So I test drove a challenger

"My bird IS the word" (mybirdistheword) 12/22/2016 at 16:05 • Filed to: Test Drive, Challenger

3

54

The 6-er. T’was an interesting experience.

Lets get a few things out of the way first:

1: I am a full time, professional idiot. I want a challenger because apparently I am challenged.

2: I am looking deep into the future into buying the AWD version when I get a real job. Because I will be living at home to pay off my school loans (ideally), this somehow makes sense.

3: Yes, I should get a four door if I want an everyday car. Yes, I should also man up and buy a v8. No, I am not. I do have to draw a line somewhere. apparently that entails me buying a new car (also stupid, yes,) but I like owning cars extremely long term so this also makes sense to me. I would also like a big -effing warranty.

That out of the way, lets get to driving impressions

the good:

Engine: Very nice, smooth power delivery. Low end isn’t as punchy as I was hoping for. Didn’t really get to wring it out, salesman was riding along. Also didn’t try sport mode, because I completely forgot. As fast as I really could hope for/ use considering I really don’t hoon my DD as it is now that I have a project. Also money.

Interior: Also nice. Big locking glove compartment. Backseats were comfortable and with the fronts pushed up it had just as much room as my parent’s escape (which is either good for the chally or bad for the escape and modern cars in general, take your pick) leather felt kind of thin, I feel like it might have wear problems long term. Visibility was honestly just as good as my mini.

Ride: Cushy. Definetly not a sports car. GT.... yeah. It would be the first I’ve driven so what the hell do I know.

Bad:

Infotainment: too many buttons. if that screen breaks, I am boned down the line, since it controlls climate/ect.

Weight: Damn that car feels HEAVY. It gripped just fine, but there is a perennial feel that it wants to rip right off the road. Size wise the car felt big, but not in a way that made it anymore difficult to drive than something else. Perhaps it is just me used to a 2600 lb mini cooper.

Salesman: Yuck. Felt rushed through the whole thing. Definetly going to the first dealership to deal with that guy who was already retired and didn’t give a crap.

Keyless start and go: What with all the thefts in europe this scares the crap out of me. I thought there would be a keyslot (or fob slot if you prefer) so there was some hope that I could disable that feature. No dice. Dodge isn’t exactly known for its security and down the line this could be a big problem.

Heated steering wheel: completely unnecessary.

Transmission: Entirely too many gears. Again, I didn’t try sport mode, but the damn thing hesitates all the time like automatics do and it drives me crazy. I’m kinda over the whole manual DD thing. I still want one in my fun car. Not that I have a choice in this instance.

Thoughts: Definitely not perfect. But barring a non-turbo AWD car that looks cool and is fun to drive for normal-car price? Seems to be the only real choice besides the charger, and unfortunately the charger just doesn’t excite me. Excited about getting a challenger, I just wish it wasn’t made by Dodge. It is peak ‘murican car though and I love that. Should performance ever be an issue after I own it long enough to afford something else I can always throw a procharger on it.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > My bird IS the word 12/22/2016 at 16:08

7

So you’re buying a car from a company known for questionable quality that’s owned by a company known for absolutely godawful quality and intend to hold onto it long term with a more complicated drivetrain while repaying student loans? Good luck with that.

OPPOsaurus WRX > My bird IS the word 12/22/2016 at 16:09

3

turbo AWD fun to drive...

WRX

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > OPPOsaurus WRX 12/22/2016 at 16:11

3

Subaru is the correct answer.

My bird IS the word > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 12/22/2016 at 16:15

0

Did you miss the disclaimers?

Its a goddamn v6, it’s not rocket science. Also anything is better than my mini. Plastic, 300$ valve covers that crack, my A/C is already shot, and it is a 2010. Anyone can make a turd. Name me a car company and I will tell you how they suck.

Chasaboo > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 12/22/2016 at 16:15

1

Flawless reasoning right there. Somehow that same logic got us our new president.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > My bird IS the word 12/22/2016 at 16:16

2

I found the ride of the Challenger V6 to be really uncomfortable, and I drive a Fiesta ST. My nearly 60 year old Aunt who owns the Challenger complimented the FiST on it’s ride. The Camaro and Mustang are MUCH better choices.

My bird IS the word > OPPOsaurus WRX 12/22/2016 at 16:16

0

It definetly says non turbo. Also the challenger is non turbo. I spent all that effort and you didn’t read it.... I am sad.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > My bird IS the word 12/22/2016 at 16:16

0

Subaru. Head gaskets going at 250k miles? What else ya got.

My bird IS the word > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 12/22/2016 at 16:19

0

Vaccum leaks. I have been under the hood of one of those cars before.. mother of god. Good luck when that happens! They are known for all kinds of issues with their AWD systems as well. Also the new WRX looks boring as shit.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > My bird IS the word 12/22/2016 at 16:23

0

Vacuum leaks? Really? Pretty sure you just described any car that’s been parked outside or let sit for a while. I’ve never seen anyone have an issue with the AWD in a Subie IRL. I mean, I’m sure it’s happened and there’s a long rant about it on a forum somewhere, but I’ve never seen it happen with half of my friends having owned one at one point and three relatives who buy nothing but. I get it. The Mini’s a piece of shit. No denying that. Just don’t see how getting a similarly problematic car’s going to help there.

My bird IS the word > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 12/22/2016 at 16:24

0

Neighbor had an STI. thing was nothing but hoses. What even requires that many hoses? Took him something like 3 weeks to find a leak.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > My bird IS the word 12/22/2016 at 16:27

0

Sounds like a problem with them, not the car.

Arrivederci > My bird IS the word 12/22/2016 at 16:30

3

Do you not have a functional car now? I’d wait to get a new car until you’re out on your own, not living with Mom and Dad.

My bird IS the word > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 12/22/2016 at 16:31

0

OMG I GUESS I SHOULD GET A HELLAFLUSH WRX THEN BOI

... except I specifically stated that I don’t want a turbo car in the article. which was about test driving challengers not the reliability issues of asian vehicle manufacturers. you would understand that if you read it. I specifically stated that I wasn’t happy about buying dodge. You can fuck right the hell off.

My bird IS the word > Arrivederci 12/22/2016 at 16:35

2

I like living at home, my parents make it super easy for me. I need to ditch my mini, buying that thing was a slightly bad idea at the time and has turned into a super bad idea with the magic of german reliability.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > My bird IS the word 12/22/2016 at 16:40

0

It’s funny how wheight of car feel. I was used to 2500 lbs Hondas so my 3300lb Galant felt like a whale at first.now I barely notice the difference. Although a Chalanger is a lot more than 3300lbs

cletus44 aka Clayton Seams > My bird IS the word 12/22/2016 at 16:48

6

Living at home and buying a brand new car is not a classy move.

My bird IS the word > cletus44 aka Clayton Seams 12/22/2016 at 16:55

0

Neither is buing a challenger..... so.....

My bird IS the word > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 12/22/2016 at 16:56

0

I would much rather a mustang, but given it doesn’t have AWD...

My bird IS the word > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 12/22/2016 at 17:08

1

looks like the v6 is only (hah, “only”) 3,800 lbs which is what my trans am weighs. then again I haven’t really pushed the trans am. I expect the AWD to crest 4,000 lbs.

Bytemite > My bird IS the word 12/22/2016 at 17:10

1

But the Challenger mpg and Chrysler reliability is even worse. As someone who is also living at home and paying off student loans, and also bought a brand new car...my advice to you is don’t.

If you need to buy a Challenger, they aren’t much different than when they came out 9 years ago. Buy used and get the V8 and save a bunch of money. Or better yet, focus on making huge payments on your student loans and set your budget to 1-2 months of your income for your car (which should be somewhere around $4000-8000). It seems like your taste is ‘Mericuh. How about an SN-95? Or a Saturn Sky?

My bird IS the word > Bytemite 12/22/2016 at 17:20

0

I did say I don’t want a v8. I should have my school loans paid off in 1-2 years living at home, giving me some time to buy a new car and get a down payment on a house. A new car warranty would be king here. If I wanted to be responsible I would buy a kia, or a bicycle. I don’t want to buy a RWD car because I already have a beater for fun, and traction control isn’t magic. If this was the south I would, but it isn’t, and pittsburgh roads are awful. If there was a better choice I would, but it seems that cars are either going turbo-four (which I can’t stand, power delivery is awful), or monster v8s which are completely unnecessary and horrible on gas.

I said multiple times it was a bad decision. I am not known for making good ones. realistically I should just trade my car in on a Fiesta ST.

The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock > My bird IS the word 12/22/2016 at 17:21

0

Heated steering wheels are nesscary, they are great in winter.

Bytemite > My bird IS the word 12/22/2016 at 17:29

2

I’m not sure how much houses cost up there and what your income is like but for me to save up a down payment on a house would mean about $150k at the very least. It’s just not possible at my sub $60k/yr income. I did buy a $20k car brand new though, and I have it almost paid off. If I didn’t buy it, that would be extra money going towards a down payment.

I mean, if you really MUST have AWD for some reason, there are still better options than a 5,000 lb V6 brick like the Challenger. Obvious option would be the WRX.

OPPOsaurus WRX > My bird IS the word 12/22/2016 at 17:33

0

I thought u were referring to the challenger as the non turbo

Matthew Phillips > My bird IS the word 12/22/2016 at 18:09

0

rule one of buying a car as a single man: Buy whatever the hell you want.

My bird IS the word > Bytemite 12/22/2016 at 18:14

0

houses are real cheap. I could probably fully buy a decent one for 150k.

My bird IS the word > Matthew Phillips 12/22/2016 at 18:16

1

This will probably be the last car I  buy until I get enough saved for a caterham so.... yeah. Last chance to make a stupid decision for quite a while.

Nick Has an Exocet > My bird IS the word 12/22/2016 at 18:23

0

How much is the Challenger AWD? Assuming Might be better off with a CPO x-drive 3-series (yes, I know, turbos). The ride would be nicer. It’s too bad that the Jaguar XE AWD hasn’t been on the market longer. That thing would be a good choice as well (plus, SUPERCHARGED! See, not a turbo!)

There is a lot of good cars in that AWD-Sedan-Semi-Luxury area. S60, A4, XE, 3-Series, etc. Unfortunately, they are mostly turbocharged. But they are a hell of a low more comfy.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > My bird IS the word 12/22/2016 at 18:32

0

Gently used E90 328xi with the manual. A bit tricky to find, but they are naturally aspirated.

My bird IS the word > Nick Has an Exocet 12/22/2016 at 18:45

0

then you get into the “can you afford parts/repairs?” category, and at that point bmw is a bad idea. that is a killer issue I am having right now with my mini (2010 with broken ac and other stuff I have had to fix) I am thinking new car w/ good warranty.

My bird IS the word > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 12/22/2016 at 18:49

0

Not happy with BMW after my mini. Fun car, made entirely of shit parts.

Matthew Phillips > My bird IS the word 12/22/2016 at 18:50

0

The Challenger is no small car either, yes it’s a two door, but it has the space of a large midsize car inside. I think this is a very smart choice for a GT car.

My bird IS the word > Matthew Phillips 12/22/2016 at 19:09

1

sitting in the backseat made me realize how poor new 4 doors are for rear legroom. headroom in the back was actually a bigger problem, but if you slouch a bit it is fine.

In my experience the base model muscle cars of any brand tend to be reliable. They usually aren’t loaded with new or cutting edge tech, built to handle alot more power, and use parts common with much cheaper cars. If ford made an awd mustang I would probably still lean challenger because it seems much more comfortable, but I would have to drive both.

Matthew Phillips > My bird IS the word 12/22/2016 at 19:11

0

Yup, I had a 86 Foxbody Notch with the 2.3 and it actually had decent rear head and legroom for four adults. Isay go for it !

Nick Has an Exocet > My bird IS the word 12/22/2016 at 20:26

0

CPO might be a good route.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > My bird IS the word 12/22/2016 at 20:46

0

Why does your next car have to be NA?

Arrivederci > My bird IS the word 12/23/2016 at 09:31

0

As long as you’re aware it’s not a great decision - as someone else who has been there before, your future self will thank you a million times over if you focus on paying off your student loans and saving money for an appreciating asset (aka house) instead of dumping it in a depreciating asset (car).

You mentioned that a decent house there is $150k-ish. Okay, ask yourself if over the next two years you can: 1) Pay off your student loans, 2) Grow your savings by $30k for a house downpayment and 3) Do 1 and 2 while affording the Challenger + insurance.

If you can do all that, then I say go for it. Otherwise, don’t, your future self will thank me. Past Arrivederci made a few decisions that still give present Arrivederci heartburn to this day.

cletus44 aka Clayton Seams > My bird IS the word 12/23/2016 at 09:57

0

It’s a new car with sat nav, heated seats, and independent suspension. It’s not as redneck as you might think.

My bird IS the word > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 12/23/2016 at 11:34

0

I strongly dislike turbo four-cylinders after my experience with the mini. Around town (even with a stick) power delivery is awful.

My bird IS the word > cletus44 aka Clayton Seams 12/23/2016 at 11:36

0

I’m just teasing. This way when I move out all I have is house loans instead of both house and car loans.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > My bird IS the word 12/23/2016 at 13:11

0

To be fair, that is only one turbo four and a very small displacement one at that. Since the Challenger GT will start at around $34,500 including destination, I’d highly recommend trying out a WRX. You can get a very nicely equipped one for just over $30k, and it will do just about everything you really want in an AWD performance car.

Jayhawk Jake > My bird IS the word 12/23/2016 at 13:49

0

For a muscle/sports/pony car the Challenger is quite practical. I recall the trunk being big and humans can use the back seat.

I’ve had a Mustang for close to a year now after driving a Chevy Sonic for nearly 3 years. I’ve maybe run into practicality issues twice. I just took this load home today:

As far as V8/V6: forget the haters. Cars don’t need a V8 just because they can have one. That being said, why a challenger? I know they have a certain appeal but the V6 Camaro is far sportier and sounds great while the Ecoboost Mustang when paired with the Ford Performance warranty preserving tune is fucking insane. Both are better choices IMO but if you aren’t aiming for sporting intentions the Challenger is probably fine.

Jayhawk Jake > My bird IS the word 12/23/2016 at 13:50

0

I don’t know about that. My car’s power delivery is great around town. It makes a stupid amount of torque at 2600 rpm.

Jayhawk Jake > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 12/23/2016 at 13:51

0

A WRX has nowhere close to the presence of a Challenger. Someone starting their search with a Challenger probably would be disappointed in a WRX or a BMW.

Jayhawk Jake > Matthew Phillips 12/23/2016 at 13:52

0

That’s not true for new mustangs. Even my shortest friend hits his head on the rear glass in the back.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Jayhawk Jake 12/23/2016 at 14:05

0

You’re right. The WRX doesn’t have presence at all. However, sometimes presence isn’t the best thing in the world. OP wants to keep his next car for a very long time, so something mature-ish would probably be better over 8 years than something enormous with two doors and either a very youthful attitude or a very middle-aged attitude.

My bird IS the word > Jayhawk Jake 12/23/2016 at 14:12

0

I am getting less and less concerned about handling. TBH I don’t feel like thrashing on my everyday, that is what they make beaters and second cars for. mustang is probably a better car, but they don’t make it in AWD sadly. I like how cushy the challenger is.

Matthew Phillips > Jayhawk Jake 12/23/2016 at 18:30

0

Hence why I said Fox body. The Gens after that got worse one gen at a time.

Jayhawk Jake > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 12/23/2016 at 21:51

0

OP started his search by driving a Dodge Challenger. Therefore he clearly values appearance. I don’t know about your ‘youthful or middle aged’ remark, a WRX doesn’t exude maturity especially when compared to a nice new pony car.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Jayhawk Jake 12/23/2016 at 22:30

0

Just because OP wants something shouty and muscular now doesn’t mean that he’ll feel the same way 8 years down the road. If someone’s buying a car for the long haul, a manner of subtlety can be an excellent asset. A stock WRX in a subdued color blends in nicely at pretty much every car park. Just a recessed hood scoop and some emblems to say it’s anything other than a sensible small car.

Jayhawk Jake > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 12/24/2016 at 09:55

0

A WRX isn’t subtle. Regardless of how long he wants to keep it I strongly advise buying what he wants now. 8 years is a long time, many things can and will change in that time. Compromising his desires today will only lead to regrets later

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Jayhawk Jake 12/24/2016 at 12:40

0

Wingless and in Lapis Blue, many people who aren’t into cars would see a WRX as just another economy car. Taste aside, if you’re keeping a car for 8 years you have to factor in reliability, maintenance cost, insurance, depreciation, practicality (will this car do 85%+ of what I want from a car for the next eight years?), economy, and comfort. I really like the current gen Challenger, but it seems to tick only one or two of those boxes and thus may not be the best choice in the long-haul (just ask Ike, he’s had two). The other alternative is a cheaper, reliable daily (maybe a new Mazda 3 Sport hatch or Honda Civic hatch?) and a project car, although space might be an issue in OP’s situation.

Jayhawk Jake > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 12/24/2016 at 14:10

0

Or just buy the car you want and be happier in the short term and make it work in the long term.

In the last 6 years I’ve had 3 different cars. I finally bought one that didn’t make a compromise for any “need” I perceived and it makes me much happier as a result.