Well I must insist that I am very fond of nimble, well rounded cars. I am a fan of M3's, EVO's, STis, Porsches etc. I am shooting for something within the next year or so and I am SERIOUSLY considering this car even though it does not have some of the same attributes I am used to. The 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T. Not the SRT-8 Challenger. This thing is IMO one of the BEST damn looking cars made in a long time and it sure is mean. I am a fan of the sound, the 5.7L V8 and the ability to have fun with it when I want to while being able to just chill out, cruise and relax when I want to as well.

The SRT-8 300c and Chargers have faired very well in the reliability/dependability catagory over many long term tests and I have asked quite a few owners with modified ones and gotten great reviews aside from weak fit and finish. I think I might be able to deal with the fit and finish issue in exchange for a strong well put together mechanically car that I can count on and have fun with, with OUT worrying about gear grinds, weak stock clutches, check engine lights and random mishaps that can make someone hate a car. Besides this one has devilishly good looks, sound and it is $30,000 new! (I would probably shoot for a barely used one, which I bet I could get for $25,000 easily)

SPECS:

5.7L 345ci
AUTO = 370hp/404tq
6 Speed = 375hp/398tq

0-60mph = 5.9 sec
1/4 mi = 14.1 sec according to edmunds but I'm sure some bolt ons and tweaks will change that but it is a heavy car. So what.

Exhaust clip: SRT-8 Challenger (I'm sure they will sound similar, but maybe not)... [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eazpgXR5CrI[/media]

PICS! This is the good part... keep in mind these pics are that of the Turbo Challenger, but cosmetically I see a drop, wheels, tinted windows and overall it won't be hard to make it look similar.

 

Well I have a 300 SRT-8 and I’m thinking about getting an R/T but I’m holding back. I learned a lesson with my 300C and that is WAIT WAIT WAIT. Right now the Challenger is hyped up, give it a few more months and you'll see Chrysler offering discounts on them. Just remember this car, no matter what model it is, will depreciate quite a bit so like you said you might be able to pick up a used Challenger R/T for $25,000 or even less.

 

Exactly why I am going to wait. Domestic+RWD+15mpg = Not easy for them to sell.

 

If it's what you want go for it! I'm thinking about adding a new Camaro to the stable for a daily driver to. The V8 M6 will get 23 mpg. Not bad for 422 ponies.

 

my next car will most likely be a Challenger or Camaro. That said, i'm a big fan of nimble good handling cars too. I learned w/ my GTO that you can make heavy cars handle well. It still surprises me daily.