Hi! New to the Forum. So I've become obsessed with the new Dodge Challengers and think I want to get one. I'm looking for some advice from UK owners as regards the following points. I'm based in N.Ireland so if I find one I like it will be a road trip to England most likely to buy. I've done a fair bit of research and think I can only afford a 3.6 V6...budget around 21k give or take but would consider a V8 but given fuel prices currently that's unlikely.
Model/year? I've kinda settle on 2015-> as they seem most reliable
Tax and Insurance. Driving 13 yrs so just interested on others feedback
Servicing - Does anyone know any specialist service garages that would cater to these in N. Ireland?
Driving LHD over here...never driven LHD car here
Light conversion for UK roads? Most of the ones I see listed have been converted for UK roads. What does this actually entail?
Other considerations?
Thanks in advance. This is currently a dream at the moment and I may end up getting a Skoda VRS but the pull of the Challenger is strong and I've not seen a single Challenger over here...a few modern Chargers (which I'm not a fan of) and one '69 Charger in General Lee colours which I would sell my soul for!
Mike and the guys at Star Car Hire are based in Larne and may be able to help you with the NI specific questions (as long as you promise to sign the car up with them when you get it!)
A friend of mine has one, As a preventative measure he had both sills cut off, then had all the foam removed from inside and then had the sills welded back on. He showed me the photos. Apparently the foam holds water and rots the sills out from the inside. I am not sure how common this is but may be worth finding out more about it
Welcome outpost. I'm in NI as well. yes Mike may be able to help but the guy who does his is a mate also and not in the best of health, but worth a shot. Also, if you are on facebook, try the AMCI (American muscle cars Ireland-used to be a member). Sure I saw one modern Chally a few years ago around Belfast area, where I am. Lots of RH drive Mustangs around but I don't see the point. I have a 68 Dart. You're wecome to have a look if you are in Belfast.
I met a V6 owner recently, and sat in his car. Really nice place to be.
It is still 305 BHP even if it is ONLY a V6, but you then avoid the cam lifter failure that some of the V8's suffer from. They also look the same from outside.
Beware some of the cars coming in from the Arab states, they could be in quite a state, also some cars that end up here are insurance write offs over in the states, for water damage etc. History vanishes when they start in a new country.
Run any prospective purchase through Car Vertical, its like HPI but checks most European countries and the USA for accident damage and clocking. Use the code SALVAGE20 for a discount. So many late model yanks have moody history its a must. I checked a Dodge Ram this week being advertised with 88k miles, checking it showed it left the USA in 2015 with 350k miles!
thanks guys! I forgot completely I did this post and never got any notifications about it (probably my settings). I'm trawling through the info now so thanks to those that contributed. Still dreaming of some American Muscle!
gmopar59 wrote: ↑Thu Sep 15, 22 11:35 am
Welcome outpost. I'm in NI as well. yes Mike may be able to help but the guy who does his is a mate also and not in the best of health, but worth a shot. Also, if you are on facebook, try the AMCI (American muscle cars Ireland-used to be a member). Sure I saw one modern Chally a few years ago around Belfast area, where I am. Lots of RH drive Mustangs around but I don't see the point. I have a 68 Dart. You're wecome to have a look if you are in Belfast.
Yep, East Belfast here. Also not a fan of the Mustang...just looks toned down and too expensive I think, just not my cup of tea. Thx for offer of a look...may take you up on that.
MattH wrote: ↑Thu Sep 15, 22 9:21 pm
I met a V6 owner recently, and sat in his car. Really nice place to be.
It is still 305 BHP even if it is ONLY a V6, but you then avoid the cam lifter failure that some of the V8's suffer from. They also look the same from outside.
Beware some of the cars coming in from the Arab states, they could be in quite a state, also some cars that end up here are insurance write offs over in the states, for water damage etc. History vanishes when they start in a new country.
Cheers. Interesting...yeah seeing quite a few V6 pop up on autotrader initially listed as 2020+ then when I dig in that's the uk reg date and they're generally 2015 or earlier with 60k+ miles on them. My Dad has warned me against buying a US muscle car but the urge is strong.
gmopar59 wrote: ↑Thu Sep 15, 22 11:35 am
Welcome outpost. I'm in NI as well. yes Mike may be able to help but the guy who does his is a mate also and not in the best of health, but worth a shot. Also, if you are on facebook, try the AMCI (American muscle cars Ireland-used to be a member). Sure I saw one modern Chally a few years ago around Belfast area, where I am. Lots of RH drive Mustangs around but I don't see the point. I have a 68 Dart. You're wecome to have a look if you are in Belfast.
Yep, East Belfast here. Also not a fan of the Mustang...just looks toned down and too expensive I think, just not my cup of tea. Thx for offer of a look...may take you up on that.
Nothing against Mustangs, just don't see the point of right hand drive. I'd have a Jag.