1989 Dodge Spirit Base review from North America
"Very reliable for the most part"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The transmission had to be rebuilt at around 65,000 miles.
In 1999 the car got hit by a truck the two ride side doors and front fender was replaced.
Suspension was replaced around 110,000 miles.
Head gasket had to be replaced around 120,000 miles.
Exhaust manifold had to be replaced around 126,000 miles.
Around 130,000 miles the wiring harness was replaced.
Replaced battery at around 137,750.
Engine starting to show its age.
General comments?
I got this car from my grandpa in 2003 for $300 before he died, the car has been around almost all of my life, he had owned it since it was brand new, in 1999 he got into a crash with a truck while he was driving it so he had put right side doors on from another spirit and had the fender replaced.
The 2.5 non turbo 4 cylinder motor gives average gas mileage I get about 15 in the city and about 20 on the highway, the motor only has about 100 horsepower so it ain't going to be smoking probly anybody on the street.
The ride is alright its so-so on long trips, but its gets me where I need to go
with no problem, the car is very reliable for the most part, the car is 16 now and hopefully has about another few years left in it if I'm lucky.
I want to put a different motor into it, does anyone have any suggestions?
Recommended Reviews:
  | Find one in good shape, and it's a gem |
| Good design and built like a tank, but find the newest model you can that appears well maintained |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 1989 |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.5 non turbo Automatic |
| Performance marks | 6/10 |
| Reliability marks | 9/10 |
| Comfort marks | 7/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 134000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 138000 miles |
| Date of Entry | 25th October, 2005 |