The Dodge Charger search for Rachel

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MostMint
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The Dodge Charger search for Rachel

Post by MostMint »

Rachel has wanted a Dodge Charger since she was 12. She is graduating college ahead of schedule and under budget so we are using the savings to buy her a car. Budget is in the $10k-12k range.

She like the 2006-2014 body style, she wants the V8 and she does not want white. She does not like the front on the 2015 and up.

Since she grew up driving police cars so the prospect of having a police car is quite acceptable.

We have been talking about it for some time but very soon we will be done making payments to college and she will be graduating, so it's time to plan and start looking for a deal. I'm thinking a purchase in Jan-Mar then some time to go through the car and prep it for her.

So this is a fairly common thing:
https://columbus.craigslist.org/ctd/d/2 ... 82603.html

Can buy these directly from state of Ohio they cost a bit less:
https://das.ohio.gov/Divisions/General- ... g-auctions
https://das.ohio.gov/Divisions/General- ... le-auction

Also the Michigan state police cars are blue like this:
https://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/cto/ ... 49362.html
These are very close to the color she wants (B5 blue)
Can bid direct from the state here:
https://mibid.bidcorp.com/categories/police-vehicles
note: 12/12/18 a 2013 with 105k and cosmetic damage on frt bumper cover went for $5200

I looked on AutoTrader today and found this:
https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sal ... chRadius=0
This one is priced too high for what I want. I think I need to get it for $5k-6k as it will take another $5k to fix it. I like the low miles but am not enamored with the AWD. Should be OK now but more moving parts = higher maintenance cost and lower mileage. She likes this one.
hood $250, headlight $250, RF fender $100, airbags $600, windshield $300, bumper cover $100, paint $2k, grille and likely radiator, a/c condenser and charge, sales tax I have $1400 for that = $5k
KBB on this car is like $18-20k. That in fact is the challenge these cars were quite expensive and the hemi engine only pushes up the value of the car

So the process has begun
[quote="Basement Paul"]Is that a mint rocketship on the hood?? :shock:
-BP[/quote]
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MostMint
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Re: The Dodge Charger search for Rachel

Post by MostMint »

About the red Charger
I heard back from the seller they are negotiable on price and the car does lot drive. I will call tomorrow for more specifics.

I emailed my body shop and John called me back. He added several items to my list:
- core support is composite can't really straighten it $200 for the top part on car-part
- seat belts and buckle - $400 (rebuilt seat belt and buckle $100 each)
- clock spring - $150
- steering wheel $150-$450
- steering column $200
- dash pad $1000 - if you want to do this right you have to replace the dash assembly I am unable to locate a used dash assembly this part is from Summit
I also need to add
- lower knee air bag $200

I do save some on paint though, he said that would be $1500

Also will have to get it inspected and the state of Ohio wants VIN # for all used parts

So this has a net add of $1900+ and a ton more work. Hmmm

So here is the running total as of 12/13:

Required for inspection:
passenger headlight $250
windshield $300
radiator $200
seat belts and buckle - $400 (rebuilt seat belt and buckle $100 each)
core support $200 for the top part on car-part

(Assuming the hood has to stay closed, the seat belts and headlights must work, and air bags are not legally required)

The rest:
hood $250
RF fender $100
bumper cover $100
paint $1500
sales tax $400
grille $100
a/c condenser and charge, $350
clock spring - $150
airbags (3) and steering wheel $650 (ebay)
steering column $200
dash pad $700 - LKQ. Youngstown has one for $350 I can't see it online
airbag module reset $50

$200 driver headlight ( it has some damage on the back part of the headlight )
$100 radiator fan
$50 engine accessory belt
$? any mystery damage to engine accessories or brackets

New total is $6250
[quote="Basement Paul"]Is that a mint rocketship on the hood?? :shock:
-BP[/quote]
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MostMint
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Re: The Dodge Charger search for Rachel

Post by MostMint »

I spoke with the dealer on the red Charger she sent me a video and uncovered some additional repairs which offset some of the savings from improving my estimate. She can sell it for $8k but I am at $6k. The waiting game starts. I have my doubts they will sell at my price but I'm going to hold my ground. If it works fine if not I save myself a boat ton of work.
[quote="Basement Paul"]Is that a mint rocketship on the hood?? :shock:
-BP[/quote]
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MostMint
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Re: The Dodge Charger search for Rachel

Post by MostMint »

I spent some time contemplating an 09 R/T with 45k and undercarriage damage, but BP talked me out of it mostly due to dry rotting bushings and too much rust on the undercarriage. While it was low miles I think it had been sitting outside its whole life.

Right now plan A is to get a former state highway patrol car. The next step in that plan is to go to Ohio govt auction on Jan 12 to learn about the auction process for state highway patrol cars and maybe buy one.

Plan B is a long shot. I still like the low mileage red Charger so I found some comparables with rebuilt titles online at $12,500 range and sent them to the sales person. With $6500 in repairs with my labor I wanted her to know my offer is more than fair.

Rachel wants a car that will be faster than Kurt's, but 99.8% of the time this will be a regular driver and the red car will be so much better that way.
[quote="Basement Paul"]Is that a mint rocketship on the hood?? :shock:
-BP[/quote]
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Re: The Dodge Charger search for Rachel

Post by TireSmoker »

MostMint wrote:Rachel wants a car that will be faster than Kurt's
LOL, that's hilarious!

-Dave
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MostMint
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Re: The Dodge Charger search for Rachel

Post by MostMint »

TireSmoker wrote:
MostMint wrote:Rachel wants a car that will be faster than Kurt's
LOL, that's hilarious!

-Dave
She knows she can’t build one so it has to be that way out of the box.
[quote="Basement Paul"]Is that a mint rocketship on the hood?? :shock:
-BP[/quote]
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MostMint
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Re: The Dodge Charger search for Rachel

Post by MostMint »

Still might get the red Charger but that depends on their ability to reduce price.

Plan A right now is to buy a car from the State Highway Patrol. They have car auctions every other month.

On 2/1 the vehicles can be inspected from 8-2:45 PM. Cars can be started but not moved
4200 Surface Rd
Columbus OH 43228

On 2/2 is the auction
8AM - Open and registration
9AM - Auction
5PM - Gates close
Vehicles can also be picked up M-F 8-3

Terms:
Cash or credit. credit will have 3% service fee
Entire amount due date of sale

If we don't get one on 2/2 the next auction is early April
[quote="Basement Paul"]Is that a mint rocketship on the hood?? :shock:
-BP[/quote]
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MostMint
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Re: The Dodge Charger search for Rachel

Post by MostMint »

On New Years Day I acquired Flowmaster kit
817508 used for 2011-2014 Dodge Charger for $350. That’s about half list price. I know she will want to hear it
[quote="Basement Paul"]Is that a mint rocketship on the hood?? :shock:
-BP[/quote]
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MostMint
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Re: The Dodge Charger search for Rachel

Post by MostMint »

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bA7PTeDgxVM

And it will sound like this - American Thunder version
[quote="Basement Paul"]Is that a mint rocketship on the hood?? :shock:
-BP[/quote]
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