Tundra vs. Charger

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RN89

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Hi all,
I've been contemplating something for a little while and wanted to get some opinions.
I bought my Tundra new in 2014. Nice truck all around. Have no real complaints about it other than it takes up my whole dang driveway (live in subdivision) and my wife has to carefully line up her Highlander to pull it in the garage when my truck is parked.

I thought I "needed" a truck when we purchased our home in 2014, but that really hasn't been the case. I've missed the ease, agility, quickness, and fun of driving a car. Gas mileage isn't an issue bc I'm an RN and only work 3-4 days a week 8 miles away from home. Also, we have an 8 month old and we take our Highlander everywhere we go. It's so much easier loading and unloading in the HL.
So, I'm considering a slightly used Dodge Charger R/T with the Hemi. Can you tell more about these cars? I like the Charger because it's roomy enough to fit a car seat when needed, but still powerful to have some fun.

What would you do in my situation? It's honestly a "want" and not a need. My wife says I'm crazy, but who knows
smile.gif
No decisions or commitments have been made, it's just a consideration at this point.
 
The Hemi may also surprise you with really decent mileage.

Other than some front end issues an R/T should be an excellent car. Great family hauler too with lots of room...
 
The LX cars are hands down one of the best cars on the market. The Hemi is a STRONG motor and with MDS it pulls great mileage. I get 23+ out of my 300C. They're very comfy and reliable. They have their quirks like any car but they're easy fixes. The parts are relatively cheap and real easy to work on. I have an extended wheel base so my back seat is massive but on the regular cars you'll have plenty of back seat space.

They pull hard if you feed them 89 octane. I run 91 when I can. If you're serious about buying one of these cars just check out the front end and the rear cradle bushings.
 
If you have "massive" back seat it sounds like a crew cab, not double cab. In a double cab I could see a rear facing infant seat being tight, as the door opening is not that huge. But in a crew cab I'd think it' be similar to the Highlander. A bit more up, but not that bad.

But I'd think that would be the big difference. In a Charger (or any sedan) you bend down, in an SUV or truck, you reach up a bit.

On trade-in you always take a loss, but being a Toyota the loss likely won't be too bad. Assuming you didn't go for the 4.6 that is.

Personally... I'd be tempted to make the change. Sounds like the truck is not a good fit for your needs. [Ignoring any and all financial parts of the decision.]
 
I've tested the RT and had a SXT as a rental for 8 days in all sorts of weather and traffic (snow, rain, dry, mountains, dense urban, suburbs). The platform is very capable, very comfortable. Even in tight city streets (Seattle) I had no problems maneuvering the car. The RT power is great. Car handles better than you would expect it's no AutoX car but it's good to above average in daily driving.

The Charger was the other car I most seriously considered against the GTI. In the end the hot hatch won but it was a very close contest in my mind.

My internet guy 2 cents.
 
Originally Posted By: rooflessVW
Your Tundra is too big but you want a Charger? Aren't they the same size?


The Tundra is a large, 1/2 ton full size truck. It is significantly bigger and heavier than a Charger. I personally own the Tundra that is listed in my signature and drive a Hemi Charger for work.
 
Another thought: in a few years the kids likely will find stepping up into the truck a bit of work. Granted it doesn't last forever, and at that age they likely can still use the help--but if they are independent they might balk at it.

One of the first things I did on my Tundra was add running boards.
 
I personally need and use a truck so I would not do it. However, I'd have no problems owning a Hemi Charger. In fact I may purchase one as our next car, especially if my work vehicle continues to prove reliable. They are very comfortable on extended rides and have very good performance.

Another option you could consider would be to add a supercharger to the Tundra. Assuming you have the 5.7L engine you would be looking at over 500 hp and 550 lbs of torque. I have ridden in one and it is pretty impressive but it is still a large and heavy truck.
 
My son and his wife own a 2014 Tundra and a 2012 Sienna minivan. They and they're 3 daughters take the Tundra more often than not. If you own a house, you will use the truck. Sorry, I agree with the wife.
 
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We have a Camry and a Tundra, so not quite truck/minivan. But often we take the truck. I mean, shopping trips, garage sales, the like. It's so easy to find something bulky and kick your self for attempting to save a bit on gas when you actually spend more to drive home and get the beast!

Bundling everyone up in the truck for vacation is still cheaper than flying. And there's less worry about packing too much stuff.

However, on the home owner front, to be honest mine really only gets used for moving trash to the transfer station. Granted it excels in that, but it's hardly taxed moving furniture and sheets of plywood.
 
Just get a trailer for the Highlander and get whatever you want to drive.
We have a hobby farm and heat with wood, and I have access to a pickup when ever I want, and in 10 years that's been only a few times...
4-500lbs of feed go into either of my cars quite well. They both drag around my atv or riding mower on a trailer just fine too.
 
Originally Posted By: klt1986
Originally Posted By: rooflessVW
Your Tundra is too big but you want a Charger? Aren't they the same size?


The Tundra is a large, 1/2 ton full size truck. It is significantly bigger and heavier than a Charger. I personally own the Tundra that is listed in my signature and drive a Hemi Charger for work.


BIT4TTM.gif


It's still a 17 foot car. It's not the first vehicle that comes to mind when space is a concern.

Hyperbole is a common element in humor.
 
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