05 180 Challenger Owners: Buy or leave it Advise

[cgodfrey6]

Hey there,

Just happens an opportunity has come up that I may trade my 98 speedster in on a 2005 Challenger.

If any owners are out there and would like to offer some free advise I would gladly take it.

I am mostly worried engine about the Super Charger and the life span.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Zonald]

I bought a used 2005 Challenger back on August 1st. It sat up a lot as the previous owner never really used it. The 2nd time I had it out, the thermostat blew out and I had to buy a coolant pump housing. It wasn't tha t big of a deal. The next time I had it out, leaked out all of the oil. Not sure why, never found a leak. I"ve put about 20 hours on it ever since and now it runs great. I mean, really great.

I looked at the supercharger fix and you can get the kit on Ebay to do it yourself. About $175 for the tools and washers. I have yet to do it, but I figure I'm going to rebuild mine this winter. The cost of the rebuild with the tools on ebay is about $375. Superchargers are supposed to be rebuilt about every 100 hours.

Depending on where you live, it's like impossible to find someone to work on this boat even if they work on the skis. So, I've got the manuals and just learned how to do everything myself.

Despite those initial issues, I love my boat. It's awesome. Upgraded the radio to the new Apine marine iPod radio, added the 7" coax speakers in the rear and some Alpine 6.5" coax up front. The boat ROCKS.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

 

[cgodfrey6]

Thanks Zonald

Hey, thanks so much for the feedback.

any problems starting? (other than with the initial problems)

 

[Zonald]

Never had any problems starting. However, the previous owner had the battery and starter replaced right before I bought it. They said it was leaving it on accidentally for a few days after they brought it home. I can see how that would happen. I always leave the radio on to remind myself to turn it off when I'm through.