2009 2010 Challenger Purchase Advice Sought---Update Bought One

[oldcarnut]

I've been thinking about buying a 09-10 Challenger and was looking for some advice or comments from anyone that owns(ed) one.  I'm 6'7 and was wondering about head room.  I only want to get the B5 color and automatic and I think those were the only two years for that color and like the RT classic striping.  I see similar shades listed as B5 and Blue Pearl between adds but are they the same?  Was the Classic edition only 09?  Other than the seat stitching, rims, and decals, is there much difference between the SRT8 6.1 and RT 5.7?  I assume the 6.1 is worse for mpg but whats the real word mpg between the two?  Thanks ahead for any info.  Figured maybe someone here could answer from experience. There's a few listed on Ebay that I was checking out

[ws23rt]

I bought my SRT when the 09s were first available. I wanted B5 blue but it wasn't yet on the check list. I had to have the six sp and to wait for the B5 would be another several months. I do like silver though.
I am 5' 13" and with the sun roof option I have about 4" clear over my head. You need to try one on for fit but I think that is not a problem. Most tall folks have it in the legs. These car were built to fit full size people.
The fuel economy Is almost a non issue. It depends on how you drive. I get 23mpg on flat freeway. Not so much when I play with it. Not sure of all the differences between the SRT and the RT . Brembo brakes on the SRT.
I recall a survey of customer satisfaction with their purchase that rated the challenger highest of that survey. If I had been part of that survey I would not have changed it.
Bottom line is I knew what I was buying and got what I expected and more. It is a great car.

[oldcarnut]

Thanks for the info.  I get more in height in the body than in the legs.  Not super concerned about the mpg but I would hope to get at least approx 15mpg. A couple of folks around here with SRT acted like they were getting 8-10.   I'm going to rent one for a few days to make sure of comfort fit.http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2009-Dodge-Challenger-SRT8-Limited-Edition-/251283651033?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item3a81ac39d9#ht_500wt_1182

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2009-DODGE-CHALLENGER-R-T-CLASSIC-12K-SHOWROOM-HEAD-TURNER-PETTY-BLUE-W-W-/190847182600?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item2c6f60e708#ht_648wt_1161

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SRT8-/271192987064?_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&forcev4exp=true#ht_500wt_1182

[ws23rt]

Thanks for the info.  I get more in height in the body than in the legs.  Not super concerned about the mpg but I would hope to get at least approx 15mpg. A couple of folks around here with SRT acted like they were getting 8-10.   I'm going to rent one for a few days to make sure of comfort fit. Do they call that B5 blue pearl too?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2009-Dodge-Challenger-SRT8-Limited-Edition-/251283651033?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item3a81ac39d9#ht_500wt_1182

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2009-DODGE-CHALLENGER-R-T-CLASSIC-12K-SHOWROOM-HEAD-TURNER-PETTY-BLUE-W-W-/190847182600?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item2c6f60e708#ht_648wt_1161

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SRT8-/271192987064?_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&forcev4exp=true#ht_500wt_1182

That is funny 8-10 mpg. sounds like showing off stuff. And maybe rubbing off a lot of costly rubber.. My 69 hemi got that cause of the gearing but there is a lot more to it than that. My best mpg was 35 for 150 miles. but that was a lot of down hill.
I suspect the 5.7 could get the same mpg as well as lbs of rubber per mile.

[Ponch ®]

There's a noticeable difference between the R/T and the SRT, but you won't feel gypped of power in an R/T in any way. Its just that the SRT is a different beast (but one you can live without). As far as MPG, it depends on how you drive and how well tuned your car is. You can easily average low to mid (26/27) mpgs on the highway. A buddy has a 1000hp supercharged SRT-8 and he can average 19-20 mpg on the highway if he's just cruising it. The cliched paradox about how you can get good MPG even with these motors but youre just always tempted to step on the gas is true.

[Chatt69chgr]

My 2009 R/T has the sunroof option.  I'm 5-10 and 1/2 and my head will graze the sunroof on the left if I lean that way.  I would not get one with the sunroof for that reason and for the reason that the sunroof doesn't work for too long without messing up.  For all intents and purposes, you really can't fix it and you just about have to take the car apart to replace it.  I don't operate mine based on what others have told me.  The only other issues I have heard about are the headliner next to the top of the windshield is very easily damaged.  Keep away from it when cleaning the window.  Don't rub a cloth against it or you will be sorry.  Also, the plastic pieces that cover the rocker panels crack at the front and back but they can be fairly easily replaced.  I installed the skip-shift eliminator in the first two days of ownership.  I also installed a cabin air filter that was, for some inexplicable reason, left off of these cars.  I think they put it in now.  The car is designed to receive one and you can get the kit from Mopar for $40 or $50 dollars.  I also installed a Razers Edge Shock tower brace at the same time I installed the cabin air filter.  Also installed a Mopar fresh air intake as well as a welded aluminum radiator overflow tank and power steering tank.  I like the look.  And finally, I installed the oil mist separator in the PVC line.  I ordered my car-----it's hemi orange with 6-speed and w/o leather interior.  Seems like the leather was a grayish color and I didn't want leather anyway.  The cloth is black.  I really like my car and it is a lot of fun to drive.  Incredibly, I still get comments on it even now.  The milage you get depends a lot on how much of a lead foot you have.  If you use cruise control you can get in the 20's on the interstate.  I've found that on a 2 or 3 hour trip your back gets tired---the seats are not all that good.  It does have a nice big trunk however.  All in all, it's a lot of fun to tool around in on the weekends, etc.  But on trips, the wife and I will take her new 4Runner.   

[Hard Charger]

i agree with you not getting a sunroof at your height.

i am 5-10 and come close to the bulge in the head liner for the sunroof. i will say i love the sunroof. mine is a brand new 2013 RT

[oldcarnut]

I went by a dealership sun.  They weren't open but left all the challengers unlocked so I got to sit around in them  The sunroofs are not going to work for me for much clearance.   Also I found the color terms meant the same blue.   I'm going to keep my eyes open for either non sunroof B5 SRT or RT with some low miles.  Thanks for the advice guys.

[Iceyone]

Is something different about my Challenger? I'm 6'2", 250 lbs and have no problem sitting in my car without hitting my head on the sun roof. I kick the seat all the way back and I can cruise all day long in it.

[ws23rt]

Is something different about my Challenger? I'm 6'2", 250 lbs and have no problem sitting in my car without hitting my head on the sun roof. I kick the seat all the way back and I can cruise all day long in it.

Don't think there is a difference in the seat height in these cars. The seats do move up and down. I can run out a tank of gas and not feel the need to stretch.

[Mytur Binsdirti]

I've had my '10 R/T Classic for over 3 years now & I like it a lot. 25.5 mpg on the highway. I'm 5'-11" & no sunroof, which is the way I wanted it.

Some mods I did were:

Shaker hood
Corsa exhaust
2012 SRT wheels
Skip shift eliminator
Predator tune
Hurst shifter mechanism
Pistol grip handle

I really didn't go crazy with mods, but the last three made driveability so much better, especially the Hurst shifter.   

[oldcarnut]

Ended up making a deal and buying a 2010 SRT listed on Ebay.  11,300 miles with some extra add-ons and bling inside and out.  Some I like and some I'll have to see it in person for further thoughts.  Here's a couple pics  Didn't seem to be able to locate any without the sunroof but I'll make it work for me

[oldcarnut]

A few more.  Got to get it to SC from Idaho.  Reckon I'll check with DAS shippers.

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

Nice score!  I like the retro Challenger add ons.  I dont think I've ever seen one with the louvers. 

[chargerboy69]

Very nice. . I love the louvers, they look great. 

[oldcarnut]

Thanks, the hard part is now going to be the scheduling and waiting for pickup delivery.  I may not see it until mid July if I cant get it by the end of June.  Checking with DAS and emailed one or two from here but haven't heard back yet.  Decided to go a little extra for a covered haul.  Just too much storm stuff and hail between Idaho and SC currently and the haulers don't insure against that.

[JB400]

I think I could have done without the retro trim, but other than that, I like what they done to it.