Dodge Monaco Reviews from North America

I wrote the original review for my 76 Royal Monaco in 2005. I still own the car with 60,000 miles on the odometer. I just had a safety inspection done on the car, and the mechanic says everything is OK. Since I've had antique plates on the car for the last five years, state inspections are not necessary.

The paint is now very thin and faded, mostly on the hood and trunk. The vinyl roof still looks good, along with the bumpers and chrome. The bottoms of the doors are quite rusted.

My problem is as follows; although a new paint job and bodywork would make this car look almost new, I have a problem spending that kind of money on a car that has almost no value. A recent classified priced a 77 Gran Fury (almost the same car) in excellent condition with 43K at $ 1995. This ad was in the paper for at least 3 weeks. I doubt it was sold.

So, do I spend at least that much for paint and bodywork, or do I just get rid of the car? I really am dubious about a discount paint job. I thought about attempting to paint the hood and trunk with close matching spray cans, but I shudder to think about such possible horrible results. I would hate to get rid of the car, though, having owned it for 34 years.

DPC.

My friend bought a '76 Royal Monaco 2 yrs ago, ugly puke-green color. But it has ran perfect since the day he got it, and he is very abusive to it. Only problem was it needed new brake shoes. His has a CD player and sounds great with upgraded speakers. I recommend you keep this car as it will last you a long time.

I totally support this guy driving his 1976 Dodge Monaco, to address the "Roman Charioteer". Just take a look at all the reviews on this site, with people writing in about their $30,000 junkers: power windows quit working, ball joints wearing out, engine seized up, car quit on the highway. Humbug! The 21st Century may produce cars with neat little whiz-bangs for lazy creature comfort, but obviously they just don't hold up where it counts like this guy's '76 Monaco. If you're trading your car off every three years, and have accepted a $600 car payment as a way of life, then maybe you don't care about longevity and long-term dependability.

I agree. if a car has lasted 20-odd years then chances are all the manufacturing niggles will have been ironed out by now. I don't have time for new stuff, I like a car that you can guarentee you won't lose in the car park.