Your opinions on the 2014 Charger

So... running back and forth to Montana from Illinois has put too many miles and wear on my Amanti. I love that car.. but time to get a new one. I was looking at cars this past week and test drove the 2014 Charger. I really like it Does anyone here have one or know about them enough to give an opinion of the newer chargers themselves? Seems the 2013 charger is the same. It has quite a large back seat... why I really preferred it over the Challenger or the Camaro. Id love the Challenger, but I cant shove kids in that one! The one Im wanitng has a 5.7 l v8 Hemi in it.. seemed adequately powered for a larger car. This one I want is a R/T Plus... www.dodge.com...

I liked EVERYTHING about it.. but.. the ride is so luxurious I felt almost disconnected from the road. You know how it usually is with sports suspensions in sports cars.This feels NOTHING like that. It damned near felt like I was in a simulator when I took it out to dog it a little. Even on turns.. sharp ones.. I didnt feel the connect. I hope Im saying this right. LOL! Hard to describe. Very strange sensation. Im an older woman and driven all sorts of cars... this is the first time I felt (spatially) like this in a vehicle.

Anyway, there are several models of it so if you have experience in any of them or a knowledgeable opinion Id love to hear it. Id like the pull the trigger on this Sat evening.

I've been a Mopar guy my whole life. Back in my day(70's) the Charger was it. Today? If you're going to spend that money on a Chrysler get a Challenger.

intrepid
I've been a Mopar guy my whole life. Back in my day(70's) the Charger was it. Today? If you're going to spend that money on a Chrysler get a Challenger.

Hah! Thats what the husband said! I had kids late though.. and need that back seat I cant put them in the teeny space in the back of that Challenger. The guy at the dealership thought I was insane.. but I brought all 3 kids and the husband.. car seats and all to test drive the charger, challenger, and camaro. LOL!!

If your opinion ( one I value) is that its overpriced.. a lower model maybe?

Advantage

intrepid
I've been a Mopar guy my whole life. Back in my day(70's) the Charger was it. Today? If you're going to spend that money on a Chrysler get a Challenger.

Hah! Thats what the husband said! I had kids late though.. and need that back seat

I cant put them in the teeny space in the back of that Challenger. The guy at the dealership thought I was insane.. but I brought all 3 kids and the husband.. car seats and all to test drive the charger, challenger, and camaro. LOL!!

If your opinion ( one I value) is that its overpriced.. a lower model maybe?

ETA.. by the way, the charger was one from my day too. Almost a spit in the eye of time for me to drive one now. Screw you old age!!!

Advantage
So... running back and forth to Montana from Illinois has put too many miles and wear on my Amanti.

I drove a 6 cylinder charger many times while renting cars thru Enterprise. Heck, I should become a car reviewer as I have driven darn near every vehicle there is.. lol

The car felt good until around mile 130, then the seats become uncomfortable. I know many like the looks of the charger, but if comfort is important over those long trip, take a trip in a Lumina, the seats are SOOOO much more comfortable, but this is on the V6 model, unsure if the sportier version has better seats. The Lumina also got a little better MPG.

Oh, I used to rent cars at least once a week. I would drive between 150 - 600 miles a day.

Have you narrowed your choices down to one car, or how open are you to options.

reply to post by Advantage


I know it might not matter much, but I used to work at an airport and checked all the cars (like 4,000 a night on my own).. I think I am not supposed to talk about that, but anyway I always liked how some of the newer chargers looked. I like how they look big..

They do look how I want a car to look, but I wonder how they would drive. They seem like they are the wrong shape to hug the road.

A lot of newer cars will increasingly have that "spaceship" feel though. I don't know if that's what you meant, or not.

Not many people who know about cars agree with me, and I really don't know much. They don't like the charger, but as for me it's the one I want if I ever have money.

Advantage

intrepid
I've been a Mopar guy my whole life. Back in my day(70's) the Charger was it. Today? If you're going to spend that money on a Chrysler get a Challenger.

Hah! Thats what the husband said! I had kids late though.. and need that back seat

I cant put them in the teeny space in the back of that Challenger. The guy at the dealership thought I was insane.. but I brought all 3 kids and the husband.. car seats and all to test drive the charger, challenger, and camaro. LOL!!

If your opinion ( one I value) is that its overpriced.. a lower model maybe?

have you considered a hotrod type crew cab pickup. A 2wd pickup with a strong motor will give more smiles, last longer, have stronger parts (less repairs), get the same mpg range, and you have a better view of the road.

There are a few models of trucks that have a sport version. A crewcab 5.7 Tundra tuned will run circles around a non-6.2 charger. but that is a gear head thing..lol

Imho, if I was going for a new 35k car (which I was shocked that a charger rt cost), I would WITHOUT a doubt buy a slightly used BMW 535i or a Cadillac CTS-V
those 2 cars are a HUNDRED times BETTER in EVERY conceivable way.

--------OH---- before I forget, test drive an Infiniti G37 sedan... WOW.. the comfort, handling and performance will make you realize why I am suggesting it.

Basically Ive decided on that Charger. I just want others to tell me to go get it.LOL! No seriously.. Im pretty set on the charger, but there are many models. I do know what you mean about the comfort.. but this thing was VERY comfortable to me. Maybe the difference in years or the model? It gets dreadful gas mileage.. but we recently bought a SUV for the trips that gets great mileage. I just wanted a ME car since the one I have now is getting up into higher miles and I should probably trade it in if I want any value.

HanzHenry

Advantage

intrepid
I've been a Mopar guy my whole life. Back in my day(70's) the Charger was it. Today? If you're going to spend that money on a Chrysler get a Challenger.

Hah! Thats what the husband said! I had kids late though.. and need that back seat

I cant put them in the teeny space in the back of that Challenger. The guy at the dealership thought I was insane.. but I brought all 3 kids and the husband.. car seats and all to test drive the charger, challenger, and camaro. LOL!!

If your opinion ( one I value) is that its overpriced.. a lower model maybe?

have you considered a hotrod type crew cab pickup. A 2wd pickup with a strong motor will give more smiles, last longer, have stronger parts (less repairs), get the same mpg range, and you have a better view of the road.

There are a few models of trucks that have a sport version. A crewcab 5.7 Tundra tuned will run circles around a non-6.2 charger

Old lady here. Not into trucks. LOL! Im like 5'4" and now maybe 125 or 135 lbs soaking wet. Trucks make me look goofy and I need a step ladder to get in them. Hard to be graceful when having to climb.. literally.. into a truck!

Pesonally I'd consider the fuel situation prospects for the forseable future.

30 MPG isn't very good and seems to be in tune with the American denial of the reality we live in. But bigger, better and more expensive must be all right.

My car does 50 MPG and I'm happy. Granted that the kids have to sit right next to each other and might even touch each other, but that's OK. I have to drive a car because of my work and practically no public transport from our house to my work place, but I am confident that we don't add anymore strain to the envioronment than we have to.
A wind mill, heat exchange systems, solar heating and green electricity helps as well.

May I recommend an old car name with a new focus?



60 mpg? That's a seller.

Love that black Charger though. *drools*

Dustytoad
reply to post by Advantage

 

I know it might not matter much, but I used to work at an airport and checked all the cars (like 4,000 a night on my own).. I think I am not supposed to talk about that, but anyway I always liked how some of the newer chargers looked. I like how they look big..

They do look how I want a car to look, but I wonder how they would drive. They seem like they are the wrong shape to hug the road.

A lot of newer cars will increasingly have that "spaceship" feel though. I don't know if that's what you meant, or not.

Not many people who know about cars agree with me, and I really don't know much. They don't like the charger, but as for me it's the one I want if I ever have money.

The year and model I drove definitely hugged corners and some weird curvy exit ramps I took it on. It accelerated well, not like some Ive driven in the past.. but very good. I dont need a race car really.. I need something with the OOMPH to get me out of a bad position in a short amount of time. People in this state cant drive worth a crap. LOL! I have to drive at least once a month all highway to the neighboring state. Gas mileage no prob.. its only a 45 min drive, but Ive darned near been smashed by semis and etc on my way. I want the ability to get out of a jam. Thats why I wanted one of the 3 I test drove. That and I can get super cheap insurance at my age.. and the folks we go through. It was a why not scenario.


The spaceship feel? Not the interior so much. It was an inability to feel the road when driving. Im used to feeling SOMETHING while being connected to the road. In this one.. I may as well been driving in a simulator. No real sensation... well unless you accelerate and take a 25 mph corner at 70... LOL!

intrepid
May I recommend an old car name with a new focus?

60 mpg? That's a seller.

Love that black Charger though. *drools*

Hmmm maybe Ill test drive the dart while IM out tomorrow.. haul the kids up there. LOL!

Yeah, I always did like the charger! LOL!

HolgerTheDane2
Pesonally I'd consider the fuel situation prospects for the forseable future.

30 MPG isn't very good and seems to be in tune with the American denial of the reality we live in. But bigger, better and more expensive must be all right.

My car does 50 MPG and I'm happy. Granted that the kids have to sit right next to each other and might even touch each other, but that's OK. I have to drive a car because of my work and practically no public transport from our house to my work place, but I am confident that we don't add anymore strain to the envioronment than we have to.
A wind mill, heat exchange systems, solar heating and green electricity helps as well.

We have several vehicles. Im looking for a car for myself to drive when I want to drive it.

Ad, I agree with Intrepid on this one, partially. If I was to spend the money on a Dodge at this current time, it would be a Challenger. That being said, I don't have to worry about a bunch of snot nosed kids.

So I say get what suits you. And if you think it's right for you, don't worry about the rest of us. Chargers have been picked up under contract to be police cars, and if that's true in your area it makes them a pretty good choice.

Think of it this way, the police and cabbies, drive the crap out of cars and usually have dozens in the auctions to be bought up for parts. Which means, down the road your repairs will be cheaper.

I would consider the JD Power reviews before making your final decision however:

autos.jdpower.com...

This is for the 2013, not the '14 so I don't know if there are improvements. Reliability seems to have a low rating. You can always speak to the dealer about drivetrain warranties, and then of course as I mentioned an excess of parts should be available just like crown vics in the old days.

JD Power has recently recognized Hyundai, which have stepped up their game 10 fold since coming into the industry. It might be worth looking at a Sonata before you go all american breakfast on this one.

www.hyundaiusa.com...

autos.jdpower.com...

boncho
Ad, I agree with Intrepid on this one, partially. If I was to spend the money on a Dodge at this current time, it would be a Challenger. That being said, I don't have to worry about a bunch of snot nosed kids.

So I say get what suits you. And if you think it's right for you, don't worry about the rest of us. Chargers have been picked up under contract to be police cars, and if that's true in your area it makes them a pretty good choice.

Think of it this way, the police and cabbies, drive the crap out of cars and usually have dozens in the auctions to be bought up for parts. Which means, down the road your repairs will be cheaper.

I would consider the JD Power reviews before making your final decision however:

autos.jdpower.com...

This is for the 2013, not the '14 so I don't know if there are improvements. Reliability seems to have a low rating. You can always speak to the dealer about drivetrain warranties, and then of course as I mentioned an excess of parts should be available just like crown vics in the old days.

JD Power has recently recognized Hyundai, which have stepped up their game 10 fold since coming into the industry. It might be worth looking at a Sonata before you go all american breakfast on this one.

www.hyundaiusa.com...

autos.jdpower.com...

edit on 22-11-2013 by boncho because: (no reason given)

Yes.. in fact, the cops here do drive the Charger in this model and the mustang. They have went all black looking all spiffy and tactical. .. ( eye roll.. and wink all at the same time)

Thank you for the extra info.. Im definitely going to go digest the links. The info I need

I know this may be off topic but is Charger your dream car or something? If you had a better choice, would you go for something else?

I'm only asking because it seems like the price of owning a brand new Dodge Charger 2014, is between the range of $26,000 USD to $46,000 USD.

Now... for the same price level, I could recommend you so many cars that are better or much better. They are of course, 2nd hand vehicles.

You should visit web sites like AutoTrader.com to see what's available second hand.

For instance, if you are willing to dish out $25,000 to $30,000, you can get yourself a very nice Mercedes E55 AMG, probably 2004 or 2006 model with only 50,000k+ miles on it.

Now, why E55 AMG over Dodge Charger? Well, a stock Mercedes E55 AMG used to be around $96,000. A fully loaded model would be around $110,000 to $130,000. When you drive the 461 horse power engine with 512 lbs. of torque, V8 Super Charged, you will know where your money went. Also, the AMG class not only is a beast in terms of performance, you'll also get all the luxury comfort you can imagine with a Mercedes.

If you are really capable of dishing out more than $35,000 for a car, you should look into a Porche 911. Something like a Targa 4 or something close. A second hand 911 Porche is probably in the range of $45,000+.

And if you are crazy enough to go for a higher priced vehicle, like even considering financing a $60,000+ vehicle, don't do it. Because you can get a very nice second hand Lamborghini for about little over $70,000.

Just some advise to put things in picture. By no means am I saying Dodge Charger is a #ty car, only saying that for the cost of purchasing a Charger, I would gladly put my money on a European luxury vehicle.

My two cents.

truthseeker84
I know this may be off topic but is Charger your dream car or something? If you had a better choice, would you go for something else?

I'm only asking because it seems like the price of owning a brand new Dodge Charger 2014, is between the range of $26,000 USD to $46,000 USD.

Now... for the same price level, I could recommend you so many cars that are better or much better. They are of course, 2nd hand vehicles.

You should visit web sites like AutoTrader.com to see what's available second hand.

For instance, if you are willing to dish out $25,000 to $30,000, you can get yourself a very nice Mercedes E55 AMG, probably 2004 or 2006 model with only 50,000k+ miles on it.

Now, why E55 AMG over Dodge Charger? Well, a stock Mercedes E55 AMG used to be around $96,000. A fully loaded model would be around $110,000 to $130,000. When you drive the 461 horse power engine with 512 lbs. of torque, V8 Super Charged, you will know where your money went. Also, the AMG class not only is a beast in terms of performance, you'll also get all the luxury comfort you can imagine with a Mercedes.

If you are really capable of dishing out more than $35,000 for a car, you should look into a Porche 911. Something like a Targa 4 or something close. A second hand 911 Porche is probably in the range of $45,000+.

And if you are crazy enough to go for a higher priced vehicle, like even considering financing a $60,000+ vehicle, don't do it. Because you can get a very nice second hand Lamborghini for about little over $70,000.

Just some advise to put things in picture. By no means am I saying Dodge Charger is a #ty car, only saying that for the cost of purchasing a Charger, I would gladly put my money on a European luxury vehicle.

My two cents.

I saw it and I liked it. We were buying the husband a new SUV, knew I had to pull the trigger on something soon due to the miles versus value issue with my current car, and I saw the charger. Not a huge mystery. I have always loved the charger and it was my deceased fathers fave car. I trade in and get a car every few years. The one Im wanting is just at 26K I believe. I looked at a few. Im getting 9K for my trade in and 1.9% financing. Lower rates are a motivator too. The car I have now was financed at a higher rate and cost more than this one new. In the end.. the actual cost isnt nearly as much as some you are suggesting by any means.Im not a child, have stellar credit, and low insurance rates. Why would I want a lambo if I have 3 children as I mentioned? I wouldnt. Id get a car with a back seat and dre beats stereo. A porche has NO back seat.. and isnt a good purchase.. it has nothing I want. The others you mentioned are just status cars and not what Im looking for for that price. Im not into that. Inflated for name, outrageous repair and insurance rates for nothing, and to much performance for what I want. I could have gotten a jag as well.. and paid 4Xs the amount for brakes when they need replacement than a charger. The charger and ones in its class give me a little performance and the sedan for my family when I take them in it.




ETA again... forgot to add.. very close friend is a chrysler retiree.. Im also getting his green sheet discount.

Now other than wanting my financial history or etc.. anyone have any more opinions on this car?

anyone have any more opinions on this car?

dont like it.