sitting on the showroom floor was a R/T Scatpack 1320 in B5 Blue with a sticker price of $44,000 or so. As I search the local dealerships on the internet I do find some R/T Scatpacks in the mid $40s to low $50s. Too high, I think. If you have time on your hands and can go through an auto broker you can build the car the way you want it and save some money.

    If you should decide, say on the R/T 5.7 believe me when I and others tell you that the car has more than enough power, for most of us. There are some videos on YouTube of a Challenger owner doing 0-60 in 4.7 seconds with no mods on his R/T 5.7 8 speed auto.....I know those claims are probably questionable but the timer on his car bears it out, assuming it is his timer. If a manual tranny is more to your liking, there are some claims on this site and on YouTube that new or near new 5.7 Hemi R/Ts with the 6 speed manual are sitting on car dealer's back lots for sale at good discounts because most buyers favor the 8 speed auto. I can personally attest to that.....my 2016 5.7 R/T 6 speed manual sat on the Dodge dealer's lot for at least four months gathering dust when I came along and bought it. Is it a 392? Of course not nor will it ever be and I will never mod it up to approach 392 performance. I am ok with the fact that my car will never take a 5.0 Mustang or a SS Camaro in the quarter mile...both of them have me on weight and horsepower. Rest assured that whatever Challenger you choose you will be driving a true icon and a car that draws attention from envious to respectful to sneering looks any place you go. BTW, those sneering looks come mostly from the buzz bomb Subaru drivers.
     
  5. 2017 Redline HC

    2017 Redline HC 2021 Durango RT

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  6. Jelli79

    Jelli79 Member

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    Either of the v8 cars are going to be good, if auto make sure it's new enough to have the 8 speed, you'll thank yourself later but it looks like you are looking at new enough ones anyways. I have driven the challenger from the v6 to the hellcat and I like the 392 the best but that's not saying there is anything wrong with the 5.7L it's just my preference, i would say to look for the colour and option load you want in the price you want to pay, you can't go wrong with either of the hemi cars
     
  7. GoFast

    GoFast Active Member

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    For sure the 8 speed auto. Has to be an auto aa my wife will drive it from time to time and she doesn't know how to drive a stick. Plus I have a history of destroying manual transmission, not the clutch but throwing the gears from bad shifting habits I cannot kick. Lol.

    And I have found the Challenger inventory in my area literally changes from week to week so I'm planning to wait for the best deal and roll with what ever V8 model it is in a color I like. Even the base models has enough options for my liking. All I need is a backup camera.
     
  8. B5blueRT

    B5blueRT Full Access Member

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    Keep us posted on what you buy...
     
  9. GoFast

    GoFast Active Member

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    Oh, for sure. Might happen this weekend.
     
  10. 2017 Redline HC

    2017 Redline HC 2021 Durango RT

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    :popcorn:
    Just like waiting for Christmas.....