A new Dodge Challenger is a dream car for many, and owning one means living the “American muscle car” lifestyle.
The Dodge Challenger was discontinued in 1974 but brought back in 2008, so there are quite a few model years to choose from. You can probably find a used Challenger with the exact equipment you want on it.
According to reports, the average car ownership in Jacksonville, FL, is two cars per household. When buying a Dodge challenger in Jacksonville, there are many things you need to consider.
You are here because you are in the market for a new car, but do not forget that used vehicles are available. The following article will explain the features you need to check while purchasing a new Dodge challenger in Jacksonville 3.
1) Convertible Top
According to reports, the Jacksonville car insurance cost averages $2,116 per year for a full-coverage policy or $176 per month.
Convertible tops are soft, so they do not last long. A convertible top replacement for your new Dodge challenger will cost $1,000 – $2,000. If you are searching for a best car with an automatic cloth roof that can be opened by pressing a button, keep in mind that the mechanism of this roof is quite complex. It might also fail after a few years of use, so you will have to spend more money on repairs.
You can buy a used Dodge challenger with a manual top that is easy to fix. Otherwise, you can spend more money on your insurance because having this feature means an increased risk of theft.
2) Cost of Maintenance
Jacksonville car repair shops offer the best prices for maintenance and repairs among large cities in Florida. It costs around $5 per free-on-board (f.o.b.) thousand for repairs and maintenance services.
However, if you buy a new car, you still need to consider the cost of fixing some parts that are prone to wear and tear. For example, the valve train is sensitive; it will be cheaper to replace it with one piece than put together new ones that have worn out.
Also, do not forget to check the labor costs; dealerships offer their warranty for new cars and might charge you more, which will be a substantial additional cost if you need to repair anything under your warranty.
3) Fuel Economy
The average fuel economy in Jacksonville is 15 miles per gallon (mpg) for city driving and 22 mpg on the highway.
The EPA reports that the annual fuel cost of a new car is $1,300 – $2,000 per year, so you will need to find out how much gas your new vehicle will need. If you buy a used Dodge challenger in Jacksonville with an automatic transmission, it consumes more gas than a car with a manual transmission.
You can save more money if you pick a car with an engine size of 3.5 liters or less or 4-cylinder engines instead of 6-cylinders.
4) Reliability
Jacksonville’s average level of reliability is above the average among major cities in the US.
A well-maintained car is always reliable, but some new Dodge challenger’s parts that are prone to wear and tear might get repaired more often than usual if they have been used a lot.
If you buy a new car from a dealership, your warranty covers most of the significant repairs for the first few years. You can save money on Jacksonville car insurance if you have a contract, but it also means spending more money on repairs.
5) Speed and Power
The Dodge Challenger SRT-8 has a 6.1-liter engine that generates 425 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. The average speed in Jacksonville is 35 mph on city roads and 73 mph on highways.
You can find a used car with more power, but it will cost you more for insurance because it will be more expensive to repair. If the horsepower of your new Dodge challenger is too high, you might have problems passing emission tests because Florida’s standard for cars is lower than other states. Also, people might think that your car is a racing vehicle, so you might have to pay more for insurance.
6) Safety
The new Dodge challenger in Jacksonville 3 has received five stars on the front driver side and front passenger sides in government crash tests. It also offers electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, traction control system, side airbags, knee airbags, and rear obstacle detection.
However, this car has been linked to problems with legroom for rear passengers, and the central console’s low placement makes it uncomfortable for drivers taller than 5’10”.
Conclusion
If you spend less money on your new car, consider buying a used model. If you buy a new car from a dealership or an authorized retailer, you can save money on Jacksonville car insurance and expect to pay more for fuel and labor costs.