Hey gang, first post. Let me give as concise of a run down as I can. I'm a car guy...if I wasn't I guess I wouldn't be looking at an R/T. I do amateur road racing, even work in auto insurance claims. I'm shopping for a new daily driver for myself. About 18 months ago, my family and I moved and I sold off all of my car "toys". My life here in Atlanta is crazy busy. My wife and I have 3 kids, who are very active. My job is very busy...plus the commute is 55 miles each way. So I don't have time for a weekend toy anymore. I've been driving a cheap beater (Chevy HHR) while we get settled here. Now it's time for me to get something nice for myself. But it has to serve as a "jack of all trades", since I can't have a toy. Actually, from a practicality standpoint, my HHR is awesome (plus it's a 5 speed, which is great), but obviously there's nothing fun about it.
I've looked at all different kinds of cars...Mazdaspeed3, Focus ST, Mustang GT, Honda Accord V6 6spd coupe. They all have some great qualities. But with all the miles I drive, I don't want to deal with a turbo direct injection motor, too many known issues. A coupe just isn't practical, even though the Accord is surprisingly fun to drive, and super high quality. So my thoughts turned to larger cars, and the Charger R/T comes to mind. As I said, my commute is 55 miles each way. 90% of that is highway. In the morning, it's 80mph cruising the whole way. In the afternoon, it's part cruising, part Atlanta rush hour gridlock. Plus my weekend errands, and I'll put 30-35k miles per year on my car.
With that in mind, how does the R/T hold up to a high mileage commute? I've seen lots of older Chargers for sale with 150k+ miles on them, so I'm optimistic.
My budget is $20k, maybe $22k for the perfect car. That puts me in the 2012-2014 model years, and I want one with under 60k miles. But I'm so confused by all the options and how much I really need them. The ventilated seats seem great (I sweat a lot) and if I can get them, then I'm all for it. But I'm more interested in the performance standpoint. How is the "base" R/T suspension? Is it too soft? Even though I do mostly highway driving, there are some twisty roads near me. I don't drive like a madman on the street, but I don't want a car that embarrasses itself in corners. Is the Road and Track or Super Track package a "must" have? I'd love it, but wondering if it's worth the cost. My car would see no track time, purely commuting and errand running only. I also can't tell if the R/T Max package...if I can find one in my budget...comes with the Super Track package in addition to all the luxury stuff. I know it's subjective, but I'd like to hear opinions on if the performance options are worth it or if the base suspension/steering/engine calibration are fun enough for even spirited onramp use. I can get some really nice, super low mileage Certified Pre-Owned R/Ts in my price range...as in 10k miles. But they're base models. Most of the optioned out ones in my price range aren't CPO and have closer to 40-50k miles, so I'm wondering where my money is best spent. Thanks!!!
I've looked at all different kinds of cars...Mazdaspeed3, Focus ST, Mustang GT, Honda Accord V6 6spd coupe. They all have some great qualities. But with all the miles I drive, I don't want to deal with a turbo direct injection motor, too many known issues. A coupe just isn't practical, even though the Accord is surprisingly fun to drive, and super high quality. So my thoughts turned to larger cars, and the Charger R/T comes to mind. As I said, my commute is 55 miles each way. 90% of that is highway. In the morning, it's 80mph cruising the whole way. In the afternoon, it's part cruising, part Atlanta rush hour gridlock. Plus my weekend errands, and I'll put 30-35k miles per year on my car.
With that in mind, how does the R/T hold up to a high mileage commute? I've seen lots of older Chargers for sale with 150k+ miles on them, so I'm optimistic.
My budget is $20k, maybe $22k for the perfect car. That puts me in the 2012-2014 model years, and I want one with under 60k miles. But I'm so confused by all the options and how much I really need them. The ventilated seats seem great (I sweat a lot) and if I can get them, then I'm all for it. But I'm more interested in the performance standpoint. How is the "base" R/T suspension? Is it too soft? Even though I do mostly highway driving, there are some twisty roads near me. I don't drive like a madman on the street, but I don't want a car that embarrasses itself in corners. Is the Road and Track or Super Track package a "must" have? I'd love it, but wondering if it's worth the cost. My car would see no track time, purely commuting and errand running only. I also can't tell if the R/T Max package...if I can find one in my budget...comes with the Super Track package in addition to all the luxury stuff. I know it's subjective, but I'd like to hear opinions on if the performance options are worth it or if the base suspension/steering/engine calibration are fun enough for even spirited onramp use. I can get some really nice, super low mileage Certified Pre-Owned R/Ts in my price range...as in 10k miles. But they're base models. Most of the optioned out ones in my price range aren't CPO and have closer to 40-50k miles, so I'm wondering where my money is best spent. Thanks!!!