General Challenger DiscussionThis section contains general discussion about the Dodge Challenger. If it does not fit into a more specific area, it probably belongs in here. (Dodge Challenger General Discussion)
Too bad. You'll find another. There are a ton out there. Be patient and get quotes from a few dealers for a car with the options you want. You'll get the best deal that way. Never pay over invoice BEFORE rebates. In fact, some dealers will give you 1-2% off invoice before rebates. Those are the ones to do business with. Check trucar.com to get the invoice on the exact car you want.
Okay guys help me understand this. Why would a dealer be willing to cut a better deal on a black or white R/T w/ STP but not Silver or Granite? I understand they are more common colors but wow, nearly $1000-2000 better deals?
I am so annoyed by two dealerships that have done this to me since the weekend!
I used to have an RT without STP, and now have a '13 RTC with STP. I will tell you the difference in handling is night and day. My old RT tended to float a little, the RTC with STP drives much more like a sports car and is just plain fun to drive. Not harsh at all when commuting, and pretty cool for a heavy car around the corners. Plus the cars with STP sit lower like the SRTs. I would highly recommend it if you can afford it. You'll also find that there aren't a lot of choices when it comes to 18" tires. Some of the nittos are very nice, but you can get some very high quality 20" tires for a reasonable price once the stock tires wear down.
If you like the silver, billet or granite (all of which look very clean to me) you'll enjoy not having to wash the car all the time. My old RT was black, and while very stunning when clean, it was a constant battle to maintain it.
You didn't specify what year your non-STP R/T was, but based on your experience I'm willing to bet it was a pre-2011. My non-STP 2011 handles very well and has none of the issues you listed. Really, the only difference between an STP and non-STP R/T 6-speed is the rear shocks and variable power steering. My non-STP R/T Classic has the heavy-duty brakes, full-off ESP, 20mm rear swaybar, but lacks the slightly different power steering and the Bilstein rear shocks (Which is a non-issue since I'm putting on coilovers).
On the R/T Classic there is the "Trac Pac" option but how do they affect how the car will handle and ride/performance? I believe with the R/T classic model you get functional hood scoops and HID headlights which is a must for me.
The Trac Pac with the 20 inch wheels, different suspension, shocks, brakes and steering with the 3.92 rear end.
On the base R/T model with no trac Pac you get 18 inch wheels with 3.73 rear end no HID headlights. Not sure if hood scoops are functional.
I guess this will make tires less expensive when it comes time to replace the 18 inch wheels over the 20 inch wheels but there must be more differences between these two tires in performance or longetivity?
Maybe car rides lower with one or the other tire?
Does that trac pac option really make a difference and if so how?
Do you loose that good cruiser reputation the Challenger has on long trips do you by adding all of that sport heavy duty suspension?
I couldn't find exactly what I wanted when I went shopping for a new 2011 RT so I ended up getting a classic without STP and put 392 shocks on it and redid the alignment and all is well. For 2012+ I'm not even sure the power steering box is changed for STP, it's just shocks/struts (2011 392 suspension), and upgraded brake pads. The rest is marketing jabber... Find one in the color you want, engine you want, interior you want, the other stuff is cheap or easy to replace later.
^That's really how I'm starting to feel at this point. Just find a plain Jane model R/T that's well within my budget and go from there. I'm pretty handy with cars, so I have no issue making changes down the road. As I said, for now it's going to be the highway warrior with the occasional weekend run down the strip.
^That's really how I'm starting to feel at this point. Just find a plain Jane model R/T that's well within my budget and go from there. I'm pretty handy with cars, so I have no issue making changes down the road. As I said, for now it's going to be the highway warrior with the occasional weekend run down the strip.
I would say go for it, also with the model having many years available at this point, parts are getting cheaper used. For example, I bought all the carbon fiber SRT8 interior parts and put them in my Challenger, looks great and wasn't much money.
Because I wanted leather (I swim/surf a lot so cloth gets ruined quick) I ended up with a pretty loaded version with keyless entry and heated seats as well as nav. I didn't want those things at the time but now looking back I am glad I have them. I have the classic package but it is basically stripes and rims, I really wanted it at the time but if I did it again I wouldn't bother looking for that option because it's easy to add anytime.
I do think the interior for the 2011 is much nicer, steering wheel is nicer, the seats are better and the gauges are much nicer. The exhaust on the 6spd is also better for 2011+, to the point that I don't think it's worth upgrading, has a good tone and flows pretty well.
Having driven most setups here is my opinion on the suspension systems in terms of comfort for the street (from soft to harsh):
5.7 RT: Soft, too boaty
2012+ 392: Perfect blend of comfort and handling
SRT8 6.1 Suspension: Good comfort but more planted feeling than 5.7 stock suspension.
5.7 RT STP 2012+/2011 392: A little bit harsh for regular use, but planted feeling.
2011 392 susp w/stack springs: Crazy good handling but too brutal for daily driver
So the plus (in my mind) to the 2009-2010 RT is the 6.1 srt8 suspension feels very nice on the street and will be less harsh than the srt8 setup for the 2011 392 (2012+ STP for RT).
The only real bad option in my mind, is a base RT with the 5 speed. The timing chains snap, the exhaust system is not very good and the gear ratio is tuned for fuel economy...
^ Knowing me I'll end up modifying my Challenger before too long. First things first, Weather tech mats and a Catch Can just like my 5.7 Hemi Commander received. haha
After that probably minor stuff like an true cold air intake, skip shift eliminator, strut bar (f+r), and a tune.
I would say go for it, also with the model having many years available at this point, parts are getting cheaper used. For example, I bought all the carbon fiber SRT8 interior parts and put them in my Challenger, looks great and wasn't much money.
Because I wanted leather (I swim/surf a lot so cloth gets ruined quick) I ended up with a pretty loaded version with keyless entry and heated seats as well as nav. I didn't want those things at the time but now looking back I am glad I have them. I have the classic package but it is basically stripes and rims, I really wanted it at the time but if I did it again I wouldn't bother looking for that option because it's easy to add anytime.
I do think the interior for the 2011 is much nicer, steering wheel is nicer, the seats are better and the gauges are much nicer. The exhaust on the 6spd is also better for 2011+, to the point that I don't think it's worth upgrading, has a good tone and flows pretty well.
Having driven most setups here is my opinion on the suspension systems in terms of comfort for the street (from soft to harsh):
5.7 RT: Soft, too boaty
2012+ 392: Perfect blend of comfort and handling
SRT8 6.1 Suspension: Good comfort but more planted feeling than 5.7 stock suspension.
5.7 RT STP 2012+/2011 392: A little bit harsh for regular use, but planted feeling.
2011 392 susp w/stack springs: Crazy good handling but too brutal for daily driver
So the plus (in my mind) to the 2009-2010 RT is the 6.1 srt8 suspension feels very nice on the street and will be less harsh than the srt8 setup for the 2011 392 (2012+ STP for RT).
The only real bad option in my mind, is a base RT with the 5 speed. The timing chains snap, the exhaust system is not very good and the gear ratio is tuned for fuel economy...
What about the Classic R/T with Trac Pac option with 3.92 rear end with 20 inch wheels vs. R/T Classic without Trac Pac option with 18 inch wheels?
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
Linear Mode
