We won’t jump in and say this is the first wrecked Dodge Charger Daytona. Dodge has been selling them for a few months now, so crashes have certainly happened, but this is the first time we’ve seen a Daytona in a salvage yard. It’s sitting at a lot in Austin, Texas, awaiting auction. But we’re having a devil of a time figuring out why this car is totaled.
Here’s what we know from its listing at IAAI.com. This is a 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T. The door tag shows a manufacturing date of November 2024, and the odometer shows just 682 miles. Primary damage is listed as being the front end, with the airbags deployed. Images show the driver and center displays powered up, with the battery still holding a 95% charge. A basic VIN check states a collision resulting in a total loss occurred on March 12, so this is a recent event.
From there, we’re left with what we see in the photos. There is clearly some front-end damage; the fascia is scuffed and pulled away from the grille, but it doesn’t appear to be broken. There’s also some damage to the passenger front fender, suggesting that’s where the impact occurred. The hood is popped, but it’s unclear if something is damaged or if it’s just unlatched. A glimpse underneath doesn’t show any obvious damage. For that matter, we don’t see any other signs of damage on the outside. Inside, airbags on the driver side are deployed but there’s no obvious damage beyond that.
So yeah, this has us scratching our heads for a few reasons. The R/T starts just north of $60,000, and we can see the Demonic Red seats inside so it’s safe to assume it has at least a few optional extras. The impact was hard enough to set off airbags so there’s almost certainly some hidden damage behind the fascia, but the front clip looks pretty solid for the most part. The wheels aren’t all torn up, and everything from the front of the fender back looks fine.
The Charger Daytona isn’t exactly a hot seller right now. But even if we assume a value of $40,000 for this car and a 70% threshold for declaring it a total loss, that works out to $28,000 of damage. Perhaps something happened to the front motor? And lest we forget, there are likely a bunch of cameras and sensors in the nose that also got whacked. It could well be that technology versus outright damage killed this car.
In any case, it’s headed for auction. Are you willing to take a chance on the Charger Daytona? This iconic muscle car has a rich history and a reputation for power and performance. With its sleek design and powerful engine, the Charger Daytona is a car that demands attention.
One of the most appealing aspects of the Charger Daytona is its distinctive styling. The Daytona features a unique aerodynamic design with a sloping rear roofline and a bold rear spoiler. This design not only gives the car a distinctive look but also improves its performance on the track.
Under the hood, the Charger Daytona is powered by a potent engine that delivers impressive horsepower and torque. Whether you’re looking for a thrilling ride on the open road or want to show off your car at a car show, the Charger Daytona has the power to impress.
But, like any classic car, the Charger Daytona comes with its own set of risks. From maintenance costs to potential repair issues, owning a vintage muscle car requires a certain level of commitment and dedication. However, for many car enthusiasts, the rewards of owning a Charger Daytona far outweigh the risks.
Ultimately, the decision to take a chance on the Charger Daytona comes down to your passion for classic cars and your willingness to invest the time and effort required to maintain and care for this iconic vehicle. So, would you take a chance on the Charger Daytona? Let us know in the comments.