If you're on the hunt for a genuine American muscle car without the new-car price tag, this 2018 Dodge Charger R/T Sedan for sale at Prestige Auto Sales in Bakersfield, California is exactly what you've been looking for. With a roaring 5.7-liter HEMI V8 under the hood, rear-wheel drive, and an aggressive presence on the road, this Charger R/T delivers the kind of driving experience that's hard to find at $17,999. Stock #2331 is ready for a test drive — and in a market full of crossovers and commuter sedans, this one stands apart.
About This 2018 Dodge Charger R/T
At 115,907 miles, this 2018 Charger R/T sits comfortably in the sweet spot for used muscle car buyers. The Charger is built on Chrysler's LX platform, which was engineered from the ground up for durability and long-term performance. The HEMI V8 in particular is well known for going well past 150,000 miles with proper maintenance, meaning this car still has significant life ahead of it. For buyers in Bakersfield and the greater Kern County area who want a bold, full-size sedan with real power, this is one of the most compelling values on the used market today.
2018 Dodge Charger R/T Performance and Engine
5.7-Liter HEMI V8 Power
The heart of the R/T is Dodge's legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V8, producing 370 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque in stock form. That's the kind of output that makes highway merges effortless and stop-light pulls genuinely exciting. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick manual shifting capability, the power delivery is smooth during everyday driving but snaps to attention when you need it. Rear-wheel drive gives the Charger that classic, driver-focused feel that performance enthusiasts specifically seek out.
Fuel Economy and Daily Drivability
Despite its V8 muscle car credentials, the 5.7 HEMI features Fuel Saver Technology (cylinder deactivation), which cuts the engine to four cylinders during light-load cruising. This makes the Charger R/T more practical for daily commuting on the 99 or surface streets around Bakersfield than many buyers expect. Real-world highway fuel economy typically lands in the mid-20s mpg range — respectable for a 370-horsepower V8 sedan.
Dodge Charger R/T Features and Interior
What the R/T Trim Includes
The R/T trim level positions the Charger as the entry point into true HEMI performance, and it comes well-equipped from the factory. Buyers can typically expect sport-tuned suspension, a performance exhaust that gives the HEMI its distinctive growl, Uconnect infotainment with a touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and a sport-styled interior with supportive seating. The Charger's interior is a full four-door, five-passenger layout — a unique combination of muscle car performance and family-sedan practicality that no competitor quite matches. The trunk space is genuinely useful, and rear-seat legroom is class-leading for the segment.
Dodge Charger R/T Reliability and Ownership
The Dodge Charger has earned a strong reputation for durability among enthusiast owners, and the 5.7-liter HEMI engine is widely considered one of the most bulletproof V8s in modern production. Owner communities consistently report 200,000-mile engines when the car is given regular oil changes and basic maintenance. Common items to monitor at this mileage include spark plugs, transmission fluid, and cooling system components — all routine service items that are affordable and well-documented. The 8-speed automatic is robust and responds well to fluid changes. Overall, the Charger R/T at this mileage is far from the end of its road — it's a well-proven platform with a large, active owner and aftermarket community that makes parts and expertise easy to find.
Why Buy From Prestige Auto Sales in Bakersfield, California
Prestige Auto Sales, located right here in Bakersfield in the heart of Kern County, has built its reputation on offering quality pre-owned vehicles at honest prices. When you shop local, you deal with real people who understand the Bakersfield market — not a faceless mega-dealer or an online auction platform where you can't see the car before you buy. The team at Prestige is straightforward, the inventory is personally selected, and the price on this Charger at $17,999 reflects real-world market value for a HEMI V8 sedan in this mileage range. Come in, walk around it, start it up, and let the exhaust note speak for itself.
Financing a Used Dodge Charger Near Bakersfield
Prestige Auto Sales works with a range of lenders to help buyers throughout Bakersfield and Kern County get behind the wheel, regardless of credit history. Whether you have excellent credit, are rebuilding, or are a first-time buyer, the finance team will work to find a monthly payment structure that fits your budget. At $17,999, this Charger R/T is attainable for most buyers who can put together a reasonable down payment. Call 661-438-3252 to discuss your financing options before you even visit the lot — the team is happy to give you a realistic picture of what to expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2018 Dodge Charger R/T a good buy?
Yes — the 2018 Charger R/T is one of the best values in used American muscle. The 5.7-liter HEMI is proven, the platform is durable, and the combination of four doors and V8 performance is unique in the market. At this price point, it's difficult to find comparable power and style from any other nameplate.
How many miles is too many on a used Dodge Charger R/T?
For a HEMI-powered Charger with proper maintenance history, 115,000 miles is very much mid-life. These engines are routinely driven to 200,000 miles and beyond. The key is reviewing service records and having the vehicle inspected — both of which are reasonable steps when purchasing any used vehicle.
What does the Charger R/T trim include compared to the base SXT?
The R/T upgrades from the base SXT by replacing the 3.6-liter V6 with the 5.7-liter HEMI V8, adding sport-tuned suspension, a performance exhaust, and sport branding throughout. It's the first trim level to deliver true muscle car performance, and it's the reason enthusiasts specifically seek out the R/T badge over the base model.
Is rear-wheel drive a problem in Bakersfield's climate?
Bakersfield's dry, warm climate is actually ideal for rear-wheel drive. The valley rarely sees snow or ice, making RWD a non-issue for the vast majority of driving conditions local buyers encounter. In fact, RWD contributes to the Charger's sporty handling balance and is preferred by enthusiast drivers.
Can I negotiate the price at Prestige Auto Sales?
Prestige Auto Sales prices its vehicles competitively based on current market data, but the team is always willing to have a conversation. Coming in prepared with knowledge of the market — and this Charger is priced well within it — puts you in a good position. Call 661-438-3252 to start the conversation before your visit.
Serving Bakersfield and Surrounding Areas
Prestige Auto Sales is proud to serve drivers throughout Bakersfield and the broader Kern County region. Shoppers regularly make the trip from Delano, Wasco, Shafter, Taft, Tehachapi, Ridgecrest, and communities throughout the San Joaquin Valley to browse the inventory. Whether you're coming in from the northwest part of the valley, the foothills to the east, or the desert communities to the south, Bakersfield is an easy drive — and a 2018 Dodge Charger R/T with a HEMI V8 is worth the trip from just about anywhere.
Contact Prestige Auto Sales Today
Don't let this 2018 Dodge Charger R/T Sedan (Stock #2331) sit on the lot for long — HEMI V8 Chargers at this price in Kern County don't last. Contact Prestige Auto Sales in Bakersfield, California by calling 661-438-3252 to schedule your test drive, ask questions about the vehicle's history, or get pre-qualified for financing. The team is ready to help you drive home in one of the most iconic American performance sedans on the road today.