1992 Dodge Spirit Base review from Russia

Transmission needs to be rebuilt.

A few belts were replaced (power steering pump belt, alternator belt etc.) at 182000 miles.

Blown engine replaced at 180000 miles ("oil starvation").

Rear brake pads are in need of replacement.

Compared to my previous car, a white Volga-3110 2.3, this car is splendid. That car was a headache, and made a lot of noise. Wasn't reliable, either (what else should one expect from a Russian car?).

This car is a rare bird here. In Moscow, there are about 200 Spirit's, Saratoga's and Acclaims on the road. That's why it is looked upon as a solid, prestigious car here.

It isn't the right car for Russia, however. Our roads are far from smooth, and this car needs much more attention than it would in, say, the United States.

It is quick, handles decently and is generally a more polished car than the ones that I used to drive.

Parts and repairs are expensive in Moscow. For example, the transmission costs about $1000 to fix (total rebuild). And that's a three speed automatic!

In the Russian Federation, this isn't a pragmatic choice, and many people tell me to sell it and by something Russian. Which, of course, I am not planning to do. Why? Everything that breaks can be fixed, and there is no such thing as a "dying car", as my colleague once told me. Even if this car has been driving for almost ten years on roads that a tank shouldn't even roam.