[LvxMagick]

Hi this is the first post I have put on this site, I am going to be buying a Dodge Challenger in the next couple months and was wondering whats the best way to do it? I will be buying the car with cash and am looking to get a black RT with a sunroof and Manual transmission.

My desired budget is $25000 & want to stay to that as close as possible.

1.Now whats the best year to buy the 2009-2015 I almost see no differences in appearance's so looks can be deceiving, so which year should I get?

2.Where should I purchase the car from, Autotrader, Craigslist or Ebay? I want the best deal for my buck.

3.What should I know about the RT before buying it?

Thank you & I appreciate your time!

 

[Brent27]

You may want to stick with 2011+ MY as they're a bit refreshed. The one think I'd make sure is done before buying is ensuring the timing chain recall is completed.

 

[2015_R/T_74_Duster]

you really would be better off with a 2015 with the 8 speed auto trans. get a nav system too, and backup camera.
MT is nice, but the new Auto is very good for performance shifting. Sunroof has it's + & -.

with that sized down payment you could probaby get .9 % financing.

Finance for 0.9% APR for 36 months+

if you go with previous years, you will miss some features. however, that would enable you to get an SRT a lot cheaper than new. (SRT has more getup than the R/T without ScatPak)

absolutely stay away from Ebay and Craigslist. so many people get ripped off or get a real bad deal. go to a dealer
people think WOW i can save $5000 on this ebay car or this craigslist car.
Then get it home and find out it's been abused, or the engine is damaged or whatever. or the title is "lost". or all kinds of stuff.

and you dont get a warranty. lol

 

[MopaR/T]

Not sure why others are encouraging to get the transmission you don't want but I think the answer to your question is there is no one best way. Use them all.

Start with one of the online pricing tools to have a cheat sheet for what you should pay for each model year with the options you want.

Use the search tools (AT, CL, eBay) to find 2011-2014 black R/T with stick and sunroofs and work from closest to farthest.

The only other advice I would give you is when working with dealer always say no to the price they are giving you and don't counter. As long as they know you are a hot lead they will not leave you alone. Just keep saying no until they get close then make an offer and then they may come back with a yes.

When I bought mine new, I had a sales manager tell me that he couldn't go any lower without losing money. The final deal was $2,200 under that number. Hot air seems in abundance in the auto sales business.

Good luck.

 

[Brent27]

The other posters reminded me - timing chain recall was on automatic transmission only I believe. Manual did not have the recall if that's the path you're going down.

There is a difference between 09-10, 11-14 and 2015 models. 09-10 and 11-14 are pretty close. Main difference on exterior is the lower grill. Interior the 11-14s have a nicer steering wheel (in my opinion) and a few soft touch interior upgrades. Also, I think 11-14s have keyless entry on some options. 2015s have a different rear end, hood and front facia. Not huge differences but they're there. Biggest difference is the brand new interior.

 

[MoparOhio]

Correct. Manually tranny did not have the timing chain recall.

if your budget is 25k I don't see you getting a new one if you are set on an RT as one of the posters suggested.

The newer the better although none are bad. In 2011 they updated the key lock entry system and gave it a better looking steering wheel if that interests you as well as some minor steering and handling tweaks. Also, the RAMs head was removed as well as the loser front cowl was turned from a smile to a frown. From 2011-14 there weren't any significant changes other than those if memory serves me correctly from an RT prospective.

I'd do the normal internet searches and see what you find in your area and check out a few. If you find a pre 2011 interior pic and a post 2011 interior pic you will see the difference in the steering wheel.

 

[MrIcky]

Just goofing around I found this:

New Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, RAM Cars for Sale in Caldwell, ID | Dennis Dillon Chrysler Jeep Dodge Dealer in Caldwell serving Boise and Nampa

I know 'as low as' doesn't mean much but you can get a new manual 2014 for ballpark what you are looking to spend. I know some people who have had some good luck on Ebay, but the key there is vet your source.

 

[MizzouRT]

The Track Pak option is an inexpensive option on the RT that significantly improves the handling. If cornering is important to you, this low cost option delivers a lot for very little $.

 

[LvxMagick]

Thank you everyone for responding to my thread I will look and take all your recommendations in mind when it becomes time to buy the car.

 

[toxiccaz]

Like the others said, there is no timing chain recall on manual trans models.

I would get 2011-2014 mdl year.

New R/T, 2014...hopefully you can get them down to 30,500 or so ....you may want to boost your budget a little and get a new one = warranty and you know that no one abused it.

Otherwise...hopefully you can find a used one in good shape for $25K.