What You Need to Know Before Buying a Used 2016 Dodge Charger

A 2016 Dodge Charger is a full-size sedan with a V8 engine in most models, which means higher fuel consumption than smaller cars. Before you commit to buying one, you should understand its real-world fuel economy, maintenance costs, and what emissions equipment it carries. The 2016 model year falls under older emissions standards than current vehicles, so it may not pass inspection in states with strict air quality rules.

The 2016 Charger came in several engine options: a 3.6-liter V6, a 5.7-liter V8, and a 6.4-liter V8 in the R/T and SRT models. The V6 version gets roughly 16 to 25 miles per gallon depending on driving conditions and transmission type. The V8 models consume more fuel — typically 15 to 23 mpg. Real-world mileage often runs lower than EPA estimates, especially in city driving or if the vehicle has high mileage.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2016 Dodge Charger uses significantly more fuel than modern sedans, with V6 models averaging 16–25 mpg and V8 models averaging 15–23 mpg depending on driving patterns.
  • Check the vehicle's emissions history and whether it will pass inspection in your state, since 2016 models use older emissions technology than current vehicles.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the transmission, suspension, and cooling system before purchase, as these are common wear points on used Chargers with higher mileage.
  • Compare the cost of fuel, maintenance, and potential repairs against the purchase price to understand the true cost of ownership over the next few years.

Fuel Economy and Real-World Costs

EPA estimates for the 2016 Charger range from 16 city / 25 highway for the V6 to 15 city / 23 highway for the V8, but actual mileage depends on how and where you drive. Highway driving at steady speeds produces better fuel economy than city stop-and-go traffic. A vehicle with 80,000 or more miles may see slightly worse fuel economy than when it was new, because engine wear and carbon buildup reduce efficiency over time.

To estimate your fuel costs, multiply your expected annual miles by the number of gallons you'll use (annual miles divided by mpg), then multiply by your local fuel price. A 2016 V8 Charger driven 12,000 miles per year at 19 mpg average would use about 632 gallons annually. At $3.50 per gallon, that's roughly $2,200 per year in fuel alone. Add in oil changes every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, spark plugs every 30,000 miles, and potential transmission or suspension work, and ownership costs rise quickly.

Emissions Standards and Inspection Requirements

The 2016 Dodge Charger was built to meet 2016 federal emissions standards, which are less strict than standards for 2020 and newer vehicles. If you live in a state or county that runs emissions testing, a 2016 Charger will pass as long as its emissions equipment is intact and functioning. However, some states have adopted California's stricter emissions rules, and a few counties have begun phasing out older vehicles or charging higher registration fees for them.

Before you purchase, check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website or call your local emissions testing station to confirm that a 2016 model will pass inspection where you live. If you plan to move in the next few years, research the emissions rules in your destination state as well. A vehicle that fails inspection in one state may not be registered there, which could trap you with an unsellable car.

What to Have Inspected Before Buying

Bring any 2016 Charger you're considering to an independent mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection. Focus on the transmission, which can develop problems on higher-mileage Chargers; the suspension, which wears faster on a heavy sedan; and the cooling system, since overheating is a known issue on some model years. Ask the mechanic to check for transmission fluid leaks, worn suspension bushings, and coolant condition.

Request the vehicle's maintenance records from the seller. If records show regular oil changes, fluid flushes, and suspension work, the car has likely been cared for. If records are missing or sparse, assume deferred maintenance and factor repair costs into your offer. A Charger with 100,000 miles and full service history is usually a better buy than one with 80,000 miles and no records.

Engine Options and Performance Differences

The 2016 Charger's V6 engine produces 292 horsepower and is adequate for daily driving but feels sluggish when accelerating on highways or merging in traffic. The 5.7-liter V8 produces 370 horsepower and is noticeably quicker. The 6.4-liter V8 in R/T and SRT models produces 470 to 645 horsepower, depending on the trim, but fuel costs and maintenance expenses rise sharply with engine size.

If you're buying primarily for commuting and occasional highway trips, the V6 is the most economical choice. If you want performance and don't mind higher fuel and maintenance costs, the V8 models deliver it. Check the engine size on the vehicle's door jamb label or ask the seller directly — the engine size is not always obvious from the exterior.

Comparing Purchase Price to Ownership Costs

A used 2016 Charger typically sells between $12,000 and $22,000 depending on mileage, condition, and engine size. Before you decide on a price, calculate your expected ownership costs over the time you plan to keep the vehicle. Add the purchase price, estimated fuel costs, insurance, registration, and anticipated repairs.

For example, if you buy a V8 Charger for $16,000, drive it 12,000 miles per year for three years, and spend $2,200 annually on fuel, you're looking at $6,600 in fuel alone. Add $1,200 per year for insurance, $300 per year for registration, and $1,500 in repairs over three years, and your total cost of ownership approaches $26,600. Divide that by 36,000 miles driven, and your cost per mile is roughly $0.74 — higher than many newer, more efficient vehicles.

Where to Search and What to Verify

Used 2016 Chargers are listed on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, Autotrader, Cars.com, and local dealership websites. When you find one, request a vehicle history report from Carfax or AutoCheck using the vehicle identification number (VIN). The report shows accident history, title status, mileage records, and whether the car has been declared a total loss by an insurance company.

Verify the VIN on the door jamb label matches the title and the seller's documentation. If the VIN doesn't match or the title is branded as "salvage" or "rebuilt," walk away — these vehicles have structural damage or other serious problems. Meet the seller in a public place during daylight, bring someone with you, and never hand over money until you've had the car inspected by a mechanic and the title has been transferred to your name at the DMV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a 2016 Charger pass emissions testing in my state?

Most states will pass a 2016 Charger as long as its emissions equipment is intact and the check engine light is off. However, California and a few other states have stricter rules. Contact your state's DMV or local emissions testing station before you purchase to confirm the vehicle will pass inspection where you live.

What's the difference between a V6 and V8 Charger in terms of fuel economy?

The V6 averages 16–25 mpg, while the V8 averages 15–23 mpg. Real-world mileage depends on driving habits and road conditions. Highway driving produces better fuel economy than city driving. A V8 Charger will cost roughly $300 to $500 more per year in fuel than a V6 if you drive 12,000 miles annually.

How much does it cost to maintain a used 2016 Charger?

Routine maintenance — oil changes, air filters, spark plugs — runs $500 to $1,000 per year depending on mileage. Unexpected repairs like transmission work, suspension replacement, or cooling system fixes can cost $1,500 to $4,000. Have a mechanic inspect any used Charger before you purchase to estimate likely repair costs.

Can I negotiate the price of a used 2016 Charger?

Yes. Use the mechanic's inspection report to justify a lower offer if repairs are needed. Compare prices for similar mileage and condition on Autotrader and Cars.com to establish a fair market price. Most private sellers expect some negotiation, especially if the vehicle has high mileage or deferred maintenance.

What should I check on the title before I buy?

Verify the title is clean (not branded as salvage, rebuilt, or flood-damaged), the VIN matches the vehicle and the seller's ID, and the seller's name matches the title. If the title is held by a lender, the seller must pay off the loan before transferring ownership to you. Never accept a title that is not in the seller's name.