Challenger Test Drive Experience

[2010ABM]

Well, today I decided that I was going to test drive a Challenger, just to see what it was like before I go through with ordering a Camaro in a few weeks. The first problem was that the dealer was a total a$$. I had to deal with two salesman (one of which argued with me about the price of the Camaro, and told me that it was a plastic piece of crap -- not kidding), then I had to speak with the sales manager, then FINALLY the sales director. The sales manager told me that I was only allowed to drive the car with the salesman (leaving my two friends at the dealership), and that I was to stay off the highway and let the salesman drive it off the lot and switch seats with him once we were out of the lot. I should have walked out when the first salesman started arguing with me, but I just kept smiling and nodding my head. So finally I get to drive this thing. Now, it was only the R/T, not the SRT, but it had the 5.7L Hemi, and the first salesman said that compared to the Camaro this car was better, "hands down". YA RIGHT! I did not like the Challenger one bit. The exterior is beautiful, but the interior is a typical Dodge interior, and is wayyyyyy to bland for me. The motor didn't produce NEAR enough power for the heavy car, and the steering felt unresponsive. The brakes seemed to work well, but I just wasn't getting a warm feeling from it. So after tooling around on the access road -- the only place they allowed me to drive it -- I took it back to the lot and told the salesman I would contact him if I was looking to buy one. Thursday I'm going out to my Chevy dealer, and talking to my salesman there about ordering a 2011. I've driven the Mustang GT, the Challenger R/T, and the Camaro SS, and the Camaro had me from the very beginning. I've always been a GM guy, and I guess I always will be!

[mrcowboy]

Or you could buy mine for less....LOL http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=72809 Well... if you can stand the cloth seats that is.

[ron10]

wise choice.

[Legend]

The R/T is a completely different car than the SRT8!

I know...I own one! The SRT8, while more expensive than it should be in my opinion, is a damn fine automobile! The R/T does not have the suspension, brakes, 6.1 or so many other things that the SRT does.

I know all the mags compared the Camaro SS to the R/T and based on price alone, they were right! But the SRT is more in line as far as performance, comfort, power, feel and everything else. (I didn't say it was faster!)

Not trying to sell you on a Challenger, just feel you didn't get treated right at that dealer and didn't get a fair comparison (other than price) of the Challenger.

Hey...I own a Camaro SS too...wife has the Challenger...both are great cars, both are well worth the money...yes, even the Challenger SRT8...at least in my opinion!

When we went to buy ours they never acted all butt hurt or anything...handed the keys to my wife and I and off we went. Highway, access roads...didn't matter. Said go drive it and see if you like it! We did!

Just an honest opinion of the Challenger. I love my Camaro SS...love it! But the Challenger is very nice as well!

[2010ABM]

Legend, I feel ya. You are a great voice of reason when it comes to this topic since you own both of them. I probably would have enjoyed the SRT much more, it's just a little out of my price range. And the R/T just doesn't live up to the SS in my opinion. I have nothing against Dodge, Ford, Chrysler, Jeep, anything American made. I just think the SS has the best bang for the buck!

[THE EVIL TW1N]

Originally Posted by 2010ABM

Well, today I decided that I was going to test drive a Challenger, just to see what it was like before I go through with ordering a Camaro in a few weeks. The first problem was that the dealer was a total a$$. I had to deal with two salesman (one of which argued with me about the price of the Camaro, and told me that it was a plastic piece of crap -- not kidding), then I had to speak with the sales manager, then FINALLY the sales director. The sales manager told me that I was only allowed to drive the car with the salesman (leaving my two friends at the dealership), and that I was to stay off the highway and let the salesman drive it off the lot and switch seats with him once we were out of the lot. I should have walked out when the first salesman started arguing with me, but I just kept smiling and nodding my head. So finally I get to drive this thing. Now, it was only the R/T, not the SRT, but it had the 5.7L Hemi, and the first salesman said that compared to the Camaro this car was better, "hands down". YA RIGHT! I did not like the Challenger one bit. The exterior is beautiful, but the interior is a typical Dodge interior, and is wayyyyyy to bland for me. The motor didn't produce NEAR enough power for the heavy car, and the steering felt unresponsive. The brakes seemed to work well, but I just wasn't getting a warm feeling from it. So after tooling around on the access road -- the only place they allowed me to drive it -- I took it back to the lot and told the salesman I would contact him if I was looking to buy one. Thursday I'm going out to my Chevy dealer, and talking to my salesman there about ordering a 2011. I've driven the Mustang GT, the Challenger R/T, and the Camaro SS, and the Camaro had me from the very beginning. I've always been a GM guy, and I guess I always will be!

since you are open minded, you should wait to check out the 2011 GT seeing as how they'll be out soon now.

[Bond]

Originally Posted by THE EVIL TW1N

since you are open minded, you should wait to check out the 2011 GT seeing as how they'll be out soon now.

[Hawkeye]

Originally Posted by Legend

The R/T is a completely different car than the SRT8!

I know...I own one! The SRT8, while more expensive than it should be in my opinion, is a damn fine automobile! The R/T does not have the suspension, brakes, 6.1 or so many other things that the SRT does.

I know all the mags compared the Camaro SS to the R/T and based on price alone, they were right! But the SRT is more in line as far as performance, comfort, power, feel and everything else. (I didn't say it was faster!)

Not trying to sell you on a Challenger, just feel you didn't get treated right at that dealer and didn't get a fair comparison (other than price) of the Challenger.

Hey...I own a Camaro SS too...wife has the Challenger...both are great cars, both are well worth the money...yes, even the Challenger SRT8...at least in my opinion!

When we went to buy ours they never acted all butt hurt or anything...handed the keys to my wife and I and off we went. Highway, access roads...didn't matter. Said go drive it and see if you like it! We did!

Just an honest opinion of the Challenger. I love my Camaro SS...love it! But the Challenger is very nice as well!

You (Legend) walked in to the dealer and I'm guessing the following things happened in the dealers mind...

Dealer thinks to himself. Here comes someone carrying themselves well. With their wife not friends. Not looking to waste my time which is based on commission to joyride one of my most popular cars with their friends.

My dealer tossed me the keys and the Miss and I took her out for a spin. No questions asked. And then I came back and bought it and didnt say "see you later".

I'm thinking something about the OP tipped off the dealer that this was going to be the result before you ever asked to drive the challenger. It's why they didnt want to risk it out on the street, putting miles on it, to someone they had a strong feeling was not a serious buyer.

Whether this is true or not, who knows... maybe the whole dealership is manned by a-holes.

[THE EVIL TW1N]

Originally Posted by Hawkeye

You (Legend) walked in to the dealer and I'm guessing the following things happened in the dealers mind...

Dealer thinks to himself. Here comes someone carrying themselves well. With their wife not friends. Not looking to waste my time which is based on commission to joyride one of my most popular cars with their friends.

My dealer tossed me the keys and the Miss and I took her out for a spin. No questions asked. And then I came back and bought it and didnt say "see you later".

I'm thinking something about the OP tipped off the dealer that this was going to be the result before you ever asked to drive the challenger. It's why they didnt want to risk it out on the street, putting miles on it, to someone they had a strong feeling was not a serious buyer.

Whether this is true or not, who knows... maybe the whole dealership is manned by a-holes.

+1
I can completely see it being that. I worked at a dealership before and this does happen too, could be they sensed the "stroker" in him.

[CamaroCowboy]

I just wanted to add that it is funny that the chevy dealership and the dodge dealerships are right next to each other where I live. I went to my dealership im my camaro and then stopped at a small resturant next to the dodge dealership. Not one, not two but three different people took challengers for test drives and stopped, parked the challenger next to my car and got out and checked both cars out. It is funny how the sexy look of the camaro can turn peoples heads....I never see anyone straining their necks to get a better look at a challenger....

[2010ABM]

Well, while I may have walked in with friends, not a wife -- didn't realize it was a requirement to be married to buy a Dodge -- I was polite, honest, and very respectfully told them that I was buying a new vehicle in the next two months. I told them, "It's either gonna be a Challenger or a Camaro, so I'm here to make my decision". I understand you think I might have gone into the dealership acting like a moron, saying "Man it sure would be nice if I could own that Challenger...can I take it for a drive?" No, no, no. I did just the opposite to try to prevent exactly what happened. This is not my first time being present for a vehicle purchase, as a matter of fact, the people at the Cadillac dealership and the Chevy dealerships know me well, and never give me any trouble. If I had made myself look like an uninterested buyer, than maybe I could understand their reasoning. But, when you tell them, "I am buying in the next two months, it's either this car or a Camaro" you would think that might spike attention, not bring out the worst in the dealer. Why does it seem like every time I post a thread on this site to ask a question or share an experience somebody jumps my ass?! Sure not a very nice way to welcome somebody here that is trying to get involved.

[Ronn]

I test drove the challenger r/t also and didn't like the way it responded to steering inputs especially under acceleration. It felt heavy, the suspension was saggy and the interior is not even close to being retro or even sporty for that matter. The exterior IMO captures the "heritage" look though.

They gave me a little bit of trouble at the dealership also, I was with my ex at the time so I told the salesman he could sit in the back haha. After going to grab the keys one of the owners came out and just said take it for a spin alone it's ok. He did say it was their policy though, and that he was making an exception.

I don't think the guys were trying to jump you. If you look at it through the salesmans eyes you don't need 2 buddies there with you to talk financing or sign papers. To him it may seem that you guys were bored and wanted to go for a ride. How is he supposed to know you're not trying to feed him a line. I think all that the guys were trying to say is if you've got a significant other you can go with that person, or go by yourself. It just portrays the image of "serious buyer" a little better than with a few buddies.

[Spiv]

The guys aren't trying to get on you; you have to look at it that it is VERY common for 2-3 young males (usually in the collage age group and acting as such) to walk into a car dealership to try and get one of these cars to drive around in.

Regardless of ifs ands or buts, that's their vehicle and an investment for the business, they're just trying to protect it.

I understand that you were probably very nice and polite, but some people just can't be swayed. Maybe they've had it happen before?

It only takes one bad apple... to shit on everyone elses parade.

[ViperTomcat]

Here recently we had a salesman shot during a test drive by a guy trying to steal the car.

[kevin2323]

Originally Posted by CamaroCowboy

I just wanted to add that it is funny that the chevy dealership and the dodge dealerships are right next to each other where I live. I went to my dealership im my camaro and then stopped at a small resturant next to the dodge dealership. Not one, not two but three different people took challengers for test drives and stopped, parked the challenger next to my car and got out and checked both cars out. It is funny how the sexy look of the camaro can turn peoples heads....I never see anyone straining their necks to get a better look at a challenger....

i have no idea where you live then lol....challenger turns heads, many many heads

[2010ABM]

Maybe they weren't trying to give me a hard time, but that's surely the way it came across to me. I know there are a lot of kids in this world that may act out on a daily basis, but the fact that my generation is frowned upon by a car dealer really upsetting to me. I would much rather take my business to a dealership that takes me seriously. Who knows...had I not been interegated like a convicted felon by multiple sales people, I may have enjoyed the car more. All I know is that my Chevy dealer knows me, trusts me, is kind to me, and understands that I'm not looking to put miles on a future owners car. When you're married, the person who's opinion matters most to you--usually anyway--is your wife, being the reason you would take her to test drive s car with you. In my position, my best friends' opinions, along with my fathers, matters most to me...so that's who I take when I go looking at cars. Simple as that.

[Matrix]

I love Dodge, I love HEMI, but I hate to say it I dont like the Challenger that much. I think the body is hideous and out of shape. It also looks like they had no imagination, they just found the blue prints of the vintage and just replicated it.

The interior is the same as my Magnum, nice but samey, but come on guys the exterior is so boring. Its just flat witha few curves. Thats why I bought teh Camaro.

[Big Brunsy]

I think the Challenger looks great......on the outside. I hope for the next MY they decide to upgrade the interior and make it unique.

[2010 SSRS]

you should have took that salesman for a hell ride.

[Legend]

I wasn't jumping on you at all...only sharing my experience, same as you.

I don't know why they wouldn't let you drive the car if you are ready to buy either...just a bad dealer, policy, maybe something else. There are dozens of Dodge dealers in San Antonio though...try another delaership maybe.

Also...buying a car is the second largest purchase in a persons life (behind a house)...if you've found a Chevy dealer you trust and they trust you...I'd say you are pretty lucky! I don't even go back to the dealership I bought my Camaro from...they are A-holes!

[Jay_LHD3]

I think Challengers look boring in photos but, going down the road they look beautiful!





But, when I see a new Camaro coming towards me in the other lane I start to drool.

[1bad65]

Originally Posted by Hawkeye

Whether this is true or not, who knows... maybe the whole dealership is manned by a-holes.

I was also treated like crap at a Dodge dealer.

However, in this dealer's defense, some meathead killed two people last year test driving a Challenger. He was doing over 100mph in a residential area. So this dealer may have been being very careful about test drives in the Challengers.

Link about the crash:
http://www.courier-journal.com/artic...uto-dealership

[Igottahaveone]

Originally Posted by Matrix

I love Dodge, I love HEMI, but I hate to say it I dont like the Challenger that much. I think the body is hideous and out of shape. It also looks like they had no imagination, they just found the blue prints of the vintage and just replicated it.

The interior is the same as my Magnum, nice but samey, but come on guys the exterior is so boring. Its just flat witha few curves. Thats why I bought teh Camaro.

Isn't that the point of it being a throw back to the challengers of yester-year. For the same reason you listed about the Challenger exterior being boring is what I thought of the camaro, hence why i bought a challenger. ,(I still think the camaro is a beautiful looking car), It doesn't really matter though, since we both got the car we liked best and either way its still an American made car and thats more important in the end.
Maybe my tastes are biased, since i was driving lincoln continentals (66-67's), in my teenage years. There is just something about a boxey vehicle that i like more, like the stangs from the the mid 80's?(thinking 5.0's) and the camaros back then were awesome!(thinking irocs and such)

PS-love those magnums, one bad ass looking wagon!

[ViperTomcat]

Originally Posted by Igottahaveone

Isn't that the point of it being a throw back to the challengers of yester-year. For the same reason you listed about the Challenger exterior being boring is what I thought of the camaro, hence why i bought a challenger. ,(I still think the camaro is a beautiful looking car), It doesn't really matter though, since we both got the car we liked best and either way its still an American made car and thats more important in the end.
Maybe my tastes are biased, since i was driving lincoln continentals (66-67's), in my teenage years. There is just something about a boxey vehicle that i like more, like the stangs from the the mid 80's?(thinking 5.0's) and the camaros back then were awesome!(thinking irocs and such)

PS-love those magnums, one bad ass looking wagon!

Thats the point alot of Challenger owners try to get across. Dodge had two options, design a car that paid direct homage to the classic Challenger..or design an entirely new car with extremely subtle hints to the past (like the Camaro).

You're going to piss off someone, no matter what direction you go. I think Dodge made the right choice.

[Angrybird 12]

Sounds like you got hold of a typical Chrysler dealership. I have visited two over the last couple years, first to check out the Challenger, and then to see if we could get a Jeep Liberty.. Different dealerships, same attitude... They had to be the most obnoxious people I have ever talked to..
Both acted as though I knew nothing about the cars they were selling, (I always do research before looking) and every time I asked a question or compared it to another vehicle I had thought about I was told the other vehicle was junk and shouldn't even think it was in the same class...
Well the test drive was an experience I won't forget.... For one I was refused to even set foot int he Challenger unless I was going to put a deposit down on one, and on the Liberty, the Salesman made so many stupid jokes I was sick before we got out of it, I couldn't even enjoy the test drive or get to experience the vehicle like I want to.. We did decide to try to make a deal, he said they had a sale going on and it would be 4K less than MSRP... Well by the time him and the finance guy were through with all their Must have addons, the price was right back to MSRP... I said no thanks and walked out.
I will NEVER set foot on any Chrysler dealership lot again...