2000 Chrysler Concorde LX from North America - Comments

I own a 2000 LHS that I bought new in September 2000.

I have done the scheduled maintenance and have had only one 'serious' issue in the 63,000 miles I've put on it - the water pump started leaking at about 45K and had to be replaced - the dealer botched the job and managed to clog the cooling system - it cost $3000 to fix, but I got it back through small claims court and can't blame Chrysler corporate for the problem.

At 63K I am about to change brakes for the first time (I'll bleed the lines at the same time) and I need inner tie rod bushings - beside that, the car seems solid.

I'm in Quebec, land of truly bad roads, HOWEVER;

1. I've owned the car since new and done regular oil changes and such

2. I've had the body rustproofed and redone annually

3. I am not an abusive driver

4. The car is always parked indoors - that alone is a lifesaver for cars because UV damage is what breaks down the plastic parts and such.

Those people who buy used cars without knowing what the history is are open to buying a lemon - not the car's fault. The problem is that if the maintenance isn't done and/or the car is abused you inherit the resultant problems.

Sure, cars can be 'bad', but you find that out in the firs year of ownership.

The sludge issue in the 2.7 is/was a known issue - regular oil changes, more frequent than the 'maximum' interval is the solution. Why? Because people do not drive long highway miles much - short runs are what kills the engine and the oil breaks down quickly - if the oil was left to sit too long in a car that is used like that you get sludge due to oil foaming.

Too many of us believe that 'we don't operate in severe service environments' when we do, and then we do the 'regular service' maintenance.

If they survive, my next car could well be a Chrysler, though I'm partial to the Cadillac STS... we'll see what comes out of the current economic crisis.

2000 Concorde LXI 3.2 bought new. 164,000 miles. Just replaced second water pump. Replaced inner tie rods and struts last month as expected. Always used synthetic oil since it is a high temp engine. This is my tenth 100k plus auto including Chevy, Ford, Oldsmobile, Toyota, Nissan and Volvo. All, with the exception of the B-18 Volvo, required constant preventive maintenance and repairs to get them to 200K. The Concorde is equal if not better than the rest. But you have to take exceptional care if you expect them to last.

I have a 2004 Chrysler Concorde with 40,000 miles on it, and have had nothing but problems with it. I won't buy another Chrysler car ever again!!! I'm so angry I want to burn it! If you're smart, don't buy a Chrysler! Unless you have a lot of money to fix it every day!

Now, I am nervous.. just bought a 2000 Concorde LX with 105k on it and so far it's running great. Guess I will find out.