New member from Iowa

Discussion in 'New Member Check-In' started by On The Hunt, Feb 4, 2021.

  1. On The Hunt

    On The Hunt Member

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    Hi all! Looking to become a Lexus convert. Several people in my "circle" seem to be purchasing Challengers so for the past month or so I've been doing a little research.

    Ultimately I'm hoping to read through the forum to see if I can find "what I want", which is to say the least, flexible. I'm kind of a "toy" guy so I want a challenger that is loaded. One toy requirement is Apple Carplay which puts me into the 2017 or newer category.

    I also like the idea of heated seats, steering wheel, and remote start. My Lexus SC 430 is a fairly fun car to drive, but lacks muscle. So far with the challenger, I'm inclined to the Hellcat. What I'm ultimately hoping to find out is if there is a "significant" difference between the Hellcat and other lower HP models like the Scat Pak or R/T, etc. I definitely don't need the Red Eye or the Demon kind of power, but I would like something that can break the tires loose from a stop.

    Anyway, that's a long intro - hoping some of y'all can help me in my journey.

    -Travis
     
  2. Katshot

    Katshot Full Access Member

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    Welcome Travis!
    The only option I’m not sure about is the heated steering wheel. Everything else is definitely available on the Challenger. Regarding which model to buy, I would suggest driving as many models as you can because they all have kind of a unique personality. Specifically choosing between the automatic and manual transmissions. My guess is you’re looking for either a Scat Pack or Hellcat. They’re both great cars. After reading virtually every review of the Scat Pack and Hellcat as well as watched every video review, I must say that I tend to agree with the overwhelming option that the Hellcat is the one you buy if you just gotta have the wildest, most powerful version but the Scat Pack is the one you buy if you want the most balanced car. Most call the Scat Pack the “sweet spot” of the Challenger line and I would agree. The one suggestion I would definitely make is whichever one you buy, definitely get the wide body option. If at all possible, drive a standard version and a wide body. You won’t believe the difference. In my opinion, well worth the extra money. Good luck with your hunt!
     
  3. On The Hunt

    On The Hunt Member

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    Thank you fir the input Katshot. We’re experiencing a bit of a blizzard in Iowa today so I’ve been exploring the site. Not sure I’ve figured out the search option within the forum yet but have come across some decent advice. I have not driven a Challenger yet, as odd as that may sound, so I appreciate your idea of driving various models. The other good advice I read was something to the effect of “buy what you want” and not settle, leaving you in the “I wish I would’ve” stage. Guess I’m gonna have to look for some around to test drive. Thanks again!!
     
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  4. FrankenMax

    FrankenMax Full Access Member

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    Welcome! What car you choose all depends on so many factors only you can decide. You can literally get a Challenger in any flavor. I hear a lot of people comparing the Scatpack and Hellcat. They are night and day I speak from personal ownership of both. The scat is a great driver like stated above. For manny it leaves them wanting more. But in reality the Scat is very underrated. Fact is most people who want more will get behind a Hellcat and not have clue how to handle it. The biggest complaint is traction and tire seize. Truth be told it’s 90% the driver. Just food for thought. The other thing to consider is cost of ownership, it’s drastically different besides the purchase price. More HP more maintenance. Both cars are fantastic no matter what you go with, your going to have the biggest smile every time you drop it in gear. Be patient test drive everything you can. Good luck we can’t wait to see what drags you home.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  5. On The Hunt

    On The Hunt Member

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    Thanks FrankenMax, I appreciate the additional input!! More is always appreciated.

    Being in Iowa, I like the idea of AWD. Most I see are the V6 GTs. I’ve read the V6s are a bit doggy. A friend of mine has the RWD V6 - hope to ride in / drive it soon, once the weather straightens up a bit.
     
  6. 2017 Redline HC

    2017 Redline HC 2021 Durango RT

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    Welcome to the site!
    Ive never driven a Scat but had a 2010 R/T M6 and now have a 2017 HC A8. Loved the RT with the M6 but found it tough on my right knee and shoulder....both needing replaced. The HC is a great car. It can be a great cruiser with the wife on board and an animal when it’s just me behind the wheel.
    Just make sure you don't settle, get what suits your needs best
     
  7. NC20RT

    NC20RT Full Access Member

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    Hello, I'm the one that wrote that 'do not settle' post as I hoped it would help someone. Thank you for mentioning it. I like to help as I've always appreciated assistance over my 50 years of driving. Yeah, I'm 66 and enjoy muscle cars as much as I did when I was 16. Never been without one.
    I have the heated steering wheel option which is insanely nice as I have never had that before. It's instant too, no waiting. My 2020 R/T I bought back in November has been a real treat but YOU must drive one first. The exhaust is definitely there and you initially can't believe it is stock. Amazing to me but may not be for everybody. The upgraded performance suspension is a 'must' for handling. Brembo brakes really stop the car well. I'm very impressed. My R/T is not a track car, just a car that can handle the twisties here in the NC mountains with no issues. I would have ordered one if I couldn't find what I wanted. I lucked out.
    As far as power, that is up to each individual. Everyone is different. I personally did not need Hellcat power for my driving style. I didn't need the large hemi either. For me it would have been overkill and something I would rarely ever use. The 5.7 Hemi is very quick and equal to my 2001 Trans Am which i always felt was very fast with it's LS1 engine. 0-60 in 5.5 seconds. How many times have i floored it in my 20 years of ownership? I bet less than 10 times per year. I average 3,500 miles per year. If I drive my Challenger in the same fashion, and I probably will, the 5.7 is all I need. In 'sport mode' it is fantastic with incredibly quick shifting from it's 8 speed auto. I have owned an LS3 Corvette in the past, and it's 430 HP was rarely used. It was actually too fast for what I needed. I don't even own it anymore, instead keeping the T/A and even the Mustang GT/CS with it's enjoyable 5 speed manual when I get in the shifting mood. It's up to you of course and what you need. I wish you the best and sorry for the long post. I get carried away.
     
  8. On The Hunt

    On The Hunt Member

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    Thank you NC20RT and no worries about the long post on my part. Information, opinions, and suggestions are why I signed onto the forum in the first place. I do feel a little bad about where this thread is located - “new members”, but hopefully an administrator/moderator will chime in at some point and tell me to take the conversation to another thread. In the meantime, I’m going to take advantage of y’all’s help!!
    Does anyone know off-hand when the AWD was available in the V8s? I have the 5.7 Hemi in my truck. Don’t like replacing spark plugs every 30k but has been a decent truck (Ram 1500). In the AWD version, is it possible to turn off AWD to make it RWD, AND to turn off any slip/slide control? I’ll be 50 in July and want to be able to “play” with my toy
     
  9. Cloverdale

    Cloverdale Full Access Member

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    My most significant disappointment with my Challenger (2010 supercharged R/T) is the city mpg. My daily driver (2007 335 which I'm into at 60% of the Challenger price) with similar hp get's twice the city mpg, handles better, and costs less to fill as it's E85 compatible. Fuel cost was less of an issue when I was able to fill in USA pre covid. I like the Challenger but waiting for a trade opportunity on a supercharged C6, possibly the ZR1. Curious what your city mpg is on your truck?
     
  10. 2017 Redline HC

    2017 Redline HC 2021 Durango RT

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    I hope you get a trade soon.