Have Charger prices Pushed You Out?

[h76]

Has the current prices of  chargers pushed you out of the market and forced you to look at other cars to drive/enjoy?

[The70RT]

Yep....I only have the one..........and it is gonna get done no matter what the cost! An Olds Cutlass is a lot cheaper. I think after the Charger is done I will do the vert I have and maybe then sell both Olds and try to get into another MoPar.....at least thats what the ole lady wants. She is into cars like me so it sounds like a deal to me. After I do the vert as planned she may want to keep it. I am gonna make a 68 442 clone with a 455

[warriorbass05]

I did not spend a lot for mine but I have TONS of work to do to get it back on the road.

[1carcrazyguy]

It seems to me prices have been coming down as compared to a couple of years ago.    In 2002 when started looking to get back into Mopars I was looking for a 68-70 Charger or 69-71 RoadRunner.   But I never could find the car I wanted at a price I thought I could live with.  Well by 2004 when I finally bought a car......2002 prices seemed really cheap.  Then in 2005 when I started looking for an E-body I thought prices were really crazy.  But 2005 prices were cheap as compared to what is out there now.   Example from 2005...70 purple Barracuda 318 driver that was decent sold for 13k.  Today that car would bring 20k easy.   But I think prices are coming down but who knows how long they will come down. Or just how much they will come down.   

It seems to me that there are a lot of cars on the market right now that have had the same owner for quite some time. Starting to see a lot of really nice "keeper" cars hitting the market.         

[TruckDriver]

Has the current prices of  chargers pushed you out of the market and forced you to look at other cars to drive/enjoy?

It is getting very close for me. I am to the point that I just want 1 nice car to drive, and since I really like my '93 Dakota 4x4, and wanna fix it up, well, you get the idea.

[h76]

I have had a couple of projects and have finally told myself to get a decent driver type car that may be less desirable,but I can get into for around $5k(or less).A 68-70 charger that is driver quality will run in the $10-$15k range.And for me,I'm not into car shows or anything like that-so why have something too nice and desirable just to drive.I don't have the time,patience,etc. to buy a project car and wait months or years to even drive it-much less make it perfect.Just my

[Dave22443]

Here you go.   

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MOPAR-1970-PLYMOUTH-FURY-383-BIG-BLOCK-AUTO-2D-HT_W0QQitemZ280137313996QQihZ018QQcategoryZ6411QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[BMOTOXSTAR]

  My first real Charger, that I purchased in 96',( my 1st Charger was a 83' 2.2) 73' SE survivor BB400 buckets console, etc... cost me $1,300, That is just 10 years ago on a Charger that was mass produced & not HP.
I had to sell the SE , in a big jam thought I would never have to sell it, Blah Blah 
  Got back on my feet , went looking for another Charger SE or Rally and about sh-- my pants when I came to the reality of what they are going for now.
I found a Rally, light project, and it cost me allmost $6,000 for that car. I could not even come close to finding a BB SE Survivor for under $10,000.
I allmost gave up on the hobby but I realized that I am addicted to having a Charger in the garage and having a Charger to go to the Mopar and local shows in. 
   I bought a 74' Satellite Survivor to cruise around in this summer so that I had something to cruise in while the Rally was getting done. Eight years ago you could not give a 74' Satellite away.
   Other than for the people on this site, I could not find any parts for my Rally at a reasonable cost that were decent quality, Matt you rock !
  I was ready to just sell the Rally and forget it. The prices and quality of part you get for your money really made me wanna' just give up. E-Bay and Moparts were making it impossible for me to afford the $. 
   That's why I get pissed off at flippers & Mopar parts horders that only re-sell the parts to profit. To me it is an investment but in the same respect it is my hobby that makes me happy to me it is not a  $ sucking ,dog eat dog ,who out bids who, bitch ass  business shark money making thing.      
    So yeah, prices allmost drove me out of my most favorite hobby ever.

[69DodgeCharger]

Why didn't you keep the 68 you had? The supply of good cars and part is disappearing by the day. Did you really think they were gonna get any cheaper? Or that some "deal" was gonna come out of the woodwork? with the internet and the rapid spread of information even the toothless old hillbillies in the woods know they've "got something" these days. I am guessing 10-15K would have gotten the 68 you had up and runnign pretty good.

[h76]

I am just saying that I don't want to have that kind of $ tied up in a car that I could get just the same satisfaction out of in a cheaper car.I am by no means complaining or saying that people are foolish to spend that $ on a charger.I was just curious as to other people's opinion.For my $ the 68 charger was/is the best looking musclecar of all time.Now some people may agree or disagree,all I am saying is that I can still admire/like a car and yet understand the car may be getting priced out of my budget.

[Charger1973]

Im determined to finish my car no matter what.  Its not even a question of can I afford it, its when can I afford it.  But im making some decent progress...  I wanted to keep one of the other cars I got rid of, to make into a daily driver, and it wasnt the Charger prices that made me decide against it, it was the damn gas prices.  I really V6 or smaller for a daily driver. 

[69bronzeT5]

Well once your in the market, your fine but if you want to get another Charger then thats the problem...if you can find a good deal than ya, its easy but deals dont come around that often.....

[terrible one]

I bought my car 2 years ago for $3,600, and now I know that it's probably worth a bit over $5,000 with very little changed. I'm sure that if I had waited any longer I wouldn't have been able to own one.

[Mike DC]

Its not even a question of can I afford it, its when can I afford it.

I think that speaks for a lot of the car hobby. 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The prices haven't pushed me out of the hobby, but they've stopped me from having a lot more fun with it.  It's the difference between having 1-2 cars or several more.

 

[alfanta]

i picked mine up for 1,500 running about three years ago, and the interior is in almost perfect shape. but when I took it to norwalk a year and 3 months later just to sit in the non judged section, I had people coming up offering me 5-9k for it without even hearing it fire up or looking at the engine (I had the hood closed). I about crapped my pants when someone offered that much to me. I thought about taking the deal, but i really had no idea if it was worth it or not, I knew I got a good deal on mine at 1500, and i had heard rumors of the prices going through the roof.

just my experience

[69bronzeT5]

Like T-one said...his car has gone up in value with very little changed to it. For instance, my car was worth about $4500 back in 2005 and now its worth around $6000+ and its had very very little changed since then. I did some bodywork on it last night and it actually came out very very good. Im proud of myself

[Ghoste]

They haven't pushed me "out" or I wouldn't be here either, but they have pushed me around a little.

[Charger1973]

Like T-one said...his car has gone up in value with very little changed to it. For instance, my car was worth about $4500 back in 2005 and now its worth around $6000+ and its had very very little changed since then. I did some bodywork on it last night and it actually came out very very good. Im proud of myself

Wheres the pictures?  It might be time to start a progress thread on your car.   

[ACUDANUT]

 Alfanta, you never mentioned what year and type of car you took to the show ??  Was it a Maverick ??

[BMOTOXSTAR]

Alfanta, you never mentioned what year and type of car you took to the show ??  Was it a Maverick ??

[aifilaw]

Im determined to finish my car no matter what.  Its not even a question of can I afford it, its when can I afford it.  But im making some decent progress...  I wanted to keep one of the other cars I got rid of, to make into a daily driver, and it wasnt the Charger prices that made me decide against it, it was the damn gas prices.  I really V6 or smaller for a daily driver. 

I agree, its impossible to find the challenger or cuda I really want as well, so I've given up hope, but I have my beautiful 72 charger that I will finish.... someday when I have money.

[70charger_boy]

I just saw a real nice blue 68 charger 318 that was a driver on ebay go for 6200 bucks.  That's a score

[69bronzeT5]

Like T-one said...his car has gone up in value with very little changed to it. For instance, my car was worth about $4500 back in 2005 and now its worth around $6000+ and its had very very little changed since then. I did some bodywork on it last night and it actually came out very very good. Im proud of myself

Wheres the pictures?  It might be time to start a progress thread on your car.   

I will take pics on Sunday. My sister took the digital camera to bible camp and shes coming back on Sunday

[70charger_boy]

Is bible camp anything like band camp?

[69bronzeT5]

Is bible camp anything like band camp?

I dont know, my sister goes to bible camp, I dont

[Aero426]

    That's why I get pissed off at flippers & Mopar parts horders that only re-sell the parts to profit. To me it is an investment but in the same respect it is my hobby that makes me happy to me it is not a  $ sucking ,dog eat dog ,who out bids who, bitch ass  business shark money making thing.      
    So yeah, prices allmost drove me out of my most favorite hobby ever.

Supply and demand is what has driven prices up.      Doesn't matter whether you sell it, I sell it or the flippers sell it.     If two guys want it, you are off to the races.       Dealers have set the benchmark asking prices, but it takes a BUYER to make it happen.    If that buyer is out there and pays the money, what is wrong with that?    I don't like it either, but it is the way it is in many areas of life.   

It seems to me there are still plenty of restorable, decent affordable Chargers out there for everyone.  Maybe not the one YOU want, and maybe not CHEAP,  but there are still cars to be had.

[BMOTOXSTAR]

Is bible camp anything like band camp?

Remember American Pie?
"This one time at band camp I stuck a --- in my --- and oh my"

[70charger_boy]

Is bible camp anything like band camp?

Remember American Pie?
"This one time at band camp I stuck a --- in my --- and oh my"

see I knew you would know what I was talking about.  I forgot that Cody's mom probably wouldn't let him watch it cause it was rated R

[Mean 318]

yes!

[The70RT]

I figure ALMOST anyone can afford a 2nd. gen. You just gotta hustle and do eBay or turn some wrenches or even flip some cars or parts. You can actually go on eBay and buy lots of parts and flip them right back on eBay. Maybe you may have to sacrifice a car payment and drive a beater. Get a second job. Tell the ole lady you are doing it for her....if she likes cars. Maybe sacrifice some personal things .....I'm saying it depends on whats going on in your life and where you can cut corners and save more. It just depends on what you want a Duster or a Charger. If you say you can't you aren't trying hard enough IMO. If your struggling just to make ends meet the car hobby isn't for you anyway. I guess i can say this because I have always had my Charger. I have had lots of others get away but not the best one I ever had 

[69bronzeT5]

I forgot that Cody's mom probably wouldn't let him watch it cause it was rated R

I havent seen the original American Pies but I HAVE seen American Pie Band Camp

[NHCharger]

My goal was to own four Chargers, a 71,72,73 & 74. At this point I'll be lucky to keep the two I have.

[69bronzeT5]

My goal was to have as many Chargers as Trav but I dont see that happening

[69_500]

Nope sure hasn't pushed me out of the hobby. I don't make nearly enough to afford the car that I want, but that doesn't stop me from saving for it, or wanting it all the more. One of these days I'll have the car I want, and that you can take to the bank. It would take for the prices to increase about another 8000% to push me out of still chasing that one single car I want.

[70charger_boy]

My goal was to have as many Chargers as Trav but I dont see that happening

I had a goal like that too, but read NHChargers sig
"When setting goals avoid disappoint, aim low"  So true, so true

[The70RT]

Nope sure hasn't pushed me out of the hobby. I don't make nearly enough to afford the car that I want, but that doesn't stop me from saving for it, or wanting it all the more. One of these days I'll have the car I want, and that you can take to the bank. It would take for the prices to increase about another 8000% to push me out of still chasing that one single car I want.

That's what I have been saying....it's just how bad do you want it?

[Supercharged Riot]

Are prices are driving me out?  I cant really answer that question.  I'm always willing to buy the Charger I want (1968) for the right price that I can reasonably afford.  As long as prices are within my buying range, I'm always looking for one.  IF it goes beyong my reach, which it has been for the last 3 years, then its not because that I dont want to buy one, its because people want too much for it.

As a 25 yr old potential buyer who doesnt make a lot of money, here's my reasoned price rating when Im searching to buy a Charger:

$0-$4K (Rust Bucket/Scrap.  Hell, if its $4K it better be a rolling R/T with all original parts there)
$5-$7K (I'm ok if it doesnt run. NO RUST! Thats just me though)
$8-$15K (Has to run, minimal rust, some work needed, mechanically sound, paint is good, but new paint job is recomended,
$16-$20K (Good & ready to go. Little (and i mean little) or no work needed to perfect it for show quality)
$20-$25K (It better be fully restored.  I dont think R/T clones should be higher than this because I wouldnt go this far)
$25K-$30K (It better at least be an original R/t thats in great condition. No clones either)
$30+ (Unmolested R/T thats in pristine condition)

I really wouldnt spend more than $17-$18K for a Charger in general because I'm still a student that works full time to pay for bills & school.

[70charger_boy]

The market is getting soft.
Here are some deals that were on ebay that sold pretty cheap

1968 charger 318 6,300 bucks looks real sweet
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1968-Dodge-Charger-RT_W0QQitemZ280136717412QQihZ018QQcategoryZ6199QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

1968 charger 383 runs  drives 8500
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1968-Dodge-Charger-383-Big-Block_W0QQitemZ290144101554QQihZ019QQcategoryZ6199QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

1970 charger 440 727 15 grand really nice
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/70-69-68-DODGE-CHARGER-500_W0QQitemZ320140775732QQihZ011QQcategoryZ6199QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

1968 charger 383 8,988
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/68-Dodge-Charger-w-440-Big-Block_W0QQitemZ120142741835QQihZ002QQcategoryZ6199QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[69DodgeCharger]

Are prices are driving me out?  I cant really answer that question.  I'm always willing to buy the Charger I want (1968) for the right price that I can reasonably afford.  As long as prices are within my buying range, I'm always looking for one.  IF it goes beyong my reach, which it has been for the last 3 years, then its not because that I dont want to buy one, its because people want too much for it.

As a 25 yr old potential buyer who doesnt make a lot of money, here's my reasoned price rating when Im searching to buy a Charger:

$0-$4K (Rust Bucket/Scrap.  Hell, if its $4K it better be a rolling R/T with all original parts there)
$5-$7K (I'm ok if it doesnt run. NO RUST! Thats just me though)
$8-$15K (Has to run, minimal rust, some work needed, mechanically sound, paint is good, but new paint job is recomended,
$16-$20K (Good & ready to go. Little (and i mean little) or no work needed to perfect it for show quality)
$20-$25K (It better be fully restored.  I dont think R/T clones should be higher than this because I wouldnt go this far)
$25K-$30K (It better at least be an original R/t thats in great condition. No clones either)
$30+ (Unmolested R/T thats in pristine condition)

I really wouldnt spend more than $17-$18K for a Charger in general because I'm still a student that works full time to pay for bills & school.

Probably not gonna happen for you at this time, but with the never ending raping of the "working man" there may be somebody who will let one go in those price ranges out of financial need. But will you be able to snag it before the flippers and collectors with disposable cash at hand? Junkyard scrappers are bringing 3-5 k these days and usually missing quite a bit. So I think your gonna have to pony up more cash in each of those categories to get one.


Wow I just saw the above post....maybe there are some deals starting to surface again? But are they "perfumed pigs" or actually good deals? With ebay you can never be sure without seeing the car in person.....And one question 70charger_boy, who the hell is the "king" in your avatar? Pretty funny!

[TheAutoArchaeologist]

If you find them in barns and garages and fields... they are still attainable... sometimes...

Like these I found....


Here is one of many I bought a few years ago... for $2500.



Ryan

[41husk]

Nope sure hasn't pushed me out of the hobby. I don't make nearly enough to afford the car that I want, but that doesn't stop me from saving for it, or wanting it all the more. One of these days I'll have the car I want, and that you can take to the bank. It would take for the prices to increase about another 8000% to push me out of still chasing that one single car I want.

what is that one single car?

[h76]

Are prices are driving me out? I cant really answer that question. I'm always willing to buy the Charger I want (1968) for the right price that I can reasonably afford. As long as prices are within my buying range, I'm always looking for one. IF it goes beyong my reach, which it has been for the last 3 years, then its not because that I dont want to buy one, its because people want too much for it.

As a 25 yr old potential buyer who doesnt make a lot of money, here's my reasoned price rating when Im searching to buy a Charger:

$0-$4K (Rust Bucket/Scrap. Hell, if its $4K it better be a rolling R/T with all original parts there)
$5-$7K (I'm ok if it doesnt run. NO RUST! Thats just me though)
$8-$15K (Has to run, minimal rust, some work needed, mechanically sound, paint is good, but new paint job is recomended,
$16-$20K (Good & ready to go. Little (and i mean little) or no work needed to perfect it for show quality)
$20-$25K (It better be fully restored. I dont think R/T clones should be higher than this because I wouldnt go this far)
$25K-$30K (It better at least be an original R/t thats in great condition. No clones either)
$30+ (Unmolested R/T thats in pristine condition)

I really wouldnt spend more than $17-$18K for a Charger in general because I'm still a student that works full time to pay for bills & school.

I agree with with 69DodgeCharger-you'll have to bump a few grand into each one of those categories.
Lots of flippers and dealers coming on the internet and other places looking make quick/easy money.
The category I think you need a big adjustment is in the $5-$7k range.If you find a 2nd generation charger out there for less than $10k with no rust-consider yourself a very fortunate person.I'm not trying to criticize,just stating my opinion from what I've seen in market lately.But hey,maybe I'm the one who's off his rocker and got it wrong.

[69_500]

That one single car that I want is a 4 speed Daytona. Nothing special. 

[aifilaw]

Are prices are driving me out? I cant really answer that question. I'm always willing to buy the Charger I want (1968) for the right price that I can reasonably afford. As long as prices are within my buying range, I'm always looking for one. IF it goes beyong my reach, which it has been for the last 3 years, then its not because that I dont want to buy one, its because people want too much for it.

As a 25 yr old potential buyer who doesnt make a lot of money, here's my reasoned price rating when Im searching to buy a Charger:

$0-$4K (Rust Bucket/Scrap. Hell, if its $4K it better be a rolling R/T with all original parts there)
$5-$7K (I'm ok if it doesnt run. NO RUST! Thats just me though)
$8-$15K (Has to run, minimal rust, some work needed, mechanically sound, paint is good, but new paint job is recomended,
$16-$20K (Good & ready to go. Little (and i mean little) or no work needed to perfect it for show quality)
$20-$25K (It better be fully restored. I dont think R/T clones should be higher than this because I wouldnt go this far)
$25K-$30K (It better at least be an original R/t thats in great condition. No clones either)
$30+ (Unmolested R/T thats in pristine condition)

I really wouldnt spend more than $17-$18K for a Charger in general because I'm still a student that works full time to pay for bills & school.

I agree with with 69DodgeCharger-you'll have to bump a few grand into each one of those categories.
Lots of flippers and dealers coming on the internet and other places looking make quick/easy money.
The category I think you need a big adjustment is in the $5-$7k range.If you find a 2nd generation charger out there for less than $10k with no rust-consider yourself a very fortunate person.I'm not trying to criticize,just stating my opinion from what I've seen in market lately.But hey,maybe I'm the one who's off his rocker and got it wrong.

See, I consider that rediculous.
I picked up my '72, original 318 car, original paint, with a running 383, 727 and 8-3/4 with 3.55's, old dry-rot tires that needed work with no rust and no dents and a cracked dash and slightly torn seats for $3,000. That's a pretty good deal.
I saw a somewhat surface rusty, but newer paint-job '73 down the road for $2,000 last month.
Prices should be maybe $1k more than that these days, but not 10k more.

[Mike DC]

 
I disagree. 

You referred to some of those prices as "ridiculous" but I don't think they're unusual these days. 
What makes it ridiculous other than the fact that it's unfortunate for the low-buck hobbyist?

The prices of old cars will never be governed by some theoretical ideal of what things really "should" cost.  (I mean, I've listened to people insist that my GL replica "should" only cost a few hundred dollars since it's painted up like a mullet-mobile from the '70s.)  The market is just total, pure, simple, supply and demand.  Always has been.

 

[69DodgeCharger]

See, I consider that rediculous.
I picked up my '72, original 318 car, original paint, with a running 383, 727 and 8-3/4 with 3.55's, old dry-rot tires that needed work with no rust and no dents and a cracked dash and slightly torn seats for $3,000. That's a pretty good deal.
I saw a somewhat surface rusty, but newer paint-job '73 down the road for $2,000 last month.
Prices should be maybe $1k more than that these days, but not 10k more.

Yeah, but those are 3rd Generations.....Big difference I've been watching a 73 SE from Wyoming needs patches behind the rear wheels. sitting in the same spot for the last 7 years with no takers. was asking $1,000 (1 year ago)  with an 85 Fury police car that went with it. But now the cop car is gone so who knows?

[tkkruzer]

  well I just completed a 66 mustang coupe for my son, then desided to build me a prodject car, I went looking for a challenger. found one, for 6000$ but settled for a 74 R/R insted because it was only 2200$ . cant afford the chally , so I'll make do. the point is the cost of the mustang and restoring it was still cheeper than the chally, sure its worth more but I dont intend to sell it. besides mustang parts are very easy to find and repop parts are very,very affordable. , but I will build my R/R cause nobody's gonna tell me I have to build and drive a ford like um but dont want to own um. hey after all its all about haveing fun, isn't it ? I do wish prices would come down though!  TTFN   TK

[TruckDriver]

Whelp, I got mine up for sale with all the parts I have for it. So, I guess you can say..........Yes