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reliability

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2015 - 2022 Dodge Challenger
roywane3

Any reliability / build quality issues during ownership, specifically 392 AT8. Also, snow handling ability for non-GT models, specifically 392 AT8.

thanks

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Response from AcuraT

10:57 am July 1, 2018

This is a true muscle car which does not handle as well as many modern day performance cars. Unfortunately, it is made by Fiat/Chrysler and just like many of their models - are a nightmare to own with many reliablity issues.

Engine problems, transmission problems, fuel system issues, drive system issues, brake concerns, paint and trim, body hardware, and in car electronics all have problems in the first three years of ownership. So buy with huge warnings. Not to mention, two recalls, one very dangerous. The first, is the automatic cruise control won't deactivate and could cause a crash (the opposite of crash prevention). The other, also dangerous, is when you put the car in park - it may not be in park, and it can crush the unaware driver who gets out of the car with the engine running.

My advice - steer clear. Get something else - anything else. The 2015 Chevy Camaro is relatively reliable, but the redesigned 2016 and 2017 are not. The Ford Mustang 2016 is the best year but even that year has some issues around the fuel system and climate controls. Other years need to be avoided.

Best bet but it is not a muscle car are the imports in this category. Many mention the Mazda Miata (very far cry from the muscle car you are interested in). The Subaru BRZ is another which is fairly reliable.

As Lectrofuel states on other responses, sedans are a better bet than the two door four seaters as there you can find a number of performance sedans that will hold up. When you move to that catagory you have the Mazda 6, Buick Regal and then the luxury cars which are far more expensive.

Essentially, hard to get a fun performance car that is very reliable. Going into that category means issues but if you are willing to compromise on the performance aspect to some degree, you can get a reilable car.

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Response from LectroFuel

2:15 pm July 1, 2018

AcuraT is correct. Buying a midsized sedan with an upgraded engine is a good choice for reliability and cost of ownership. Something like an Accord 2.0T or Toyota Camry V6 will handle better (compared to the heavy Challenger) and will have a 0-60 time in about 5.5 seconds. The Ford Fusion Sport is sort of reliable and has a 0-60 of 5.1 seconds and gets terrible mileage. They'll also be much more reliable than most performance cars. The Miata doesn't have the speed you are looking for, but is one of the most fun cars on the road because of the handling.

The Camaro is more reliable than any FCA car. The Mustang is a little less reliable and the refreshed 2019 will likely have some bugs that will need to be worked out.

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Response from roywane3

11:24 pm July 1, 2018

Thank you both for your responses. I apologize, should have been more clear re context for my question in that I already own a Challenger. I factory ordered and took delivery last year on a 2017 Challenger Scatpack. I was hoping to find out about the ownership experiences of other Challenger owners on True Delta. I agree with you - FCA has a terrible reputation and I may not keep the car out of warrantee. So far though, and hopefully I am not tempting fate here, but a year in and I have not had a single problem with the car.

I did take a hard look at a BRZ, but they are pretty slow. I already own a Miata - a 91 with 87K km on it that I have had since the early 90s. A great little car, but it is not very fast. I loved the look of the Challenger and it's retro 70s GT muscle car vibe. It handles not too bad for a car its size (its huge), but the straight line performance is where it shines - just over 4 second 0-60 and it sounds incredible getting you there - very old school V8! Driving it from Vancouver to Phoenix this winter, so hoping FCA build quality does not let me down.

Thanks again.

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Response from LectroFuel

1:52 pm July 2, 2018

Oops! Misunderstood. Sorry, I don't have any experience with the Challenger, but I think you should be fine driving it on your trip. It is a new car after all... Enjoy the V8, because most cars are going the route of downsizing and turbocharging which I'm against. I sold my 94 Miata 18 years ago and I agree it was fun, but slow. Haven't driven the 1991 with the 1.6L 116 hp engine (mine had an aftermarket exhaust and around 140 hp, 128 hp stock with the 1.8L).

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Response from AcuraT

8:46 pm July 2, 2018

I have a friend who owns one but I personally do not. Sorry the question was misunderstood. He has had some transmission issues after 50,000 miles but that is the only issue so far. He puts a lot of highway miles on the car.

It should not strand you this early. If it does that is a new low for Chrysler. Best of luck with that car.

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Response from roywane3

3:34 pm July 4, 2018

Thanks - hopefully I won't need to use the road side assistance plan it came with.

Its too bad FCA doesn't focus more on reliability as otherwise my Challenger really has been a ton (actually, more like 2 tons +) of fun! :)

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