Five Challengers in Five Years: a guide through muscle car madness

[@Tinstar2]

I'm with you on the R/T. I turned 65 in July and had decided to get myself a new car for my birthday. Most of my cars have been used. I was already familiar with the 5.7 Hemi because I was driving a 2005 Dodge Magnum R/T with the 5.7 and I really liked that car. I couldn't believe that they stopped making them. Very popular car. Anyway, I love muscle cars and currently have a 1971 Chevelle. I grew up in the muscle car era and my claim to fame back in the day was a 1968 Olds 442. What a car...and I was driving it at 17 years old! So...I fell in love with the new Dodge Challengers, as to me, they are the last NEW muscle car out there. Something that I really wanted was a shaker hood. I had wanted one since Burt Reynolds was driving that Pontiac Trans Am in Smokey and the Bandit. I had a deal made for one and sealed the deal with a handshake. Went back the next day with check in hand to pick it up and the handshake meant nothing to this guy. He had sold it out from under me. So...I never got one. As I was researching my local area for the Challenger, I was not really finding what I wanted. Then...like magic...it popped up at a dealership not far from me and a sister dealership to the one that I have dealt with for years in my local area. 2018 Dodge Challenger R/T Plus with the shaker hood in Yellow Jacket. I fell for it. Long story short...it is in my garage as we speak. What a great car...and you are so right about the sound...especially with the active exhaust. The exhaust note is amazing! Turns a lot of heads! I love that cold start! The car just stands out in a crowd. Comfortable seats, good ride, roomy, nice size trunk, lots of features (I love the blind spot monitors and backup camera), sports mode is awesome...I could go on and on. Plenty of power for me as I no longer race...I just cruise! However, when I want to pass something, I love having that raw power and the R/T does it's thing just fine! I don't think that they get the respect that they deserve. Bottom line...I couldn't be happier with mine! I enjoy your videos.

[@ForestxWalker06]

Best car story i ever heard

[@mikebythesun]

Tinstar2 Great story - thank you for sharing! Congrats on the shaker - and in that yellow! Such a great classic color. Thanks for watching and commenting, and enjoy your awesome ride!

[@jameshoward8444]

I am 62 now and remember my friends Challenger back in high school. I was able to get a 2018 R/T Plus with 3100 miles for 28k. It is the best car I have ever had, I just love it. Someone at work asked if I was having a mid life crisis. I said it is only mid life if I live to 124. You really do only live once so do it now!

[@dadathome274]

Cool Story. I'll be 69 in October 2019. The OG muscle car era was the greatest. When I was 19 in 1969, I purchased a used 1968 Plymouth GTX for $2400.00. Although used, that car was brand new to me. It didn't have the 426 but that 440 was fine with me. Anyway , this past January i bought a brand new 2019 Challenger 5.7 R/T with the 8 speed auto. Getting behind the wheel and driving it off the lot took me right back to 1969. Needless to say, I love this car.

[@mikebythesun]

James Howard Haha, great story!

[@kobiimpraim5894]

I’m 47. I ordered a 2021 RT. It’s my entry level vehicle. I was on the fence between the scat and the RT, but knew the RT was geared more to what I really wanted out of the vehicle, and watching this video, I feel like you were talking directly to me... and I heard your words man. Thank You. Out of all the videos I watched on the RT this one resonated the most with just some good ole down to earth reasoning on a challenger owner progression through the different trims. Again Thank You!

[@memonk11]

The RT 5.7 is like the classic muscle car you wanted as a kid but it’s faster than 99% of those old cars and it’s built and handles WAY better. GREAT car. Loved mine. The 6.4 is a major step up.

[@perryb5373]

Absolutely awesome video! I started a few months ago with an RT and think about often either supercharging it or moving up a model or two. After watching your video, I think I'll enjoy what I have and appreciate it more!

[@kingsproductions9760]

Great videos Mike! After watching your videos of visiting dealerships and getting donuts it became something I did with my kids, 5 and 11. They point out cool cars on the road! It's awesome! I was finally able to purchase my first challenger, 2017 rt yellow jacket with the manual transmission! Thanks for your videos keep up the good work!

[@mikebythesun]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing that. My son and I don’t hit the dealerships as much as we used to, but its always fun. Enjoy that RT - and congrats!

[@delta.o7]

As a freshman in high school love your videos (watched all 45 mins) and am hoping to get a challenger for my second or third car

[@alexyelado491]

NavySeal Sev same!

[@alexyelado491]

NavySeal Sev are you going for the V6 or V8?

[@smallthings6590]

2 years later, did you get one?

[@kegaan]

This video is a bible for the Challenger owner. Amen !

[@mikebythesun]

kegaan Too kind.... but I’ll take the compliment! Thank you!

[@donpotter3935]

My story is similar to yours. My first car was a 2010 6 cylinder. I bought that and paid it off and traded it in on a 5.7. I had the five 5-.7 for two years and I traded it in on a Scat Pack shaker. The only difference is at this point I haven't been able to get a Hellcat because I have always bought new. However at some point I would like to get a Hellcat even if it is used.

[@casualmmafan6464]

Thank you for being so transparent and honest. I can’t wait to get my scat or hellcat in the near future.

[@leonardrice2830]

Hemi Power has a point & so do you.👌 For me, it has been 3 years and 3 HCs. 2 I've now, focused my budget & paid off the 2 I've now. No regrets. No, these aren't solely my "identity", but are they a product and extension of my identity & work ethic? You bet! Met many people just driving these cars around, and where I live & work, my name & Hellcat are synonymous! 😄 Plus the cars are totally usable, even practical, I'd argue. 😉

[@MLTHLA]

Another great vid Mike, thanks for the info and your pov. A black r/t with red details and hood straps, plain alu chrome wheels, is my goal for 2020!

[@julezjohn5785]

I love what he said about people not caring about what u drive because it's the absolute truth. And no matter what u get, someone will always hate in it. Get a Challenger someone will say Camaros are better. Get a Lexus someone will claim the grille is ugly. Get a Vet, someone will complain that it's not a Stingray 😂

[@samanosukeakechi4388]

Totally can relate with you on the black challengers, especially the black RT with red. That was my dream car too!, coming from a black Avenger RT with gray stripes also. But throughout the years, never got a challenger till last year.. but an SXT challenger. Now I'm searching again, maybe used RT. Wishing for an SRT! 😆 great video bro!

[@ChesterFoster]

I have had my Challenger GT for a full year.. I'm still in love with it.. I put only regular gas (shell with that T-Mobile Tuesdays) this thang hits 60mph in 6.2 (fast enough for me.) Its a lease so I'll be turning this thang in for the R//T .. great video

[@floydmccombs8590]

I watched one of your videos a while back and when you said that those brembo brakes felt like the right hand of God coming down I knew you were a real Challenger owner. I hope you LOVE yours as much as I have loved mine. 😎

[@briandavis7178]

Friend bought 2010 rt manual new, he loves it..been super reliable, has 60k miles..he drives it hard..no rattles..parks it outside..interior holding up, fold seats down can even haul fishing poles, gets killer mpg, its a road trip machine..im into ferraris and porsches but think im gonna get a 10 srt manual for daily driving, drive my wrangler in winter , because, obviously, my friends rt is WORTHLESS in snow lol

[@Jelsick]

Maybe I'll get a Hellcat some day, but I love my SRT8 now. The Hellcat is out of my price range right now. Sweet car dude. My 2009 SRT8 has a resonator delete, and it roars when you get on it. I love it, but my wife .... not so much, lol.

[@RucaMad]

You're so well spoken. Great vid

[@johnerazo806]

Bought a 2016 srt 392 6 speed and I love it drive it daily to work just in love with driving it

[@iNeverHadMercy]

1:05 Audio Warning for headphone users

[@russmiller7687]

I got the 2011 R/T M6 with STP, and I loved it. It was the 1st car I ever bought on credit that I never had ANY sense of regret buying it. Never got tired, or used to it to the point where making the payment made me think, was this a mistake? That's major. Always looked back after parking it. Just a positive experience. So I bought the 16 SRT392. Kept the 11, and got the 2nd. Bought the A8 this time, because it's a great trans, very responsive, and I needed a cruiser too. Love it too, and yes, 485hp vs 375hp is significant. I kind of feel like I got the best of everything between the 2, no matter the mood or event. I have to agree though, Dodge really shouldn't have passed down the hoods and everything to the lower models. Enthusiasts were the only ones who could tell one model from the other at a glance, and now even we can't. Anyway, had fun watching the video, and laughing at a LOT of the same observations. May join you in a Hellcat soon, if I can give up the R/T and not have that 70 look around. It's a hard call... love that car still.

[@DontEvenLiftBro]

Nothing better than a loud color muscle car driving down the road.

[@alexfigueroa1434]

Great video buddy. Like your style.

[@hemipower3308]

Great way to spend five years.I have to disagree about people caring I have had hundreds of people stop me to talk about my Challengers.I have been filmed and even signed off to have one of my cars appear in a film,this happened on three separate occasions,so my experience shows they do care,very much.

[@mikebythesun]

Hemi power let me clarify. You are right, people LOVE these cars (I’ve had so many instances of experiencing that in five years as well). What I was referring to was the status that some people ascribe to their cars, and a lot of young cars think that people are impressed by that and try to attain that.

[@srwardo93]

I step on this video and the first 6min just pure honesty and just he just get into the muscle cars.... I like it

[@stateofmind4341]

Finally someone who think they ruining the body style with all this wide body stuff. Still looks real good on charger though.

[@BNG1Fdarest]

amen brother! to everything you said about having one life and having fun... I haven't heard that in a while and that made a mofo feel good..thank you sir... Love my Challenger and if its the cards, will upgrade to a newer one.. I have a question if you don't mind.. you mentioned you did something to a resonator? Trying to make my RT sound better without having to change exhaust...again, thank you

[@mikebythesun]

Thanks man, glad you enjoyed my loooong commentary here! LOL.. Re: the exhaust, yes, the resonator delete will open up your RT’s sound quite a bit. Just do a search on Challenger RT resonate delete and you’ll see lots of videos, including one that I did on my 2013 RT back then.

[@tone3560]

I'm more curious how much you lost in interest fees, mods, lease agreement/deprecation dealing with 5 challengers?

[@56gasser10]

Hey Mike, my hunt is over..bought a 2017 Challenger Hellcat 6000 miles yesterday..got such a good deal I kept my 2018 Challenger R/T for the wife..what ya ride..hope to see ya out some day and hang out

[@mikebythesun]

Yeah!!! Congrats!!!!

[@jordanjohnson7264]

Congrats bro! Enjoy it!

[@DK321]

Man i got a 2016 RT in go mango and i love it.. i can afford a hellcat but like to save so figured the RT would be most cost efficient over time

[@cidhomerimperialpneulemen2107]

i do hope they don't make the challenger smaller. The challenger should stay big and wide. lighter maybe but not smaller.

[@mikebythesun]

Cid Homer Imperial Pneulemen I hear you and I agree. I think many of us feel the exact same way.

[@TheBlackScatPack]

I been following the Challenger since the hunt for a Hellcat began. It’s definitely been an experience. Oh yeah, I think the guy you’re thinking about that be racing and built his SXT up is 86face. That’s pretty cool that he’s able to do all that but anyways. I definitely like editing and angles of this video. I like the insight on the info you’re giving about all the Challengers you’ve owned.

[@mikebythesun]

Thanks D! I actually just found him on youtube again and am following him.

[@DRM-nb1fg]

Great video. I am still loving my 5.7 R/T Shaker. It's the Smurf "B5" Blue color, haha. Very fun car to drive. My only regret is I did not wait about 6 months. Got it in July 2016. The 2017 models have louder exhaust on them from the factory. I am afraid to do anything with altering the exhaust at a muffler shop because I bought the MOPAR Lifetime Warranty. Don't want to breach that.

[@Scorpiusza]

Excellent vid, nice to see the Santa Cruz Skateboard T.. I presume you used to skate.

[@mikebythesun]

Scorpiusza Yes sir!

[@Scorpiusza]

So cool man.. I miss those days, what a riot, Santa Cruz vs Powell Peralta...my first Santa Cruz was a Corey O'Brien, my last a Tom Knox Everslick

[@danielnemec5631]

Omg, that garage rock sucks so bad at the beginning. I actually put my headphones down to hear if that shit is coming from my neighbours or not :D

[@powerboatguy2308]

I've on my 3rd Challenger in 5 years (one I totaled) , but I also had 2 Mustang GT's and one C6 Corvette during that time, soI'm ploughing through them also.

[@timallen3848]

Cool video. Thanks for sharing.

[@Basslightning666]

Cool review! I have toasted several cars with my RT Shaker Plus, including the 5.0s.... It is a badass muscle car, and is competitive in it's "GT" class cars.

[@HadeZStudios]

I'm also planning on getting a challenger soon but I know I want at least the RT but man I'd love the SXT as well I just love the cars in general and it would definitely be a upgrade for sure and there isnt anything wrong with the journey you've had it was a great story to hear, but I might end up on the same path I'll be excited about the v6 and in a couple years be just as excited or more about the RT and so on.

[@stevemoore2234]

Long-term reliability with that much turn over is nada, but can you give some thoughts on CJD/FCA dealership and customer service experiences.

[@kevinvojta692]

I got you by one. I started with a new 2012 SXT, Used 30,00 miles 2010 R/T Classic ( wife's), Used with 2.800 miles 2015 SRT 392 , new 2016 Hellcat, And now New 2017 GT Awd (wife's). New mine 2019 Redeye WB. I like the 2019 Hellcat Redeye WB with the the better handling and elec steering. Than the 2016 with the very heavy steering sucked. Every day all year long with in MN. The wife's V-6 GT Awd is awesome in the snow and ice. 20 inches of snow could not stop it. Very good Mpg 26.2 City/ Hwy. Hers is loaded. And the Alpine Sound group 2 system sounds better. Than the 2016 HC's $2,000 Harman Kardon system. My 2019 Redeye has the Base 276 watt system and sounds fine.

[@BigBoss-sh2jx]

I love the high impact colors too! I have a yellow jacket Daytona 392 charger. It’s amazing. I love how flashy it is. Always getting looks and comments. Also I bought it new but only cause I got a great great deal

[@chrisrobinson6486]

Great video..thanks for sharing ur experiences...love ur channel....congrats again on ur cat...

[@oneluvdoright6645]

I love your story on your history

[@mikebythesun]

Thanks man! Its been a journey!

[@HadeZStudios]

The hellcat is awesome no doubt but I think realistically I would have justified the 392 and probably stopped there, that Laguna brown leather was sweet for sure I get why you stopped liking it saying it was executive feeling, but man that car was crossing into a luxury feeling I hadn't seen in any of the muscle car lineups, I had never seen that interior before I'm glad I watched! I know what I want now haha

[@Scorpiusza]

Very interesting vid... thanks for sharing these gold nuggets of enthusiast knowledge.

[@FourQed]

It's your money, if you choose to spend it on a different car every year then so be it. Enjoy your ride.

[@frankie072]

You have to use common sense when buying a used car,first thing if you see a car your in the market for let's say a hellcat ,and you dont know anything about the car other than a carfax....take the time to look the car over thoroughly, if you find rubber caked underneath the car then ,move on to the next,if you find one that's heavily modded,dont look at it as wow it's all done ,that's alot of money in mods already done,WELL another thing that was done "most probably" is that car was driven hard....look for that car that the person wanted a hellcat they enjoyed it on the weekend ,maybye hit a few car shows ,who knows just a scenario, anyway now the car got 10'600 miles and it's time to go that's the car you want,(they are out there) dont get caught in the moment,take the time to know what you are buying and in the end you will have a good experience with a used car.

[@NikolaiHT]

Aren’t you getting a widebody next? Man those look good

[@keithgirouard4453]

Nice video! Keep up the great job!

[@mikebythesun]

Thanks Keith!

[@mesomellow]

Tha k you for sharing awesome video

[@mrsonix20th]

I have to disagree on the SXT though for me right now it’s perfect. I fully respect your opinion but I feel as if the SXT is for beginner muscle car users honestly for me the v8 seems off putting. I’ve never driven with that much horsepower before . Im 23 and my budget it limited so the SXT. Fits me ok until I can start making more money while experiencing my first entry level muscle car.

[@Georgia.Bigfoot]

I'm new to your channel. Great info as a own a charger rt and I contemplate the same issues on do I buy another. I'm gonna delete the resonators..and I have the Diablo tuner which is definitely worth it. As for more power. I already own a 500whp awd baddass that makes owning a hellcat obsolete unless I get rid of my car first.

[@mikebythesun]

Thanks Tim. I agree, the basic tune alone makes it worth it. A custom tune even more so.

[@donpotter3935]

I love that sublime green!

[@stevenbrown5210]

I have a 2014 srt8. Best car I've ever owned

[@prepboymagic]

I own a 2014 RT now and love it but in the market for a Hellcat. I've only had this car for 3 months and I'm afraid of being up side down in payments so I'm making myself like it. My question is can you make a video on trading in cars, I honestly don't know what or how to do it and not really many people around me know either

[@mikebythesun]

IAMPREP Not sure if you saw it, but I did a video on trade in vs. private sale.

[@ATouchOfCharmed]

They should NEVER have given the Hellcat bonnet to the Scat :/

[@mikebythesun]

Yup. Its been a few months since that announcement and I’m still pissed about it LOL!

[@CWJester]

Made the mistake of selling my WRX for a MINI. Was getting out of racing, and also wanted A/C, radio etc. The Mini was a crazy money pit... even with constant maintenance, that car fell apart faster than it accelerated, which is frustrating considering my WRX (Bugeye) had 285k miles on it when I parted ways with it, and I never needed to have it towed... it never gave me issues. How is the maintenance on the SXT and R/T? Considering one of those 2 and hear pretty nice things about the Pentastar V6.

[@adamcain4603]

great video Im in the market for a challenger just not sure what model, this car will be my everyday driver. Im on the fence on the RT or Scat Pack, the RT makes more sense on my wallet. I really want the 2019 Scat Pack wide body, so im thinking about maybe holding out and save more for a down payment just to get the one I want. If i buy an RT im afraid i will have buyers remorse eventually. I struggle is real!

[@ATouchOfCharmed]

End of your video Mike...bravo. Well said. Dead right :)

[@56gasser10]

Thanks Mike

[@mikebythesun]

Thanks for tuning in last night!

[@welcometomychannelswelcome7261]

congratulations dream every men's dream

[@hotrod85live]

On my 5th challenger since the fall of 2018 smh. Just couldn't make up my mind. Got my 2nd scatpack now a 2021 got it in January 2021

[@NeekBCoolin]

You stopped liking the interior on the white srt how much different is it from the hellcat other than the seats?

[@NeekBCoolin]

Thinking about gettin a challenger soon.. I really need to learn how to drive stick shift though, I feel line I would be missing out getting auto. Good vid

[@bkehlin]

But, Mazda never made a v4 engine.

[@Arthagnou]

and you got a stick...boyaaa

[@mikebythesun]

Its the only way I can roll..

[@scatpack1381]

Worked ok for me.

[@mericamade]

like the videos but work on your audio output

[@mikebythesun]

demetri caslin Yeah, that music in the beginning was recorded live so it was a bit distorted, but the high volume was my bad.

[@nealtaylor8305]

There need for more 6.1 engines

[@chuckieg3937]

Your a different person, I couldn't buy a used muscle car it has to be brand new.

[@bmorehemi392]

Cool story bro! Lol...not being a dick, really watched all 45 min! ....and it’s mandated that all cars in the US have a back up camera for 2018 and on

[@mikebythesun]

Bmore Hemi haha, if it weren’t for my 8 year old son, I wouldn’t have understood the “cool story bro” comment LOL! Thanks for the clarity on the back up cam - I’ll look into that, though I think it may be for certain types/sizes of vehicles.

[@brandonfinkbiner7714]

V4 lol

[@crackercookies]

Too long, didn't read.

[@robbyturbo109]

Your video stopped working

[@raygarner7778]

"Your browser does not currently recognize any of the video formats available." Cant watch your video.

[@MrDjdanv]

Your next cars #6 widebody Hellcat #7 Hellcat redeye #8 Demon

[@tanneroakley3594]

He wants sticks demon is not a stick

[@mikebythesun]

No more - at least not for a while. The Cat is more power than I need or use most of the time, and I love the green.

[@dumbcat]

sad hellcats come in such ugly color combos. the car is already mean. it doesn't need crap like dark ugly wheels

[@carlwilkins9869]

I get it......you're white and you're privileged. Enjoy your car.

[@TeW33zy]

This video Boring. Beware i fell asleep twice.