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The Dodge Challenger will surely come up in the conversation when you talk about muscle cars. The Dodge Challenger is a legendary American muscle car that has captivated drivers for over 50 years. It is known for its iconic design, powerful engines, and exhilarating performance. While modern muscle cars have pivoted towards sharp handling, the Challenger stays true to itself by keeping it old-school and prioritizing straight-line speed.
The Challenger is popular with owners for many reasons. For starters, it is simply a lot of fun to drive. The Challenger’s gutsy V8 engines provide hairraising acceleration and a throaty exhaust note. Plus, its balanced handling makes it fun to drive on both winding roads and the open highway. Of course, the Challenger is also popular due to its classic muscle car profile – think of long hoods, short decks, and wide stances.
If you want to purchase this all-American classic, you’re probably wondering: how long do Dodge Challengers last? Challengers are high-performance cars that can be expensive to own and maintain. Thus, if you’re investing in a Challenger, you’ll want to know just how long you can drive it.
Today, we give you the scoop on the longevity of Dodge Challengers and see if it’s a good long-term investment for buyers. Let’s get to it.
Just How Reliable is the Dodge Challenger?
A car’s reliability has a direct impact on its longevity. For instance, a reliable vehicle is one that is less likely to break down, which means that it will require fewer repairs and last longer. This means having a reliable car may also result in lower ownership costs.
Although Dodge isn’t exactly a paragon of reliability, the Challenger is surprisingly reliable. As per RepairPal, the Challenger has a rating of 3.5 out of 5.0 in reliability, making it the 19th most reliable out of 24 midsize cars. On the other hand, WithClutch has rated the Challenger with a score of 70.95 – which, according to the website’s scale, the Challenger is a reliable vehicle and more reliable than the Charger.
However, keep in mind that not all Challengers are created equal, with some model years more reliable than others. For example, the 2015 and newer Challengers are generally considered the most reliable models. On the other hand, the 2010-2014 Challengers have received the most complaints and known significant issues. Check out our previous write-up about the Challenger’s reliability to learn more.
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How Long Do Dodge Challengers Last?
The Dodge Challenger may not be known for its reliability, but many owners have testified to its overall longevity. Based on many owner accounts and our research, the Dodge Challenger can reach or exceed 200,000 miles without major mechanical issues – thanks to the car’s sturdy construction and build quality. With steadfast maintenance and average driving conditions, the Challenger should have little to no problems clearing the 100k-mile mark.
These estimates coincide with many owner accounts from various Challenger forums. In that particular post, a user expressed concern about a Scat Pack Challenger with 92,760 miles, questioning the durability of the 6.4 engine and the manual transmission. As a response, several users believe that if a car has been well-maintained and not abused, it could potentially have another 100K or more miles left in it.
Of course, this depends on many factors, and as mentioned, some model years are more prone to severe reliability woes. For instance, older models like the 2009 Challenger struggled with major mechanical issues like engine failure and excessive oil consumption. On the other hand, a 2012 Challenger may not be a sound pick as it had severe electrical issues, particularly with faulty alternators.
THE DODGE CHALLENGER YEARS TO AVOID
We highlight the Dodge Challenger years to avoid pre-owned buyers and offer insights into why they must be approached cautiously.
How Many Miles are Too Many for a Used Dodge Challenger?
The number of miles that are too many for a used Dodge Challenger depends on a number of factors, including the model year, trim level, and maintenance history. However, as we’ve repeatedly pointed out, Dodge Challengers are considered reliable cars that can last for many years.
According to the earlier thread on the ChallengerForumZ forum, most owners agree that a used Dodge Challenger with under 100,000 miles is a good buy. However, many Challengers with over 100,000 miles are still running strong. But still, you have to take various factors into account, such as:
- Maintenance: Regular oil changes, timely replacement of wear-and-tear parts, and adherence to the manufacturer’s recommended service intervals can significantly extend the life of your Challenger (or any other car, for that matter).
- Driving habits: Aggressive driving, frequent hard accelerations, and heavy braking can reduce the lifespan of the vehicle and its components.
- Environmental conditions: Challengers driven in harsh climates, such as areas with heavy snow, salted roads, or extreme heat, may experience faster wear and tear. For example, Challengers driven in salted roads or coastal areas are more prone to rusting.
- Model specifics: If driven aggressively, higher-performance models like the SRT or Hellcat might require more frequent maintenance due to the stress on the engine and other components.
- Model year: Newer models generally have advancements in technology and durability, so that they might fare better with higher mileage than older models.
When buying a high-mileage Dodge Challenger, make sure to get it inspected by a mechanic to spot issues and review its service records to ensure regular maintenance.
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Is a Dodge Challenger a Worthy Investment?
How long do Dodge Challengers last? Hopefully, this post has answered your question. But is the Challenger a smart buy for used car buyers? Considering its reliability ratings and potential longevity, the Dodge Challenger is a solid pick for a muscle car. However, keep in mind that it’s a high-performance sports car, and it comes with high ownership costs. This is vital since regular maintenance and staying on top of repairs/replacements can go a long way in extending your Challenger’s lifespan.
As for buying used, while there’s no strict “too many miles” threshold, potential buyers should weigh the mileage against the vehicle’s overall condition, maintenance history, and intended use.
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