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Dodge’s Charger sedan has a loyal fan base of enthusiasts who like silly, smoky burnouts scored by a thunderous V8. So, after all these years of LX and LD models, is the original 2006 Dodge Charger worth it for used car hunters and muscle fans? Or are certain trims like the Charger SRT8 not up to the task?

What is the most common problem with a 2006 Dodge Charger?

The most common problem with the 2006 Dodge Charger is engine problems. Specifically, around 488 owners have complained about engine issues like premature failure at about 94,950 miles. 

A used red 2006 Dodge Charger shows off its fascia.
A 2006 Charger | Stellantis

Moreover, Car Complaints reports that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has 382 owner complaints based on engine stalling and failures. Additionally, RepairPal says that the 2006 model has an annual repair cost of $652. That’s about average for comparable vehicles, so owners won’t save much in repair and maintenance costs.  

What is special about the 2006 model?

The 2006 Dodge Charger is the first model year for the LX platform and the first mass-production four-door Charger model. Also, like the Magnum SRT8 wagon, the Charger offered a tire-shredding 6.1L Hemi V8 option. 

What are the different Dodge Charger trims?

The 2006 Dodge Charger offers four trims, starting with the Pentastar V6-powered SE and SXT models. Higher up the lineup, the R/T packs a 340-horsepower 5.7L Hemi V8. At the top of the Charger trim offerings, the 425-horsepower 6.1L V8 will catapult the SRT8 to 60 in just 5.0 seconds.   

What is a 2006 Dodge Charger worth?

Fortunately, a 2006 Dodge Charger is a cheap used muscle sedan option. For instance, Kelley Blue Book (KBB) says that a 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 with average mileage has a fair value of around $10,074. 

Of course, fans can snag lower trims for less. The 5.7L Hemi V8-powered R/T has a fair value of about $6,656, for an example with average mileage. Unlike later models on the LD platform, the first-generation Charger sedan didn’t offer any supercharged options

An orange 2006 Dodge Charger Daytona shows off its R/T and SRT8 styling.
A Charger Daytona | Stellantis

Is the 2006 Charger worth it?

The 2006 Charger boasts a spacious, practical platform and tire-vaporizing V8 options. However, considering the 2006 model’s myriad driver complaints about expensive engine failures, fans might be better off with a different model year, like a 2009 Charger. 

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Moreover, potential owners who want a posher sleeper sedan can check out the Chrysler 300 SRT8, a Charger sibling with the same explosive Hemi engine.

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