I’ve always been quite open-minded when it comes to car enthusiasts. To me, it doesn’t matter what car you drive or how much you know about cars – you’re welcome to join me at Cars and Coffee anytime. However, Bring A Trailer’s latest auction listing has me reconsidering that stance. They are auctioning off a remarkably low-mileage version of a car that is widely regarded as bad. How does a 16,908-mile 2008 Dodge Avenger SE sound to you?
The Avenger, listed today with no reserve and currently bidding at $1,250, appears to be in great condition, given its low average mileage of 1,127 miles per year. Even high-wear areas like the driver seat bolsters and door handle look like they just came out of the showroom. This Avenger might be the most photographed one in history, as one commenter pointed out. The seller went as far as using a paint meter to prove that the Dodge Inferno Red Crystal paint has aged evenly and consistently. The CarFax report shows no accidents, and it seems accurate.
The cabin, which is plasticky and gray, won’t win any beauty contests or earn its driver a five-star Lyft rating. However, it does have one cool feature. Above the glovebox, there is a storage cubby called the “Chill Zone” which can hold four 12-ounce soda cans. The air conditioner can direct cold air into the Chill Zone, keeping the items inside frosty.
The Avenger’s performance is not impressive. The base SE model is equipped with a 2.4-liter inline-four engine producing 173 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission, which even for 2008, feels outdated. Sixteen-inch steel wheels and standard anti-lock brakes do not contribute to an exciting driving experience. According to contemporary reviews, the SE model is “a bone thrown at National Car Rental, and as far as we’re concerned, that’s where it should stay.”
Nevertheless, this is probably the best example of the Avenger out there. So, if you’re a smart bidder looking for something affordable and shiny without any other expectations, this Bring A Trailer auction might be a nice change of pace from the more enjoyable cars listed elsewhere on the site. However, some cars are just not worth avenging, and this bland base model falls into that category.
