I have been trying to locate another 1st gen Stratus (any `95 - `00 will do), and I seemed to have stumbled across a nice White one at a used car lot. I dislike the fact that it has mis-matched tires (pet peeve) with new Firestones in the front, and older Goodyears in the back, but more importantly to me, is the high mileage.

The 1st gen is a 2000 model 2.4L Auto with 162,000 mi. on her...the used lot was not open yesterday, Memorial Day holiday observance, so I have not driven this car yet. My question to the diehard masses; How Much Mileage is Too Much Mileage?

I am split on my intensions for purchasing a 1st gen again; 1) I loved my `95, and would like to have another; 2) I saw first hand a1st gen alltricked out, and would love to trick my own...& 3) gas may hit $5, $6 or even $7 a gallon in the next two years so I would like better fuel economy than I get with 3.9L Dak.

Of course my wife is dead set against it (and I mean DEAD SET AGAINST IT!!!), even though she just put 2,100 mi on a brand new Chevy Malibu I just bought for her...

This particular 1st gen is going for $3,600 obo...

Thanks for any advice from you 'cloud busters'

Johnnie

 

obviously, no easy answer here. if there is clear maintiance history of the previous owner(s) having done ALL oil changes, filters, fluids, than it's probably got some life left in it still. Personally i would take it on a test drive, right to a trusted mechanic to give it a lookover.
run it hard, push the cars limits on the test drive. most will show any issues early on, and check to make sure nothing is burning/leaking afterwards. If you break it on the test drive, the dealer would have a very hard time proving that it wasen't broken in the first place.
I have over 145,000 on my '00 (v6) and it's running very strong still. The dealer assured me all prior maintance was done at the regular intervals (he's been my friend before he started selling cars, so i trust him on that one), and the car shows it.

 

Well, for this particular vehicle in question, the mileage is high, but because I inquired about the car, the price went from $3600 to $4995!!! (WTF?)

I'll keep looking, I'm not in a big hurry, but the 1st gen's do seem to be getting a little scarce around here locally.

Johnnie

 

I have a 2000 ES 2.4l that I picked up for $3200. I bought it with 129,000 on it and the body has some cosmetic damage. I now have almost 161,000 and it is still going strong.

 

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