RE: What Salary needed to afford Challenger
Didn't read all the responses, but here's my recommendation.
Step 1: Study hard
Step 2: Graduate
Step 3: Get a steady job with career potential
Step 4: Get a reliable beater to get around in
Step 5: Move out of Mommy and Daddy's house
Step 6: Save at least a $20,000 and put it away
Step 7: Save at least enough for a 50% down payment include taxes and registration
Step 8: Buy a slightly used 1-2 year old Challenger (letting the original buyer take the big depreciation hit)
Step 9: Enjoy the heck out of it.
Not what you want to hear, I know. Have been in your shoes before. It will be sweeter owning it when you know you can afford it. The reward comes after the hard work. Simply graduating is not hard work.