Dodge Dealer's $49 Charger Lease Is Genuine, But You'll Ultimately Pay Four Times That Amount | Carscoops

      Several obstacles need to be navigated, but this deal appears legitimate for a fortunate few.

      August 16, 2025, at 16:00

      by Stephen Rivers

      A dealer is offering a lease for the Charger Daytona at $49.99 per month during their back-to-school sale event.

      Prospective buyers must meet the criteria for five combined rebates, including the EV tax credit and regional incentives.

      Most importantly, it requires a substantial down payment, and the mileage terms remain unspecified.

      The Dodge Charger Daytona hasn’t exactly had the best debut. Initial reviews were unfavorable regarding its driving characteristics, its starting price isn't particularly competitive when performance is considered, and it initially launched as a two-door model only, which limits its potential audience. However, at least one dealer may have found a way to attract more buyers with a lease that costs less per month than the average American spends on coffee.

      More: You Can Now Lease A Nissan Ariya For Less Than A Leaf S

      Elk Grove Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram is currently running what it calls a back-to-school sale. They offer low APR financing, substantial discounts on certain models, and one particularly eye-catching lease deal. This deal pertains to the Charger Daytona, reportedly costing just $49.99 per month for qualifying buyers. However, as there's no such thing as a free lunch, the list of requirements complicates matters.

      Credit and Rebates

      First and foremost, customers must have an appropriate credit score, specifically qualifying for tier 1 approval, which typically requires a score of 750 or above. Furthermore, they need to qualify for five different rebates. The most significant is the federal EV tax credit of $7,500, which many people will likely qualify for. The other rebates, however, are not as straightforward.

      A $1,000 rebate for "lease bonus cash" is only available to individuals who are currently leasing another vehicle. An even larger $4,000 rebate is designated for "West BC SFS Lease Bonus Cash," meaning one must reside in the Western Business Center of Stellantis and finance through them. An additional $2,000 rebate is limited to friends and family of Stellantis employees. Lastly, a $500 rebate is accessible to first responders or military service members.

      The $5,000 Fine Print

      If all those criteria are satisfied, the $49.99 monthly payment could still be an option, but according to sources, the fine print renders the deal less appealing. It appears that buyers need to provide at least $5,000 as a down payment to secure the lease, bringing the effective monthly payment closer to $200 over 24 months. Nevertheless, this still isn't an unreasonable deal.

      The situation becomes trickier as the dealership has not revealed the mileage allowance, which might be set low enough to keep expenses down. For someone driving more than just a short distance, the overage charges could negate any perceived savings.

      Thus, while $49.99 a month grabs attention, the numerous conditions, substantial down payment, and likely mileage limits suggest this deal looks significantly more attractive on paper than it does in reality. Elk Grove may generate interest with the headline figure, but once the details are taken into account, most buyers will see it as merely a flashy number that doesn't correspond with the actual experience of owning the car.

      Considering all factors, would this deal persuade you to purchase a new Dodge Charger Daytona? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

      Carscoops reached out to Elk Grove for more information and will update this article if we receive a response.