Not so long ago, you could shop for a modern V8 muscle car without being too guilty and enjoy your time behind the wheel, without feeling that the car itself was in control. That kind of option is largely off the table these days in the new vehicle market, but those in the know may still be able to cherry-pick some excellent old bruisers within the used car scene.Mention the Dodge Charger SRT8 on many forums and the conversation will quickly focus on those Hellcats or wide-bodied Scat Packs, but there are still some attractive and entry-level SRT8 Chargers around. 2006 examples are trading for very sensible money today, and you can pick up one of these full-size rear-drive 425-hp sedans that rumble like a proper American muscle car and can still hold four adults in comfort.Higher mileage examples are now hovering around and sometimes dipping under the $10k mark, which represents some serious performance for very little in the way of outlay. Nobody's Chasing This Sub-$10k V8 DodgeIn 2006, Dodge introduced what would become its halo four-door muscle car. The Charger SRT8 came packed with a 6.1-liter Hemi, big Brembos, and some serious chassis work underneath a family-friendly sedan body. This car sat at the top of the Charger lineup and was the template upon which Dodge would build all those modern SRTs and Hellcat sedans in the future. And while this Charger SRT8 doesn't have that halo around it anymore, it certainly represents a stealth bargain today.Many purists tend to overlook the base SRT8 because it doesn't have the famous supercharger whine or outrageous output that later Hellcats did. This one doesn't come with the updated styling or tech that arrived in 2012 either, but you will get an unapologetically mid-2000s sedan with lots of old-school displacement and some seriously strong fundamentals for not a lot of cash.As you begin your search, you may come across many clean and lower-mileage versions that could still sell for well into the teens and higher. However, if you scroll even further, you'll find some higher mileage and well-used SRT8s that come in at around $10,000 and occasionally below, especially in the private market or through smaller dealers. This means that if you have some realistic expectations and a maintenance budget just in case, you can get your hands on a compelling and forgotten muscle car. Yes, you may be buying into age, miles, and reputation, but you'll certainly be coming away with plenty of performance. The 6.1-Liter Hemi And The Hardware That Matters Dodge The centerpiece of the 2006 Charger SRT story is certainly the 6.1-liter Hemi V8, which is a larger displacement evolution of the 5.7-liter engine from lower trims. It turns out 425 hp at 6,000 rpm and 420 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm, pushing through a five-speed automatic transmission with Auto Stick manual mode to the rear wheels. This engine doesn't have any cylinder deactivation tricks, unlike some later Hemi variants, and so what you see is what you get, in terms of an always-on eight-cylinder that has an old-school soundtrack to back it up.The SRT8 also has some serious hardware with lowered and stiffened suspension, unique springs, shocks, and anti-roll bars that deliver high-speed stability. The car has big Brembo four-piston calipers and vented rotors at all four corners to give the car some incredibly strong stopping power. And when you view the entire package together, you'll realize that this is not simply a base car with an oversized engine but is part of a properly calibrated engineering effort.The 2006 SRT8 also has 20-inch alloy wheels, which should feature performance-oriented rubber and fill out the squared-off fenders rather nicely. It also has SRT-specific bodywork with unique front and rear fascias, a deeper side sill, and a subtle rear spoiler. On board, you'll find heavily bolstered front sports seats and performance-themed gauges with SRT branding to remind you what you've bought.Stellantis Don't expect to have an easy time at the pump, however, with fuel economy figures roughly in the mid-teens for city driving and high teens to about 20 on the highway. If you have an enthusiastic right foot, you'll certainly drive the average down in a hurry, but that's all to be expected with this type of machine. Driving And Living With The SRT8 Dodge The SRT8 can certainly back up its muscle car aspirations and period tests suggest 60 mph sprints in about five seconds, and quarter mile passes in the mid-13-second range. As soon as you roll into the throttle, you will feel an immediate and muscular shove, and the car seems willing to surge forward at almost any speed. The five-speed automatic may not be as responsive as some newer multi-gear units, but the Auto Stick manual mode is good enough for spirited driving.Stellantis Crucially, the Charger is quite easy to live with during your boring weekdays. You've still got the same basic cabin and packaging as any other Charger from that era, with a real three-person rear bench, usable rear doors, and a large trunk that can cater for most family needs. If you do embark on a cross-country trip, you’ll find that this car can be perfectly sensible and stable, with good long-distance comfort. And even though the car has in-your-face 20-inch wheels and stiffer suspension, it's still entirely capable of performing its family car duties with style. Where The Market Sits Under $10,000 Stellantis To be realistic, a 2006 SRT8 is firmly into old car territory, and much will depend on how previous owners have treated their car in terms of its presentation and capability. Yes, you can certainly find some low-mileage SRT8 Chargers from the late 2000s which sell in the high teens, especially if they have a clean history and less than six figures on the clock, but at the rougher end of the pool, there are some cash bargains.Look for 2006 SRT8s that have 150,000 miles or more on the clock, and you'll find that they're often advertised for around $10–11k from private sellers or small dealers. If an example does have some cosmetic issues or needs some tinkering, those prices will probably creep below the five-figure mark.Remember that the 6.1-liter SRT8 is towards the bottom of Dodge's modern V8 performance hierarchy in the used car market. You’ll certainly expect to pay a lot more for some 392-powered Scat Pack Chargers or supercharged Hellcats with their newer tech, more power, and greater demand. But the still-capable if less-potent and original SRT8 could be the entry-ticket sedan for those who would love a factory-built Dodge with real performance credentials. The Smart Buyer Checklist For A Cheap SRT8 Dodge You will need to be ready for an upfront and personal examination if you're shopping for an SRT8 of this vintage, but if you're careful, you can separate the hidden gems from any future money pit. Pay close attention to the front suspension, where tie rod ends, bushings, and other components will often need replacement. Listen for strange clunks over bumps and check for uneven front tire wear as well as vague steering.The Brembo brake setup should be fantastic when it's healthy, but remember that big brake pads and rotors are not cheap to buy. Check the rotor condition and make a mental note of any pulsing or pulling under hard stops. You should be happy if there’s plenty of capability left in those tires, as 20-inch performance bills can be sobering. And you should also make a mental note about the rubber that your candidate is sitting on now, as if it's mismatched or bargain-basement, this should tell you something about how careful the previous owner has been.Meanwhile, the engine itself comes with a generally strong reputation, especially if owners have kept up with cooling system maintenance and oil changes. Look for a good folder of service records for additional evidence, and it’s probably best to walk away from cars if the engine shows any signs of heavy modification or tuning.In summary, if you're willing to buy with your eyes wide open and come across a solid example, then it's well worth considering this forgotten four-door muscle car. You'll need to have the budget for big car running costs as well as reasonable expectations for the future, but in return, you'll get to enjoy a type of V8 experience that's very hard to find at any price. And in today's disappearing world of affordable and naturally aspirated performance, this first-year Charger SRT8 should be a great under-the-radar muscle bargain.