New vs Old

[whitesatinmopar]

Like has been asked before, what is the purpose of the car?  If it is solely going to be used as a toy, then go with the Cuda. 

I assumed that he was wanting a big boy toy, not depending on it for daily use.................to me the choice was a Cuda, but on the other hand if it will need to be used daily or even regularly...............the new Challenger.  Obviously the choice would be made upon "need". 

[73Chally]

It's really the financing part that would scare me off.  Personally, I only finance something if it is an absolute necessity, like a house or a new vehicle that is being bought to replace an older one.  Otherwise, if I can't pay cash, I won't buy it (TV, furniture, big boy toys, etc).  I'm probably in the minority in this regards, but that's just me.

[alphabuck]

to me this is a no brainer.  one is an investment. a monthly payment on an asset that should hold its value and possibly increase.  the other payment is made on a depreciating item thats going to go down in value every day whether you drive it or not.  i too plan on owning one of the " new " challengers.  im just gonna wait another 1.5-2 years and buy me an 09 for about 50% of new.  buy the classic and keep turning heads long after the new one is just another pt cruiser.

[73Chally]

I wouldn't hold my breath on finding a used Challenger for 50% off, at least not an RT.  If the plan holds true to keep this at a 4-5 year run then cancel it, I would think they will hold their value pretty well.  It certainly will not hold it as well as the Cuda, but should not be too far off.  Besides, if you're looking at a $40K Cuda (?), when you add in the 5% interest on the loan, you lose some of the benefit of the car holding it's value.

As always, it's your money so do what you want, but I just do not like the idea of financing an old car, FWIW.

As a side note, I was at Carlisle last weekend and watched several very nice Mopars go through the auction, and none of them bid up over $30K, so at least the bidders there did not see them as holding value like they used to.

[djwhog]

Ok long story short, I have both cars, love the new challenger srt 8 6spd loaded etc.

Drive a hell of a lot better handling, stopping etc that any old car, more aero etc hell of a top end yada yada,

BUT here we go. if I was to have to say Mary Ann or Ginger... I would take the 70 Cuda over the new srt8 hands down. I love the looks, smaller size, fuel smell, rumble the classic lines etc.

Get a cuda, fixer up, look for a repo or buy backed Challenger at a good price, there are a lot of em.

my 2 cents  good luck buddy:)

[TROUBLE987]

Go old and get it together then go new later..the new ones will drop in value..they are nice but you can wait and get one used at a cheaper price later..the old car will hold its value..

[_Russ_]

Go old!

Regarding the "working on my own car" situation ... when you get an older car, you'd be surprised at how easy you pick things up. An engine bay you can fit your hand in, and parts you can actually see.

Nothing more daunting than opening a modern car, looking at 1 giant plastic cover - talk about clueless! You need an IT degree just to open the bonnet, and nothing is mechanical. You break down on the side of the road, and anything other than a flat tyre, and you have no choice but to call either call a towie, or roadside assistance.

That's the beauty of mechanical cars over more modern electronic vehicles.

With an older car, there's more chance of a passing motorist or even any basic mechanic being able to help you, no matter where you are.

Learning to work on your own car is also fun ...

[mcgheejt]

If you have and are willing to spend the money on a new Challenger equiped just the way you want it......................go spend the same money on a restored Cuda    And beleive, me I like the new Chally, it's just if you are seriously considering either............Cuda 

 

[cudaneil]

Hi,
     Well its an easy choice for me,as i live in the UK and i cant afford a new challenger ! (they cost more here than they do in the USA)

  So i am going to say the old cuda is the winner!    My car is a 72 cuda and has appreciated in value in the 2 years i have owned it.

 I know a new challenger would be worth half its cost in no time at all.   You must take into account how much you intend to drive the car,as old muscle cars are not really every day drivers.

What i do know is, when i go to a car show there is usually a new chally and a new charger there too. There will be 2 or 3 people looking at the new

model cars, and about 8 or 10 people looking at my "OLD CUDA",   that speaks for itself if you ask me !!!       

[_Russ_]

i cant afford a new challenger ! (they cost more here than they do in the USA)

Same here in Oz.

By the time they are imported, complied (switched to RHD), engineered etc, total cost is about $140,000.

[CHL2T]

140,000!!!! CHEESE AND RICE MAN!!, That's just nutty.....I can see why you would rather have the old

[68charger70cuda]

i got a new srt a couple of months ago, and it is without a doubt the best car i have ever owned (and i have owned a lot!)

if this is going to be your everyday car, then the challenger is undoubtedly the best choice.  what if you wanted to drive a very long distance? what if you had a very serious accident? which car would you rather be in?

the "srt experience" that came with the car made me a true believer in all the new dodge srt's.  they are just fantastic handling cars, and faster than any old time (stock) hemi car.

still love my cuda, but the challenger wins hands down...

[moparmike70]

I strongly recommend against financing an older car. If you have to finance I would go with the new challenger. Personally I like working on my cuda but if you don't have any mechanical aptitude then go with the new challenger.

[challenger72rt]

Here's my nickel worth of free advice.

I owned my '72 Chally for almost 15 years.  It was a part of me, then I lost it in a divorce in '06.  Saddest day of my life!

I was really considering a new Chally - all the refinements of my old 440 - power amenities, cup holders, windows that sealed(!!) etc

But when I recall that car, what I most remember is the choke.  That's right!  Leaning on the inner fender, dialing in the choke, and revving the carb so the whole car shook from it's power.  That sound, smell, the vibration going through your chest, the air from the fan blowing your hair back is what that car really was to me.  It's spirit.  I don't know if the new Challenger 'shakes' and rocks back and forth when you blip the go-peadal but that's truly what that car was to me.

So now I am considering a '74 Cuda to resto-mod for myself.  The one I am looking at is a total rust-case, and only has a 318, but it's a start.

My opinion - a classic is a classic for a reason.

[Rare_T_A]

My 

It would depend on what you are looking for. The two have their +'s and -'s.  If you don't have much mechanical skills I would suggest the new one. The world is full of great projects that get started and given up on. This happens for many reasons but the biggest reason is getting in over you're head and frustrated or low on money and just selling if off to cut you're losses.  Going by what you posted I'd go with the new one with a warranty and not look back.