How much does a charger cost these days?

[MikeMacCham]

hey guys,
just getting started in the Mopar Fever and I was wondering, how much is a fair price for a good condition charger, already fixed, and how much for a fixer uppper..not a rust bucket?


Thanks

[Doc74]

Check ebay and listings to get an idea. The general rule, as with all, is that it's worth what people are willing to pay for it.
In any case you're looking at10-15k for a decent, driving charger, albeit with issues.But don't expect the top of the line.

Very important to know is which year you'd like and which trim. A 318 3rd gen will be more affordable than a 2nd gen r/t.

Keep an eye on ads, see what they go for and keep an eye on the for sale section here. If you're spending, might as well make a member happy.

[hemihead]

Hope you have a thick wallet and a big bank account.Mopars USED to be one of the more affordable cars to get but since the greedy money people got into them the average guy is being pushed out.You would be better off with Ford fever. 

[BB1]

I just got a fixer upper for $6000. It has all the metal work done already. It's a Big Block, but it had no engine
or trans. Factory 2X black car.

[Shakey]

I'd say about $35,000.00 USD for a decent one.

[whitehatspecial]

hey guys,
just getting started in the Mopar Fever and I was wondering, how much is a fair price for a good condition charger, already fixed, and how much for a fixer uppper..not a rust bucket?


Thanks

Welcome to the site and the hobby. If you are not in a hurry, a deal will come your way. There are plenty of these cars still around and depending on how far you're willing to travel, you should be able to find a nice driver for 15-20k. If you're not determined to have an r/t, 440, or a specially-optioned car you'll be able to buy a much better car for that price range. If you want a trailer queen, then of course the price will be astronomical. It doesn't sound like what you are interested in owning.

Again welcome to the hobby and don't let people scare you. New people is what makes the hobby continue to thrive.

Post the results of your search and members on this board will help with your decision.

[MikeMacCham]

Awsome, and thanks for the welcome! I'll keep my eye out here, what are some other hot sites to watch out for deals? How long do you think it will take for a deal (I can wait, just curious)?

[BB1]

Hard to say, I've been looking for a year, but it finally paid off. 

[jaak]

There was a 318 car locally, it needed quarters and a trunk foor, but wasn't junk, decent project, guy wanted 3950, he sold it Wednesday,


Jason

[Silver R/T]

first gen Chargers are still affordable

[69bronzeT5]

No idea...around 4-5 grand for a project car? I got my project car back in 98 for $400

[AKcharger]

Also depends if you're willing to travel. I'd say $8-10K for a driving fixer upper BUT it sure is nice to pull up to a show with something that is NOT a Mustang, Chevelle, corvette or Camero, a nice Charger ALWAYS turns heads!

Welcome!

[41husk]

welcome aboard, and good luck, I would suggest you buy one as close to finished as you can possibly afford.  The cost of restoration and parts are sky high.  In the long run a finished Charger will save you some money and there is always something to do, if you just feel the need to tinker.  Besides, mopars are like lays potato chips,  "No one can own just one" 

[6670charger]

As stated earlier, the first gen Chargers are still affordable.  They're a little more tricky to find parts for, but, with the right contacts, you can usually find what you need.

The others comments on pricing are pretty much right on.  If you can wait, you'll find something.  The Second gen cars are the most popular, although the 318 cars aren't nearly as bad as some of the big blocks.

The later third gen cars are pretty reasonable too

[PocketThunder]

What year(s) do you like?

66~67 (1st Generation)
68~69 (2nd Generation) ....... 70 (2nd Generation but not at cool as a '69 )
71~74 (Third Gens)

[skip68]

When I look for a car I don't worry so much about if it has a motor or tranny. Those are easy to get.  It really depends on how much money you have to spend.    I'm more concerned with RUST, and it being COMPLETE.  If you are on a budget, try to get as clean and complete car as you can.  My guess would be 6K to 10K would get you a decent roller(good body, no eng. no tranny.). And 10K to 15K for an ok driver (needing some work, body, running gear, interior.)  Remember you are buying a car not an engine or some dumb a$$ rims. Unless it's a hemi, or a 6pk, it won't add thousands of dollars to the car.    I can't tell you how many times I've seen young guys buy a nothing car because it had a cool set of rims or stereo.  Make sure your money goes where it counts and not in dumb a$$ Bling bling junk  that really has no value. Good luck and welcome to the site.     Chuck................

[Chad L. Magee]

Here is a recent purchase story to prove a point that buying a more complete Charger is better than a body shell when you start out.  Three months ago, I bought a 1969 Charger body shell on ebay for $770.  The top is severly dented as well as the driver side rear quarter.  The only things left on the body were the rear seatbelts and the fender tag.  I am on the hunt for the missing VIN tag, but I think I can find it if it did not leave the state of Kansas (I am putting out a $ reward for it's return).  If I was just starting out into this hobby, this car would cost me way, way more to fix than it would be worth restored due to all of the missing parts.  The grille and two front fenders would set me back at least $2,000 if I had to buy them.  (Luckly, I have everything to fix this one already.)  It's saving grace?  It was orginally an 69 RT/SE auto  ....

[ChargerXP]

Since we're on the topic, what do you all think mine would be worth?  I paid 11K for it in December 1998 in the shape you see here.  I had it appraised in February 1999 and the guy said it was probably worth between 18-23K.  However, I know the prices have gone up since then.  It is a numbers-matching 383 Magnum, 727 car.  Options: 8 3/4 Sure-Grip rear end, bucket seats, PS, console, original Magnum 500s, original spare with Goodyear Polyglas tire, original vinyl top, all original upholstery except part of the driver's seat.  The under carriage is nice but not 100%.  72,000 miles on it currently.  I also have the orignal window sticker, build sheet, owner's manual.  It was purchased from the original owner. 

[41husk]

were are you at in Illinois?  I am down by STLouis Mo.

[ChargerXP]

I actually live in Indiana...the car was purchased from the original owner who lived in Aurora, IL.  Those pics are from the day I bought the car. 

[PocketThunder]

hey guys,
just getting started in the Mopar Fever and I was wondering, how much is a fair price for a good condition charger, already fixed, and how much for a fixer uppper..not a rust bucket?
Thanks

Here you go Mike!

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/car/267837145.html

[PocketThunder]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190077096852&fromMakeTrack=true

Here it is on ebay.  2 days left.

[MikeMacCham]

Awsome!

[DodgeChargerNeeded]

I have noticed you can get a really nice car but not a show car for right around $20k

[tburns]

I picked up a 71 318 one week before Christmas for $5,800.  Guy had it as a daily driver but had recently bought a truck so he put the Charger up for sale.  He had just had it painted (albeit not a great job), new top, new seats, everything else is original, matching numbers, etc...  Interior needs some work but I wanted something to drive on the weekends and take my kids out in.  His ad said asking price of $9,000 but he told me he was selling it also because he needed cash (not the best way to negotiate).  An hour later and a huge wad of $100s and the car was mine.  I have put about $500 in it at the local shop for a tuneup, etc... and it runs fine for what I wanted it for.  Three guys in my neighborhood commented on it at a X-mas party I was at after only having it in my garage for three days...

[Dodge Don]

Hope you have a thick wallet and a big bank account.Mopars USED to be one of the more affordable cars to get but since the greedy money people got into them the average guy is being pushed out.You would be better off with Ford fever. 

Who said an "average guy" deserves a Mopar 

[CHASWINGMAN2]

A weeks worth of groceries in my house $220.00

Having 2 trees removed $775.00

A Dodge Charger  "Priceless"

[mikepmcs]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190077096852&fromMakeTrack=true

Here it is on ebay.  2 days left.

Something ain't right with that ad, and it was ended today as well.  Also the craig list one is no longer available either.  That car was way too cheap if you ask me for what it was.

my .02


v/r
Mike

[CHASWINGMAN2]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190077096852&fromMakeTrack=true

Here it is on ebay.  2 days left.

Something ain't right with that ad, and it was ended today as well.  Also the craig list one is no longer available either.  That car was way too cheap if you ask me for what it was.

my .02

I'm sure that someone called the guy up and they made a deal.  He cancelled the auction to avoid ebay fees.  I have had no less than 8 people call on my car since Saturday wanting me to end the auction.  I tell them to come look at the car, if they don't, the auction stands.  He probably had someone call and agreed on a price, so he cancells the auction, the bad part is, you wonder if the guy will even buy the car.  Would not be surprised if you see the car show up again in a few days.  A lot of sellers don't realize what kind of idiots ebay attracts (myself included).  It cracks me up when someone calls and says "I want the car" and never ask a single question about it.  Granted, my auctions are usually long winded and provide a lot of information, but there is no way you can describe every detail in an auction text.   When they tell me they want the car, I say, O.K., come and look at it, and  you know what, sometimes they do.  I've learned never to put a "Buy it now" on a car, simply because some 13 year old kid can hit the magic button, and of course he doen't buy it, so you re-list it and then have to explain to the world of buyers why it's back on.  My friends call it a "tainted car"  Meaning something must be seriously wrong with it for the buyer to back out. 
   Of course I've seen lots of sellers lie like thieves, hoping some novice gets suckerd in, which happens all the time. 
     
I really hope he sold the car to a good buyer, I read the auction and looked at the pics, I think the auction was straight up, it actually got up to $12k before he ended it.

Just my opinion



v/r
Mike

[old man]

There are so many variables to this question. What year do you like, do you want a show queen or a nice driver? I agree with the post of buy the closest to being restored car as you can afford. If you want a show queen then your price will be very high due to the quality. If you want a decent driver then you can pick and chose. Buy a car and put in it what kind of motor you want. Paint it what ever color you want, make it the car of your dreams. If it's a nice driver then who cares if you put R/T stripes on it. I put them together how I would want them not exactly how the buildsheet says the car was from factory. That is unless you find a rare Hemi car or 440 six pack car. Then that car deserves the best and should be honored with a correct factory restoration. What does one cost? As little as a grand for a rust bucket or 200 grand for a ultra rare hemi. Don't let the upper prices scare you. You will find what you want just take some time and look around. But when you find what you want and the price is right BUY IT. If not someone else will and it will be gone. We all have regrets of cars we let get away thinking I'll get back to them tomorrow.

[mikepmcs]

Since we're on the topic, what do you all think mine would be worth?  I paid 11K for it in December 1998 in the shape you see here.  I had it appraised in February 1999 and the guy said it was probably worth between 18-23K.  However, I know the prices have gone up since then.  It is a numbers-matching 383 Magnum, 727 car.  Options: 8 3/4 Sure-Grip rear end, bucket seats, PS, console, original Magnum 500s, original spare with Goodyear Polyglas tire, original vinyl top, all original upholstery except part of the driver's seat.  The under carriage is nice but not 100%.  72,000 miles on it currently.  I also have the orignal window sticker, build sheet, owner's manual.  It was purchased from the original owner. 

ChargerXP
I'd say in the 30+ range
my.02
v/r
Mike

[Shakey]

Hope you have a thick wallet and a big bank account.Mopars USED to be one of the more affordable cars to get but since the greedy money people got into them the average guy is being pushed out.You would be better off with Ford fever. 

Who said an "average guy" deserves a Mopar 

[CB]

10-12K is my guess if you're looking at a driver, 2nd gen, small block. ... that needs everything redone... (tired engine, beaten up interior, sloppy steering/suspension, rust issues, name it)
My 2 cents.

[41husk]

Don't get in a big hurry, as stated before in this thread, there are still deals to be had, they are just getting harder and harder to find.  Good luck with your quest.

[MikeMacCham]

this is awsome, thanks guys!