Best Dodge Chargers Under $20K: Style, Power, Value

Hunting for a used Dodge Charger under $20K doesn’t mean settling for a dull, underpowered sedan.

With smart shopping, you can land a bold, rear-drive (or AWD) four-door that blends muscle-car attitude with everyday livability—and does it without wrecking your budget.

This guide shows you exactly how to balance price, mileage, and performance on a pre-owned Charger. You’ll learn which years and trims deliver the best value, what to watch for mechanically, and how to shop confidently with the right tools and sources.

What to Expect for Under $20,000

In today’s market, $15,000–$20,000 typically buys a 2011–2016 Dodge Charger in SE/SXT (V6) or an earlier R/T (5.7L V8) with higher miles. You’ll also see Police Pursuit (PPV) models in this range; they can be bargains if well maintained, but need extra scrutiny (more on that below). Clean-title, well-kept V6 cars with 80k–140k miles are common; R/Ts often land closer to 120k–180k miles at this price.

Performance is a strong suit. The 3.6L Pentastar V6 makes 292–300 hp and can run 0–60 mph in the mid-6 to low-7s, while the 5.7L Hemi V8 (370 hp) drops that to the low-5s in earlier R/Ts. The excellent 8-speed automatic appears widely from 2015-on (V6 earlier in some trims), improving both acceleration and efficiency versus the older 5-speed. Expect roughly mid-20s mpg highway for the V8 and near 30 mpg highway for the V6, depending on year and drivetrain.

Feature-wise, look for Uconnect 8.4 infotainment, heated seats, remote start, parking sensors, and available AWD on V6 models (handy in snow states). Apple CarPlay/Android Auto arrives broadly in 2017+, so you may find it on higher-mileage 2017–2018 cars under $20K; earlier cars can stream via Bluetooth or use aftermarket CarPlay solutions.

Best Years and Trims to Target

2015–2016 SXT (V6) — Sweet-spot daily driver

These years got the updated styling, improved interior refinement, and widespread use of the 8-speed automatic. They’re quick enough, smooth, and efficient—ideal if you want the Charger look without V8 ownership costs. Check for options like the Uconnect 8.4 and driver aids. See year details on Edmunds’ Charger guide.

2011–2014 R/T (5.7L Hemi) — Budget muscle

Earlier R/Ts often slip under $20K with higher mileage. Most use the older 5-speed auto; they’re still stout, but the 2015+ cars with the 8-speed feel quicker and cruise at lower rpm. Inspect maintenance carefully and listen for lifter tick. Compare values on Kelley Blue Book.

Police Pursuit (PPV) — Heavy-duty, high usage

PPV Chargers (V6 or Hemi) have upgraded cooling, brakes, and electrical; some are absolute steals, others are worn hard. Prioritize departments with detailed service logs and check idle hours in addition to miles. Always do a pre-purchase inspection (PPI). Browse examples on Autotrader and CarGurus.

AWD V6 — Confidence in bad weather

AWD shows up on many V6 trims in snow states. With good all-season or winter tires, an AWD SXT makes a capable year-round commuter without the fuel penalty of a V8. Verify transfer case and wheel bearing noise on a test drive.

Mileage vs. Price: Finding the Sweet Spot

As a rule of thumb, average use is about 12k–15k miles per year. A 2015 Charger with ~120k miles is normal for its age and can be a solid buy if maintenance is documented. A 2017 with 65k miles will cost more, but may save on near-term wear items. Use realistic expectations: condition and service history matter more than the odometer alone.

Compare 2–3 candidates side by side and calculate a simple “all-in” number: purchase price + taxes/fees + immediate maintenance. If a cheaper car needs tires, brakes, and fluids, it may be more expensive in the first 12 months than a slightly pricier, better-kept example.

Reliability and What to Watch

3.6L Pentastar V6: Generally reliable. Common items include oil cooler housing leaks (many upgrade to aluminum units), thermostats, and water pumps. Early 2011–2013 engines had a known cylinder head issue; most were addressed under extended coverage—verify records.
5.7L Hemi V8: Look out for lifter/MDS-related tick and occasional exhaust manifold bolt failures. Maintain with quality oil and timely services to minimize issues.
Transmissions: The ZF-derived 8-speed is well-regarded when serviced. The older 5-speed is robust but less efficient; confirm smooth shifts hot and cold.
Electrical/Recalls: Some earlier Chargers had alternator-related recalls; run the VIN through the NHTSA recall checker and confirm all campaigns are complete.
Brakes and tires: These cars are heavy and powerful; budget for quality tires and pads/rotors. Uneven wear can indicate alignment or suspension bushing issues.

Cross-reference reliability data and owner insights on iSeeCars and professional reviews on Edmunds. Fuel economy figures and comparisons are available at fueleconomy.gov.

Must-Have Features and Options Checklist

Uconnect 8.4: The larger screen transforms daily use; 2017+ often adds Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
Driver aids: Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are nice-to-haves on a big sedan.
AWD (V6): Worth it for snow climates; otherwise RWD with good tires is fine.
Seats and comfort: If you commute, prioritize heated seats and remote start; fabric holds up well, but check for bolster wear.
Keys and manuals: Ensure two fobs and the owner’s manual—replacing fobs adds cost.

Ownership Costs: Fuel, Insurance, and Maintenance

Fuel: Expect roughly 19/30 mpg city/highway for many V6 setups and around 16/25 mpg for 5.7L R/Ts, depending on year and drivetrain. Verify specific figures at fueleconomy.gov.

Insurance: V8 trims can cost notably more to insure than V6 models; get quotes by VIN before you commit.

Maintenance: Budget proactively for tires (18–20 inch), brakes, fluids, and suspension wear items. A thorough pre-purchase inspection (PPI)—often $150–$250—can save thousands by catching problems early. Find reputable shops via the AAA repair network.

Where to Shop and How to Verify Value

Search smart: Start with filtered results under $20K on Autotrader and CarGurus. Expand radius to find better-condition cars.
Value check: Compare asking prices to Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds True Market Value.
History and recalls: Pull a report via Carfax or AutoCheck, then run the VIN at NHTSA for open recalls.
PPI and test drive: Verify cold start behavior, transmission shifts, brake feel, alignment, and any engine ticks. Confirm that all electronics and the infotainment system operate correctly.

Example Shortlists Under $20K

Daily-driver value: 2015–2016 SXT V6, ~90k–120k miles, 8-speed, Uconnect 8.4, clean records.
Budget V8 thrill: 2012–2014 R/T, ~130k–170k miles, documented services, no lifter tick, solid brakes/tires.
All-weather cruiser: 2015–2016 SXT AWD V6 with service history and good tread depth.
PPV wild card: 2014–2016 Police Pursuit with comprehensive fleet maintenance logs and reasonable idle hours.

The Bottom Line

A well-chosen Dodge Charger under $20K can deliver the looks, space, and performance you want—without stretching your finances. Focus on the right years and trims, prioritize maintenance history over the lowest price, and back every candidate with a VIN check and a professional inspection. Do that, and you’ll get a sleek, powerful sedan that still makes financial sense.