HI Everyone,
So looking to probably get a new custom build Challenger. I test drove a 300c and Challenger T/A V8s today. Impressed by both. I don't feel I need the TA though it had all I wanted sans paint job but I could live with it but a bit out of my price range. 300c was wrong color and interior. So gonna probably do a custom build. RT I believe and get want I want.

Been on the fence about going AWD or TWD. I live in Idaho and winters can be problematic however 80-90% of the time, winters here are fairly mild and if it snows, it's gone in a few days. 2016 was last horrendous winter and it even attempted to break a 2013 Dodge Ram truck we have. Getting to work, the dial to the truck in to park would not engage for some reason. I would only reverse neutral or drive. Found out later that snow and slush had collected on the linkage from the dial to the tranny had frozen causing it to not work. Dealer had to chip the ice off it and it worked. Was a crazy winter that year.

However, I'm wondering how Challengers TWD models work in mild to moderate winters if anyone else has this experience and can share. I presume they are ok in these moderate conditions and when weather is really bad, I presume one should probably not drive them unless you have chains one and such. Tires are important as well. I'm aware and capable of handling driving in bad weather. I'm coming from a 2001 BMW 7 series which has zero problems in bad winter conditions. Even with no chains on. I presume handling will be what it is and tires will be important for these conditions. Im planning on All Season tires at least. I'm not racing and such. Just normal operation and driving. Maybe some higher speeds. hehe.

I was also planning, if I get the TWD version, get a 2nd set of wheels just for winter season with good winter tires. Something I have currently on the BMW.
I wish these cars had V8s in AWD versions but understand the technical issues that may prevent that.

So, after todays test drive, I'm gonna probably get a V8. I've had a V8 for so long I guess I just can't go with anything less, LOL. I did test drive the AWD Challenger last year and it was just Ok. Just really didn't spin the prop. I had an opportunity to rent a 300S back in June and was highly impressed by it..v6 TWD sport package I guess. Very impressed. The TA today though, wow. Nice handling and the power was wonderful. The sound too...LOL love it.

So after todays test drives and thinking about all this. I'm kind headed towards the Challenger V8 as my next long term buy. Would be nice to hopefully enjoy some car warranty coverage for a while too. Looking forward to some new tech features as well. I want all the features and color that I desire so gonna put in for a build. Ya, back to a car payment. Has been nice to not have a car payment.

One item I noticed to day is the difference in sound systems. The Harman Karden system in the 300c sounded kind bad. Hollow and not natural. I adjusted the EQ and just wouldn't make it better. The Alpine system in the Challenger TA was nice and sounded way better. So not sure what going on with HK system. I plan to get the Alpine system. The truck we have has the Alpine system and also sounds good.

I believe in good car maintenance and not lazy on that front.
Looking to see if there is any known problems from you long experienced Challenger owners that I should be on the look out for or be aware of? Good and Bad. I know of the gotchas on the BMW. Been a good car. But 20 years in, it's time for something new.

Thank you for any information. Looking forward whats in store for me.

 

I am not a challenger owner, nor do I play one on TV.

That said, AWD is WONDERFUL for winter driving...... but yeah, I don't think you can get it with a V-8..... which is really too bad. Since your winters aren't usually that bad, likely some good winter tires, and the car will do fine in the snow. If it gets really ugly, just take the truck.

 

Thanks for the response and info. Hoping to get this going tomorrow. I'm headed to the deal tomorrow and go over a couple of times on the build list. Gonna go for the scat pack RT.
Will be sure to get some good winter tires for sure. Will put on All Seasons thats offered as i don't need racing stuff. LOL.

Will have to wait it out and hoping the builds go well. Will post more as it goes.

 

Ok, I did it and placed the order yesterday. Will see what happens in 8-12 weeks. Supposed to get notice of a VIN# at some point. Now the wait. Oh yay.

 

Update: Dealer said that my order could be done by 9/11. (Great, hope that's not a ominous date for me.)
Then hopeful be headed my way. Waiting patiently.

 

I think I would wait till the 12th to pick it up.....

 

Its supposed to be built by the 11th, then I guess shipped to the dealer sometime after that. I'm imagining the scene from the beginning of the movie, "Christine".

 

Gonna check for blood stains on it before you sign the papers?

 

Gonna have too. We'll come one. LOL. Great I'm buying a car with a weird attitude problem.

 

Still waiting. We have a VIN. No status otherwise.