1986 Chrysler Laser XT review from North America
"Insanely fun, but very high maintenance"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The head has been replaced 3 times, but block is perfect. Last time the motor was completely rebuilt with a new alternator being installed as well.
The transmission (525 manual) has been replaced 3 times, and we can't seem to get it to stop leaking fluid, even with multiple gasket replacements.
Clutch replaced twice (1st time = operator error, 2nd time replaced with Borg Warner, no problems since)
Original fuel pump finally gave out at 198,000 miles.
A/C hoses replaced due to leakage.
Clutch cable, CV joints, oil pump replaced around 180,000.
All new OEM fuel injectors installed around 185,000.
E-brake cables replaced multiple times.
Automatic Idle Motor (AIM) has issues, but they are no longer made.
Missing across whole engine around 187,000, stumped more than one mechanic, finally started replacing electrical parts and found out it was a faulty distributer cap.
Various other things, most of which are to be expected of a car with this many miles.
General comments?
The Chrysler Laser is the luxury version of the Dodge Daytona. It was built from 1984-1986, and there are very few of them left.
The Laser is fun, very fast, and it handles like a dream. The front seats are the most comfortable of any car I know of. It is also way ahead of its time as far as technology. Many of the options on it are hard to find even on today's cars.
The bottom line on this car is that it has one major downfall... high maintenance costs. Other than that not-so-minor detail, it would be hard to find a better car.
***It would only be fair to note after all the mechanical faults listed that the car still has the original turbo charger, as well as the original exhaust system, among various other mechanical things.
Recommended reviews
| People underestimate the potential of it |
|
| 1986 - Laser Base 2.5L non-turbo A great, very underrated high performance vehicle |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1986 |
| Year of manufacture | 1986 |
| First year of ownership | 1986 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2006 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.2 turbo Manual |
| Performance marks | 10 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 5 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 10 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 6 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 0 miles |
| Most recent distance | 198500 miles |
| Date of Entry | 20th November, 2006 |