After decades of collecting classic cars out of passion, I have finally found the daily driver that suits me perfectly: my 2023 Dodge Challenger SXT with the “Blacktop Package”. At 16,000 kilometres, I am still thrilled, even if not everything is perfect. There are a few quirks on a platform that’s fifteen years old, but nothing that spoils my enjoyment.
A perfect choice
The Challenger is simply what I would have wanted. With its 303-horsepower Pentastar V6, it offers more than enough power for daily commutes, not to mention an average fuel consumption of around 9.8 L/100 km in the city, even reaching 7.8 L/100 km on long trips. Imagine cruising down sunlit roads with the wind in your hair and the music blasting, pure bliss. By the way, I parked it in front of the stunning Michigan Central Station in Detroit, a true living picture.
A stunning colour
And let’s talk about the colour! This “Sublime” lime green, available only on the 2015 and 2023 models, is perfect for me. It attracts attention like fireworks in a night sky. I was lucky enough to capture memorable moments with my wife, like this photo taken near a waterfall in Michigan.
Flaws that don’t hinder enjoyment
Unfortunately, not everything is rosy. The biggest flaw? The door window slightly retracts to avoid hitting the seal when opening the door. In theory, it’s well thought out, but in practice, especially during the harsh Michigan winters, it can be problematic. Often, it gets stuck on the frozen rubber seal, and I find myself using an old gift card to unlock the window. Not ideal for a car that should have been designed with a bit more intelligence.
In comparison, my wife has a 2012 Mustang with a similar system, and she hardly ever experiences such issues. Kudos to the engineers in Dearborn for their work.
Details that annoy
Another small hassle: the driver’s side door handle requires more effort than the passenger side. I wonder if it’s worth going to the garage under warranty, as I’m afraid they might make the situation worse. Is it a bit cynical of me?
As for the infotainment screen, it’s as slow as a snail in the early morning. If I had the choice, I would prefer to do without it entirely. Fortunately, the start button is well placed on the dashboard, where it should be. To top it all off, my Challenger is equipped with heated seats and a heated steering wheel—a real joy during the cold months!
A unique winter experience
To protect my black wheels from winter salt, I decided to buy steel wheels from a police Charger. I fitted them with Bridgestone Blizzak tyres that have served me well. A little tip for those shopping at Discount Tire: they match prices, and I managed to get pressure sensors at a reasonable price after doing a bit of online research.
And I didn’t hesitate to have an anti-rust treatment applied. Not the usual tar treatment, but a greasy product that everyone recommends in my area. It was expensive and left a petroleum smell for months, but it’s an investment in the future. After all, no rust after my first winter season? I’m ready to bet that I will keep this Challenger in good condition for two decades.
Final verdict
In summary, despite a few minor flaws that might make some purists cringe, the positives far outweigh the negatives. I use my Challenger as a daily driver in a region where this choice might seem strange. But honestly, what other model offers so much character and originality in an often monotonous daily life? Who could resist this lime green hue and this unique driving experience?
As I said earlier: finding a perfect daily driver in this colour is not likely to happen at a dealership. The Challenger is a centrepiece in my garage, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.
