There are plenty of people on here who got the SXTs and love them. I have an R/T Plus I bought new in 2015. I still like the car. That is a decision only you can make for yourself. For me it was a "spur of the moment" thing, came home from work one day and wife said, "Go buy a new Challenger, I know you like them, you look at them at all the car shows", only condition was it had to have a V8. Personally I would prefer an SXT Plus with leather seats and all the things they come with over a stripped out R/T or Scat or SRT.... It's easier to add speed aftermarket than it is to add comfort.

 

Perfect! I never knew the R/T was stripped out from leather seats and stuff... Awesome! Thank you so much for the heads up. Just makes me feel even better getting the SXT Plus. By the way, here are the specs on the car.

DODGE CHALLENGER SXT Plus
Exterior Color: White Knuckle Exterior Paint
Interior Color: Black / Ruby Red Interior
Colors Interior: Premium Nappa Leather Sport Seats
Engine: 3.6-Liter V6 24-Valve VVT Engine Transmission: TorqueFlite® 8-Speed Automatic Transmission

Super Track Pak
Wheels: 20" x 8.0" Granite Crystal Aluminum
Tires: P245/45ZR20 BSW Performance
3.07 Rear Axle Ratio
Anti-Lock 4-Wheel Disc Performance Brakes
Dodge Performance Pages
Goodyear Brand Tires
ParkSense Rear Park Assist System
ParkView Rear Back-Up Camera
Performance Steering
Rear Bodycolor Spoiler
Rhombi 2-Pc Wheel Center Cap
Sport Suspension
Steering Wheel Mounted Shift Control
Driver Convenience Group
Blind Spot & Cross Path Detection
High Intensity Discharge Headlamps
ParkSense Rear Park Assist System
Power Multi-Function Foldaway Mirrors
Remote Start System
Universal Garage Door Opener
Radio: Uconnect 4C Nav w/8.4" Display
SiriusXM Satellite Radio
1-YR SiriusXM Guardian Trial
SiriusXM Travel Link
5-Year SiriusXM Travel Link Service
SiriusXM Traffic Plus
5-Year SiriusXM Traffic Service
8.4" Touchscreen Display
Apple CarPlay
Google Android Auto
GPS Navigation
HD Radio
Integrated Center Stack Radio
Integrated Voice Command w/Bluetooth
Media Hub
Shark Fin Antenna
USB Host Flip
1-Yr SiriusXM Radio Service

 

If you like the SXT no reason not to go with it. I've personally never driven one but always hear good things about that engine.

Not sure the insurance is that much more, i just went from a 13 R/T to a 17 R/T and it went down 60 bucks a year, can always get a quote.

I drive a 5.7 as my only car, have a 90 mile a day round trip commute, 70% of it is freeway, i hit lights on the other part of the drive, and traffic pockets and problems all over, its a bad commute in this area. I got 22-23 MPG on my 13 manual, my 17 auto isn't broken in yet, but I am guessing it will settle in at 24, maybe 25 on a good day. I would guess the 6 is not a huge difference.

You don't want to go over your budget but you don't want to settle for something less than what you wanted. It sounds like you you would be perfectly happy with the SXT. You can always test drive a R/T to be sure.

Difference between V8 and SXT other than the power is not much I think. They have new exhaust on the 17 R/Ts and they sound great. I would highly recommend the Super Track pack for either model.

 

I had a 2016 SXT plus w/ STP and high performance brakes. Had it for 12.5 months and then I got caught in a flash flood a week ago.

I lived it, the performance was solid but it's quiet. I added the hellcat airbox and a green filter and it was a little more throaty when warmed up but still quiet.

Got around 26 mpg for the first 9ish months but my commute became a construction fest when summer rolled around. (And I started running my car is sport all the time for fun) and my mpg was at 22.5 at her death.

I loved it and it was my starter sports car after 15 years of trucks and SUVs. My intention was 3-4 years of the SXT+ before I upgraded to a Shaker+ because I love the shaker look.

This unexpected need to get a new car and the introduction of the T/A has turned my plans on their head.

Now I'm pretty sure I'm going to try and get a 2017 shaker+ or T/A+ if I can find one around me that fits my wants. Which is looking to be difficult now that orders are closed I believe in prep for the 18s.

All taht to say if everything were to fall through and I'm in a v6 challenger again, I'll still be happy.

 

Now I'm pretty sure I'm going to try and get a 2017 shaker+ or T/A+ if I can find one around me that fits my wants. Which is looking to be difficult now that orders are closed I believe in prep for the 18s.

Orders are open for the 18s right now, no incentives yet of course. I just finished a search that went for months, it seemed dealers were ordering and moving a bunch of T/As, so you may get lucky. Cars are still being shipped, I think they are still building 17s to satisfy orders.

 

I purchased a 2014 Challenger SXT Plus from a Chevrolet Dealership last year (imagine that!). I do understand you not wanting the insurance to rise, as I am only 21 years old and need the cheapest I can get my insurance! I also saw how difference in price the v8 was versus the v6.

I use the car as a daily driver to work, college, the gym, errands, etc. I LOVE driving fast, yet I do not race, as I bought the SXT. After test driving it, I fell in love and had to buy it. And like Frank Julian said above "It's easier to add speed aftermarket than it is to add comfort." The car had leather seats, a sunroof, was roomy, etc. In my opinion, I made the right choice. You can always take the multiple grand more the v8 would have been, and use that money to mod your SXT.

Happy Challenger owning!! You wont regret your decision either way

 

Yeah, 18s will start hitting lots and push down 17 prices so wait it out a couple more months. By October 17s are going to get some decent slashes.

I would not choose R/T over SXT only because the stock power is not enough of an uptick. 70hp is a good bit, but also slightly heavier. And as stared an R/T will be a stripper at the same price as the sxt plus. So if speed and V8 sound are not that important, get all the bells and whistles on an sxt.

 

You are forgetting the the increase of 142 lb-ft of torque, that is significant.

Each engine step up is significant, not everyone needs it or wants it. Dodge did a decent job supplying with options,

 

I'm literally in this same boat right now. I want the RT, but I also want the fuel economy and bells and whistles. I'm leaning towards the SXT Plus, but man, I'm already getting razzed about it being a chick car without the Hemi.. Good luck whatever YOU decide, because ultimately, it's your choice..


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All that I can say is buy what you can afford. Pushing the limits, or extending yourself for a car, just isn't a good move.


Everyone would like a HellCat, but affording one is another thing for most. You're young, don't jam yourself financially.

 

Yes, wait it out. End of year is a great time to buy cars. New are rolling in and dealership can only get new ones on the lot if they get old ones off the lot. If you buy a 2017 with zero miles when 2018 rolls around, you 2017 is much higher value than the higher mileage ones. Of course you owe more but value is higher too. If buying long term might as well buy the cheap old stock current year.

 

I've always thought that 300hp is a magic number for what feels fast enough. Around metro Atlanta, there is really just no place or time you can use more than the SXT without either running into someone or getting a ticket. I ended up going with the SXT w/blacktop package since I wanted cloth seats but a little more aggressive appearance, 20 in wheels, nicer steering wheel, sirius xm, etc. Looking back, I would now add the super track pack mostly for the paddle shifters. If you want smooth and quiet, the SXT is probably the way to go. I love mine and I traded a 15 Mustang in on it so that tells you what I think of the Mustang.

I remember my old 5.0 Mustangs with 225HP and thinking they were fast as hell. My 77 Corvette had like 165hp I think- it was pathetic. We are really in the golden age of HP and fast cars with no place to drive them...

 

I previously owned an 010 RT 6spd and now a 13 SXT+ with the super sport group, bought both new.

The 13 is my daily driver. It's fun to drive and has plenty of "go" for the daily drive and it's fun to just toss around.

I have driven a 15 SXT+ with the new 8 speed tranny and it was terrific, the car just went better than my 13 with the 5 speed.

I do not miss the R/T, it just didn't do it for me on or off the track. If you want to go fast then get a Scat Pack or SRT, gently used or new. If you want to have a reasonable driver get the SXT+. Given your description of your budget and drive I think it's the better choice.

I agree with the comments about not getting a base model of either. But lets also be clear: the SXT in any form is not a muscle car so if that bothers you then look at something else. There are tons of excellent condition low mileage Challengers available in all variations, the market is just flooded with them. For what you pay for a new SXT+ you can buy a low mileage 11 or 12 SRT.

So, good luck and welcome aboard!

 

Don't let this talk about buying the SXT fool you. Don't waste your time and money, get the RT! EVERYONE that drives a sports car eventually mods their cars. And one of the first things you'll decide to do is add an exhaust system because the V6 sounds weak. Then a Cold Air Intake wishing for a horsepower gain. And in the back of your thoughts you'll want a supercharger because the SXT feels too slow.

The 17 RT's have more torque (very important in such a heavy car), active exhaust system and decent gas mileage. Get cloth seats, but add the remote start system. You can upgrade seats later, but keep the car hot or cool if needed.

Also, learn from my mistake. I bought a 13 SXT because I was worried about gas prices and thought that the extra power was pointless. Well I was wrong! $5,000 worth the mods never satisfied my want for more power. Now I'm in a Scat Pack and it's everything I've ever wanted/need. I'm never going to the track to race so a Hellcat and Demon are out.

Buy the RT...if it's too much unnecessary power, lacking important interior luxury items or costs too much to keep you can always trade down to the SXT.

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I wonder by feb 2018 which is when I will be buying the car, if they have a deal on a 2017 RT since the 2018s will be out by then and the 2017 will be older. My budget is about $350 a month. Right now I can get the SXT Plus for about $26k out the door. I did a TrueCar quote for a RT in my area, i got a quote for about $29k. I don't think I can pull off $350/month on a $29k unless I put a lot down since it's a purchase and not a lease.

 

Get what you can afford and just do your research and then research that research. I have an R/T STP with intake/exhaust and love it. Plan on keeping it for awhile because our cars have that timeless design. Am I happy with 385+hp/410+tq for now, sure but plan on getting more mods. I was always teased when I mentioned I was looking at the V6 with the V8 but if you're happy with the car, that's all that matters man. If I want the sunroof, I'll take the wife's car.

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Get the chick car Plenty of power, great looks, great leather interior. If it weren't for others opinions, you'd just happily get one. A Guy

 

My next question is what's better when it comes to resale value? I just did a KBB trade in value for a 2015 challenger RT Plus with 6k miles and good condition, the trade in value is $25k. To buy that car it's $27k... that is amazing. I even put 25k miles just to see if the value went down from the 6k miles but it only down down to $23k trade in. That is amazing. I plan to buy this car when I get it so I want to make sure the value is good in the long run. So does the V6 or V8 make a different in long term value? That's a big factor for me as well.

 

In my opinion resale is always going to be better for V8. Once used, a V6 is a hard sale.

 

The SXT plus is a great car. Dodge has done a great job coaxing power out of the V6. Do some quick calculations and you may be surprised at horsepower/cubic inch ratio of the 305hp V6 compared to most of the V8s. (Okay everyone, don't trip over the couch running to get your calculators! You probably have an app on your phones for that.)

That SXT Plus will top out near 140mph. On a good day you'll hit 60mph in less than six seconds. Averaging 30mpg on the highway is easy to achieve, which gives you more than a 500 mile cruising range. Available interior creature comforts are pretty much the same all across the Challenger lineup, so you get what you pay for. And you can run on good old 87 octane gasoline.

All of that with absolutely no mods.

Whatever choice you make, Challenger wise, will be a good one. Best of luck.

 

I think it also depends on how long you're wanting to keep your car and what are your ultimate plans for it. If you're not doing any modding to it, I think the V6 is perfect because it is set up well stock.

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I want to keep it for a very long time. I don't want anymore car payments lol... I hope this car is reliable to last like 6-7 years. Does that sound doable? I really want to stop leasing and buying cars. I do about 8k miles a year and I don't ever push my cars to the limit or anything. Definitely no modding my car. Not into that stuff.

 

I owned a 2015 SXT for fifteen months and loved everything about the car, except for the sound. It had STP with no mods. The car was absolutely beautiful inside and out. It does not seem from what I have read that you care for the sound difference as I did so I think you will be more than happy with an SXT. You will not regret it. I had a smile on my face every time that I sat behind the wheel. The extra added bonus is that rebates are really good right now and dealerships are aggressively trying to move them.

Best of luck to you and welcome to the family!

 

Sounds about right but why did you only have it for 15 months?

 

To the OP, have you test driven an SXT yet?

If you aren't hung up on HP, and your 20 mile drive to work takes an hour, then the V-6 will save you in gas.

The good news for you is they are offering some decent discounts on 2017's now.

Good luck with your choice.

 

I have test driven both and the RT is the one I want because of the sound and power AND the resale value... but is it crazy for me to say I didn't feel THAT much difference between the two?

 

The RT is like the SXT?
The torque is night and day.
268 to over 400

 

I was not impressed with the real life feel of the R/T either. Was expecting more v8 than it had. The 6.4L is the amount of v8 I expected.

Also, only the autos get the cylinder deactivation I think.

 

So I couldn't wait... I just went to the dealership and they paid off the remaining balance on my car. I owed $2000 from now until feb 18 for my Sonata so they gave me $2000 check. I got the SXT Plus with Navigation and Premium sound for $350 a month with 0 down. I leased it. I'll put more of the numbers soon. Hope I didn't get ripped off lol

 

Gross cost: $32,958
Adjusted capitalized cost: $29,720
Residual cost: $19,138

10k miles for 36 months

What do you guys think?

Keep in mind they put $2000 on top of my car since they gave me the $2000 to pay off my current lease.

Keep f

 

Congratulations.

 

Congrats. Enjoy the ride.

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Here it is. I didn't want the stripes but I guess I'm starting to like them lol

 

I like the stripes. White Knuckle is a cool color but it needs something to break it up with the large flat body panels on the challenger.

 

Thanks guys! To be honest... I test drove the RT Plus and my god, I really wanted the v8 lol... I paid very close attention to the drive and it's a big time difference, but there was no way I could afford it. So for sure next car will be a v8 but for now I'm going to enjoy this car for at least 3 years. The power is amazing when compared to the Sonata lol... but the main thing is that I feel "cool" again lol. No matter what I did to my Sonata (I blacked it all out). I never felt "cool" enough lol. If anyone has any idea about the price and if I got ripped off please let me know.

Oh by the way the premium sound is amazing...

Here is the sticker on the car;
https://www.chrysler.com/hostd/windowsticker/getWindowStickerPdf.do?vin=2C3CDZAGXHH560508

 

I think price is fair. Congratulations on the new car and welcome to the Challenger Club! No need to dread on the V8 part, just enjoy your car. It has plenty of power for the streets and it is a great daily driver. I personally drive an R/T, and couldn't do a V6 but I feel the V6 car has it's place. Still a great car!