Poor auction execution led to a brand-new 710-horsepower Durango Hellcat selling for $31,000 below MSRP, proving that bargains still exist.
Dealer’s Loss, Buyer’s Gain
In an unusual turn of events, a brand-new 2024 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat with just 25 miles on the odometer changed hands on auction site Bring A Trailer for $81,500—an astonishing $31,000 below its MSRP of $112,880. The deal unfolded when a Stellantis dealership in New York, which originally planned to keep the SUV as a collectible, decided to sell it instead. The result? A significant financial hit for the dealer and a major win for the buyer.
The Beast Under the Hood
Nicknamed the “Hellrango” by enthusiasts, this Durango Hellcat boasts a supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8 producing 710 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque. Power is delivered to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, allowing it to sprint from 0-60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. Despite its muscle car performance, it remains practical, offering three rows of seating and an 8,700-pound towing capacity.
A Rare Hellcat for Less Than Original MSRP
To put the discount into perspective, the winning bid of $81,500 is even lower than the original MSRP of the first Durango Hellcat models released in 2021. The specific vehicle included optional packages such as the Premium Package 2XY and the Black Package, along with a $1,595 destination charge, further emphasizing the scale of the bargain.
A Low-Key Auction with Surprising Results
The auction itself flew largely under the radar, with just 17 bids and minimal engagement. On the final day, bidding had only reached $60,500 before a late push saw it climb to $80,000. A last-minute increment sealed the final price, but the lack of enthusiasm from bidders likely stemmed from the seller’s approach. The listing featured low-quality images, missing wheel center caps, and plastic-wrapped seats that were never fully unveiled. These oversights may have contributed to the lackluster bidding activity.
Lessons from a Poorly Executed Sale
Sometimes, all it takes is a poorly presented listing for an incredible deal to slip through the cracks. While the dealer undoubtedly lost a substantial sum on the transaction, the winning bidder secured one of the last Hemi-powered Durangos at an enviable price. As dealers continue to fluctuate between markups and unexpected losses, this case proves that with patience and a keen eye, performance car bargains can still be found.
