1997 Dodge Stratus ES from North America - Comments

Starter went bad at 95,000 miles cost ($ 150.00)

Head gasket blew 98,000miles cost ($720.00)

Motor Mounts cost ($500.00)

O2 sensors went at 140,000miles cost ($ 250.00)

A/c compressor went at 147,000 miles cost ($350.00)

A/c dryer and valve cost ($400.00)

A/c High preassure switch cost ($200.00)

Oil High Preassure switch leak cost ($130.00)

Oil pan gasket leak at 153,000 miles costing me ($320.00)

Transmission front pump seal was leaking from the inside and needed a new torque converter costing me (750.00)

Timing belt, thermostat, and water pump done twice costing me ($750.00)

catalac converter ($130.00)

EGR valve went bad at 155,000 miles (240.00)

The car is very nice to drive although with the mentioned problems listed above. My parents helped me purchase the car because it was cheap and I'm a student and I needed a car to get around. The car does have a lot of mechanical problems, but the car has never really left me stranded only once and that's when the thermostat went bad causing my car to overheat and damage my waterpump. The car cranks up everytime in the morning and gets me to work and back so I guess I can't really complain to much. The person who had the car before me did not maintain the car to well so I was stuck with the problems no wonder they got rid of it. They installed a new battery in the car for free when I purchased it and its been five years and the battery is still going strong. The trunk space and the inside interior is very roomy for a large family and its great on gas and long trips. I would not purchase another dodge due to the fact that I have spent a little over 5,000 dollars in repairs and its just not worth it I could have purchased a new car with that money. Right now I'm deciding if I am going to drive the car until it dies or see if I can get another year or two out of the car because I don't believe in car payments at this point. Next time I will purchase a Toyota or a Honda!

Despite my dislike of domestic cars, I must stand up and defend them on this one. The vehicle was probably bought with high miles and a poor on non existent maintanace history. 150k is the time when maintanance items as the owner describes can happen be it a Toyota Honda or a Dodge. Don't blame the vehicle; blame the former owner.

First: Even all the Money spent on repairs like you have is cheaper than NEW. With a new car you have to factor in the $$$ insurance you'll need as well as the car payments.

You got the car with almost 100k. And that is when issues will creep up if preventive maintenance hasn't been done.

Buying a Toyota or Honda isn't going to guarantee trouble free service. Trust me, been there done that.

If I were you I would just drive the car till it dies. If it needs a repair to run that is less than 500 I'd do it.

I bought one with 192000 miles on it as a first car for my daughter. I have had some problems like a bad coil pack (40 dollars at a junk yard) and some other small stuff. Worst was when the rear passenger side ball joint actually broke off of the car. Those rear ball joints have grease fittings, but I'll bet a lot of people don't realize that so they fail because they don't get greased. This can be dangerous. I replaced the ball joints and the car is still going with 200000 miles. It's a little quirky, but it rides real nice and runs fine. The interior has held up better than any car I've ever seen with so many miles.

Do not sell this for scrap you will regret it in the long run.. it's an excillent car.