Watch Out for These Problems When Buying a Pre-Owned Dodge Charger

Watch Out for These Problems When Buying a Pre-Owned Dodge Charger

Problems When Buying a Pre-Owned Dodge Charger

The Dodge Charger is one of today’s most popular full-size sedans. Many drivers in North Carolina love its muscle-bound styling and great everyday comfort. This car also has the potential to deliver an exciting performance, especially models equipped with a Hemi V8 engine. However, be sure to watch out for these problems when buying a pre-owned Charger. 

 

Avoid the 2.7-liter, V6 Engine

Dodge previously offered the 2006-2010 Charger with a smaller 2.7-liter, V6 engine. Unfortunately, this engine didn’t pack a lot of muscle. Even worse, it had a reputation for being unreliable. 

The 2.7-liter Chrysler engine was well known for oil sludge problems. Because sludge thickens the motor oil, an excessive amount of friction and heated is created. This can ultimately lead to premature engine failure. A more dependable 3.5-liter, Pentastar V6 engine was introduced during the 2011 model year. 

 

Transmission Trouble

Some Charger models come equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This transmission’s quick-shifting nature appeals to many drivers. The bad news is that some owners report performance issues. Shuddering when changing gears, hesitation, and slippage rank among the most common problems. 

To prevent trouble in the long-run, the best approach is to have the car professionally inspected by an experienced mechanic beforehand. Often times, transmission problems stem from a lack of routine servicing. It’s extremely important to have the transmission fluid and filter changed at the recommended intervals. 

 

Poorly Designed Electronic Gear Shifter

In 2012, Dodge equipped the Charger with a new electronic gear shifter. While this innovative shifter freed up more space in the front, it was a bit confusing to use. Because of the shifter’s complicated operation, some drivers unintentionally failed to put the car into park. There were quite a few roll-away accidents caused by this problem. 

Dodge was eventually forced to issue a recall. Luckily, the Dodge Charger reverted to a traditional gear shifter in 2015. 

 

Leaky Water Pump

The water pump is one of the most critical parts on a vehicle. It’s responsible for circulating coolant throughout the entire engine. Older Charger models came equipped from the factory with a water pump that was prone to leaking. 

If the problem isn’t addressed in a timely manner, the coolant level will eventually drop to an excessively low level. Engine overheating then becomes a real possibility. The only way to solve the problem is to install an upgraded water pump. 

 

Non-Functioning Power Windows

Before purchasing a pre-owned Dodge Charger, don’t forget to check the condition of its power windows. They can stop working anywhere between 20,000 and 180,000 miles. 

In many instances, the problem stems from a burned-out window motor. You could also be dealing with a failed window regulator, which tends to be even more expensive to replace. 

 

Abuse & Neglected Maintenance 

If you decide to purchase a high-performance Dodge Charger model, it’s even more important to get a pre-purchase inspection. Some owners have a habit of pushing their car to its limits. This means parts are more likely to wear out sooner than usual. 

You should also look for a Dodge Charger that was properly maintained. When it comes to buying a pre-owned vehicle, service records are worth their weight in gold. 

Cox Auto Service