A used red 2006 Dodge Charger shows off its fascia.

2006 Dodge Charger: Is the Used Sedan’s First Model Year Worth It?

The first model year for the Dodge Charger sedan, the 2006 model, offers an affordable used car prospect with tire-shredding V8 options.

by Erik Sherman

Published on April 16, 2023 7:02 pm

2 min read

Dodge’s Charger sedan has a loyal fan base of enthusiasts who like silly, smoky burnouts scored by a thunderous V8. So, after all these years of LX and LD models, is the original 2006 Dodge Charger worth it for used car hunters and muscle fans? Or are certain trims like the Charger SRT8 not up to the task?

What is the most common problem with a 2006 Dodge Charger?

The most common problem with the 2006 Dodge Charger is engine problems. Specifically, around 488 owners have complained about engine issues like premature failure at about 94,950 miles.

Moreover, Car Complaints reports that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has 382 owner complaints based on engine stalling and failures. Additionally, RepairPal says that the 2006 model has an annual repair cost of $652. That’s about average for comparable vehicles, so owners won’t save much in repair and maintenance costs.

What is special about the 2006 model?

The 2006 Dodge Charger is the first model year for the LX platform and the first mass-production four-door Charger model. Also, like the Magnum SRT8 wagon, the Charger offered a tire-shredding 6.1L Hemi V8 option.

What are the different Dodge Charger trims?

The 2006 Dodge Charger offers four trims, starting with the Pentastar V6-powered SE and SXT models. Higher up the lineup, the R/T packs a 340-horsepower 5.7L Hemi V8. At the top of the Charger trim offerings, the 425-horsepower 6.1L V8 will catapult the SRT8 to 60 in just 5.0 seconds.

What is a 2006 Dodge Charger worth?

Fortunately, a 2006 Dodge Charger is a cheap used muscle sedan option. For instance, Kelley Blue Book (KBB) says that a 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8 with average mileage has a fair value of around $10,074.

Of course, fans can snag lower trims for less. The 5.7L Hemi V8-powered R/T has a fair value of about $6,656, for an example with average mileage. Unlike later models on the LD platform, the first-generation Charger sedan didn’t offer any supercharged options.

An orange 2006 Dodge Charger Daytona shows off its R/T and SRT8 styling. — A Charger Daytona | Stellantis

Is the 2006 Charger worth it?

The 2006 Charger boasts a spacious, practical platform and tire-vaporizing V8 options. However, considering the 2006 model’s myriad driver complaints about expensive engine failures, fans might be better off with a different model year, like a 2009 Charger.

Moreover, potential owners who want a posher sleeper sedan can check out the Chrysler 300 SRT8, a Charger sibling with the same explosive Hemi engine.

Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).