Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat: The Cheapest Hellcat’s Red Flags

Imagine getting your hands on a Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, a beast of a car that most enthusiasts dream of owning. Now, imagine finding one for a fraction of its usual cost. That’s exactly what happened to Tyler Hoover of Hoovies Garage when he stumbled upon a 2016 model for just $26,000. But as the saying goes, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”

Tyler, a seasoned car enthusiast and YouTuber known for his love of auction deals, saw this Hellcat as a golden opportunity. However, as he soon discovered, this deal came with a hefty price — not in dollars, but in a laundry list of issues that would make even the most optimistic car buyer think twice.

The Lure of the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat

The 2016 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat is no ordinary car. With a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 engine pushing out a monstrous 707 horsepower, it’s a powerhouse on wheels. For car enthusiasts, owning a Hellcat is a badge of honor. So, when Tyler saw the Hellcat with only 70,000 miles on it and a clean title, he couldn’t resist.

A Million-Dollar Deal or a Million-Dollar Headache?

A one-owner vehicle, a clean title, and a price tag of $26,000 — it all seemed like a dream come true. Tyler had been eyeing a Hellcat ever since Doug DeMuro reviewed one years ago. This was his unicorn, his chance to finally own the car he’d been lusting after for years.

But as any experienced buyer knows, you should never judge a book by its cover, and you should definitely never judge a car by its price tag.

The Red Flags Begin to Unfurl

Tyler did his due diligence, checking the Carfax report. The Hellcat had been in four minor accidents, which initially didn’t seem like a big deal. But as he delved deeper into the car’s history, the red flags started to pile up.

The Visible Damage: More Than Skin Deep

The last accident left the car with a bumper barely hanging on, a cracked front splitter, and a hood that was slightly bent back. The satin black finish was peeling off, revealing the car’s rough history. These issues alone were concerning, but they were just the tip of the iceberg.

The Infamous HEMI Tick: A Cause for Concern

One of the most alarming issues with this Hellcat was the infamous HEMI “tick.” This is a ticking noise that starts at speeds over 65 mph and continues indefinitely. While Dodge insists that the tick is harmless, countless forums are filled with complaints about it. Many believe it’s caused by a camshaft or lifter failure, which can lead to serious engine problems if left unaddressed.

The Mechanic’s Inspection: A Laundry List of Problems

Tyler knew that the best way to understand the full extent of the car’s issues was to have it inspected by a mechanic. The results were far from reassuring.

Interior Woes: Missing Speakers and Blocked Glove Box

The first thing the mechanic noticed was the missing speakers in the door panels. It was as if someone had stripped the car of anything valuable while it sat in an auction yard. The glove box was blocked by the speaker covers, making it impossible to open without opening the passenger door.

The Beeping Nightmare: A Never-Ending Sound

The car had another annoying issue — it wouldn’t stop beeping. Although there were no warning lights on the dashboard, the incessant beeping was a red flag that something was seriously wrong.

Bald Tires and Shaky Steering: A Recipe for Disaster

The mechanic then turned his attention to the tires. They were completely bald, with little to no tread left, which explained the shaky steering wheel Tyler had noticed. Driving at high speeds on tires like these is a disaster waiting to happen.

Oil Leaks and Worn-Out Parts: A Dying Engine?

When the car was lifted, the mechanic found even more issues. The oil filter was leaking, and there was fluid in the engine mounts. The brake pads and rotors were severely worn out and needed immediate replacement. The starter was also on its last legs, barely able to turn the engine over.

The HEMI Tick: A Potentially Expensive Fix

The mechanic’s biggest concern was the HEMI tick. If the issue was related to the lifters, fixing it could cost Tyler up to $8,000. For a car that was supposed to be a dream come true, the reality was quickly becoming a nightmare.

The Cost of Ignoring Maintenance

As the mechanic went through the car, it became clear that the previous owner had severely neglected it. Basic maintenance had been ignored, and the car had been driven hard without any regard for its condition. The once-mighty Hellcat was now a shadow of its former self, in desperate need of repairs.

The Debate: Is the HEMI Tick Normal or a Sign of Doom?

Dodge has long claimed that the HEMI tick is completely normal and harmless. However, many experts and owners disagree. While some engines with the tick show no other signs of damage, ignoring the noise can lead to catastrophic engine failure.

The Repair Bill: How Much to Bring It Back to Life?

Fixing all the issues with this Hellcat would cost a small fortune. Between the HEMI tick, the worn-out tires, the leaking oil filter, and the damaged interior, Tyler was looking at thousands of dollars in repairs. But for a car enthusiast like him, the challenge was part of the appeal.

Tyler’s Decision: Fix It or Flip It?

With a laundry list of repairs and a potentially massive bill ahead of him, Tyler faced a tough decision. Should he fix the Hellcat and keep it, or cut his losses and sell it?

The Passion of a Car Enthusiast

For Tyler, cars are more than just machines; they’re a passion. Despite all the issues, he couldn’t resist the allure of the Hellcat. He knew that with enough time and money, he could restore it to its former glory.

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A Long Road Ahead

Restoring the Hellcat would be no easy task. It would require not just money but also patience and a deep understanding of the car’s inner workings. Tyler was ready to take on the challenge, but he knew it wouldn’t be easy.

Conclusion: The True Cost of a Dream Car

In the end, the cheapest Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat in America turned out to be anything but a bargain. While the initial price was low, the cost of repairs and the time needed to restore it would be significant. But for Tyler, the joy of owning and restoring such a powerful car outweighed the headaches that came with it.

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This story serves as a reminder that when something seems too good to be true, it often is. Buying a car, especially one with a history like this Hellcat, requires careful consideration and a willingness to face the challenges that come with it. For those willing to take the risk, the rewards can be great, but so too can the costs.

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