buying a stratus

[grfnkl]

A friend of mines brother is looking into buying a 99 Stratus that has 60k miles on it for about 3700$'s He's in high school still and just looking for something to get around in thats reliable, so he doesn't have to squeeze himself into his mothers cavalier. I'm want to know if they are good cars, and if there are known problems with them. All I know about them are they are decent cars, some have tranny problems, and occasion oil leaks/problems, and I've heard a lot of people with problems with the door locks ( not like that makes difference) Any info about them would be greatly appreciated.

[snowy123]

Dont do it!!!!!! there junk

[umina]

these are not bad cars. I bought my 97 with 60K on it, and have only had to replace the battery and belts, and put two tires on it. I've had it for 2 years and 25K miles and NO problems whatsoever. Iv'e got the 2.4DOHC motor and power options, no trouble with locks or any internal electrical stuff. If he wants to mod this car or race it, he WILL HAVE PROBLEMS. Most of the people that have issues with these cars ask too much of a basic commuter. Its not a honda, its a dodge, just be aware of that. (though mine has been more reilable than my civic was....).
Make sure to test drive the car and make sure the tranny shifts smoothly (both up and down shifts). Mine has always "bumped" a little on the 2-1 downshift, but its very common. Also if he gets it, have the tranny filter and fluid replaced with ONLY ATF+3 OR ATF+4. DO NOT settle for Dexron with a "friction modifyer". Take it to the dealer if necessary or watch the guys doing it. Dexron kills these transmissions no matter what any mechanic (besides DODGE) says.
Like I said, i've been very happy with mine and I paid 5 grand for mine 2 years ago. Also, if its coming up on 60K, see if the timing belt/waterpump, and head gasket have been replaced. The head gasket (OEM) was faulty and has since been replaced with a newer MLS (multi layer steel) gasket that will not leak. Check the coolant, and if its peanut buttery, RUN (this means oil has been leaking into the coolant). Other than that (don't be scared, if its been done before you purchase it, you should be set for a long happy time as long as you don't abuse the tranny).

Sorry for the long post, but lots of people have overlooked these things when buying a stratus used and ended up having a BAD experience with an otherwise decent car.