I am here to share five specific reasons why you simply should not sell your Hemi Dodge Charger or Challenger. Specifically, if you own a model from 2006 to 2023, you own something special. Consequently, I do not think you should sell your Hemi Dodge Charger or Challenger anytime soon. In fact, I believe you should keep these cars forever. You might be considering the new twin-turbo inline-six Hurricane engine. However, unless your current vehicle is dead or dying, trading it is a mistake. Therefore, do not sell your Hemi Dodge Charger or Challenger for a modern replacement without considering the facts.
Recently, I have been somewhat positive about the upcoming Hurricane Scat Pack and R/T models. Indeed, there is a place in the world for those cars. Many people will enjoy them. However, for those of us with Hemi cars, we face a tough decision. We must decide if we want to trade our V8s for a faster, modern twin-turbo inline-six. Personally, I cannot imagine doing that. While I might consider buying a Hurricane Charger separately, I would never trade my current car for one. This sentiment likely resonates with many of you.
My Journey Into The Mopar World
To understand why I value these cars, we must look back to December 2nd, 2017. At that time, I drove a BMW 740iL. It was a monstrosity of a car that cost nearly $90,000. Before that, I owned several S-Class Mercedes and Range Rovers. I was stuck with my head in the clouds with expensive luxury cars. Then, I traveled to Austin, Texas, for an 11-day business trip. During a free weekend, I decided to test drive a Dodge Challenger. I had seen them on the road and thought they looked great.
Related Post
Initially, I considered canceling my plane ticket to drive a car back to California. I looked at a red Ferrari Mondial, but I realized it would not make the trip. Subsequently, I found a used SRT8 near my hotel. The dealer priced this likely 2014 or 2015 model in the low $30,000 range. I took an Uber to the dealership and did my first burnout ever during the test drive. That white SRT8 with black stripes was glorious. From that moment, I decided I needed one.
Although I did not buy that specific car in Texas, I returned home determined. Shortly after, I bought a 2018 Dodge Challenger R/T. It was a base model with a cloth interior. That purchase launched my YouTube channel. Since then, I have owned eight Hemi cars. This list includes Scat Packs, a Hellcat Redeye, a Demon 170, and a manual transmission unicorn. Through this experience, I learned exactly why you should keep yours.
1. That Classic V8 Feel
The first reason to keep your car is the classic V8 feel. This includes the entire experience, from the sound to the throttle response. In contrast, a twin-turbo engine will always have lag. It is simply not the same experience. While a turbo engine offers a hard pull, it often plateaus early. Conversely, the V8 continues to pull strong. When you need power in a Hemi, it is there instantaneously.
Furthermore, nothing matches the sound. The auditory experience of a naturally aspirated or supercharged V8 defines these cars. No amount of technology can replicate the roar of a Hemi engine. It creates an emotional connection that a six-cylinder engine struggles to match. Therefore, if you value visceral driving dynamics, the V8 remains king.
2. Proven Reliability
Reliability is the second major reason to hold onto your keys. Across my ownership of eight different Hemi cars, I never had a serious issue. Period. I never experienced the infamous “Hemi tick.” Additionally, I never had transmission problems. My cars never spent more than a couple of days in the shop. These engines are proven workhorses.
On the other hand, switching to a twin-turbo inline-six means moving to a high-strung, high-stress engine. Generally, turbos lack the extreme longevity of naturally aspirated V8s. Twenty years from now, I believe our current Chargers and Challengers will still be running. Enthusiasts will keep them alive. You might need to change a head gasket or do routine maintenance. However, the cars will endure. In contrast, the long-term reliability of the new twin-turbo platform remains unknown.
3. Nostalgia and Authenticity
Third, we must consider nostalgia, authenticity, and future value. I have previously argued against buying these cars solely as short-term investments. You likely won’t make a quick profit in the next year or two. However, collectors will highly seek these cars 30 or 40 years from now. A Hemi car in good condition will undoubtedly hold value.
These vehicles are finding their way to becoming as iconic as the 1968 and 1969 models. Nostalgia is a powerful human emotion. It will drive future collectors to desire the 2006 to 2023 models. Even our children will remember these cars fondly. Therefore, keeping your car now ensures you own a piece of future history. The memories we make in these cars today solidify their status as legends.
4. The Aftermarket Ecosystem
The fourth reason is the massive support for V8 tuning and modifications. For decades, enthusiasts have worked on these engines in their garages. Compared to high-tech modern engines, the Hemi is relatively easy to work on. You can install a new exhaust or headers yourself. We have installed catch cans and cold air intakes in our driveways. You can even add a supercharger for massive gains.
Conversely, Dodge locked down the new twin-turbo inline-six engines. The risk of wrenching on them is too high for most owners. The ECUs are difficult to unlock. You might be able to use a basic tuner or swap turbos eventually. However, the new platform severely restricts your freedom to modify the car. With the V8, the possibilities are nearly endless.
5. The Trade-Offs Are Too High
Finally, reason number five is that there are simply too many trade-offs. The gap between the Hemi V8 and the twin-turbo inline-six is vast. To switch, you have to give up too much. The driving experience is fundamentally different. I believe the new six-pack Scat Packs are Grand Touring vehicles. They are not muscle cars. They are phenomenal all-wheel-drive machines for commuting or bad weather. However, they lack the soul of a muscle car.
By trading your V8, you abandon everything you originally bought the car for. You lose the sound, the instant torque, and the muscle car heritage. You gain a car with potential turbo lag and a different drivetrain feel. Additionally, screens and digital interfaces will likely fill the new cars. Many of us prefer analog gauges and a simpler cabin. Ultimately, the new platform is a Grand Tourer, while your current car is a muscle legend. That trade is not one-for-one.
In conclusion, keep your Hemi. Prices for these cars appear to have flattened out, meaning they are holding steady. There is too much uncertainty regarding the new technology. If Dodge brings the Hemi back, it will likely be expensive and full of unwanted tech. Therefore, your current car is the real deal. Hold onto it, enjoy it, and keep the muscle car legacy alive.
