I am getting my Dodge Stratus R/T 2D coupe ready to sell because I am upgrading to a minivan .

I just want to see if anyone knows of any possible way to fix these problems cost efficiently... Any info would be greatly appreciated!!

1. When I put the car in reverse the car "jumps" as if it is skipping a gear. I was told it has something to do with the transmission due to me not coming to a COMPLETE stop whenever I put it into reverse. Anyone know?

2. Something odd happened with the car alarm a while back while my car was being worked on. The place that worked on the car claimed they had nothing to do with it... But whatever happened made it so that I must unlock my passenger side to get in. I tried to look online and find out what the problem is, but no luck. It's such a hassel, but I deal with it since I don't have the money to get it fixed. If I unlock the drivers side, the alarm goes off. I wouldn't want to buy a car with that problem! So, does anyone have any info about this?

3. Anyone familiar with Dodge should know that the paint is defective in some cars and I'm lucky enough to have gotten one of those cars. The top of my car, the sides and the top of the trunk are REALLY bad. I was told to get a special type of spray paint by a friend who does car exterior work because the paint is kind of expensive... Anyone have this problem too?

4. Something is "thumping/clunking"around the truck area when I hit bumps. I took it to the dealership to get looked at about2 years ago. They said something was wrong with the sway bar. Again it cost too much and I couldn't get it fixed, decided to deal with it. I know... shouldn't do that....

5. The car gets really loud/shakey when the air conditioning is running. Last year it would actually stall out, I thought I had got it fixed, but apparently not because I now have the same problem again. Any info on this?

6. Not too important but... I will need new tiressoon. They are noticeably worn, but probably could last a few more months. Should I purchase new tires? Is so, where would be the best place to get some good, yet cheap tires? So, far I've found tires that are $90 each (Falken) at Discount Tire. Thats without a discount, though.

Thanks!!

 

these tips may or may not work.

1. check trans fluid level maybe over/under filled. trans filter may need to be changed.it is VERY bad for your auto trans when you change directions without comming to a complete stop.

2. if you have a fob change the batt in it, go to the watch counter at your fave store. with the alarm going off, unlock the pass door and/or the trunk, this should reset the sys. last time the car was worked one the batt was prob disconnected and pissed off the alarm comput.

3. the paint can be buffed out. like sanding but less hamfull to the paint. check the local high schools for an auto shop class to save $$$.

4. might be a bad bushing or just need some grease. parts are cheap labor is not (high school shop class?).

5. new drive belt for the a/c and have the a/c coolant level checked, call around asking for JUST the pressure check as you can get the coolant (called "R134a") at the local parts store real cheap, they can show you how to put it in too.

6. if you are still driving the car, get new tires. you can ask if you can get a deal over the phone they might have some older tires laying around that they need to get rid of. just tell them your abought to sell the car and it needs new tires (but they need to match). might be able to find a better deal on line, but youll have to pay for mounting and bal (high school shop?).

hope this helps, happy motoring.