What You Need To Know About Buying A Used Dodge Charger
What You Need To Know About Buying A Used Dodge Charger
The Dodge Charger is one of those storied automotive nameplates that brings back memories to car enthusiasts and nostalgia lovers alike. Today, the Charger represents a unique combination of four-door practicality with performance and value.
Let’s explore the history of the Dodge Charger . At the same time, we’ll look at the model’s current generation to review features and equipment. These are important details if you are looking at buying a used Dodge Charger.
Origins of the Dodge Charger
The car marketplace in the 1960s was dominated by the Big Three automakers: General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler. Occasionally, American Motors Corporation (AMC) would chime in with a relevant vehicle or two. During this era, car buyers were going gaga over the Ford Mustang and later with the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird. These pony cars offered affordable performance: an automotive formula that is still successful to this day.
Seeking to play off of Ford’s and GM’s success, Chrysler sought to enter the game with its own sporty coupe. So, the 1966 Dodge Charger was launched but as a slightly larger and more upscale version of the pony car. The AMC Marlin was launched a year earlier with the same idea, and the upmarket Mercury Cougar would hit showrooms in 1967.
The fastback style of the first-generation Charger was replaced in 1968 with a sleeker version. Models from this second generation are highly prized among collectors, especially cars like the 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona. The race-oriented Daytona is easily recognizable for its modified aerodynamic front end and massive rear spoiler. The third-generation Dodge Charger debuted in 1971 with a completely new look that embraced beefier and more muscular proportions.
Starting with the launch of the fourth generation in 1975, the Charger began its identity crisis. Now, Dodge had redesigned the coupe to be a personal luxury car that would ditch its performance roots for the sake of competing with the Ford Thunderbird and Chevy Monte Carlo. The Charger was dropped in 1978 only to be resurrected in 1982 as a sporty four-cylinder hatchback, its fifth-generation. Given the focus on fuel economy during this era, it’s no surprise that Chrysler thought smaller was better. For its day, this tinier Charger was a decent compact offering, especially the turbocharged Shelby version. Following the 1987 model year, the Dodge Charger was shelved.
The Dodge Charger Comes Back to Life
After two decades, Chrysler brought the sixth-generation Dodge Charger back to life but not as a two-door. Instead, the 2006 Charger would fill a niche as a large, rear-wheel-drive sedan. Keep in mind that the market was becoming more crowded with front drivers and SUVs. Plus, the Dodge Challenger would soon fill the slot for a sports coupe when it debuted for the 2008 model year.
Despite its lackluster design, the Charger still had a performance edge thanks to the SRT-8 edition that featured a 6.1-liter Hemi V8. The lesser Charger R/T was also available with a 5.7-liter Hemi. And, the more mundane 2.7-liter V-6 could be paired with an all-wheel-drive system (AWD) as an option. Chrysler redesigned the seventh-generation Dodge Charger for the 2011 model year while embracing a more aggressive exterior and more power under the hood.
Buying a Used Dodge Charger
The current Dodge Charger has always been about value. In other words, a lot of bang for your buck. So, naturally, considering a used Dodge Charger makes perfect sense. Even the base V-6 offers spirited performance wrapped in the practicality of a four-door sedan. The Charger is ideal for a full load of passengers or a couple of car seats in the back.
Significantly, we’re entering the era of electrified cars and trucks and will soon face a time when high-powered gas engines will be things of the past. Even Dodge has acknowledged that the sun may soon be setting on its outrageous Dodge Charger Hellcats . With this in mind, now could be a great time to check out Dodge-flavored performance.
With a focus on the seventh-generation Dodge Charger, let’s check out the car’s details. This is essential information to review as you consider a used Dodge Charger for sale.
Dodge Charger Engine Options
Unlike most mainstream large sedans from the last decade, the Charger offers several powerplant options. These are well-suited for a variety of buyer preferences ranging from ordinary transportation to burnouts on the track. We’ll concentrate on 2015 and newer models that reflect the refreshed seventh-gen Charger. Keep in mind that you’ll see a range in horsepower stats that reflect differences from year to year.
Entry-level power comes from a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 292-300 HP. Yes, you won’t be winning any stoplight challenges, but you’ll have enough power for everyday needs without risking your license. A 7.0-second time for a 0-60 mph dash is still respectable for a car of this size.
Stepping up to a used Dodge Charger with eight-cylinder power begins with the 5.7-liter V-8 making 370 HP and 390 lb-ft of torque. If that’s not potent enough, the Charger can be equipped with the “392” 6.4-liter V-8 and its 485 HP and 475 lb-ft of torque. The 392 in R/T Scat Pack form can hit 60 mph from a standstill in 4.8 seconds; surely, that will get you noticed by everyone (including the state troopers). Remarkably, both of these engines are EPA-rated for up to 25 mpg on the highway.
But what about Hellcat engines? No problem. The Charger has you covered with a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 that kicks out 707-717 HP and 650 lb-ft of torque. Go for the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye to experience even more power with a neck-snapping 797 HP and 707 lb-ft of torque.
Dodge Charger Models
Let’s now check out the different models (sometimes called trim levels) for Dodge Chargers since 2015. This overview will detail the major contrasts between trims, but keep in mind there may be some differences between years.
SE: Dropped after 2017, this base Charger centers on V-6 power and an automatic. Other equipment includes 17-inch wheels, keyless entry and ignition, a power driver’s seat, a five-inch Uconnect infotainment touchscreen, and a six-speaker audio system. AWD is an option.
SXT: This Charger becomes the base model in 2018 and could be upgraded with a Plus package. An SXT Plus comes with 18-inch wheels, LED fog lights, dual-zone automatic climate control, front heated and upgraded cloth sport seats, and a larger Uconnect touchscreen with premium audio. AWD is an option.
GT: This Charger model adds sporty looks to the equipment level of the SXT Plus and comes with standard AWD. GT features include a sport suspension, 20-inch wheels, and a function hood scoop.
Check Out This Dodge Charger GT AWD .
R/T: The Charger R/T combines V-8 (5.7-liter) power with an active exhaust to the GT’s equipment level. AWD is not available.
Scat Pack: The Dodge Charger Scat Pack comes with the 392 engine and a host of performance goodies. This gear includes a limited-slip differential, upgraded brakes and suspension, and launch control. Cabin upgrades include different sports seats, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.
SRT Hellcat / Hellcat Redeye: These top-of-the-food-chain Chargers are all about over-the-top Hellcat power. Features include a high-performance suspension, driver-selectable performance modes, launch control, upgraded brakes, an adaptive suspension, unique 20-inch wheels with high-performance tires, and a wide-body exterior. Cabin upgrades add ventilated front seats with driver-side memory, leather upholstery, heated second-row seats, and a power-adjustable steering wheel.
Discover Our Selection of Used Dodge Chargers for Sale Please note that our inventory changes frequently and is subject to prior sale. Be sure to ask us about incoming used Dodge Charger models.
Buying a Used Dodge Charger at Trust Auto
Trust Auto makes shopping for a used Dodge Charger easy. So whether you’re looking for a used Dodge Charger Scat Pack or Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody, we can help. Our professional staff can also answer your questions about a Dodge Charger GT or another model. We’re the must-visit used car dealership in Maryland.
Buying a used car in Virginia? Buying a used car in Washington, DC? Then the best-used vehicles are just a short drive away. Buying a used truck in Pennsylvania? Buying a used truck in New York? Then learn how our remote shopping services can help you find the perfect vehicle without ever leaving home.
Trust Auto is the answer when your search calls for the best-used car dealership near me. From Baltimore and beyond, we’re the used Dodge Charger dealer that’s all about you. Call or stop by today to explore our extensive selection of high-quality vehicles.
