Challenger SE vs. Avenger R/T – Which One to Buy?

[deleckidesign]

I realize this may not be the best board to ask this question, however, I want some input.

Since my husband bought me my Dodge Charger last year, he has been dying to have a Challenger (he currently drives a Chevy Cavalier - 2004 - yellow - 75K miles). However, since price points aren't out yet, we're unsure if this is do-able as far as our budget goes, so he suggested maybe he'd just get an Avenger R/T instead. But, isn't the price for that in the low 20's?

He truly would be happy with any Challenger - the SE would be perfect for him. I know. You may be thinking, but...why not just get an R/T or SRT? I did ask him this and those are definitely out of our price range and the gas mileage just isn't as good as the 3.5L.

Anyway, the SE price point is supposed to be in the lower 20's, same as the Avenger R/T, right? Or close anyway. I told him, if you are thinking about an Avenger, might as well get the Challenger. Price seems like it's going to be fairly close, why not get what you really want?

I know him...he won't care to have any extra features...he'd be cool with stock. In fact, his Chevy Cavalier is probably the nicest car he's ever had (haha!)...and it doesn't have anything special on it - no power windows or locks. Just stock. So I know the base SE would be just right.

Do you think these will be fairly comparable price-wise and he should just go for the Challenger?

Also, how difficult is it going to be later this summer to get our hands on an '09 SE base model? Waiting list?

Thanks for your input in advance!

[Hypotenus Love Triangle]

If he wants the Chally SE over an Avenger R/T, get the chally.
They will be close in price, but I'm sure insurance on the Chally will be much more.
However, you can get an Avenger R/T now, still have to wait for the Chally...

I'd wait. That is of course he gets the Stormtrooper Avenger...which is badass.

I'd go for Chally.

[deleckidesign]

Originally Posted by Hypotenus Love Triangle

If he wants the Chally SE over an Avenger R/T, get the chally.
They will be close in price, but I'm sure insurance on the Chally will be much more.
However, you can get an Avenger R/T now, still have to wait for the Chally...

I'd wait. That is of course he gets the Stormtrooper Avenger...which is badass.

I'd go for Chally.

Insurance isn't a huge concern. Seems like no matter what cars we get, insurance rapes us. I guess because we're both in our 20's? But, still doesn't make sense.

Stormtrooper Avenger? What's that? lol

He's been talking about the Challenger for a couple years now. The Avenger was just an excuse to save a few bucks. But I'm assuming they're fairly similar in price. Guess I need to hop on the Dodge website. I've never looked into an R/T Av.

Besides, we already have the 4-door "family" Charger. And hopefully with the Challenger, I can take it for a spin too

[deleckidesign]

Just looked on the Dodge website and the Avenger R/T starts at just under $24K. If the Challenger SE ends up being around $22K, then who in their right mind would pick the Avenger R/T? Whoops, did I just say that out loud?!

Challenger it is!

[Cuda340]

Originally Posted by deleckidesign

Also, how difficult is it going to be later this summer to get our hands on an '09 SE base model? Waiting list? Thanks for your input in advance!

It will be impossible to get a 2009 Challenger SE this summer. The price list will be out in early May, but you will not be able to order one until probably August.

So, don't expect an SE in your driveway until October/November.

There won't be a waiting list for Challengers, with the possible exception of the SRTs. The last rumor has Dodge building 15,000-20,000 Challengers (only about 5,000 SRTs).

[deleckidesign]

Originally Posted by Cuda340

It will be impossible to get a 2009 Challenger SE this summer. The price list will be out in early May, but you will not be able to order one until probably August.

So, don't expect an SE in your driveway until October/November.

There won't be a waiting list for Challengers, with the possible exception of the SRTs. The last rumor has Dodge building 15,000-20,000 Challengers (only about 5,000 SRTs).

For some reason, I thought the 09's came out late Aug/early Sept. But if it's not until Oct/Nov, no biggie. What's another 2 months when hubby has been waiting 2 years

[RoostKing]

Call me crazy, but for someone who pretends to be uninformed, you seem to know what is going on, even price points LOL,For any man to be considering a low output v-6 as acceptable is well.. Frugal. yea thats it...



2010 SRT 6.4 L, 6 Speed "Cuda" NO Compromises...

[Kelsey73]

Originally Posted by RoostKing

Call me crazy, but for someone who pretends to be uninformed, you seem to know what is going on, even price points LOL,For any man to be considering a low output v-6 as acceptable is well.. Frugal. yea thats it...



2010 SRT 6.4 L, 6 Speed "Cuda" NO Compromises...

+1 to that! Well with an 08 too! Can't wait that long for one of these

[Mbenz528i]

Get him the Chally as he will be happy with the looks and enjoy the dream car. Abscent the speed and the Vader version, the Avenger is a nice car, but the Chally in any trim level is a great car!! Point blank period!! get him what he wants, he will thank you for it later!

[Scooter71]

Well, its all trade-offs........While, the Avenger R/T will be more expensive. (~$2,000) Dodge Dealers will more than likely be willing to deal on a Avenger R/T vs the brand new Challenger. Also, a note about Insurance.......V-6 Mustang are very reasonable and much cheaper than V-8 powered GT's. So, the Challenger S/E (with a V-6) may not be out of line.............Regardless, just do your research......now days you can find out the price of your trade without leaving your home and purchase a car half across the country for hundreds if not thousands less. So, if you really would prefer a Challenger. I have no doubt you could find one for your budget! Of course you may have to wait 6-12 months for prices to get anywhere near reasonable. That said, waiting for what you really want is rarely a mistake! Twenty years from now you will still be talking about your Challenger...........do you think you would about your Avenger????