2012 Charger test drive
 

Some of you know I lease vehicles to government agencies. SO that gets me the opportunity to drive lots of new cars. We had ordered a couple of Chargers (base model SE's) and after we ordered, they were intructed to take a smaller vehicle. Well, once orders are at the manufactor, they are ours and we have to take them. So we had 2 Chargers arrive last week that needed a new home. SO I asked the boss if we could take one. He said sure....:thumb: So we gave our 2012 Focus to a new customer.

We took the black one over the gray. Had the windows tinted (20%) to complete the look. I'm traveling up the state of GA this week visiting customers and vendors, so I though I'd take this over the Fusion Hybrid we have. Hey, who wouldn't....:lol: Left Atlanta Tuesday morning about 7 and headed south to Valdosta for the first night. Granted, this is no power house, but the new V6 does put out 295 HP and it moves along pretty well. Rides very well, pretty well loaded. I will say that if you get in the fast lane on the interstate with a Charger with gov plates, blackout windows, people move over before you get to them. :smile: I liked that. Next day I went to Warner Robins and I'm still here for tonight, heading back to Atlanta tomorrow after a quick shot over to the VA in Dublin GA. THe car is sharp looking. I love the "racetrack" tail lights. I've had several people tell me they have never seen a Charger with gov tags. I went to Robins AFB today and the gate guard asked how I scored a Charger...... Told him it was perks of the job...:lol:

Now the good stuff, running with the cruise set at 78 with the AC on, 28.2 mpg. This has the 5 speed, the 8 speed is supposed to get 31. Trunk, is plenty big. I left Atlanta with 15 miles on it, I'm approaching 600 right now, probably around 900 by the time I get back. So I'm sure it will do better after a few grand is put on it. It rained most of the way to Valdosta, and spotty rain since, so it needs to be cleaned (it's black, it always needs to be cleaned...lol). So no pics. Again, it's a base model with the 17" alloy's.

I've never really been a Dodge fan, but I would consider this. I can just imagine what the 6.4 is like to drive. Maybe I'll get it washed tomorrow and snap a few shots.

I haven't drove one of the new ones. I just sat in one. They are huge!! 28 mpg I'd say is respectable for 295 horse.

Not to mention the weight. It's not a light car.

I bet it has a nice feel to it though. Decent power big car plus the weight.

Preious complaints on the CHargers have been brakes and front suspension issues, so I'm curious on longevity. But unless they tell us later we can't keep it, I'll have several years with it. Only issue so far is with the remote entry. WIth the fob on you, you supposed to be able to just open the door without having to press the remote. It's working on 3 doors, but the drivers door doesn't work most of the time so I have to use the fob. No big deal and probably just a programing issue. The keyless start is taking some getting used to also. I keep reaching for the key when I start or turn it off....LOL

Front end noises?? By golly what are those.:D. I'm so glad the HHR doesn't have that! :lol:

Well if you do have it for awhile I'll be very anxious to see how they hold up.

Sounds nice. I tried to talk my wife into a Charger but she can still remember her experience with her Neon.

Solman- That's a cool job you have there !!!!

Enjoy the new toy.. My wifeys ride is a Mopar. Very happy with it !!!

Didn't get a chance last week to clean it up. So did it this morning.

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I like the Chargers. I had a rental V6 twards the end of last year and it did really well with gas milage and was comfy. Pretty decent power. This weekend, I test drove the new Dart......those things are fun though they remind me of the Focus....