1975 Chrysler Valiant VJ from Australia and New Zealand - Comments

Even though it's a few years ago that I

had it, it's sticks in my memory as a nightmare.

Steering box was loose, rusted right through chassis (very common problem on these cars)

All guages were inaccurate, speedo was the only one that worked!

Too many problems to list!

Where do I start?..

Poor driving position, wheel too far forward, very awkward gear shift location.

Bulky, heavy, very awkward vehicle.

Very thirsty on fossil fuel.

Shocking (original) paint job-My grandfather had one of these cars from new, and they didn't even bother to paint the bottom of the doors, primer was plainly visible!

Ugly excessive seam welds give impression of quick off the assembly line feel.

So much of a lack of quality control, no wonder Chrysler Australia went bust.

Hi,

I'd have to say I disagree with your comments on the Valiant VJ. My Dad has a VJ Valiant ute, and I have a VJ Charger, the ute has lasted 29 years on the only paint job it has received. The paintwork Chrysler did was world class compared to spraying methods. Chrysler was on the ball when they had the VH-VJ models in production, and I think they are the best ever cars Australia has ever had made.

If you treat the car badly, don't maintain it then you should expect it to stuff up quick smart. These are old cars, and for their age, they beat anything made now for price, reliability and performance (Charger).

$0.02

Nick.

That's total S*** I disagree I have a CL and an AP-5 plus I've had a VJ and CM and they are the best cars that I've driven they are powerful, reliable, comfortable and can take whatever you can throw at them. if you don't maintain them they get their fair share of problems as you would expect for a car which the youngest of are clocking on a quarter century. being unemployed my car hasn't had the maintenance that it deserves and I will be the first to admit the problems she drives me crazy sometimes, but that's what cars do, she always starts runs and goes great, chews the fuel because of the carburettor. I trust it, if I get in and go I know she will get me there every time!!

I have a 1975 vj ute

It has 89000 km on clock

all is well, no oil leaks anything

Motor is strong and I feel fuel efficient

I agree the steering position is a bit awkward at times on the manual, but all in all the ute is value for money

Keep in mind this ute has been used a bit on the farm.

I have owned quite a number of Valiants since buying my first car (an AP5 Regal) in 1973. All these cars have been reliable, comfortable, powerful and, especially in Hemi 6 form, economical. Unlike many, I do maintain my cars. Unfortunately many Valiants have been allowed to deteriorate through lack of maintenance. I bought a VJ utility new and have also owned a VJ Charger and a CJ Chrysler by Chrysler. Currently I own 4 Valiants that are all outstanding vehicles. To be using a 30 year old car as a reliable daily driver speaks volumes about the real quality of these cars. Further Chrysler Australia did NOT go bust. It was sold as a condition to the US government guarantee to commercial loans made to Chrysler US.