So, you’re thinking about buying a used Dodge Challenger. The 2015 model year for this muscle car might be on your radar. And while it received high praise from some of the pros when it was new, it isn’t necessarily a great used car. It received the worst reliability ratings out of several other model years from an expert source. Plus, the most complaints about the 2015 Challenger on Car Complaints are for a faulty transmission.

2015 Dodge Challenger reliability

We already know that the 2015 Dodge Challenger suffered from reliability issues. So if we take this into account, it’s easy to see why it isn’t a good choice for a used car. As tempting as some of those low used car prices may be, it’s probably best to look into other model years such as the 2016 or 2017 model year.

Lower reliability ratings

The expert source mentioned above is Consumer Reports. A peak into the last several model years shows great reliability ratings for the Dodge Challenger. But not for the 2015 model year. The 2015 Challenger isn’t a great used car because there are other Challenger model years with essentially the same features, specs, and options––but much more respectable reliability ratings.

A newer model year might be a few thousand dollars more expensive to buy used. However, the 2015 Dodge Challenger is more likely to cost more in terms of maintenance and repairs. When it comes to saving money by buying a used car, reliability is not a corner you want to cut.

Expensive maintenance costs

Speaking of saving money, it may be tempting to spring for a 2015 Dodge Challenger for the price break from newer models. Beware of the hidden maintenance costs. For the 2015 Challenger, Edmunds shows around $10,000 in maintenance and repairs costs over 5 years of muscle car ownership.

Challenger recalls

Additionally, there were 6 recalls for the 2015 model year of the Dodge Challenger––according to US News and World Report. Compare that with only 2 for the 2016 Challenger, and it’s plain to see that 6 recalls are quite a few for one year. The 2017 Dodge Challenger reports only 3 recalls, adding insult to injury for the 2015 model.

No more Dodge Challenger warranty

According to US News and World Report, the 2015 Dodge Challenger “is covered by a three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty and a five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.” This means that the factory warranty for the 2015 model year of this modern muscle car will be 2 years expired. Additionally, the five-year powertrain warranty will have just ended.

So, if you want a used car that still has a bit of its factory warranty coverage left––go for a newer model year. You can buy an extended warranty, sure. But the fine print of such warranties is often a headache. They commonly aren’t worth the extra cost.

Is the 2015 Dodge Challenger a good used car?

The Dodge Challenger is a good car and even earned a #1 ranking from US News and World Report when it was new. But as a used car, it isn’t a great choice. If you really want a Dodge Challenger, we recommend opting for a more reliable model year than the 2015 model of this Dodge muscle car.