I just purchased a month ago a new 2022 Dodge Challenger SXT 3.6 Pentastar V6 AWD (I live up north). I was wondering, my plan is keeping this car for basically as long as I possibly can keep it. I have a good record of really taking care of my vehicles. I am very strict with oil changes and even changing all the fluids at the recommended mileage (even the power steering and differential).
Anyway, is there anything I need to watch out for about this car? I already know about the cam wear problems they face, and basically I just have to be careful on not idling too much and simply change the oil constantly. Aside from the cam problem, are there any reports about a major issue these cars face? How about the transmission? It has the torqueflite 8-speed automatic transmission. I know it's new, but so far it doesn't seem weak, like I've seen on the certain Jeeps with the 9 speed. (Those transmissions felt very weak from the start)
I would appreciate any info given since I do plan on keeping it and want to take care of it as much as I can. I don't drive it rough, I didn't buy it to race around, I just love the style and the way it drives. Any tips would be appreciated.
For the transmission, I recommend looking at BMW cars in the last 7 years. A bunch of them use the ZF 8 Speed. Even the Toyota Supra uses it. TMK, it is a decent transmission.
Chrysler licensed the ZF 8 speed to build themselves. So regardless of design, there is also the manufacturing concern.
So far so good though TMK.
At least compared to the ZF 9 Speed. That had trouble all across the board. Even Honda/Acura got hit hard with that design.
General advice that I hear constantly: keep up with maintenance schedule in the owners manual. Maybe even halve the intervals for the transmission oil fluid exchange.
Take care of it and change fluids often, don't drive it hard if you don't have to, and you will be fine.
