Challenger Hellcat - anyone have one?

[Imperial One]

I'm sure it has been discussed here before (so indulge me please) but I am considering buying a used Hellcat Challenger.

For instance, I can buy a 2015 with a manual transmission with 40,000 miles on it for around $50,000 $Canadian (that's around $36,000 $US). That's a lot of performance for not a lot of green. Another dealer has a really nice 2016 with 30,000 miles for around $65,000 ($47,000 $US) and before negotiations.

I'm not asking about the "deal". I am wondering if:

1. Anyone here owns one.
2. High points/low points
3. I'd prefer a manual just for the fun quotient. I don't really care if an automatic is faster or whatever. But I'm prepared to be convinced otherwise. If anyone has owned both a manual and an auto I'd be especially interested in your opinion.

My back is shot so working on the old stuff right now isn't possible for me. While I am looking for the "perfect" fully restored B body a newer car would keep me in fun until the perfect car comes along.

Your advice would be appreciated.

Thanks.

p.s. same dealer has a used Demon but they want $145,000 (that's around $105,000 $US) for it.

 

[barryv]

I'm sure it has been discussed here before (so indulge me please) but I am considering buying a used Hellcat Challenger.

For instance, I can buy a 2015 with a manual transmission with 40,000 miles on it for around $50,000 $Canadian (that's around $36,000 $US). That's a lot of performance for not a lot of green. Another dealer has a really nice 2016 with 30,000 miles for around $65,000 ($47,000 $US) and before negotiations.

I'm not asking about the "deal". I am wondering if:

1. Anyone here owns one.
2. High points/low points
3. I'd prefer a manual just for the fun quotient. I don't really care if an automatic is faster or whatever. But I'm prepared to be convinced otherwise. If anyone has owned both a manual and an auto I'd be especially interested in your opinion.

My back is shot so working on the old stuff right now isn't possible for me. While I am looking for the "perfect" fully restored B body a newer car would keep me in fun until the perfect car comes along.

Your advice would be appreciated.

Thanks.

p.s. same dealer has a used Demon but they want $145,000 (that's around $105,000 $US) for it.

 

[barryv]

i have a 15 challenger hellcat i bought used in 2018. i sold my 72 cuda project car and added alot of money to buy the hellcat. i am getting a little tired of working on cars. i still have a70 roadrunner conv that i have had for 38 years. i love the hellcat. i could not have been able to afford a new hellcat so i bought a used one

 

[whyjay]

We (wife and I) bought a 2019 Redeye Widebody. Still have the old Mopar muscle which I’ve been working on this summer. They still need the loving. When I started considering a used Hellcat the wife said no look at new ones. And when I mentioned the Redeyes she said go for it. She knew I be chasing HP Upgrades with a “regular” Hellcat.
If it were me now I’d be looking for a slightly used unmodified Redeye.

 

[SSmoothie]

I bought a 2019 HC last year. Auto. I like Cruzing a lot and I’m Getting old. Didn’t want to sit all the time with my left foot on the clutch. High points, smile on my face when in drive. Low points, nothing. Flat out hauls ***. But just don’t get stupid with it. Seats are great, my wife had back surgery and she says they are the best out of all our cars. I have kept my 68 RR and building a 68 Charger with a Hellcat engine. See my thread in the restomod area.

 

[Don selleck]

funnest car i've ever owned, 700 plus hp no brainer cheap reliable horsepower, got mine in 2015, 6 speed with a barton with pistol grip shifter, only mod.

 

[Dennis H]

Finally broke down and bought an automatic. First time in 25 years. Loving and still learning the ZF 8 Speed TorqueFlite. Amazing intuitive technology. At least drive one for yourself in any flavor. Caveat Emptor. 15 and 16 reported Blower issues. My 20 is sweet.

 

[Richard Cranium]

I reently sold my '15 manual Hellcat & bought a '20 Charger Daytona widebody. Loved the Challenger & love the Charger.

 

[Hemirunner]

We have a 2016 6 speed. The clutch and shifter leave a lot to be desired. I’ll get the automatic if I ever get another...

 

[Don selleck]

early 16 had supercharger issues, front snout bearing would go out, fca got them from another supplier, to meet demands. the irs, half shafts and drive shaft itself are the main weak link, in the early models, i drive mine, well lets say spirited driving, snapped the half shaft on drivers side irs got sloppy started to walk around a bit was replaced, new one is whinning a bit when you let off the throttle, checked into beefing up those componets, cheapest was 6500 up to 10500, didnt dig very deep on that, the prices kinda shyed me away, being car was under warranty, they replaced both for free, have had no other issues with the car, well tires seem to wear out fast. ha ha.

 

[Don selleck]

We have a 2016 6 speed. The clutch and shifter leave a lot to be desired. I’ll get the automatic if I ever get another...

I bought a barton shifter night and day difference, there is a detent valve in the hydraulic line which restricts the flow of fluid which help keep the rear ends from blowing when side stepping the clutch, it can be removed by taking a clip off the hydraulic line on trans inserting a drywall screw into it twist and then remove the restrictor which is a plastic plug with a small hole in it replace line clutch is self bleeding top off fluid your done, then clutch will feel normal

 

[Richard Cranium]

I bought a barton shifter night and day difference, there is a detent valve in the hydraulic line which restricts the flow of fluid which help keep the rear ends from blowing when side stepping the clutch, it can be removed by taking a clip off the hydraulic line on trans inserting a drywall screw into it twist and then remove the restrictor which is a plastic plug with a small hole in it replace line clutch is self bleeding top off fluid your done, then clutch will feel normal

I did both on mine. Big difference.

 

[Hemirunner]

I did both on mine. Big difference.

I’m going to have to give this a shot. Rowing gears is fun, but those two items just frustrate me.

 

[Richard Cranium]

I was constantly stalling mine out when I released the clutch when starting off from a dead stop & I couldn't figure out what I was doing wrong. However, when I learned about the blue restrictor donut & removed it, my stalling problem went away. It's a 15 minute fix, but just be careful that you don't drop the retaining clip into the bellhousing.





The shifter upgrade is a must & both will make a world of difference.

 

[Hemirunner]

I was constantly stalling mine out when I released the clutch when starting off from a dead stop & I couldn't figure out what I was doing wrong. However, when I learned about the blue restrictor donut & removed it, my stalling problem went away. It's a 15 minute fix, but just be careful that you don't drop the retaining clip into the bellhousing.





The shifter upgrade is a must & both will make a world of difference.

Same deal here. Stall it frequently and I grew up driving manual transmission vehicles. I’ve driven the A8s in Hellcat and Demon configurations. No comparison, I’ll take the A8 every time.

 

[Dennis H]

Remember the wonderful fear of the unknown when WOT the Coronet? Now a different way to get scared. A buck 30 in a nano second with lots more on tap. Jesus Chrysler. Who could have ever predicted?

 

[Bb70charger500]

Ive driven both auto and stick . I didnt like driving the auto it has so many safty things .if i were buying one a stick is a must! After shifter upgrade of course!

 

[Imperial One]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I gotta say I'm a bit spooked about the supercharger problems. $10,000 is a pretty big repair bill. If I go for one I will definitely pay real attention to the warranty issue.

 

[Dennis H]

Get a 17 up. No Blower issues. Two things found out later even after extensive research:
Hellcat Challenger passenger seats have only 2 adjustments. Fore/aft and recline. This due to back seat access. If you need 6 way power get a Charger.
ZF Automatics cannot be put in neutral without the engine running. There is a hokey over ride ribbon for tow operators. Nanny state in full swing.

 

[SSmoothie]

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