Left the Lexus Family. I'll Miss Everyone!
04-11-16, 09:18 PM
#1
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Left the Lexus Family. I'll Miss Everyone!
I've been getting the itch for a 4-door sedan and today I made the move. I still wanted performance, excitement, style and was willing to sacrifice a little bit in quality and ride comfort.
I traded my 2015 RC-F that was a little over a year old with just a tad over 2,100 miles on it for a black on black 2016 Dodge Charger Hell Cat with 3 miles on the clock. I did take a bit of a hit on it but was able to feel comfortable with the deal the dealership was able to provide me.
It will be a while before the car will allow me to engage the launch control and fully utilize the power on tap when using one of the two RED keys. For the time being, the BLACK key and the 500 or so horse power will have to do.
The sound of the exhaust at cold startup is incredible and mellows to a wonderful rumble after the engine warms up a bit. The ever-present whine of the supercharger is a delight and will take some getting used to after the almost whisper quiet operation of the RC-F at anything short of putting the pedal to the metal. Dodge did a good job on that aspect of the car.
The interior, although not Spartan by any means, is definitely not up to Lexus standards but, then again, I knew that getting into the vehicle.
I've enjoyed you guys 'n' gals and all the help you've so freely given to everyone over the years and will continue to visit from time to time. Take care and, above all, be safe!
I traded my 2015 RC-F that was a little over a year old with just a tad over 2,100 miles on it for a black on black 2016 Dodge Charger Hell Cat with 3 miles on the clock. I did take a bit of a hit on it but was able to feel comfortable with the deal the dealership was able to provide me.
It will be a while before the car will allow me to engage the launch control and fully utilize the power on tap when using one of the two RED keys. For the time being, the BLACK key and the 500 or so horse power will have to do.
The sound of the exhaust at cold startup is incredible and mellows to a wonderful rumble after the engine warms up a bit. The ever-present whine of the supercharger is a delight and will take some getting used to after the almost whisper quiet operation of the RC-F at anything short of putting the pedal to the metal. Dodge did a good job on that aspect of the car.
The interior, although not Spartan by any means, is definitely not up to Lexus standards but, then again, I knew that getting into the vehicle.
I've enjoyed you guys 'n' gals and all the help you've so freely given to everyone over the years and will continue to visit from time to time. Take care and, above all, be safe!
04-12-16, 06:05 AM
#4
Lexus Test Driver
I've been getting the itch for a 4-door sedan and today I made the move. I still wanted performance, excitement, style and was willing to sacrifice a little bit in quality and ride comfort.
I traded my 2015 RC-F that was a little over a year old with just a tad over 2,100 miles on it for a black on black 2016 Dodge Charger Hell Cat with 3 miles on the clock. I did take a bit of a hit on it but was able to feel comfortable with the deal the dealership was able to provide me.
It will be a while before the car will allow me to engage the launch control and fully utilize the power on tap when using one of the two RED keys. For the time being, the BLACK key and the 500 or so horse power will have to do.
The sound of the exhaust at cold startup is incredible and mellows to a wonderful rumble after the engine warms up a bit. The ever-present whine of the supercharger is a delight and will take some getting used to after the almost whisper quiet operation of the RC-F at anything short of putting the pedal to the metal. Dodge did a good job on that aspect of the car.
The interior, although not Spartan by any means, is definitely not up to Lexus standards but, then again, I knew that getting into the vehicle.
I've enjoyed you guys 'n' gals and all the help you've so freely given to everyone over the years and will continue to visit from time to time. Take care and, above all, be safe!
62 A. H. Sprite (sold), 64 TR-4 (sold), Corvette 427 c.i. 435 h.p. (sold), 73 Chevy Nova SS-350 427 c.i. (sold), 82 & 89 Porsche 928s (sold), 90 Taurus SHO (sold), 96 Fix Or Repair Daily Taurus (sold), 95 SC-400 (sold), 99 Corvette (sold), 02 Corvette Z-06 (sold), 04 SC-430 (sold), 06 GS-300AWD (sold), 09 Mazda CX-7 (sold), 08 IS-F MMR (sold), 11 Grand Cherokee (current), 13 GS-350 RR (sold), 15 RC-F Sonic Silver Metallic (sold), 16 Challenger SRT Hell Cat Black (current).
I traded my 2015 RC-F that was a little over a year old with just a tad over 2,100 miles on it for a black on black 2016 Dodge Charger Hell Cat with 3 miles on the clock. I did take a bit of a hit on it but was able to feel comfortable with the deal the dealership was able to provide me.
It will be a while before the car will allow me to engage the launch control and fully utilize the power on tap when using one of the two RED keys. For the time being, the BLACK key and the 500 or so horse power will have to do.
The sound of the exhaust at cold startup is incredible and mellows to a wonderful rumble after the engine warms up a bit. The ever-present whine of the supercharger is a delight and will take some getting used to after the almost whisper quiet operation of the RC-F at anything short of putting the pedal to the metal. Dodge did a good job on that aspect of the car.
The interior, although not Spartan by any means, is definitely not up to Lexus standards but, then again, I knew that getting into the vehicle.
I've enjoyed you guys 'n' gals and all the help you've so freely given to everyone over the years and will continue to visit from time to time. Take care and, above all, be safe!
62 A. H. Sprite (sold), 64 TR-4 (sold), Corvette 427 c.i. 435 h.p. (sold), 73 Chevy Nova SS-350 427 c.i. (sold), 82 & 89 Porsche 928s (sold), 90 Taurus SHO (sold), 96 Fix Or Repair Daily Taurus (sold), 95 SC-400 (sold), 99 Corvette (sold), 02 Corvette Z-06 (sold), 04 SC-430 (sold), 06 GS-300AWD (sold), 09 Mazda CX-7 (sold), 08 IS-F MMR (sold), 11 Grand Cherokee (current), 13 GS-350 RR (sold), 15 RC-F Sonic Silver Metallic (sold), 16 Challenger SRT Hell Cat Black (current).
Congrats on the Hellcat, I'm sure you'll enjoy either one, and as someone else mentioned post a few pics.
Last edited by JT4; 04-12-16 at 06:18 AM.
04-12-16, 01:19 PM
#5
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Did you get the Charger or Challenger? I'm asking because you mentioned a Charger in your post, but your signature shows Challenger. These cars intrigue me a lot, but I haven't been able to bring myself to pull the trigger for some reason.
Congrats on the Hellcat, I'm sure you'll enjoy either one, and as someone else mentioned post a few pics.
Congrats on the Hellcat, I'm sure you'll enjoy either one, and as someone else mentioned post a few pics.
Luckily, the plate and my ego are the only things that were scratched.Regarding not being able to pull the trigger, I can understand that. Interior quality and choice of materials is behind what Lexus does but the amazing "tailor-ability" of the suspension, launch control tuning (once I get past a certain number of miles, etc.) and the different performance maps in the application section of the on-board electronics package is really cool. I also understand that there are aftermarket performance tweaks available because the ECU is not locked down hard but that was just the salesman talking so I don't know for sure.
Also, the car came with "all season" Pirelli P Zero Nero tires which surprised me.
Last edited by jkeifer3; 04-12-16 at 01:34 PM.
04-12-16, 01:26 PM
#6
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
04-12-16, 05:12 PM
#7
Lexus Test Driver
I saw a red two door version in my parking garage today. Looked pretty bad ****. How many hp does the 2 and 4 doors gave. The red said SRT on the back, cat on the side and supercharged on hood. I assume this is the same as yours but 2 door.
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04-12-16, 05:21 PM
#8
Lexus Champion
the Charger is nice looking car, but having been a Mopar ASE tech in my former life (up until their bankruptcy in 2009), I will never recommend or purchase a Chrysler product.
good luck to you.
I might suggest lxforums.com for your Mopar community needs, a ton of good folk over there.
good luck to you.
I might suggest lxforums.com for your Mopar community needs, a ton of good folk over there.
04-12-16, 05:34 PM
#9
Nice car, the Charger. I really like how they look but I don't know about going from the Luxury of the RC-F to the Dodge... it's like different worlds but if you want power, I think it's tough to beat a car like that nowadays. But anyways, congratz!
04-13-16, 05:19 AM
#10
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
As was mentioned, same HP in either the 2- or the 4-door versions. The only emblems on the car are SRT and a couple of smallish kitty cats on either side behind the front wheels. No indication of being supercharged.
04-13-16, 05:20 AM
#11
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
You probably saw the Challenger Hellcat which is a 2 door. The Charger comes only 4 door. They both share the same engine, a 6.2L V8 with 707hp
Nice car, the Charger. I really like how they look but I don't know about going from the Luxury of the RC-F to the Dodge... it's like different worlds but if you want power, I think it's tough to beat a car like that nowadays. But anyways, congratz!
Nice car, the Charger. I really like how they look but I don't know about going from the Luxury of the RC-F to the Dodge... it's like different worlds but if you want power, I think it's tough to beat a car like that nowadays. But anyways, congratz!
04-13-16, 05:49 AM
#12
Lexus Test Driver
Thanks and I will change my signature! It's the 4-door Charger. Here's the only time I will say this, but thank God for Virginia and its front license plate requirement!!!! The car is quite a bit longer than the RC-F and the tool box in the front of the garage has marks to prove it Luckily, the plate and my ego are the only things that were scratched.
Regarding not being able to pull the trigger, I can understand that. Interior quality and choice of materials is behind what Lexus does but the amazing "tailor-ability" of the suspension, launch control tuning (once I get past a certain number of miles, etc.) and the different performance maps in the application section of the on-board electronics package is really cool. I also understand that there are aftermarket performance tweaks available because the ECU is not locked down hard but that was just the salesman talking so I don't know for sure.
Also, the car came with "all season" Pirelli P Zero Nero tires which surprised me.
Luckily, the plate and my ego are the only things that were scratched.Regarding not being able to pull the trigger, I can understand that. Interior quality and choice of materials is behind what Lexus does but the amazing "tailor-ability" of the suspension, launch control tuning (once I get past a certain number of miles, etc.) and the different performance maps in the application section of the on-board electronics package is really cool. I also understand that there are aftermarket performance tweaks available because the ECU is not locked down hard but that was just the salesman talking so I don't know for sure.
Also, the car came with "all season" Pirelli P Zero Nero tires which surprised me.
One said that he would rather go to the dentist then bring his vehicle in for service. Now granted, these aren't my experiences but when you hear the same type of thing over and over again from different people, about different dealers, it's enough to make me second guess.
You lucked out on the all season tires, I would have thought they would have given you summer performance tires with that beast. On the street and in your climate you will be better off with the A/S tires, especially when the weather is cold.
Again, best of luck...
Last edited by JT4; 04-13-16 at 05:54 AM.
04-13-16, 09:11 AM
#13
Congrats on the hellcat it's an awesome car. If you truly got ANY money off sticker you got one hell of a deal. I work at a Dodge/Chrysler dealer and we've never had either a Challenger or Charger Hellcat sell for any less than $10k over sticker. I've seen them go for as much as $40k abover sticker in this area.
I had the opportunity and was actually considering the Charger hellcat and the SRT8 Grand Cherokee before leasing the RCF but I've always had Lexus vehicles and just couldn't deal with the difference in quality. The cars are fast as can be, but just feel lacking in some departments. If you're looking for all out power and performance under $100k you cant beat it, but for Luxury and quality I'll stick with lexus all day (500 hp is enough for me, for now). When the Grand Cherokee Track Hawk releases though I may have to reconsider depending on the price
.
Again, congrats on the hellcat man, I can promise it will put a smile on your face every time you drive with the RED key.
I had the opportunity and was actually considering the Charger hellcat and the SRT8 Grand Cherokee before leasing the RCF but I've always had Lexus vehicles and just couldn't deal with the difference in quality. The cars are fast as can be, but just feel lacking in some departments. If you're looking for all out power and performance under $100k you cant beat it, but for Luxury and quality I'll stick with lexus all day (500 hp is enough for me, for now). When the Grand Cherokee Track Hawk releases though I may have to reconsider depending on the price
.Again, congrats on the hellcat man, I can promise it will put a smile on your face every time you drive with the RED key.
04-14-16, 11:38 AM
#15
Picture or it never happened. 
Hate to see you go!
-Josh
Hate to see you go!
-Josh
__________________
Your #1 Dealer for Aftermarket Performance Products
Orange County, CA
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Your #1 Dealer for Aftermarket Performance Products
Orange County, CA
Email: info@merakiautoworks.com
Text/Call: 213 394 2886
Website: www.MerakiAutoworks.com