153K changed front brake pads, rotors.
154K changed headlight switch and socket, thermostat and coolant.
169K changed spark plugs.
174K bought 2 new front tires.
174k A/C refill, expansion valve + switch (still leaking so gave it up after $450)
175K bought 2 new rear tires.
192K changed rear brake shoes, turned drums, bought new pistons.
196K transmission service (it wouldn't shift up to 2nd)
197K replaced battery.
210K replaced two rear suspension rings.
217K replaced fuel filter + a section of fuel line.
222K replaced front brake pads, rotors, calipers.
222K fixed a broken engine /transmission mount by securing it with some huge washers.
Oil changed every 5K
K&N filter since the last 40K.
Bought the car for $4500 CAD = 3600 US
Total service costs (not including oil changes, tires) : $3800 CAD = 3040 US.
Total: $8300 CAD = $6640 US
Total kilometers driven: 80000.
Total cost of ownership about 10C / km.
Most comfortable car I've ever driven.
Great cruiser. Recently drove it for 1600km (about 1000 miles) in 2 days. It handled it exceptionally well. No back pain after driving it since it has the best seats (or 2 armchairs and a sofa if you will).
Acceleration is little slow for me. This could be because of the shitty transmission. Power kicks in though uphill when you can pass any car.
Vinyl top is worn, but I could spray it over with a special vinyl paint so it doesn't look bad. Paint is still very shiny, but it started to chip off on the hood and the headlight covers. There are 2 minor rust spots on it.
All my family and friends love this car. They feel like they are in a limo or something.
In general, I will try to keep this car running as long as I can. Eventually when it will die I'm also thinking about putting in a brand new engine, transmission and repaint it. Has anyone put in other engine than the 3.3? I seriously like the shape and luxury of this car, but the problem is they don't make these quality cars anymore. A BMW 740 or an LS430 is not as comfortable as my Fifth Ave.
They will bring back Walter Chrysler before they bring back this monstrosity.
You would be the first customer for a new one?
I don't think so.
You bought this car when it was 10 years old for C$4,800 and I'm not knocking that because it's a sensible thing to do, but are you really in a position to buy a new one for over $40,000 fully loaded?
Thank you for the constructive previous comment :- (
Sometimes you buy the given car because of constraints (limited time to find the car or limited amount of money as you pointed out). Things change though: your savings account, new cars introduced to market that are worthwhile to invest in.
I would not hesitate to buy this car brand new for 40K Canadian.
Sorry, my comment was unjustified.
I really like those cars too.
I own one 1992 Chrysler New Yorker Salon and I love it.
I wouldn't consider any new car an investment - as cars are (with the exception of highly collectible ones such as an antique '56 T Bird) depreciating assets.
Having been in the automobile business since 1974 (now retired) I would be reluctant to buy any car brand new, as the depreciation over the first few years is ridiculous.
I prefer to buy low mileage off-lease cars.
For example, my wife recently purchased an off-lease vehicle in like new condition and with only 15,000 miles on it for $21,000 less than the sticker price. I think most of us would rather save the $21,000 than lose it in depreciation, don't you?
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