Dodge Hellcat Buying Guide
Everything You Need to Know Before Buying
The Dodge Hellcat represents the pinnacle of American muscle car engineering, delivering 707-797 HP from a supercharged HEMI V8. Available in both Challenger and Charger models since 2015, these vehicles offer extreme performance at a relatively affordable price point.
⚠️ Don't get scammed! Before you buy any Dodge Hellcat, get a VIN report to check for hidden damage, floods, and accidents.
Get VIN Report - $12Quick Overview
Best years, worst years, and what to expect
Best Years to Buy
Years to Avoid
Current Market Price
$55,000 – $85,000
Varies by condition & year
💡 Sweet Spot: 2019-2021 models offer the best balance of reliability improvements, features, and value. The 2019+ models received important cooling and durability updates.
Generation Breakdown
Detailed information for each generation
2015-2023 - First Generation Hellcat
6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8 • 707 HP (2015-2018), 717 HP (2019-2020), 797 HP (Redeye)
Known Issues
- •Supercharger bearing wear (early models)
- •Differential issues under hard launches
- •Cooling system inadequate for track use (2015-2018)
- •Fuel pump failures on high-mileage examples
Improvements
- •2019: Dual-snorkel hood, improved cooling
- •2019: Launch assist and torque reserve
- •2021: Widebody became standard on most trims
- •2019+: Redeye variant with 797 HP
Price Range: $55,000-$85,000
Verdict: 2019-2021 models are the sweet spot - they have the cooling improvements and proven reliability while avoiding the premium of the final year models.
Common Issues Explained
Detailed breakdown of problems to watch for
Supercharger Bearing Failure
(2015-2018)Differential Problems
(2015-2023)Cooling System Overheating
(2015-2018)Fuel Pump Failure
(2015-2020)Complete Inspection Checklist
Use this comprehensive checklist when viewing any Dodge Hellcat
Engine & Supercharger
✓ Check These Points:
- Listen for supercharger whine or grinding at idle and under load
- Check for oil leaks around supercharger and engine
- Verify supercharger oil has been changed (should be amber, not black)
- Scan for engine codes and pending codes
- Check coolant condition and levels
- Verify all intercooler connections are secure
🚩 Red Flags:
- ⚠Metal shavings in supercharger oil
- ⚠Excessive blow-by from PCV system
- ⚠Mismatched engine components suggesting rebuilds
- ⚠Evidence of methanol injection or extreme modifications
Drivetrain
✓ Check These Points:
- Test drive to check for differential noise or binding
- Check for leaks at differential and transmission
- Verify smooth shifting in all gears
- Test launch control and traction management systems
- Check driveshaft and CV joints for play
🚩 Red Flags:
- ⚠Clunking from rear during acceleration/deceleration
- ⚠Transmission slipping or harsh shifts
- ⚠Differential fluid with metal particles
- ⚠Evidence of improper gear ratio changes
Suspension & Brakes
✓ Check These Points:
- Check Brembo brake condition and thickness
- Verify adaptive suspension functions properly
- Look for uneven tire wear indicating alignment issues
- Check for aftermarket suspension modifications
- Test all driving modes
🚩 Red Flags:
- ⚠Warped brake rotors from track use
- ⚠Leaking suspension components
- ⚠Mismatched or extremely worn tires
- ⚠Poor quality lowering springs
Body & Interior
✓ Check These Points:
- Check for uneven panel gaps suggesting accidents
- Verify VIN tags on all body panels
- Check undercarriage for damage from speed bumps
- Verify all electronic features work
- Check for modifications to wiring harness
🚩 Red Flags:
- ⚠Repainted panels or overspray
- ⚠Aftermarket wiring suggesting deleted features
- ⚠Worn driver's seat bolsters on low-mileage cars
- ⚠Evidence of roll cage mounting points
True Cost of Ownership
Budget for these annual expenses
Insurance
Varies greatly by age, location, and driving record
Fuel
Premium fuel required, 13-22 MPG typical
Maintenance
Includes oil changes, filters, and basic maintenance
Tires
Rear tires may last only 5,000-10,000 miles
Repairs/Unexpected
Budget for potential supercharger or differential work
Total Annual Cost
| Category | Low End | High End | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insurance | $2,400 | $4,800 | Varies greatly by age, location, and driving record |
| Fuel | $2,500 | $4,000 | Premium fuel required, 13-22 MPG typical |
| Maintenance | $1,500 | $3,000 | Includes oil changes, filters, and basic maintenance |
| Tires | $1,200 | $2,400 | Rear tires may last only 5,000-10,000 miles |
| Repairs/Unexpected | $1,000 | $5,000 | Budget for potential supercharger or differential work |
| Total Annual Cost | $8,600 | $19,200 |
Insurance: Expect $200-400/month for full coverage. Rates are high due to performance capabilities and theft risk.
Fuel Economy: Premium fuel only. Real-world fuel economy ranges from 13-16 MPG city and 20-24 MPG highway.
Expert Buying Tips
- Always get a pre-purchase inspection from a Dodge dealer or performance shop familiar with Hellcats
- Check if the PCM has been unlocked - this voids warranty and indicates modifications
- Verify maintenance history, especially supercharger oil changes and differential service
- Test all electronic features including launch control, line lock, and driving modes
- Check production date - later build dates in each model year typically have fewer issues
- Consider certified pre-owned for warranty coverage on this high-performance vehicle
- Budget 20-30% above purchase price for first year ownership costs
Scam Warnings & Red Flags
- ⚠Beware of 'stock' cars with aftermarket tunes - check for PCM unlocking
- ⚠Salvage title Hellcats are common due to high theft and accident rates
- ⚠Many have hidden track damage - look for evidence of racing
- ⚠Cloned Hellcats exist - verify VIN and all Hellcat-specific components
- ⚠Be cautious of heavily modified then 'returned to stock' examples
- ⚠Check for matching numbers on engine and supercharger
Consider These Alternatives
Other vehicles worth comparing
Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
Similar performance, magnetic ride suspension, slightly better handling
Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
More powerful (760 HP), dual-clutch transmission option, better cooling
Dodge Challenger Scat Pack
80% of the performance at 60% of the price, better reliability
Ready to Buy a Dodge Hellcat?
Don't forget the most important step - get a comprehensive VIN report before making any purchase decision.