15th May 2006, 06:27

I recently bought a 1989 Dodge Raider with 84,000 miles. I cannot say enough about this vehicle. Easy to drive, great visibility, easy to park, pretty good on gas (20 mph), starts up every time and purrs like a kitten. The engine is a 3.0 V-6 with an automatic transmission. I cannot imagine why they discontinued this model. It is the most functional and perfect looking automobile I have ever owned.

7th Jun 2006, 21:19

To the person who had the trouble turning on the Raider... I had the same problem and figured out that the positive connection on the battery needs to be adjusted. It should have two wires and they need to be separate. It almost doesn't make any sense since they are both on the positive, but that's what I had to do to mine and it worked. Anyway email me if you have any questions: markalehmann@yahoo.com. Anyone know where to get a fuel tank for an 89 Raider 3.0 manual trans?

24th Sep 2006, 12:10

I just recently ran an 88 Raider with the 3.0 V6 through a Tuff Truck Race here in Maine and the only thing that broke was the drivers side seat and bracket. I was so Impressed that I have been looking for another and have found one that has the 2.6ltr. I was curious as to if a dodge 360 V8 could be shoe horned in there. The 2.6ltr engine in very weak. any suggestions would work thanx.

7th Dec 2006, 08:35

I just came across a 1989 Raider with 54,000 miles. It's got the 3.0 V-6 with 4-speed automatic. The thing is odd, but pretty special. Being relatively extinct, I've had a hard time locating a fuel tank (used are $300, and new are not available. If you've found a place that sells new tanks for the Raider, please post it. Happy Trails To You...

7th Mar 2007, 17:10

I just purchased an 89 Raider with the V6 automatic tranny. Its got about 206,000 on it and is still in pretty cherry condition. I paid $2,800 for it and am excited to take it on its first trip here in a few weeks. One thing though, I think the idle is too low, when I shift through the gears sometimes it dies when going into park or drive any imput?

I think that the idle is set too low.

15th Apr 2007, 14:34

I just bought a 1988 Dodge Raider with one burned piston and scored cylinder. Please advise a good replacement source for an engine. VIN# is JB7FJ43E9JJ014996. thanks for sharing your comments on this useful site.

Fred.

7th Feb 2008, 16:33

We too own an '89 Dodge Raider and have had very little trouble with it. The first real problem we had was this week and it was caused by a failed alternator. I believe this thing has over 160,000 "original owner" miles on it.

The problem I have had is locating a replacement console (from around the radio back to the storage box between the seats.

Does anyone know where I can locate this? It was broken into a few years ago and we never found a replacement for it.

14th Mar 2008, 18:28

Have had the dodge raider for many years now, 98,000 miles on her and never had a problem with oil consumption. My deal is having to add antifreeze every so often, seems to evaporate out of nowhere... Nothing in oil, no leaks.

Engine hesitates as it tries to climb to the speed limit. Head problems maybe? Heard the 2.6 is notorious for that.

It's my yard toy now, as it seems happy just pulling a few stumps here and there, wow, wish my new car had an air conditioner that works as good as this 20 year old.

7th Apr 2008, 16:47

Hello;

Have an 88 2.6 with auto. Just turned 231,000 but had to have the carb rebuilt to pass smog (damn California).

Yeah; she's a bit hard on gas, but rolls right along up to 70 or so, and the best little mountain goat I'll ever own. They are VERY limited, so enjoy them while you own them. Just have fun!

+++++++++++++safely+++++++++++++

5th Jun 2008, 13:27

I bought my daughter an '89 Raider with the 3.0L V6 and auto tranny. Great vehicle until the timing belt broke. Replaced the belt and tensioner, fired it up and it just purrs, but the belt continually walks off the driver side cam gear. If I loosen the tensioner bolt, it rides where it should. Any suggestions? So far this has been an awesome vehicle for her, great in the snow, plenty of power, and looks great too.

19th Sep 2008, 15:01

I have an 87 Raider 2.6, and the engine is well... garbage; it's very hard on fuel, parts are extremely hard to find as well as expensive. But after the first 10 seconds off road you forget it all.

16th Mar 2009, 08:28

I just bought a 87 Raider with some friends, It had been used in the woods for about four years until the fuel line fell off. It sat for two - three years outside, then we decided to buy it. We reconnected the fuel line, put a new battery in it, ran some carb cleaner through it, and it runs perfectly. We only paid $100 for it, so we're pretty happy. So far we haven't had any trouble with it. Sorry to hear about your lemon :D.

20th Aug 2009, 10:45

I have recently took over my uncle 1989 Dodge Raider and trying to find replacement parts are so hard. I took it thru inspection and all it failed was the driver side view mirror. I can't locate that part for nothing. Did I mention it only has 46 thousand miles. Great truck.

30th Aug 2009, 19:35

AUG 30, 2009.

You are incredibly luck to find an '89 Raider with so few miles -- we went all the way from Arizona to Pennsylvania to buy one with just under 60,000 miles; we were so dedicated to this car.

I recently found a site called car-part.com. They search all over the country for used parts, and they're very user friendly -- I was able to purchase a front door for my Raider this way.

1st Sep 2009, 08:00

Just bought a 1987 Raider converted to a diesel. Pretty cool, let alone unusual.

I do have a problem. Left it outside the last few days, and after 3 inches of rain, the passenger side carpet and insulation was soaked. Found out by the musty smell after several days. I also noticed a few wet spots on the far right side of the passenger side dash board. Question: Any one had this problem? And after I repair, where do I find a new carpet?

21st Sep 2009, 16:42

Rained yesterday pretty good. Still cannot locate were the water is coming in. Passenger side carpet soaking wet. ANYONE having this problem??? Please advise. Don't want to bother people making them sit inside while I use the garden hose.

10th Nov 2009, 08:33

I have a 1989 Raider with 160,000+ miles on it. I need a carb breather assembly. The whole unit that fits over the carb. Also, what trucks or cars come with a 2.6 or 3.0 that fits in the Raider.

I love this little truck, it goes anywhere and everywhere!

Bill in Ohio.

10th Nov 2009, 11:01

I bought a 89 Raider from a kid in Colorado with 53,000 miles on it. After some research, I found out that the motor was replaced by the factory at 32,768. So it seems I got a really low miles Raider! We moved to Puerto Vallarta and this SUV is just perfect for this country. Best gas rig I ever owned.