Motor Biscuit has published an article recommending that buyers avoid the 2015 Challenger model year. Any truth to the following comments? "The 2015 model year for this muscle car might be on your radar. And while it received high praise from some of the pros when it was new, it isn’t necessarily a great used car. It received the worst reliability ratings out of several other model years from an expert source. Plus, the most complaints about the 2015 Challenger on Car Complaints are for a faulty transmission. The expert source mentioned above is Consumer Reports. A peak into the last several model years shows great reliability ratings for the Dodge Challenger. But not for the 2015 model year. The 2015 Challenger isn’t a great used car because there are other Challenger model years with essentially the same features, specs, and options––but much more respectable reliability ratings. A newer model year might be a few thousand dollars more expensive to buy used. However, the 2015 Dodge Challenger is more likely to cost more in terms of maintenance and repairs. When it comes to saving money by buying a used car, reliability is not a corner you want to cut. Expensive maintenance costs Speaking of saving money, it may be tempting to spring for a 2015 Dodge Challenger for the price break from newer models. Beware of the hidden maintenance costs. For the 2015 Challenger, Edmunds shows around $10,000 in maintenance and repairs costs over 5 years of muscle car ownership. Challenger recalls Additionally, there were 6 recalls for the 2015 model year of the Dodge Challenger––according to US News and World Report. Compare that with only 2 for the 2016 Challenger, and it’s plain to see that 6 recalls are quite a few for one year. The 2017 Dodge Challenger reports only 3 recalls, adding insult to injury for the 2015 model. No more Dodge Challenger warranty According to US News and World Report, the 2015 Dodge Challenger “is covered by a three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty and a five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.” This means that the factory warranty for the 2015 model year of this modern muscle car will be 2 years expired. Additionally, the five-year powertrain warranty will have just ended. So, if you want a used car that still has a bit of its factory warranty coverage left––go for a newer model year. You can buy an extended warranty, sure. But the fine print of such warranties is often a headache. They commonly aren’t worth the extra cost. Is the 2015 Dodge Challenger a good used car? The Dodge Challenger is a good car and even earned a #1 ranking from US News and World Report when it was new. But as a used car, it isn’t a great choice. If you really want a Dodge Challenger, we recommend opting for a more reliable model year than the 2015 model of this Dodge muscle car." View attachment upload_2020-6-23_15-36-55.gif
Never heard that but overall, I'd tend to stay away from any vehicle that tends to be driven hard (such as the Challenger). I know they're all not beaten on but my guess is most are. My guide for these kind of cars is usually if the car is owned by an older person, has low mileage, has all the repair records and is mostly or completely stock, it's probably been taken care of. Lacking any of these points and I feel it's less attractive to me.
I've had my 2015 Challenger for 52 months now, only cost to me was state inspection, oil changes and new tires. All else was covered by warranty. I did have the entire drive train from the engine back replaced during the first 3 months for a thumping noise that they could not find the cause. No charge! Also had a steering problem with a right controller arm. No charge! I even got a rebate from Goodyear ($416) because the original tires only lasted 14,300 miles. I never lit them up ever. I now have 20,100 mi. on it, my big concern is the cam and the oil distribution woes I've been reading about. I don't do a lot of high revs during my daily driving. I am 70, have all the maint. records, and it's garage kept, I am also the only driver. I did go to the PA Lemon Law because of the thumping. FCA sent me $4K for my troubles and my lawyer got $2500.
bought my 2009 RT used in New Jersey. they made me a godfather deal especially the trade in deal. they were 8K more than anyone here in Louisiana where I live. it had 33,000 miles on it when I picked it up. according to the car fax all recalls at that time were done. And had a few more after I had it back home. I knew the car had been raced at Atco drag-way. at was a 12 second car in Jersey, but it took me 3 years to get it in the 12's back home.Air density is horrible here.... but I did get it there at a 12.90 on a nice cool(55*) January day at State Capital drag-way in Baton Rouge. Only one main problem I had with it was the alternator. been through 3 of them, but no problems since the last one. it's Garage kept and insured by Hagerty for 35K. have over 104K on it now with only putting about 5,000 miles a year on it. going on 9 1/2 years ownership. Longest I have actually owned a vehicle....lmao!!
I bought my 2015 RT Plus new in July of 2016. Except for a few recalls, I've had no problems with it. I started using it as my daily driver two years ago - salty Ohio winters included. Once I get the winter tires/wheels off, I think it cleans up real well. Guys think I'm lying when I tell them I drive it in the winter.
I guess this could be attributable to the 2015 being the first year of the refresh. Always a few kinks to work out. Other than a water pump failure (under warranty at 18,000 miles), my 2015 SRT has been trouble free. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
I purchased my '13 R/T used from a Nissan dealer 700 miles away I had never heard of. The first time I saw it in person was when it was backed out of the enclosed trailer it was shipped in and parked in my driveway. It had 35,000 miles on it on March 8, 2017, when I got it. It now has 76,800 miles on it. I've done 8 oil changes, replaced the tires, and replaced the weather strip under the hood (basically above the radiator). When I got it, it had 186 mph rated summer tires on it. I suspect the previous owner may have had the engine de-programmed to remove the 142 mph limiter which is why he put those tires on it. Regardless, I'm happy with the car, it runs great, it's been trouble free, and the only shop time was an alternator recall. Edmunds shows around $10,000 in maintenance and repairs costs over 5 years of muscle car ownership. I call BS on this. In 41 months I have about $1,250 in maintenance and repairs. Also, while the warranty may be gone, if you can find a certified '15 at a CDJR dealership, I believe they come with a great warranty.
It's great that your 2013 R/T has been trouble free. However, Edmunds was citing the 2015 model, based on owner surveys.
