Son looking at a car...what do ya think?

[CigarGuy]

Will, with the gas prices going through the roof, my son has changed his mind from a pick up to a 05, Dodge Stratus, 2.4cyl. What the good and/or bad? Thanks

[Jeremy airjer W]

The head gasket should have been replaced by now.

You should have the front end checked out and have the rear upper ball joints looked at. If you don't know how to check them they won't appear to be bad.

I don't remember if that is an interference engine but it does have a timing belt!

Those would be the big three I would be questioning or looking at.

[pureinsanity]

How many miles? If its high milage the time belt should be or should have been replaced. In doing the timing usually the water pump is done.

if it is an interference motor that sucks. I believe my 01 VW Jetta is. I have over 150K on the original timing belt! Soon as my buddy gets back from vacay we are throwing it on his lift and replacing it!

[CigarGuy]

Thanks...................123,000 miles, new timing belt. He had Passat that was hit and totaled. It would have needed a new timing belt and water pump. Why would they invent a car that you have to take half the car apart to change the timing belt, not to mention the engine will seize?

[Jeremy airjer W]

You wouldn't believe how fast you can have the front of the car off to change the t-belt in one of those. 20 minutes and the front of the car is wide open. I wish everyone would pickup that idea. In the long run it is a fantastic time saver and it gives you all kinds of room to work and you can see what your doing.

[CigarGuy]

With his Passat it was a major deal! So, a head gasket is a common problem with them....enough to find a different make, model?

[pureinsanity]

My VW has been the easiest car to work on. Not sure what the book time is on a clutch but my buddy and I knocked it out in under 3 hours. The first time he did a water pump and timing it took him longer but between me and him we expect to do everything in a fast manor as well!

Good luck on your findings, are you looking private or dealer!

[Jeremy airjer W]

With his Passat it was a major deal! So, a head gasket is a common problem with them....enough to find a different make, model?

On the 2.4 yes it is. If its not already leaking oil it will be. Sure it starts off innocent enough with a drop here and there and then next thing you know the oil light is coming on!

[Dave S]

I had a Stratus with V6. Don't recall the displacement of the motor but what a piece of carp. The water pump wasn't a cheap fix.

[Black_Bay]

Kind of funny that people are saying the Stratus isn't a great car, to pu it kindly, and no one said these things in the thread about the guy trying to replace his.

[Jeremy airjer W]

I had a Stratus with V6. Don't recall the dispalcement of the motor but what a piece of carp. The water pump wasn't a cheap fix.

That would be the fine 2.5 liter. Everything is a pain with that engine!

[muddpuppy]

Kind of funny that people are saying the Stratus isn't a great car, to pu it kindly, and no one said these things in the thread about the guy trying to replace his.

I don't think he asked, because it was the best car they ever had and wanted anotherone. No sence in peeing in his wheaties.....

I had a roomate with 01 Stratus V6 I want to say. Anyway nothing but problems. As soon as the waranty was up the dealer washed their hands of the car and he let the bank take it. You name it it broke. My guess is it was that 1 out of a bunch that should not have made it to a lot.