[Speedy1975]

It was a tough decision, but after having issue with local dealers not wanting to honor my GSU discount nor wiggle on MSRP price at all with some charging $2500 to $5000 over MSRP for the Camaro, I started more seriously considering the Challenger. I always liked the looks, but was drawn to the higher performance of the Camaro.

However, when EPP+ was announced, it really got my attention again. Now the price gap betwen a Camaro and a Challenger became VERY significant. MSRP vs. MSRP, I'd say the Camaro is a better deal, however throw in all the rebates, discounts, Employee Pricing, and 0% financing on the Challenger and the gap became very close.

I'm one of those guys that doesn't "push" on things like this. I'm a religious guy so I figure if it's meant to work out it just will. In my case, a Hemi Orange Challenger just happened to be showing up at a dealership the very next day I was there talking to them. The car had been on order since June 2008 and just got to the dealer yesterday. It was the only Hemi Orange within 1000 miles of me according to Vehix that had the options I wanted.

They made me an offer I just couldn't refuse on the price making it about $6000 less than an equally equiped Camaro, as well as 0% financing for 48 mos. In a year or two, these deals might be available for the Camaro as well, assuming GM stays a float, but I just didn't wanna risk not getting to own a muscle car at some time in my life.

After driving the car around for a day, I think it fits my personality a little better than the Camaro as well. The Challenger is straight up muscle car and looks the part. The Camaro is part muscle car and part sports car, but I'd say more sports car in appearance.

I've never owned a Dodge before, so I hope I have good luck with it. The lifetime power train warranty is a cool feature, but with the mods I plan to do I'm not sure it'll be worth anything to me anyway. So far I really like all the features, and have always liked the interior lay out better than that of the Camaro, except for the Camaros 4 pack gauges which are pretty cool.

I'll still pop in from time to time and look forward to seeing some Camaros out on the road.

Here's what I ended up with:
2009 Challenger R/T Hemi Orange with R/T Hood Stripes
27J Package (leather and all that jazz)
6 speed manual trans
Track Pack
Sound Group II
20" Wheel Upgrade which includes performance brakes and 3.92 gear ratio
Electronic Convenience Group
HID Headlamps

The only down side...it's obviously going to be a cop magnet. I wasn't 5 miles from the dealership after picking it up and already had the popo on my arse.

The exhaust is quite loud for a stock car. I guess that's what got his attention.

I hope you guys aren't too mad at me, but the economics were just too good to pass up.

Finally, I'd encourage you guys to be careful with your money on ordering Camaros. There are A LOT of guys on the Challenger forum that are having buyers remorse. They paid MSRP or higher for their cars, put in orders, etc and still haven't received their vehicles. I walked on a lot and drove mine home for thousands less. Patience pays fellas.