New Guy

[Chargerfan77]

Hey all, just joined the forum. Don't have a Charger yet. It's been a dream of mine for a long time to have one. Just got some questions. Do I have to be filthy rich to have one? Wouldn't really care about the shape don't guess. Figure I could just learn as I go......'bout the way I've done in other things in my life...LOL! Asked a guy one time what the going prices of 'em are.....he said...."anywhere between $500 to $500,000". That true? Just hope I havn't waited to late to have my dream car!!! Don't wanna start saving for something that's completely out of my reach.....know what I mean?

[Tilar]

Welcome aboard!   

$500 to $500,000 is quite a stretch. You didn't specify what year you want. You won't buy one for $500 unless it's nothing left but the inner hull. They can actually range from about $2500 for something that still might have a few parts on it to $200,000 for something really rare. You can buy something that is buildable but all there anywhere from 3 to 15k again depending on what it is and how nice it is (unless it's a hemi car then hang onto your wallet), a nice driver in the $15 - 25k range, a nice restored one in the 40k+ range.  Those are for 2nd generation 1968-1970.

You can get a pretty nice 3rd gen for $5000.

[Chargerfan77]

Welcome aboard!   

$500 to $500,000 is quite a stretch. You didn't specify what year you want. You won't buy one for $500 unless it's nothing left but the inner hull. They can actually range from about $2500 for something that still might have a few parts on it to $200,000 for something really rare. You can buy something that is buildable but all there anywhere from 3 to 15k again depending on what it is and how nice it is (unless it's a hemi car then hang onto your wallet), a nice driver in the $15 - 25k range, a nice restored one in the 40k+ range.  Those are for 2nd generation 1968-1970.

You can get a pretty nice 3rd gen for $5000.

So, a 68-70 would not be out of range? That'd be cool! I'd like something that is buildable and just take my time.

[Ghoste]

Absolutely, patience is the big thing.  Welcome to the site.

[Chargerfan77]

Absolutely, patience is the big thing.  Welcome to the site.

Shew....done thougth they'd passed me own by!! LOL!

[tan top]

 hello & welcome 

[ottawamerc]

Welcome and hello too.

I would highly recommend a built car ready for the road and enjoyment that you can alter and fiddle with but not a $3500 "deal" cause that deal will run ya a lot more rebuilding than its worth. Go ahead and ask me  I would start at a mininum of $25K. just my 

Good luck and happy motoring.

Scott

[Mike DC]

 
When it comes to cost effectiveness, buildable is good but already-built is better.  You'll spend $20,000 to improve a car by $10,000 in value. 

The most expensive things to improve are the quality of the sheetmetal (rust issues are a GIGANTIC problem with these cars) and the overall fit & finish.  Upgrading an engine or transmission is cheap compared to upgrading a torn-down rusty body. 

And nobody makes replacements for the plastic front grilles.  Somewhat damaged ones can usually be repaired if you still have 95% of the broken pieces, but an entire nice used replacement grille assembly is likely a $1000 item.

[brigond]

I went through this not long ago. Dec 2012. I suggest buying the most complete charger you can afford. If you have the $$ , buy the car that someone sunk thousands over its value...and buy it for its actual value or less. I would also consider buying something as close to original as possible. If you buy a car that has been overly molested , you will spend lots of time and research trying to get it back correct. example.... I turned down a car that was originally a 318 car that was converted to a 440. 600 hp, race Trany, all new heavy duty front end and suspension. The car ran and drove fast but every thing in between was not working or missing. Gauges, lights, hide away lights, AC, interior etc.
  Through my buying research , I found buying a 318 car is a great way to get into a charger a bit cheaper. I was originally looking for a 2nd generation (68 my favorite charger ever). Through research , I discovered the beauty of 3rd generation chargers. I ignored these cars for years and now I own a 1971 S/E 383.   Searching for a third gen will also save you some money and get you into a charger for less. I've noticed that third generation chargers are no longer as cheap as folks think. Just research all the classic car for sale sites. You will see.  I've also noticed that do to muscle car history, the older the 3rd generation (1971) the more value. 2nd generation cars are more $$ period. I did not research 1st generation chargers. I would love to own all three generations one day.  

[1974dodgecharger]

well said on the values the 3rd are slowly creeping up in price, but will never be equal in price of 2nd gens of course.  I plan to have all 3 in my stable one day also...

I went through this not long ago. Dec 2012. I suggest buying the most complete charger you can afford. If you have the $$ , buy the car that someone sunk thousands over its value...and buy it for its actual value or less. I would also consider buying something as close to original as possible. If you buy a car that has been overly molested , you will spend lots of time and research trying to get it back correct. example.... I turned down a car that was originally a 318 car that was converted to a 440. 600 hp, race Trany, all new heavy duty front end and suspension. The car ran and drove fast but every thing in between was not working or missing. Gauges, lights, hide away lights, AC, interior etc.
  Through my buying research , I found buying a 318 car is a great way to get into a charger a bit cheaper. I was originally looking for a 2nd generation (68 my favorite charger ever). Through research , I discovered the beauty of 3rd generation chargers. I ignored these cars for years and now I own a 1971 S/E 383.   Searching for a third gen will also save you some money and get you into a charger for less. I've noticed that third generation chargers are no longer as cheap as folks think. Just research all the classic car for sale sites. You will see.  I've also noticed that do to muscle car history, the older the 3rd generation (1971) the more value. 2nd generation cars are more $$ period. I did not research 1st generation chargers. I would love to own all three generations one day.  

[hawkeye]

I would love to have all 3 also, but I mean 68, 69 and 70.

[Chargerfan77]

Would any of you take a loan out to get a Charger? Which I can't do anything like that right now.....LOL...I have "point and laugh" credit right now..LOL!

[ralley72]

Don't be afraid to look at the 3rd gen Chargers. They are great cars, they just don't get the love as 2nd gens do.  Like every one else have said. Get the most complete car you can, and work on it as time a money allows. Look around and find the car that suits you. I don't believe in getting a loan for a project car,but thats just me.

Welcome to the site, its a great place to spend a couple hours a day.

Mike

[67_Dodge_Charger]

Welcome to the site, you have a great resource here with many smart folks  Be very careful if you are going the loan route, make sure the car is working well with all of those hard to find parts and pieces  I have seen many Chargers for sale that have great mechanical but have missing or non-working gauges, headlights and the worst rust issues.  Rust, faulty wiring, and a 40 year old car with very old parts will keep you very busy.

The third gen Chargers are showing up for sale with a very low price, these cars don't get the recognition the second gen Chargers do but will give you the same great feeling when you drive it in your home town and people give you a big thumbs up

[JB400]

Welcome to the forum.  Don't get in too big of a hurry to pick up your dream ride.  Take your time, and look at several.  There are deals out there to be had, but there are scams as well.  Take an extra pair of eyes with you wben you do look at one.

[polywideblock]

welcome to the site  
                                            some of us actually prefer the 3rd gen     and yes if you look hard enough there are very good deals to be found. you'll get way more for your buck buying a 3rd gen, $15000 buys a project  2nd gen but will get you a really nice driver 3rd gen  

[Chargerfan77]

Kinda got my heart set on the 2nd gen. though!

[lexxman]

Hey welcome to the site. I got my gen 2 five years ago and I am still working on it. Look closely before buying and if you don't know find someone who does and take them with you. Goodluck.

[Dino]

Many of us have been in your spot and I need to be blunt here for a minute.  Most people, including me, wanted a Charger but couln't afford one.  As you know once you have Charger on your mind you want one no matter what so you end up buying the one you can afford.  For many of us that was a pos project with parts in boxes but that's okay because we finally have a Charger!  Unfortunately, after a while the honeymoon is over and reality is starting to sink in.  You will need a boatload of money to get a cheap Charger on the road, way more money than a good condition driver would set you back.

Look up what parts sell for and do the math.  Will you be able to enjoy the car or will it be another shelf in the garage?

A lot of people buy a project so they don't have to spend all the money at once, but you would be way better off waiting and saving until you could afford a better car.  Even if you do want to restore a car, you need the money before you start.  A good resto takes on average about 1500 hours, double or triple that if you're not a pro.  Even if you have the cash, do you have the time?

I don't know your age or living situation, which is none of my business anyway, but think this through.  Unless you have $10K + to spare ($15K - $20K would be better) you are not going to do much with the car but look at it and dream.

This is my third 2nd gen and it's the best.  I could never have built this car from a lesser condition car for the money, not even close.

Also don't forget that these babies run on premium and lots of it.  I fill up about once a week and I'm real happy when premium is below $4.

I'm not saying you shouldn't buy one but I do feel you need to know what owning a car like this means in reality.  I love my car to death, I drive the pants off of it as much as I can, but there is a lot of money and time involved.  If yu have a significant other, better make sure she's ok with the plan because relationships shatter over stuff like this.

[brigond]

If you going for a second generation, you may as well go for the best looking Charger  ever!.......  1968 !

[brigond]

Many of us have been in your spot and I need to be blunt here for a minute.  Most people, including me, wanted a Charger but couln't afford one.  As you know once you have Charger on your mind you want one no matter what so you end up buying the one you can afford.  For many of us that was a pos project with parts in boxes but that's okay because we finally have a Charger!  Unfortunately, after a while the honeymoon is over and reality is starting to sink in.  You will need a boatload of money to get a cheap Charger on the road, way more money than a good condition driver would set you back.

Look up what parts sell for and do the math.  Will you be able to enjoy the car or will it be another shelf in the garage?

A lot of people buy a project so they don't have to spend all the money at once, but you would be way better off waiting and saving until you could afford a better car.  Even if you do want to restore a car, you need the money before you start.  A good resto takes on average about 1500 hours, double or triple that if you're not a pro.  Even if you have the cash, do you have the time?

I don't know your age or living situation, which is none of my business anyway, but think this through.  Unless you have $10K + to spare ($15K - $20K would be better) you are not going to do much with the car but look at it and dream.

This is my third 2nd gen and it's the best.  I could never have built this car from a lesser condition car for the money, not even close.

Also don't forget that these babies run on premium and lots of it.  I fill up about once a week and I'm real happy when premium is below $4.

I'm not saying you shouldn't buy one but I do feel you need to know what owning a car like this means in reality.  I love my car to death, I drive the pants off of it as much as I can, but there is a lot of money and time involved.  If yu have a significant other, better make sure she's ok with the plan because relationships shatter over stuff like this.

Reality.  Well said!

[Chargerfan77]

Many of us have been in your spot and I need to be blunt here for a minute.  Most people, including me, wanted a Charger but couln't afford one.  As you know once you have Charger on your mind you want one no matter what so you end up buying the one you can afford.  For many of us that was a pos project with parts in boxes but that's okay because we finally have a Charger!  Unfortunately, after a while the honeymoon is over and reality is starting to sink in.  You will need a boatload of money to get a cheap Charger on the road, way more money than a good condition driver would set you back.

Look up what parts sell for and do the math.  Will you be able to enjoy the car or will it be another shelf in the garage?

A lot of people buy a project so they don't have to spend all the money at once, but you would be way better off waiting and saving until you could afford a better car.  Even if you do want to restore a car, you need the money before you start.  A good resto takes on average about 1500 hours, double or triple that if you're not a pro.  Even if you have the cash, do you have the time?

I don't know your age or living situation, which is none of my business anyway, but think this through.  Unless you have $10K + to spare ($15K - $20K would be better) you are not going to do much with the car but look at it and dream.

This is my third 2nd gen and it's the best.  I could never have built this car from a lesser condition car for the money, not even close.

Also don't forget that these babies run on premium and lots of it.  I fill up about once a week and I'm real happy when premium is below $4.

I'm not saying you shouldn't buy one but I do feel you need to know what owning a car like this means in reality.  I love my car to death, I drive the pants off of it as much as I can, but there is a lot of money and time involved.  If yu have a significant other, better make sure she's ok with the plan because relationships shatter over stuff like this.

Yeah, I understand. I got a buddy that has a '69. I've seen what he's had to do. Alot of parts hunting...LOL! As far as parts......I've already looked at some of the parts prices.....some are pretty high. As for the wife......she's all for it! I'm disabled......so I got plenty of time. Oh.....and 'brigond'......sorry...got my heart set on a '69!

[brigond]

Ok.......69 the second best second  gen :icon_smile_big: n.   :icon_smile_big:

[Chargerfan77]

Ok.......69 the second best third ge :icon_smile_big:n.   

LOL!

[Mopar Nut]

Oh.....and 'brigond'......sorry...got my heart set on a '69!

Don't settle for less, buy your dream car and that everyone (who owns a 68 & 70) wishes they bought too, a 69 Charger!

This IS the car to own, period!