Is a Dodge Charger R/T a good first car?

My dad has a Dodge Charger R/T he wants to pass down to my son for his sixteenth birthday. I appreciate the gesture, but I’m also nervous…I’ve heard some scary things about the Dodge Charger that don’t sit right with me. Would a Dodge Charger R/T be a good first car for a teenager?

Kathryn Mae Kurlychek · Answered on Nov 30, 2022

Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.

Despite the Dodge Charger RT’s decent ratings for reliability and safety, it might not be a good first car.

With a hefty eight-cylinder engine capable of up to 370 hp, it’s a powerful driver—and may prove to be too much in the hands of first-time drivers. On top of that, the cost of new parts is pricey, making even small mistakes like fender-benders potentially costly.

If you plan on adding your teen driver to your insurance policy, potential repairs won’t be the only cost to worry about. Teen drivers have some of the highest insurance rates of any demographic.

MORE: How to choose the best car for a teenager

View full answer

WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY

Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

Browse More Content

Car Repair Resources

Insurance for Your Car

Insurance in Your State

Insurance In Your City

What Others Are Asking

Is a Jeep Compass a Good First Car?

I finally got my license and think about purchasing a Jeep Compass as my first car, but I don’t know if this is a smart decision. Any idea about whether a Jeep Compass is a good first car?

Katherine Duffy

Why does my 1997 Nissan Hardbody bog down at full throttle?

It has been feeling lately like my ‘97 Nissan Hardbody is bogging down when I’m full-throttle accelerating. Why would my engine hesitate when accelerating hard?

Is a Jeep Liberty a Good First Car?

I just got my license, and I’m considering purchasing a used Jeep Liberty as my first car. Any idea about whether a Jeep Liberty is a good first car?

Katherine Duffy

Browse All Questions

Read Advice From Car Experts At Jerry

Lordstown Motors is looking to win back investors.

Who is Geeta Fisker of Fisker Inc.?

Geeta Gupta Fisker has a master’s degree, a Ph.D., and an EV company to look after. Here’s a bit about Fisker Inc’s impressive CFO.

2022 Toyota Sienna Gas Tank Size

The 2022 Toyota Sienna has an 18-gallon gas tank.

Fire & Ice: VelociRaptor 600 Hypercar Put to the Test in Sand Dunes and Rocky Mountains

Hypercar manufacturer Hennessey is taking their VelociRaptor 600 through rigorous durability tests in the Glamis Sand Dunes and Rocky Mountains.

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

No long forms

No spam or unwanted phone calls

Quotes from top insurance companies

Find insurance savings — it's 100% free

Car Insurance by Make

Car Insurance by State

Compare Free Quotes (& Save Hundreds per Year!)

Jerry automatically shops for your insurance before every renewal. Members save $872/year.

Close Signup Banner