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Really Could Use some Opinions

9K views 124 replies 39 participants last post by  boyohboy 
#1 ·
Next month, I will have had my '09 Challenger R/T for 11 years. Its got 39K miles on it. Not trying to brag here,but it looks brand new, runs like a top and I still love the car. Plus,its got a lifetime warranty on the power train.
For the last few years,the thought of buying a new one keeps creeping into my mind. I would like a shaker R/T of some sort.Yet every time I entertain the possibility,I keep walking away with the feeling that keeping my car is the best alternative.
I would really appreciate some insight from you guys/gals on this, as I am at the paralysis through analysis stage.
Thanks !
 
#3 ·
Well for 2500 -3000 you could put a shaker on your car. That being said the 2015 up are really a step up from the earlier models especially inside. Also the next thing you really should think about a Scat Pack, I can't tell you how cool they are and how much fun the more power is.
 
#4 ·
I'll ask a question, Art.

What would you like to be talked into?

Envision trading your car in. Envision sitting in the new one, knowing your old one is gone. You ok with that?

When I traded, the realization hit me when I shook my salesman's hand. I was stunned at what I just did. Had the car for five years and it took me four to get it the way I wanted it.

At times, I still miss it, today. But, I have no regrets. Bu, I also went to the dealership that day to simply discuss the car I thought they had on order. I did not know it was on the showroom floor. No real time to think about it.

My opinion, we can all tell you what we think. But, it is, ultimately, up to you as to what you would like to do.

Good luck, buddy.
 
#7 · (Edited)
It you get rid of the RT I would definitely go Scat Pack. I just think you get more for your money. Like Corbin said the interior is really cool. If I were you go test drive one and see how you feel at that point. If it doesn't feel right walk away. I still miss the Sublime RT but once I get behind the wheel of the scat I forget all about it.
 
#8 ·
Go test drive a Scat and see if you think you'd like it more. Don't trade in your car because the dealership won't give you anything for it, so you'll need to sell it to an individual, and that will give you time to think about the decision.
 
#9 ·
I'd say that you have really used that current Challenger very well to have experienced so much good time with it. It's become a part of what you are and you've probably gotten to know its every idiosyncracy - good or bad. I'd say, as would quite a few others, that you deserve to trade up after so much time with it. But let me tell you my other thoughts on this situation from my own experiences with mine (even though it's only been with me almost 4 years).

The Devils Advocate Version....

I go through that every year when the new models come out...it was particualarly hard this year with the 50th Anniversary models coming out with all the new colors and so forth. My 2016 car only has 12k miles on it and it still looks new - and even smells new inside. I will also have it paid off later this year. I also have to say that I'm not really ready to move up to a V8 model, as I'd likely not get nearly what my Lil' Twister is really worth and it is also something I have modified, from the day I bought it new, to suit me personally. Nobody else has one exactly like mine. With that being said, I can actually factually proclaim that I have a Limited Edition "One of One". Add in the fact that I still have ideas for it "modification-wise" and I can honestly say that the feeling I get when driving it is just as strong or stronger today than when I took delivery nearly 4 years ago.

First off, I can well afford a new Scat Pack financially. The thing is, if I were to get a 2020 model Scat (or even a leftover '19) with a 6.4L, I really don't think there would be such a huge increase in ownership pride and satisfaction to make that pile of money I'd shell out really worth it to me - emphasis on the me part. Sure, it would be a real tire burner with that great big, "torquee" V8 and Active Exhaust rumble, but really, at my age I'm only out to please me and nobody else. I'd rather spend the cash I have on my current car and continue doing things to it that make it a "new model" Lil Twister over and over as time goes on. The thing is more than peppy enough for the places I drive and at the same time gets outstanding fuel economy for the big, hulk of a car that it is. It has a great ride, handles nicely and is a very economical car to maintain with the 3.6 Pentastar powerplant. If I upgraded to a Scat I'd be faced with higher fuel costs, maintenance costs, insurance costs and the enhanced chance of "TICKETS" (Believe me, I know me well!). I'd also get a much stiffer, harder riding suspension, which at my age would not be very welcome at all - especially for my wife. For the younger (and some older) guys, these things may be no problem, so kudo's to any of you who desire that experience.

The bottom line, at least as I've learned to view it as my years have progressed in this life, is this...no matter how hard you try, you'll always be tempted to get the newest, latest, greatest, most lustfully beautiful thing that replaces whatever you currently drive and makes it look in some way sub-standard, and not worthy of driving anymore. My wife and I used to buy new cars and trade up every other year or so back when we were young without kids. The dealers loved us! I wish I could have some of that depreciation money that I gave away back right now. I would have been retired by now for a couple years. In comparison, you have gotten loads of value and pleasure out of your car and that's what's really cool in my opinion!

I'm sure you'll hear others give their advice and then carefully weigh-in all the opinions you get together as a whole. I just thought I'd state how I personally feel about my own situation. No matter what you decide, I'm with you though, whether we own a 2008 or all the way up to a new 2020, we all enjoy the same basic retro vehicle - Dodge Challenger!
 
#14 ·
Hi Art-
I agree with the test drive. If the Shaker makes you feel as excited as your R/T, then you’ll know.
((yes another female talking about feelings)). And Each of you guys know what I’m saying....?
I do believe you haven’t modified the R/T. The jump from 5.7 to 6.4-just stock is exhilarating....
plus the packages available now since 09 -are very user friendly and comfortable.
good luck with your decision-I’m excited for you....
Michele...
 
#16 ·
Art, seems like you and I alternate years on this very issue. The only difference is that I daydream of finding a Mopar rescue trying to place an abandoned Hellcat for a $50 re-homing fee (nope, hasn't happened yet). My first impulse is to tell you to go the YOLO route and buy that Shaker rather than risk railing at some rest-home activities director later in life as you start recounting all your key life regrets. But then the annoying sensible side of me kicks in and tells me that I can't play with house money (yours) and tell you to go for it just so I can live vicariously through your Challengerforumz posts. Besides, that's Friendoffur's role. That said, if you can swing it financially and your better half isn't threatening to leave you over it, why not?
 
#20 ·
39K miles is nothing. I have run cars up to 150K miles and one to 317K miles (over 16 years) with no engine issues.

Depreciation is the biggest cost of owning a car. If you sell/trade in your car you book the depreciation and start the deprecation count down from a higher starting point with the new car.

My advice is to hang on to the car you have. Continue to drive it. Enjoy it. Service it properly. If you start to get bored with the car think of all the money you have saved not buying a new car.
 
#36 ·
Says the man you owns a Hellcat and Porsche’ - Hehe. or did you sell the Porsche’ Marc?
@MIDNITE RT -Marc does have valid, commonsense points... just a test drive. You’ll know what to do.
The FCA is fading out the 5.7 - might become a collectors item.?.
 
#21 ·
Well, Art, I am not the right person to ask on this one. I WILL trade, but may have to wait longer, as the color I want isn't available right now. I must say this would be the YEAR to get a great deal on one. Scat Pack would be the way to go! Jeff is right about the performance, sound and interior. For me it is just that I don't want to keep one until I start having problems, plus I just get the itch to get a new one in a different color, good excuse to buy a new wardrobe!!!
I have about 39,000 miles on this one, would have traded a month ago if Sinamon Stick was available. I actually haven't ruled out getting another Go Mango!
 
#22 · (Edited)
Art I struggle with it to sometimes , and for whats it worth here is how I look at it.

As one that has an 09 as well and thoroughly loving it , I have spent a lot of time making it mine, pretty much to the point that she is family now, she has a name after all LOL . I to have thought about trading up/across or what ever but I just can't seem to pull the trigger. I like the new interior but I also like the old interior, exterior wise is pretty much the same. Power, yeah its better on the newer versions, but then again I don't race and I don't really use all I have now , well sometimes I have some fun, but not enough times to warrant spending more to get it. I don't drive her in the winter and I try to avoid driving her when it rains, mainly because around here when it rains you have a pretty good shot of hail to. I also know from past experience, that the excitement of getting a new car fades quickly especially if you get the same car and the extra power you gain while fun you quickly get use to and then it doesn't feel any different than before. I'm sure that probably doesn't apply to a Hellcat or Redline, but then again I'm not racing nor am I an idiot on the road. The car is now old enough that it's not worth a lot and certainly not worth what it means to me.
So why get rid of it?? I looked after it , modded her, she is like new, why would I give someone a great car at a great price ? Forget it ! I'm keeping her, she deserve to be in my garage and I deserve to be behind the wheel. Everywhere I go with her I get compliments about her (not that I"m looking for them) , I'm proud of my 09 and until I can't look after the old girl any more, be it physically or financially, she isn't going anywhere.

Now that's me and I know that it pretty much goes against what everyone else is saying, but there is always 2 sides, I'll use the money that I would put towards new car and put to something else should I have the need to spend it.

So ...should you decide to get a new car I'll be a little jealous, till I get behind the wheel of Lucille, then I'll just be happy for you and I 'll drive away with that smile on my face :)
 
#26 ·
I like the new interior but I also like the old interior, exterior wise is pretty much the same.
I prefer the old interior, and I can say that after riding in a 2019 R/T last year when Bjorn and I hit the local Hooters and we went in his rented Challenger. For me, the new interior has a little more confining, wrap-around feel to it. I just prefer the open roominess of the older Challengers. And I still like the taillights from the 2008-2014 run than from 2015 on. But if someone told me, "Hey, HemiMetal. I just rented a 2020 Shaker. Want me to burn you a copy?" I'm not going to say no.
 
#25 ·
I just heard on Fox Business that used cars will be bringing more money right now...... So you may get a pretty good deal on your R/T. Best thing? Go drive a Scat Pack, then decide: do I love my present car more? I was sad for about 5 min. when I traded JZBLBBY. I will probably be a little more sad when this one goes. BUT, it is still just a car. We must remember that we don't live forever, and as far as the car thing goes, I don't want to have any regrets!!!
Helps a lot doesn't it??? LOL!
 
#34 ·
I just heard on Fox Business that used cars will be bringing more money right now...... So you may get a pretty good deal on your R/T. Best thing? Go drive a Scat Pack, then decide: do I love my present car more? I was sad for about 5 min. when I traded JZBLBBY. I will probably be a little more sad when this one goes. BUT, it is still just a car. We must remember that we don't live forever, and as far as the car thing goes, I don't want to have any regrets!!!
Helps a lot doesn't it??? LOL!
Can't have regrets in the fast lane!
 
#28 ·
Keep Her! I'm going to keep mine, and if I can, I want to get a GT, so I can do winter driving. Other than that, test drive newer models more often, and seemingly have the best of both worlds! Own yours and drive theirs.
 
#29 · (Edited)
After rereading your post, I was thinking about another poster who mentioned a Shaker Kit. The cost is more like $2300 if you get the Cervini's kit with metal hood. I don't know what model you have, but if you re-motor, or upgrade your existing engine with some internals, you'll have a relatively new look and basically a different car without the $$$$ of a new one. Just Sayin'. Lou.
 
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#30 ·
I dont know what you do for a living but in the current state of what is going on I wouldn't do anything at this time. I will keep my 13 forever. Has my favorite color and stripes. As far as power I pt a NOS kit and have the same or a little more that a scat pack. Need more power I will do forged internals. I'm 58 and at this point in life just want to be as debt free as possible.
 
#31 ·
First of all, THANK YOU to all of those who have responded. Your opinions,suggestions and insights were very helpful and very much appreciated. In a situation like this it always comes down to "Do what makes you happy" but its very helpful to hear from others on both sides of the fence.

Although the Scat Pack is a dynamite car and probably the best bang for the $$$, Dan is right. I've said several times that I really don't want any more power than I have. I am comfortable with the power in my R/T which allows me to control it and have fun under the right circumstances. Plus I'm like a kid in the candy store with the Pedal Commander. That's all I want. I did take a SP out for a test ride a couple of years ago. The power was amazing but it would be a waste for me.

The desire for a new Challenger has more to do with a newer model, different color and a Shaker hood. If I could install a steel shaker hood for $ 3,000 - 3500 I would have done it in a heartbeat.
After reading this thread several times, I keep coming back to how much I still like the looks, reliability, condition and the excitement of driving my car. Think I'll hold onto her some more.

Thank you folks !
 
#32 ·
Howdy Art, It’s your money & time... You haven’t modified your ‘09 AND it only has 39k miles on it... That’s a REAL GEM.
KEEP IT, and don’t even test drive a newer one, because IF YOU DO; YOU’RE DONE.
By having a “Stock” 2nd production year of this generation with lifetime warranty... Just stay as happy as you’ve always been.

My 2009 R/T has 180k and the Motor has been rebuilt twice.

Save your money

Enjoy Yhe RIDE...
 
#33 · (Edited)
Well Art, it seems like car porn temptation! LOL! Sometimes it's a tough decision. Let's face it, it surely isn't like purchasing something inexpensive. However, you could get a good price for your R/T because of mileage and condition. However, if you decide to make the move, as mentioned, I would go for a Scat Pack, or even a Scat Pack Shaker if a Shaker is what you're considering. They are fun to drive and I consider them a lot of car for the money. Sometimes, it's best to follow your gut feeling rather than those mental urges, though. Is something going to change economically for all of us because of this virus outbreak? Income changes on the way? I see, however, you've made a decision and I believe you've made a great choice!
 
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