I know I’m an old fart and wasn’t born rich like most of anerican males and I always had low paying jobs and usually bought really used cars and went through. I’ve been working multiple jobs through the last few years and I paid off a 2011 impala fairly quick and it’s up to 176000. Needs some repairs so I checked in with a place and they approved me and want to sell me a new Dodge Charger. I like it. I like chargers. Is this a smart move. I have a bit to put down and have a decent job and I’m looking for a second one.

You are too old to be a PFC fresh out of boot camp. How did you get approved for a charger?

Just pay for the repairs and save your $ for another beater
Don’t buy an overpriced car from the dealership

Unless you're absolutely set on getting a new car and are getting at least 22%+ off MSRP on the Charger, just buy a good, reliable three to four year old used vehicle that fits your needs and has already taken the major depreciation hit.

This. Plus why a Charger out of all cars? They suck for daily drivers and not the greatest on gas. If you want something powerful and not concerned with gas, just buy a truck, as it'll serve way better purpose than a Charger.

IMO I'd suggest getting a Toyota for reliability and fuel efficiency.

I prefer trucks but they are gas guzzlers. The chargers aren’t. I actually live close to my job and don’t go anywhere but the gym and home. A new truck is super high and chargers get decent gas mileage if you look it up.

They are only taking 3 off but I have 5 to go down. They aren’t offering **** for my impala but all it needs is brake pads. I can clean it up and I feel it’s worth at least 5. If not I’ll keep it.

Not sure about other states but in Texas trading in nets you tax savings (usually good for 1500) so factor that in.
I always see what Carvana offers too, however they won’t offer much for something with that high of miles imo.
Chargers are nice, I’ve never owned a dodge personally though so I can’t comment.

I’ll also say vehicles are just getting more and more expensive so if you planned on buying now could be the time, especially if you can find any end of year deals.

What’s pfc? I’ve never missed rent it a payment on anything in my life. What’s **** is I have no car credit because I always just bought shirt cars for like 5-8 cash but that’s a gamble and I have to drive too far now and want a new car. I feel if I’m going to be paying over 3-350 anyway not at least get what I think is nice?

The guy said that but what does that mean

I know a car salesman

So say you’re buying the car outright and it’s 20k
Adding TT&L (Tax, title and license) it’s 21,500 out the door
Trading in the state waves the taxes to an extent (goes from the normal taxed percentage to a set amount typically 300 or less)
So say they offer you 3000 for the car
Add the 1500 in tax savings and it’s like getting 4500 for the car because you aren’t paying that extra 1500 in taxes
Plus then you don’t have to deal with the headache of low ballers and whatnot.

Just something to consider.

I see.

going into debt for brake pads
Can’t help stupid

Lol at posting car purchases on this site.

Every one here pays cash and drives a Toyota. Anything else and you get rekt.

Alright, brah ill gives you a long explanation of my experience.


In 2015 i decided to trade in my 2002 honda accord and bought a 2015 Ford Mustang GT manual transmission. The car is so much fun to drive and it puts a smile on my face every time i got in....Having said that my car payment was $580/month for 6 years, insurance around $250/month and gas probably another $200-$300. So i was paying about $1000 a month for the car which is ALOT and for first few years i didn't mind it but in my 4th year, i was soo tired of worrying about the monthly payments sooo much so that i ended up just paying it off with most of my savings and sent the car company $14800 because I could not stomach paying $580 a month any longer.

If i had to do it again i would because i really really love cars and this car puts me in a good mood anytime i feel down ill go for a drive. When my dad was in the hospital and dying i could not focus on anything couldnt play vid games , hangout w friends, or have any fun it was affecting me that much but i would get in my Mustang and just joy drive for 200-300 miles a day because it was the only thing that would give me some happiness and get my mind off what was going on.

So my advice is if you really really love cars get it but just know it will be a big financial hit to your future i am sure if i was putting $1000 in stock market for last 4-5 years i would have atleast $60-70k but my car now is worth $25k original price out the door was $40 000 with taxes and everything. If you are the type of person that doesnt really get joy from driving your car but you want to get it to impress girls or your neighbor's coworkers i would say DONT do it nobody cares!

Also i will give you a small tip if you do end up getting the car don't sell your old car. Keep the old car change insurance companies (make sure you do this) and tell them your old car is your main daily driver and the new car will be a weekend car. I wish i realized this sooner but i ended up getting an old 1998 dodge 1500 truck and i did the above and my insurance went down from $150/month to $72 month for both cars. I wish i did this when mustang was new because i was paying $250 a month just for the mustang. Another reason you want to do this is you want to drive the old ****ty impala from time to time too because if you just drive the charger you will quickly get accustomed to the power and the experience and it wont be as special as if you if you switch between cars.

I’m worried about the insurance thing too. Is it really going to make it go up that much higher? I’m good now but like you a bit concerned in two years.

You should be able to give your insurance agent the vehicle info to get a quote
Also recommend paying it off for 6months/the year (whichever is applicable) as that usually saves 100 or so

get a slightly used one not brand new. buy one 2-5 years old. don't take the big depreciation hit of a brand new car - let someone else take the hit. buying a brand new car is one of the worst financial moves you can make.

I like Chargers a lot, but would insist on a Hemi, preferably the bigger one, but those get up to $50K.

The base 3.6 is a good, smooth running engine that should last a long time if you maintain it properly. It makes around 300 HP.

If you can stay solvent with a car payment, then making the executive decision to buy one is legit as long as you understand what you are getting in to long term. Dealers use 84 month loans these days to increase their profit at your expense.

Clean your Impala up and sell it for 5K. Look around and find a decent used car in the 10-15K range. Pay for it cash and don't finance anything.




If your asking this question on a forum your finances probably aren't at a place where you should be YOLOing on a new Dodge Charger. They depreciate like crazy. And of course a dealership isn't going to give you much for your Impala and will scalp you on a new car price.


For comparison most people I know who drive RAM trucks get them for 10-12k off of MSRP brand new from the dealer. If the dealership isn't offering you 10k+ off that Charger they are planning on reaming you.