What you're looking at with a 2018 Dodge Charger

A 2018 Dodge Charger is a full-size sedan with a V8 engine in most trims, rear-wheel drive, and a straightforward design that hasn't changed much since 2011. You'll find them in three main engine options: a 3.6-litre V6 (292 horsepower), a 5.7-litre V8 (370 horsepower), or a 6.2-litre V8 (707 horsepower in the Hellcat trim). The V6 is the cheapest to buy and run; the V8s are faster and thirstier at the pump. All versions use an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The 2018 model year sits in the middle of the current generation, so it has most of the features buyers want without being the newest or oldest version on the market. The interior is durable but not fancy—cloth or leather seats depending on trim, a touchscreen infotainment system, and enough room for five adults. The trunk is large, which matters if you haul cargo regularly.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2018 Charger comes with a V6 or V8 engine; the V8 models are significantly faster but cost more to fuel and maintain.
  • Check the transmission fluid condition and listen for hesitation or rough shifts, because the 8-speed automatic can develop problems if not serviced on schedule.
  • Inspect the suspension and steering for wear, especially on higher-mileage examples, since the Charger's weight puts stress on these components.
  • Verify that all scheduled maintenance has been completed, particularly engine oil changes every 10,000 kilometres and transmission fluid service every 80,000 kilometres.
  • Test the brakes thoroughly—the Charger is heavy, and worn brake pads or warped rotors are common issues on used examples.

Engine condition and what to listen for

Start the engine cold and listen for any ticking, knocking, or rough idle. A healthy 2018 Charger should start smoothly and settle into a steady idle within a few seconds. If the engine sounds rough or hesitates when you first accelerate, that can signal spark plug wear, fuel injector problems, or ignition coil failure—all fixable but worth knowing about before you buy.

The V8 engines in particular should be checked for oil sludge. Ask the seller for the maintenance records and look specifically for oil change intervals. Dodge recommends an oil change every 10,000 kilometres for these engines. If the records show gaps longer than that, or if you can't see the records at all, have a mechanic do a compression test before you commit. A V8 that has been neglected will cost you hundreds in repairs within months.

Run the engine at highway speed for at least 15 minutes during your test drive. Listen for any knocking under load, which would suggest carbon buildup or pre-ignition. Feel for any vibration through the steering wheel or seat that wasn't there at idle—that can mean engine mounts are worn.

Transmission behaviour and fluid condition

The 8-speed automatic in the 2018 Charger is reliable when maintained but can develop shift lag or harsh shifts if the fluid has been neglected. During your test drive, accelerate smoothly from a stop and feel for the shift from first to second gear. It should be smooth and almost imperceptible. If you feel a jolt, hesitation, or a delay before the engine responds, the transmission may need fluid service or have internal wear.

Ask the seller when the transmission fluid was last serviced. Dodge recommends transmission fluid service every 80,000 kilometres, though many owners go longer without problems. If the car has more than 160,000 kilometres and you can't confirm a fluid service in the last 80,000, budget for that service soon after purchase. Fresh fluid is cheap insurance against a transmission failure that could cost $3,000 or more to repair.

Check the transmission fluid colour yourself if you can access the dipstick. It should be bright red or pink. Dark brown or black fluid means it has been overheated or is very old. Burnt-smelling fluid is a red flag—it suggests the transmission has been working hard, possibly towing or driving in stop-and-go traffic without proper cooling.

Suspension, steering, and brake wear

The Charger weighs between 1,700 and 1,900 kilograms depending on engine choice, and that weight stresses the suspension and brakes. Bounce each corner of the car by pressing down on the fender and releasing. The car should settle in one or two bounces. If it bounces more than that, the shock absorbers or struts are worn and will need replacement soon—expect $400 to $800 per corner for parts and labour.

During your test drive, turn the steering wheel fully left and right at low speed. It should feel responsive and not make creaking noises. Any creaking or grinding from the front end usually means tie rod ends or ball joints are worn. Listen for clunking over bumps, which suggests worn suspension bushings or control arm bearings.

Brake feel is critical on a car this heavy. The brakes should be firm and responsive, with no sponginess or fade after repeated hard stops. If the pedal feels soft or sinks toward the floor, there may be air in the brake lines or a leak. Inspect the brake pads visually if possible—they should have at least 3 millimetres of friction material remaining. Warped rotors are common on used Chargers and will cause pulsing or vibration when you brake.

Cooling system and overheating risk

Check the coolant level when the engine is cold. It should be between the minimum and maximum marks on the overflow tank. If the level is low, ask the seller whether they've had to top it up recently. A car that loses coolant has either a leak or a head gasket problem, both expensive to fix.

Look under the car for any green, orange, or pink stains on the ground or undercarriage—those are signs of coolant leaks. Common leak points are the water pump, radiator hoses, and heater core. A small weep from the water pump gasket might be tolerable, but a steady drip means repair is needed soon.

During your test drive, watch the temperature gauge. It should climb to the middle of the gauge and stay there. If it climbs higher or fluctuates, the thermostat may be stuck or the cooling fan may not be working properly. Overheating can damage the engine, so this is worth investigating before purchase.

Electrical systems and infotainment

Test every electrical component: windows, locks, mirrors, seats, and climate controls. These should all work smoothly without delay or grinding noises. A window that moves slowly or a lock that hesitates can be a sign of worn motors or corroded connections—usually minor but worth noting.

The touchscreen infotainment system should respond quickly to inputs and display the backup camera clearly. If the screen is slow, freezes, or doesn't show the camera feed, the system may need a software update or hardware replacement. Check that the steering wheel controls for audio and cruise work properly.

Turn on the headlights and high beams. Both should be bright and even. Dim or flickering lights can mean worn bulbs, corroded connectors, or alternator problems. The battery should be find in its tray with no corrosion on the terminals.

Maintenance records and service history

Ask the seller for the complete maintenance history. A well-maintained 2018 Charger will have records showing regular oil changes, fluid services, and any repairs that were done. Dodge's recommended maintenance schedule includes spark plug replacement at 160,000 kilometres, so if the car is near that mileage, confirm whether that has been done.

If records are missing or incomplete, that's not necessarily a deal-breaker, but it means you should have a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic who knows Dodge vehicles. A thorough inspection costs $150 to $300 and can reveal hidden problems that will cost you thousands later. It's the best money you can spend before buying a used car.

Look for evidence of accidents or major repairs. Check whether the paint colour and thickness are consistent across all panels using a paint depth gauge if you have one, or by looking at the paint under different lighting. Mismatched paint or overly thick paint suggests the panel was repainted after an accident.

Fuel economy and running costs

The 2018 Charger V6 averages around 10 to 11 litres per 100 kilometres in mixed driving. The V8 models average 11 to 13 litres per 100 kilometres depending on how you drive. The Hellcat V8 is thirstier, closer to 14 to 16 litres per 100 kilometres. These are estimates—your actual consumption will depend on your driving habits and road conditions.

Insurance costs for a Charger are moderate to high because it's a performance sedan. Get a quote from your insurance company before you buy, because the cost varies based on the engine, your age, driving record, and location. A V8 model will cost more to insure than a V6.

Maintenance costs are reasonable for a domestic sedan. Oil changes run $50 to $100, brake pads $150 to $300 per axle, and routine fluid services $100 to $200. Parts are widely available and not expensive compared to imported luxury cars. Labour rates at independent shops are usually lower than at Dodge dealerships.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the V6 and V8 in a 2018 Charger?

The V6 produces 292 horsepower and is slower off the line but costs less to buy, insure, and fuel. The standard V8 produces 370 horsepower and accelerates noticeably faster. The Hellcat V8 produces 707 horsepower and is a high-performance car. Choose based on how you'll actually drive it—the V6 is fine for commuting, the V8 if you want more power.

How many kilometres is too many for a 2018 Charger?

A well-maintained Charger with 200,000 kilometres can be reliable, but one with 200,000 kilometres and no service records may have hidden problems. Mileage matters less than maintenance history. A car with 120,000 kilometres and full records is a safer buy than one with 80,000 kilometres and gaps in service.

Should I buy a Charger with unknown accident history?

You can request a vehicle history report from services like Carfax or AutoCheck, which will show reported accidents and insurance claims. If the report is clean but you see signs of repainting or misaligned panels, have a mechanic inspect the frame and suspension alignment. Hidden accident damage can affect handling and safety.

What's the most common problem with 2018 Chargers?

Transmission fluid neglect is the most preventable problem—many owners skip the 80,000-kilometre service and end up with shift issues later. Suspension wear is common on higher-mileage examples, especially if the car was driven aggressively. Regular maintenance prevents both.

Can I negotiate the price based on needed repairs?

Yes. If your pre-purchase inspection finds worn brakes, suspension components, or deferred maintenance, use that information to negotiate. Get a repair estimate from a mechanic and ask the seller to either lower the price by that amount or complete the repairs before sale. Most sellers will negotiate rather than lose the deal.