would you buy one twice?

[rocrn1]

Originally Posted by umina

Hello all, in my endless search for a replacement for my aging 97 Stratus, I came across a newer model for what seems like a good price. My strat has an auto and the 2.4L, with power locks and windows, everything else (except tinted windows) is stock. Great shape, driven it 35K miles without so much as a hickup. I'm aproaching 100K miles, so hence my need to replace (i know the tranny is gonna drop on me soon).

Anyways, back on topic, I can get a 2002 Stratus SE, with power windows and locks, and 53K miles for less than $6000. Car is in great shape as well, no leaks, clean in and out. Is this a good deal? Every other car I've driven in my price range and less than 60K miles, comes up lacking when compared to my strat (handling, ride, looks, 4cyl performance with auto, etc...). If you had the chance, would anyone here move from one base 2.4L stratus to a newer one without much trepidation?? Do the newer ones suffer from the same issues as the older style, like head gaskets, tranny issues, etc?

I love my 2002 Stratus. I have 75,000+miles on it and haven't had any major
problems with it. Did have a problem with a fan relay switch, but you can easily replace it . It's located under the glove box. I also bought it used so I am especially pleased with the performance

[stratofortress]

You bet I would and did. I have a 98 Status with 292,000 miles and a 05 with 32,000. Neither vehicle has had any problems until today. I think the 98 needs a fuel pump. It died today. I guess I'll play mechanic now.

I have only replaced the timing belt and water pump at 153,000. other than that no other problems. Just normal replacement of brakes, tires, and fluids.

What a good car this has been. Anyone have one over 300,000?

One thing with the 05, it's 4 cyl. is gutless. The 98 4 cyl. is much more responsive. Any ideas?

[fanbelt]

I have a 98 (it's away from home right now), not sure of the exact miles, but I think something over 100k. At the time I bought it, I had to have both the head gasket and the rear main seal replaced to stop engine oil leaking. The transmission must have been going bad at that time because after a few months, we started having trouble with hard upshifting and downshifting, particularly with ac running too. On recommendation, I took it to a dealer for something called a quicklearn. Their tests show bad pressure inside the transmission and that it needed to be replaced. With summer and the next a/c season coming on, I am trying to decide whether to replace the car or the transmission.

It also has a non working electrical rear window defogger and something in the heating system allows exhaust gas smells into the cabin when the engine is started.

[vincef2006]

I bought one for my son 1.5 yrs ago "low milage" 98k miles, 1995 base model. at 110k miles I ran preventive maint on it. replaced the head gasket,timing belt,water pump,trany fluid changed. He loves it 2.0 4cyl, 5 speed manual trany. The first down time problem we actually saw was at 120k miles I had an electrical charging problem. I posted the question on this site. I found a broken wire at the Alternator and repaired it. At this time I asked my son again to sell it and take over my Silverado 4x4. He refused and is going to run the wheels off of it! I will have to note the notorious squeeling from the power stearing pump at full deflection. I have replaced the pump and it made no difference. I did that because it bugged me not that the car was inoperable. I would buy another love the way it handles,the gas milage and the way rides. Ken

[recycle_me]

Huh i dunno. I have a 96 stratus it runs okay but slow. And i too have the notorious Belt squeal when turning the wheel all the way in one direction, i just put belt dressing on once a month and it doesnt do it! Though the car hasnt really grew enough for me to want to buy another one. Everything breaks on it. Always fixing something. Nah i wouldnt! IMO