I just bought this Stratus last month for 1800 dollars and since then have had to replace a cv axle, lower control arm, sway bar link, two tires, have the a/c recharged, fix lots of rust spots that were hidden by the seller, and likely have the timing belt changed in the next few months. Right now I have 2500 dollars total in it, including the purchase price, and although I like the car a lot I'd like to know that I haven't been ripped off. If these things are all normal maintenance items that you would expect on a vehicle with 108K I'll feel much better, and hopefully when all is said and done I'll end up with a reliable vehicle. But I gotta tell you, it's not looking good right now. Can't afford to ditch it though, so for better or worse I'm stuck with it for at least a year. I'm just not very good with cars so it would be fairly easy for me to be taken advantage of.

 

I've seen a couple going from dealers around here (es v6 model) in the 1200 range.
I just recently sold my '00 ES for 1250, but buyer was aware of what needed done (cosmetic, AC recharge, blower resistor). I can't stress enough to take any used car for a test drive, directly to your trusted garage to have it looked over before buying.

The miles on the one you bought was a little low for it's age (108k/mi), and things like the AC should be pretty cheap to refill unless it's got a leak somewhere. Tires are wear items, but if they wore out pretty quickly, it could be an alignment issue, or something broken/bent in the suspension. I don't know what the going rate for cars in your area, or what kind of amentnties your Strat came with, but I personally would not have paid more than 1,500 for a car with 100,000+ mi on it.

 

I bought a 2000 stratus for my daughter. Had it 6 months and the intake cam seized. 108,000 miles on it. I'm going back to chevies. 2.4 dohc sucks.

 

Well, that comment makes no sense at all. I can't believe a 12 year old car would have mechanical issues You don't know what the previous owner did to it (or didn't). Same with whatever Chevy you go buy next.

 

Thanks everyone, I'm feeling a little better about my purchase today. I haven't even owned a car in over four years so some of this is just me being new to the cost of owning a car. The control arm didn't break until I ran into a speedbump going full speed (it was poorly marked) and it was also then that the front tire got a bulge in it and had to be replaced, so I can probably blame myself for that. I may also be reimbursed for the control arm under a recent recall. Where I live used cars are quite pricey so if I end up spending between 2500 and 3000 dollars total for the vehicle it will be in line with my area. Nothing I can do about it now anyway so I'll just do the best I can.