I was looking at getting my first car (I'm 17) and I happened to stumble upon a 1996 Dodge Avenger ES 2.5L V6 Automatic for a pretty good price. But I've been reading online that it's a love or hate relationship with the car.


So be honest is it a nice and cheap car to run?? Is it going to be reliable?? What kind of mileage do you get (city and highway)??


Thanks for all your help

 

There are good and bad points of the car ...
BAD
Engine= Zero clearance motor ... If timing belt goes engine is gone...
Tranny= Weak and if it goes it's expensive...
GOOD
descent gas mileage I average 29 highway 24 mixed driving not bad for a V6
most breakdowns are fairly easy to diagnose , and parts not that bad
recall on front end is lifetime so they will replace the arms at N/C

 

That is pretty much what I've been reading in reviews of the car, my friend has a Avenger (4 cly. manual) and he really likes it so maybe I'll talk to him too


How hard/expensive is it to replace a timing belt?? I'll have to check the tranny before buying

 

Parts are around $120/$150 ... I have a DIY write up ... if you have to pay for labor add $300/$500

 

Yeah the tranny is the only part that worries me now but I'll see when I test drive it


Thanks for your help

 

No Problem