You might rush to find a 2023 or older model to secure a piece of history. Indeed, buying a used Dodge Hemi right now makes sense for many enthusiasts. However, purchasing a used Dodge Hemi requires extreme caution. Without proper research, that used Dodge Hemi could quickly turn into a financial nightmare. Consequently, you must know exactly what to look for before signing any paperwork. In this report, I break down five critical factors to inspect. This ensures you don’t buy a car that a previous owner beat into the ground.
The Gamble of Reliability
These Hemi “L cars” are spectacular machines. For example, many owners report extreme reliability with these vehicles. Some drivers log hundreds of thousands of miles with minimal issues. In some cases, an owner might only replace a water pump after years of driving. On the other hand, vehicles with hidden problems flood the current market.
Unfortunately, you might find a car with only 80,000 miles that needs a full engine rebuild. This scenario costs a significant amount of money. Furthermore, a major repair early on is often just the beginning. Usually, it signals that other repairs will follow shortly. Therefore, doing your legwork is mandatory to avoid a money pit.
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1. Scrutinize the Vehicle History Report
First and foremost, you must obtain a detailed vehicle history report. Whether using Carfax or another service, dig deep into the car’s past. Specifically, check for any evidence of flood damage. In addition, look closely at the accident history. You need to know if the car suffered a rear-end collision or a front-end crash.
Critically, look for signs that the car “hopped a curb.” Sometimes, a driver loses control and jumps a curb. Although they might get the car back on the road, the undercarriage often sustains heavy damage. Unless you put the vehicle on a rack, you will not see this destruction. However, once you drive away, that hidden damage becomes your problem.
Moreover, pay close attention to the number of owners. As the owner count increases, the risk rises significantly. Multiple owners often indicate the car changed hands frequently. For example, drivers who enjoy street takeovers may have owned it. Ideally, you want a vehicle with only one or two previous owners. If you see four owners on a 2022 model, you should probably walk away.
Finally, check if the car was a prior lease. Generally, people do not treat leased vehicles with respect. Since they won’t keep them, they often drive them aggressively. Also, be wary if the maintenance records are missing. A lack of service records often means the previous owner neglected the engine.
2. Mechanical Condition and Build Quality
Next, assess the mechanical condition and look for known model-specific issues. A simple Google search will reveal common problems. For instance, these cars occasionally have transmission issues. When you test drive the vehicle, pay attention to the shifting. If you feel hard shifting, the transmission might be failing. Replacing a transmission is expensive and creates a headache you do not want.
In addition, inspect the suspension components carefully. Look for worn control arms, damaged tie rods, and beat-up suspension bushings. These parts wear out quickly when a previous owner drives the car hard. If the bushings look worn, it screams that someone drove the car hard. While fixable, these parts indicate that the owner abused the rest of the car too.
Also, keep in mind that 2023 models might suffer from build quality shortcuts. Dodge rushed to get these final models to market, so flaws occurred. For example, my starter was loose, forcing me to push-start my car for a week. Additionally, the weak interior glue caused my door panel to separate. While not catastrophic, these are annoying issues to watch for.
Always check the fluids. If a dealer sells the car, they should have changed the oil. If the oil is black, it shows a lack of care. Finally, put your head out the window and listen. Listen for the infamous “Hemi tick” or strange noises at idle. If it sounds strange, follow your gut and run.
3. Inspect for Signs of Hard Use
You must determine if the car served as a daily driver or a track toy. If lowered, a younger driver likely drove the living hell out of it. Furthermore, check for excessive tire wear, especially on the rear tires. Bald rear tires signify launch controls, burnouts, and donuts. While doing burnouts is fun, buying an abused car is not.
Check the alignment and the front tires as well. If you see weird alignment angles, the car may have seen track use. Alternatively, the previous owner might have just pretended to be a racer. Regardless, alignment issues can indicate suspension trauma. Also, bring a neutral friend to help you inspect the body.
Look really hard for dents, scratches, and misaligned body panels. Not every accident ends up on a Carfax report. Therefore, visual inspection is key. If you see paint swirls or dents, the previous owner did not care for the vehicle. Typically, if they neglected the outside, they neglected the inside mechanicals too.
4. Verify Recall Status
This step is simple but vital. Look up any open recalls for the specific vehicle VIN. You must make sure a dealer performed all recalls. This is especially important if you buy from a private party. Consequently, you avoid inheriting the hassle of chasing down repairs.
Furthermore, an ignored recall often points to a lazy owner. If they ignored a safety notification, they likely ignored oil changes. Ensuring the dealer completed recalls gives you a better baseline for the car’s history.
5. Understand Engine-Specific Costs
Finally, be aware of considerations for the engine you are buying. A 5.7L RT, a 392 Scat Pack, and a Hellcat all have different ownership costs. For example, a 5.7L engine is often cheaper to fix than a Hellcat engine. You might find a Hellcat listed for the price of a Scat Pack. However, you must understand the financial risks.
A Hellcat can cost significantly more to repair. For instance, if the supercharger fails, it is not a cheap fix. You typically won’t face that specific issue with a 392 or a 5.7. Consequently, be extra careful if you are buying a used Hellcat. Ideally, you want a one-owner car with a full pre-purchase inspection (PPI). You need all the books and records.
If you buy a Hellcat out of warranty without documentation, you walk into a potential trap. You could easily face a $10,000 repair bill shortly after purchase. There is nothing worse than shoveling money into a pit after thinking you got a good deal.
Overall, I highly recommend these cars. They are amazing machines. However, be careful and do your homework. If you avoid the excitement, you can find a “cream puff.” A well-maintained used Dodge can last you a very long time.
