I got my Dodge in June 06 brand New.
I have to say my experience has been very positive, if not almost perfect.
I drive my Magnum 70 miles rt , M-F for work, 90% of it being highway/parkway miles.
It has 130K on it in almost 5.5 years of ownership.
I have always done oil changes every 3100-3800 miles. Always with the 5W30.
Plugs were done at 125K.
Brakes once at 110K.
Alignment and outer tie-rods done at 50K or so.
I Average 25K per year.
Overall the performance and mpg has been consistent since day 1.

So, my questions are:
What should I expect as I go towards 200k+ miles?
Should I think about a different oil now?
Any other tips for a Dodge Magnum with higher mileage?

I would like to keep this car for a VERY LONG TIME. I am a big fan of station wagons and it's a shame Dodge does not make them anymore. My first was my parent's old 84 Dodge Aries w/the 2.5 Mitsubishi engine. That car was great too.

Any feedback and tips would be greatly appreciated.

-A very happy '06 Magnum SE owner

 

What you're doing is good. You didn't mention any service on the the transmission but I will assume you have done that.

Things you will start to see might be the bearings. It is a normal wear and tear item that most end up replacing anywhere between 125k to 175k. You will notice it when it starts to go. It actually will make a pretty annoying sound.

Other than that, I can't think of anything else. Keep doing what you do and you're car should last a while.

 

Thx KRZY.BMET!
Sisnce I run a schedule A on my car (highway mileage commute, very little stop and go) I have not done anything with the transmission. Should I just change the fluid as of this point?

Also-a question about cabin air. I went to the spot where the filter should be and there was none there! is that right? Just recently i started getting a "dity vacumn cleaner kind of smell" .
I'm stumped to what I should do since there is no filter there?

As for the bearings, I don't notice anything yet, but sometimes everyonce in a while I'll hear a high-pitched whistle sound from the front wheel area. Could that be it?

Thx for your advise, and let me know what I should do about the cabin air situation.
Thank you,
Nick

 

Yeah, you could do a tranny fluid change. It will help.

As for the cabin filter, I am not familiar with it. Going to have to wait for someone who is to pop in on that one.

The whistle from the front I am not sure. Usually when the bearing start to go, you will hear a grinding noise. Starts quiet, then gets louder as it get worse. Almost like when the brake pads are low.

 

You forgot the Axle Fluid too, supposely changed every 48k. I recommend getting it done with the trans service if you want to hit 200k. Keep up with maintainence, these cars will last you a long time.
As for going Toward 200K, I recommend getting your battery tested, they usually only last 3-5 yrs.


SE model is not equipped with Cabin Air Filter. so just ignore it.
Funny smell... um... does the A/C and heat works properly?

 

"Yeah, you could do a tranny fluid change. It will help." - Is that a must at a dealer, or can I go to my local reliable mechanic. The same mechanic that did my spark plug change. Just fluid? Is there a filter? Will it be expensive?

"You forgot the Axle Fluid too" - Same as above, do I have to go to the dealer? Expensive?

I did find out my car did not come with the cabin air filter. Heat/AC works fine, I think the blower area maybe dirty. I'm going to get the car wash tomorrow, cleaned up the interior/dash/vents area last night, that seemed to help a little.

As for oil changes, always got the 5W-30 as written on the cap, any reason to change that?

Thank you all for the tips & advise.

 

You do Not have any type of waranty, right? if you don't, you can just go to a trusted mechanic.
Yes, there is a Filter. Just make sure you mechanic use ATF RTV seal for the trans pan. If you are picking parts up from Local part store, some Aftermarket filter package comes with a Gasket. Throw the gasket away. Gasket will leak.
And you probably need 6 quarts of ATF +4 fluid.

For the Rear Axle fluid, It is just a Drain and Fill, almost as easy as doing an Oil Change. 2 quarts of 75w-140 synthetic gear lube.

For oil, 5w-30 is fine.