1988 Dodge 600 Base review from North America

Carb needs rebuild/replacement.

New brakes.

Transmission starting to slip.

New struts and shocks (front and rear).

AC needs a recharge.

Sounds like a diesel.

Seat belt retraction is a problem.

Rough idle, prone to stalling when first started.

Dome light doesn't go on when the drivers door opened, works fine with other doors.

Head gasket leaks oil.

Excellent car for the money. I paid a mere $800 for a car that runs very well, if a bit rough. Given, the transmission is a 3-speed slushbox, but it works, that's about all I can ask for at 16. It's got a roomy interior and huge trunk, and the bench seats are quite plush and comfortable.

Parts, and when needed, services, are insanely cheap, and due to the huge volume of K-cars, and K-Variants (the 600 being one of them) being produced, spare parts are of an abundance; new, used, refurbished, and salvaged.

I've taken it on moderately long trips, and it's done fine on the highway, not getting the shakes at all at it's apparent top speed of 84Mph.

The gas mileage isn't the greatest, but it's not all that bad, considering the age of the car. It's got some minor problems, but it serves it's purpose as my main means of transportation quite well. I really couldn't (reasonably) ask for more regarding a first car. Due to money issues, I'm probably going to drive this car until it dies. It's probably good until at least 200,000 miles.

I would certainly recommend it to anyone looking for cheap, reliable transportation. Speed demon it is (certainly) not.