Hey everyone. Well I just sold mt car and I found a 1992 Dodge Stealth R/T (I know, not twin turbo, but I am only 18 and I am paying for it myself). I have done some research on this (and the 3000GT) and I think this seems like a good buy.

It is a 1992 Dodge Stealth R/T:
105,700 miles...5 speed
air bag, ac, ps, cc, tilt, lthr, p/seats, p/windows, tint, pdl, sunroof etc.

It looks like this (paint is in good shape)


I asked the seller a bunch of questions, and here are his anwsers (just to get the history of the car)

"I bought the car about 2 years ago from parents of original owner. I
bought it with 87k miles on it as I remember and drove it back and forth
to work. I don't know all of prior history but do know a few facts.

1) It had been repainted in original color, I suspect it had been in
minor accidents but have no details, no reason to suspect anything
major.

2) I asked about engine history, if you are up on the DOHC engines you
know that a major maintenance for timing belt replacement is scheduled
every 60k miles. This is because if this belt fails the valve train
will be demolished because they will come in contact with pistons. I
was told that yes this maintenance had been done by dealer on schedule,
but interestingly enough the dealer installed the belt wrong it failed
and wiped out the engine. The dealer rebuilt engine at dealer cost.
Base on this I would expect that belt needs to be replaced again at 120k
miles. I would not let this go much longer than 120k mile mark but make
sure someone that knows what they are doing does this.

3) Engine has run perfectly except for two items:

a) last summer the engine control computer went out. If you look into
history of these cars the computers all fail at some time. This is due
to leaky capacitors on circuit board. When rebuilt they use better
quality capacitors. The rebuilt computer cost me $500. I do not expect
it to fail again.

b) I had a problem this year with passing emissions inspection. Car ran
fine but emissions showed high NOX. This usually indicates engine
running a little lean or hot or both. Actually installed a new
catalytic convertor on it first but this did not solve problem. Ended
up having a mechanic do a tuneup on the vehicle including changing of
all plugs and I think cleaning of injectors. It just passed inspection
and is running fine.

4) Interior is leather. Back seats an remainder of interior are in very
good shape but driver side seat is worn and has some cracks in leather
which is why I but the seat cover on. The steering wheel cover is a
aftermarket and has a small place where it is worn. It cost less than
$10 as I recall.

5) There are a few small dings and dents around the exterior, nothing
major. I was attracted to the car originally be cause of the nice paint.
Carpet stains are not real noticiable.

6) Other items, I but a new clutch in to the car at about 90k as I
remember and new breaks and a new left side CV joint. Tires pass
inspection but are not new will need a new set in the not to distant
future. It has the original radio and CD player on it which are
controlable through the stearing wheel. I like the steering wheel
control so have not upgraded. This is an early vintage CD unit and it
has limited buffer so that it will skip easily if you have any
vibration. You may want to upgrade to a new generation at some point.

7) You will have to tell me more about the recall, I don't know what
this is. <--This was the transfer case recall I asked him about-->

I really love driving this car it has excellent handling and performance
and I think it is really nice looking. I get complements all the time.
I am selling it because I am moving overseas. If I were staying here I
would hold on to it."

I have heard these cars are more expensive to own than to buy, but it seems like most of the common problems have been taken care of. He is asking $4,000...let me know what you think please, and any advice at all would be great. I don't plan on racing the car at all, it would be well taken care of and pamperd. I just want something the isn't to common, and I love the way they look. Thanks in advance.

 

Honestly, he answered all the right questions. Question #7 refers to only AWD cars. It is a recall on a seal in the transfer case.
The timing belt is the #1 cause of catastrophic engine failure if it isn't replaced every 60k. Other than that, it has the normal wear and tear items as any vehicle. The only drawback is you won't be able to replace everything from parts at the corner parts store. Many items are dealer only, you know how they are. $$

The green car below has 156K on the original engine and it has been a very reliable car. I've had it almost 6 years and put 50K on it. It's only required routine maintenance on it.

Good luck.

 

Like thestealth said, all the questions are answered that you needed answered. He's probably the most knowledgable guy here on Stealths....

It seems a bit pricey but considering the work and how reliable those cars can be, it sounds like a decent buy....

Good luck!

 

i would say go for it it sounds like a good deal the price isnt that bad. i paid 3995$ for my 93 es stealth. i love the thing i dont race it know seeing as i only have my permit but as soon as i get my liscence i plan on doing it(only at a drag stip every once and a whille)