For the past month I can't stop thinking, well more like obsessed about this car. I want to buy a brand new Challenger and I cannot afford the R/T or SRT. Here's the problem: I'm asian(that's not the problem lol), and all I ever driven were imports...Nissans to be exact. I currently am driving an '03 Altima SE with just over 130K with just a tune-up done recently. It still runs like it was new. If I do purchase this car, I will most likely use my current car as a trade-in. Ok, enough with the chatter, here's the point:

How's Dodge's reliability? Company? Service techs? Dodge as a whole overall? I've never owned a Dodge, let alone a domestic car. All of the cars I've owned, I did all the routine servicing at the recomended intervals, and changes the oil every 3K. I keep hearing that the engines, trannys and components tend to have its issues. Idk, I just need some honest advice from Dodge and Challenger owners alike. Thanks.

Dodge as a whole is pretty good. Regarding the dealerships/techs that will tend to your car is a coin flip, but this will happen with any dealer of any mfg of car. Some dealers will treat you like a king and some, after you buy the car, will treat you like crap. That part will come down to trial and error and you asking around your own neighbor hood for a recommencdation on where to go and who to talk to.

As far as the car goes, the only problem that is seen more than anything is in the shifter itself. There is a safety lock out that is plastic. This part is located inside the shifter and can get to it from inside the car. This thing breaks all the time due to slap shifting or just random screwing around. The good news is that it is a part that is covered under warranty if it breaks. More good news, after the warranty is up, there is an after market billet piece that can be used that is a little stronger. You can check out some videos and comments in the sticky thread at the top of the charger section.

Other than that, as long as you remember that you have the SE and not the R/T and refrain from racing, you'll be fine everywhere. LOL!!!!

The other problems that will arrise with these cars and you will read about are random and noncommon. The reason that you hear so many problems is that the computer in dodges are tied into everything. I mean everything, even the radio. If your radio breaks, your check engine light will come on with a code. Every sensor, moving parts, pressurized system is monitored so if there is even a hiccup with a certain part it will throw a code. Some people get scared real quick by seeing a CEL light on, but for people that have the ability to read the codes them selves and work on the car themselves, this is a good thing. You can also see a list of the codes over in the sticky in the charger section as well. There are A LOT!!!

The only thing that I can think of that you may not like will be the power of the SE Challenger. It will move just fine, but don't think that it will run fast like your Altima. The SE is the economy version of the car, runs great, looks great, just under powered for the weight of the car, that's all.

My last note, I don't know what the prices on these things are for your area, and I know that you want to buy new, but you might want to look into a used R/T and see what the prices are for those. The gas mileage is pretty close believe it or not for the two (under normal driving, not racing conditions) but you will have the added power there, just in case you ever want it. I personally would rather have an '08 R/T with 30k miles than a new SE. Especially since I do most of my own service and can pay attention to the car. Just my opinion though.

Thanks. Ironically, more people keep telling me to get the R/T instead. Which brings me to this question. How are the sohc chrysler V6 engines? I've heard that this is the same engine used on the charger sxt, magnum, avenger. But also the 300Ms and intrepids? Is this true? I also heard that this engine is exactly the same since 1999.

That is the one thing that I can not help you out with. The SXT engines. All I know is that they are strong. The details of them aren't something that gets talked about much here. Probably because there aren't many problems with them... LOL!!!

Hey d-originator - I've just bought my second Dodge - a 2008 SRT8 Challenger, first was a 2004 Dodge RAM - both vehicles have bee rock solid - 10 years ago I would never have purchased any of their products. I've been impressed at how much abuse they take with minimal service... I'd buy the RT or SRT8- just buy one a year old - they are out there and the prices are much better than going to a dealer for essentially the same car..

In regards to the 08 challenger it only came in the SRT not an R/T. R/T's were produced in august of 2008 as 2009 models Just trying to help convert another import owner.

best thing is take a test drive and see if the v6 has enough power for your needs. i believe there rated at 300hp.my mom has the same motor in her 300 and it runs good and had no issues. everyone wants the hemi but not all can afford it.dodge should have priced the car more reasonable and maybe they would sell more.my 09 ram cc trx4 with the hemi didnt cost as much as an rt challenger. just my opinion.either way just enjoy the car they are awesome.

After driving an Altima, you wil be very dissapointed in an SE, its a very heavy car and very under powered with the V6 and it certainly ISNT 300 HP. ( mid 250 ish if I recall). Buy an RT used , best bang for the buck.

'Nother vote for the R/T. Ive not driven an SE or SRT8 version, but the R/T I drove moved alot better than I was expecting. Worst thing you can do is get an SE, have buyers regret, trade it in on a new Hemi one in a year or so. Your gonna be upside down, owing more than the car is worth. Resale for an R/T will be more than an SE too.

While I want an SRT, I know I could live with an R/T. I couldnt with an SE...

And in all honesty, if one cant afford an extra 100 bucks a month or so, thats when used needs to be heavily considered...

Hey Scat, what did you decided?