The A/C didn't work when I bought it.. I replaced a really leaky A/C hose, charged it with R134A.
The belt slips because the tensioner is misaligned.. it can't be aligned because the alternator tensioner sticks out farther than it should. It really looks like a pain to fix properly..
Poor gas mileage. Previously, I got 24 city, 17 interstate (~21MPG average.) Now that the weather has heated up to the 80s, I get 15-16MPG average. The rattles and clunks increase daily (from the body; the engine sounds normal.)
The back ~1/2 of the exhaust system fell off while the car was parked in a parking lot about a month after I bought the car; the muffler had already been replaced by the previous owner though so it was possibly lousy work on their part.. whatever, stuff rusts in Iowa.
It hasn't stranded me, but I *have* had to repair it in odd places with a tool kit I keep in the trunk. Rattly!
It's slower than my previous cars (a 1972 Fleetwood w/ 472cu V8, and a Plymouth Acclaim w/ 3.0l V6), especially at interstate speeds, but if the gas mileage stayed sane (i.e. not 17MPG or 15..) the acceleration would be acceptable.
The 2.5 wasn't the most powerful engine that Mopar ever made by any means. The fuel economy is a bit off. Have you tried the key on test? On (not start)-off-on-off-on then watch the CE light for codes. THe codes can be found almost anywere online.
Id like to think that a 4 cylinder or a 6 cylinder would be considerably slower than a 472cu V8.
Sounds like you have some issues with the car. Your fuel economy should not go down on the freeway unless you're driving VERY fast. I'd do as another comment said and pull the codes. I would guess you have a bad sensor or two and probably are in need of a tune up.
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