Dodge recently communicated that it’s finally cracking down on dealers who have been gouging the price of the 2023 Challenger SRT Demon 170 by prioritizing production of cars sold at or below MSRP. It seems that some dealers are taking this punishment very seriously, with at least one resorting to auctioning off their last spot on eBay and donating a portion of the proceeds in hopes of seeking absolution. Justice has finally been served!
In all seriousness, we have covered many Demon 170 markups, some of which are completely outrageous. For instance, one dealer told a customer that they could have an allocation only if they purchased a Charger Super Bee, and then informed them that they would have to pay +$200k for the Demon. As bad as those stories are, Jim Glover Dodge in Owasso, Oklahoma seems to have taken things to the next level.
The Oklahoma dealer listed its final allocation for the Demon 170 on eBay. “We have received massive interest in our final allocation of this last call Demon, and couldn’t find a fair way to decide who gets to purchase the car. We have received several significant offers but felt that an auction is the most effective way to decide,” it says in the listing.
More: A Loyal Dodge Customer’s Story Of Dealer Greed Over The Demon 170
It then goes on to say that this “auction is for an allocation” and that “additional factory options selected on your order will be added to the final price of this eBay auction.” So whoever wins will have to also pay for whatever options they want on top of the final sale price. Oh, and Jim Glover Dodge will also ship the car wherever you want. For a fee of course.
Considering all of the potential issues for its customer, we’re surprised that Dodge itself isn’t stepping in to do more. It sure seems that reports that Dodge punishes dealers that price gouge the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 are vastly overblown.
For one thing, data shows that paying a big markup on any car decreases satisfaction and brand loyalty. In addition, Dodge has said that cars selling for a markup risk not getting built at all so who’s to say that this customer who puts down their “$50,000 non-refundable deposit” will ever get anything for that cash?
More: Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 Order Guide Reveals Customization Options And Pricing
It’s worth noting that some forum users believe that Jim Glover Dodge is technically buying the Demon 170 in its listing for itself at MSRP and then reselling it to the winning bidder. We can’t confirm that and the dealer didn’t return our request for comment surrounding the matter. Shocking, we know.
We should also point out that, according to Dodge’s own Horsepower Locator, there are over 1,100 Demon 170 allocations still left in the USA. Why someone would willingly pay $221,000 or more for this one?
Finally, the second-hand market seems to have really cooled off for special cars in recent months. The buyer of this particular Demon 170 looks like they’ll be saddled with a Challenger that costs at least as much as a really beautifully optioned Porsche 911. Will the Demon be better to drive? Will it even end up holding its value better?
Really, all of this comes down to the weaksauce enforcement Dodge seems to employ surrounding the Demon 170. We completely understand that it’s the dealer that sets the final price but other rivals haven’t just offered lip service. They’ve backed up tough talk with serious de-incentivizing for those who markup or flip cars that should go to real enthusiasts.
