Should I Get This 74 CHARGER?! Please Look

[nvrbdn]

i actually like the color. and i wouldnt be too quick to start ripping anything apart on this car. if it runs good and drives well, id play with it for a little while and tinker with it. check to make sure its sound, and enjoy the car,.

[70 sublime]

So you say you are going to leave after 2:00 to drive 500 miles to look at a car and hopefully buy it and drive it home at that time ??

It will be dark at that point and everything looks sooo much better in the dark

If I was selling a car and someone drove that far to see it I would know they really wanted it and would not budge on my price much

How much is he asking for it right now ?

Some one posted this 68 ad and it does not look too bad and it is for $5000 also
Will be worth twice what this one is you are talking about

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,106339.0.html

[Ghoste]

What he said, that is very good advice!

[ajay716]

no im leaving today probably gonna stay at a hotel if i can get in one if not motel it. then early in the morning im gonna go look at it. me and the wife will look at it like a little vacation i suppose. i know better to not look at it in night. and as for that 68, its actually a good project for someone but not me, too much work. im not really into it for the value, i just want an older charger, as long as im not going to lose money(or too much money) im happy.

[70 sublime]

My parents had a 73 Charger new when I was growing up
It had the 400 motor in it also
Gas milage was not so good
Smog motor so not too much zipp
Dad said he picked 400 over 383 or 440 trying to get more go than the 383 and more gas milage than the 440 and ended up with neither

If you go look at the 73 look real close where the hood hindges bolt to the inner fenders and look where the torsion bars mount in the cross frame

[ajay716]

yeah but the 400 internals are the strongest and can be made to be fast....right? lol i need to know how many gallons the gas tank is..20? i think i might put a gas can in my caddy just in case ha. will it at least get 10 on highway? im hoping for 15.

[Sublime/Sixpack]

ajay716,
Although this car is better than the last one you were eyeballing, seems that you have a severe case of "Charger Fever" right now. In your condition I doubt you can be objective enough to make a good deal on this Charger or any other. What's the big hurry? I suggest you cool your heels and exercise patience.

With that said, which probably went in one ear and out the other  , if you do go look at the car try to enjoy the whole experience, be objective, look the car over well and if you feel good about what you see make a reasonable offer. (Remember you can always raise your offer but it's difficult to lower it.)

And don't worry about the color, there will always be someone that will have an opinion on that.

[JB400]

Your 400 can be built up, but that should be the least of your worries.  I'd concentrate on getting a solid car to put that engine in.  As far as fuel mileage, depends on what gears are in the rear, and your driving habits.

[Dino]

You are seriously considering driving 500 miles with a car that needs brakes?  You better test that puppy first because you may need to call a mechanic or a tow truck.

I think 15 mpg is way optimistic.  10 is more realistic.  If the gas gauge doesn't work then plan on filling up every 100-150 miles to be on the safe side.

It's a much better option than that last one to be sure.  I guess it's worth $5K as it sits but I'm not sure, I don't know 3rd gen value real well, I just see them pop up from time to time and always lots cheaper than a 2nd gen.

[ajay716]

i do have that charger fever sublime ....thats because theyre so rare around my area. i know the pre 70's are even more rare, but i just want one thats in good shape. ive been looking for awhile now and i never find any that would be good for me. im not going to throw myself in the hole, if i was i woulda bought that last one lol. i will check it over and give it a go before i make my decision, but unless something else is seriously wrong, i dont think he'd accept any less than 5000 cause i think he wanted like 6500. if everything is how it seems isnt 5000 a steal? i just dont want the damn thing to break down on my way back cause its a long drive, any more opinions on driving it? you guys think ill be good if i get it? im pretty sure the gears are factory still.

[ajay716]

im going to test the brakes and see, and we will probably be taking a rest somewhere around halfway or 3/4 of the way back

[JB400]

A test drive is a good idea, but if it was me, I'd get someone with a truck and a trailer to haul it.  Get it home, give it a good more thorough inspection, then drive it.  Driving an unknown vehicle any kind of distance can be quite the experience.  Anything can happen.

This coming from someone that drives cars to and from auctions.

[nvrbdn]

with the price of gas, you could call ahead to a uhaul to see if they have a trailer to rent. drive down and if all works out rent a trailer and tow it back. the money you pay for the trailer will off set somewhat with the gas for the second car, and give peace of mind that it cant break down.

[Dino]

Most brake issues are easy fixes so I would try to get as much info on the drivability of the car before you go over there.  If the owner finds it won't stop as it should then try to find a local mechanic over there who can look at it for you.  If the owner is a bit hesitant then don't take a chance and have it shipped.

The rear end gears could be anything, for all we know he stuffed 4.10's in there which means you won't be traveling on the freeway!

The drivetrain on these things is pretty solid so if it hasn't been sitting too long, you should be fine driving it home.  Just be smart about it and drive it with safety in mind.  You don't want to grenade the trans because you just had to do that burn out.  

[Bob]

I think he has the torsion bars a bit to tight. The front tires show allot of inside wear. Or, it could possibly need a front end alignment and new parts.

Good luck in your search.

[Homerr]

I know you are looking at about $5k max, but here are a few area listings for some perspective on the market within 500 miles.  I've left out the non-runners and junkers.

1973-4
$3800  http://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/cto/4200027571.html
$10000  http://erie.craigslist.org/cto/4198372041.html
$14500  http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/cto/4196786178.html  (same car on ebay  http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dodge-Charger-SE-Brougham-1973-dodge-charger-base-coupe-2-door-7-2-l-/181262047184?forcerrptr=true&hash=item2a340f57d0&item=181262047184&pt=US_Cars_Trucks  )

1971-2

$8000  http://allentown.craigslist.org/cto/4205328353.html  (no pics)
$12500  http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/4196360596.html  (no pics)


And the brown '73 SE Brougham is here on ebay too.  Previous sales failed at $3850 and $3550 with a BIN of $5500.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dodge-Charger-SE-brougham-1973-dodge-charger-special-edition-hardtop-2-door-6-6-l-/321252174344?forcerrptr=true&hash=item4acc1f2a08&item=321252174344&pt=US_Cars_Trucks


And a few completed listings on ebay:

$2550  http://www.ebay.com/itm/1973-Dodge-Charger-SE-Barn-Find-Original-Car-Runs-Great-and-Complete-Car-/181234351742?forcerrptr=true&item=181234351742&pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item2a3268be7e&nma=true&si=Jlcbix4YXGLpZsI8SnPCdcEpbRg%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

$4500  http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dodge-Charger-standard-1974-dodge-charger-/261279969171?forcerrptr=true&hash=item3cd57fef93&item=261279969171&pt=US_Cars_Trucks

$5500  http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dodge-Charger-base-coupe-2dr-1973-dodge-charger-/321241558865?forcerrptr=true&hash=item4acb7d2f51&item=321241558865&pt=US_Cars_Trucks

$5600  http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dodge-Charger-Charger-1972-dodge-charger-2-door-hardtop-318-v-8-a-c-disk-dual-exhaust-survivor-mopar-/151114248384?forcerrptr=true&hash=item232f1c70c0&item=151114248384&pt=US_Cars_Trucks

$7500  http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dodge-Charger-2-DOOR-1973-dodge-gharger-se-all-original-/190914577621?forcerrptr=true&hash=item2c736544d5&item=190914577621&pt=US_Cars_Trucks

$7500  http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dodge-Charger-SE-1974-dodge-charger-se-400-magnum-plum-crazy-/261273278073?forcerrptr=true&hash=item3cd519d679&item=261273278073&pt=US_Cars_Trucks

$9100  http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dodge-Charger-SPECIAL-EDITION-BROUGHAM-1974-dodge-charger-special-edition-hardtop-2-door-6-6-l-400-c-/171109650312?forcerrptr=true&hash=item27d6ee0f88&item=171109650312&pt=US_Cars_Trucks

$10600  http://www.ebay.com/itm/1974-Dodge-Charger-Sport-Hardtop-Coupe-Plum-Crazy-Mopar-/121197686050?forcerrptr=true&item=121197686050&pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item1c37f1ed22&nma=true&si=Jlcbix4YXGLpZsI8SnPCdcEpbRg%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557


And a no sale on ebay, I'd contact the guy and see if he is motivated now.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dodge-Charger-Rallye-1973-dodge-charger-rallye-hardtop-340-magnum-/301015663735?forcerrptr=true&hash=item4615ee8477&item=301015663735&pt=US_Cars_Trucks

[nvrbdn]

the brown charger looks like it has a hood hinge issue on the passenger side, also the bow in the center as if the latch isnt working, or not there. im wondering if this is a fiberglass hood?

[1973rallye]

I think he has the torsion bars a bit to tight. The front tires show allot of inside wear. Or, it could possibly need a front end alignment and new parts.

Good luck in your search.

Not sure I would be driving 500 miles with the tire wear it is displaying. You may lose a tire or two at freeway speeds. My

[Ghoste]

Whatever the costs are that you are estimating for this adventure, double it.  It could end up making for a great road trip story though.

[nvrbdn]

im waiting  did the car sell? did you leave on a road trip?


  if so, hope the heater works.

[Sublime/Sixpack]

Maybe he's in route.

[Ghoste]

And hopefully not stranded. 

[70 sublime]

No where in the ad that says he has it listed else where and can end ad at any time
It would suck if you won the ebay auction and not get it
And it would suck if you drove all that way to look at it and not be able to get it

 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dodge-Charger-SE-brougham/321252174344?_trksid=p2045573.m2102&_trkparms=aid%3D555012%26algo%3DPW.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D298%26meid%3D2911135089892109153%26pid%3D100034%26prg%3D1079%26rk%3D4%26rkt%3D8%26sd%3D181264152736%26


It is up to $4780 now with less than 4 hours to go

Item specifics

Condition:

Used:

Seller Notes:

"The passenger side quarter panel needs to be replaced or repaired. All though i have a replacement quarter panel. It is included, I aslo have a good body man here localaly that can replace for you at an additional cost to the winning bidder."

VIN (Vehicle Identification Number):

wp29-m3a-145023

Year:

1973

Interior Color:

Gold

Make:

Dodge

Number of Cylinders:

8

Model:

Charger

Transmission:

Automatic

Trim:

Special Edition Hardtop 2-Door

Body Type:

Hardtop

Engine:

6.6L 6556CC 400Cu. In. V8 GAS OHV Naturally Aspirated

Warranty:

Vehicle does NOT have an existing warranty

Drive Type:

U/K

Vehicle Title:

Clear

Mileage:

47,000

Power Options:

Air Conditioning

Sub Model:

SE brougham

Fuel Type:

GAS

Exterior Color:

Brown

For Sale By:

Private Seller


Detailed item info
The car runs and drives, I am the 2nd owner of the vehicle, it has only been painted once, everything is original except for hood and rims. It has 47,000 original miles. I still have the original manufacture's suggested retail price label, and the operator's manual, and the original hub caps as well. Numbers matching. buyer is responsible for shipping.payment upon pick up. $500.00 do after auction is over for the winning bidder

[ajay716]

okay guys so look i won the auction, i wanted it so i had to pay the 5300...was that a mistake? im going next weekend to pick it up with a 5.3 2004 silverado with towing package. it getss 18 mpg hway and im wondering what ill get with the car on? and also going state to state are there any fees i have to pay or any stops i have to do because im towing something? sorry ive never done this before...but i cant wait to go see this thing. im going to put the 500 down and hes going to send me the title at that time, then when i go out there i will give him the rest. is this a good plan? and what do you guys think of my new charger =]

[ajay716]

and yes it is a fiberglass hood  but its still a steal i think. anyway its 634 miles at 15 mpg with the trailer(cause we have to take the trailer on the way, if i got the uhaul down there and dropped it in ny it would be an extra 200) thats about 42 and a half gallons x 4(ny gas lol, which will give me slack for when i get cheaper gas) equals about 170 in gas the way there, then on the way back figure about 10mpg which is 64 gallons times 4 is about 260, plus the cost for the trailer which is 50, so im looking at about 700 bucks, i will bring a thousand just in case. you guys think that sounds right? and also does anyone know if that car will fit on the uhual car trailer?