Hey guys, Im 16 and looking to get my first car this summer. I was originally looking for a Ford because thats what my parents drive, but my dads 2004 F150 recently cost us $2000 in transmission work and is having starting/stalling/alarm problems. We are planning on trading it in soon. Anyways I really like the Stratus even though my dad hates Dodge (and now fords too). I was wondering if it would be a good first car. I already know to avoid the 2.7L and Im looking mostly at the 2.4L for MPG reasons. My budget would be around 5-6K, but I would be putting around $2000-$2500 down and doing payments on the rest. Currently I'm looking at one example; a 2006 Stratus SXT 2.4 sedan with 103K for $5000. What do you guys think? Thanks!

 

I think $5000 for an 06 with that kind of mileage is high. I can pick up 05-06's with around 100k for $3k or less around here.

Avoiding the 2.7 is not nessicarily true. A well maintained 2.7 can be a great car (ask the 80k of ****-pounding mine has taken and is still running like a dream).From what I've found and heard, it does just as good for mpg and is not so anemic like the 2.4, I average 28-32 with my 2.7.

Look at your values and weigh all options. I think you can get one much cheaper with the same kind of miles.