1983 Dodge Mirada review from Finland
"Pimp-mobile for a peaceful driver"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Windshield cracked, replaced.
The fuel tank leaks.
Electric window motor is broken.
Minor rust in the bottom.
Trip meter broken.
General comments?
Due to Unibody construction, the rust is important to repair, separate front and rear "frames".
The suspension is NOT sporty, look for examples with anti-sway bar below the rear axle (sport package).
The interior parts are plastic, and especially long parts in the door get usually cracked.
With original 2-bbl carb 318cid (5.2L) or 6-in-line, the car is underpowered.
Look for one with 360cid. Early models. BUT all engines have horsepower to be found, just combine with the right parts; 4-bbl and hi-lift camshaft.
Mine had all the options and it included: automatic a/c-temp controlled, and it worked well!
Cruise control, but one word has to be said, it's typical for the 80s mopars that the cruise engages a little below the desired speed. So when one wants to maintain 100km/h cruise speed, first accelerate to 110km/h and then engage the cruise control.
I did not like the suspension, it's not sporty, but neither does it have a typical US-boat feeling. Something in between due to mid-frames.
Recommended reviews
| Luxury car with cheap maintain costs |
|
| 5 stars; A great head turner that's one of the last mopar muscle cars |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1983 |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 318 or 360 cid Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 8 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 5 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 160000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 165000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Chevrolet Impala |
| Date of Entry | 19th April, 2004 |