1996 Dodge Avenger ES review from North America
"Excellent bargain as a USED car or off-lease purchase"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The lower control arm bushings were replaced at 65,000km. The dealer replaced them at their cost due to "noise" or rattle heard only by me before paying for the car.
The flex pipe for exhaust needed replacing at 135,000km. No other exhaust problems as it is Stainless steel throughout.
Driver door open sensor (switch located on bottom of door frame) is failing. Intermittent problem (shorting out) which affects the alarm system and interior light due to door position not being known.
General comments?
Most reliable car I ever owned. Has never left me stranded. (knock on wood)
Battery last 7 years.
Parts are very expensive. $980 CAN for 12" flex pipe for exhaust. It has three sensors on it for pollution control and is stainless steel over braid hose.
Chrysler mechanics have confirmed to me that they rarely work on the 2.5 V6 - except for tune up work.
Drives smooth corners exceptionally well. Keep the stock size tires on the vehicle. The extra width helps.
Trunk space is more than adequate.
Acceleration is impressive.
Recommended reviews
| Crap |
|
| A great car, with horribly expensive problems |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1996 |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.5 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 9 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 9 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 5 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 56000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 193800 kilometres |
| Previous car | Dodge D150 |
| Date of Entry | 25th January, 2003 |