I have the chance to pick up a 4cyl 98 Stratus wiith 115k on it for a reasonable price. Can anyone give me an idea of the life expectancy of these motors and trannies (auto)? I don't know whether the head gasket has been done yet on it and understand this is a weak point for the 4cyls. I have been a caravan person for many years and know their flaws, but don't know the Stratus flaws. Thanks for any help or advice.

 

is it a 2.0 or a 2.4 4cyl.? they are very different and have different issues

 

I believe it is the 2.0 Did they have the same Head Gasket problems as the 2.4? Is the 2.0 adequate with an automatic behind it? I know the 2.4 is quite peppy. What problems do you know of for both motors?

 

the 2.0 obviously has the head gasket issue, but that is really one of the only major problems i have seen, and chrysler has redesigned that head gasket to correct the issue. the 2.4 has the timing belt issue(any poorly maintained car would have this issue though) with a 2.4 i would suggest replacing the timing set and water pump(usually a root problem with popping timing belts) if your motor has some miles on it. both the 2.0 and 2.4 usually have leaky oil pan gaskets once you get some good mileage on them as well(minor issue), and last but not least both seem to have inefficient egr systems once a lot of kmiles have been put on them so i wouldn't be suprised at some point if you have and egr issue(minor issue not to pricey to correct either) other than that you can expect to put loads of trouble free miles on both motors.......sorry for rambling

 

I've had to replace the EGR valve on 3 of my caravan 3.3 engines. Is this the same problem with the smaller engines or is it a different EGR problem. WHat transmission (automatic) do the Strats' use? Is the oil-pan gasket a tricky one (like part of it sits under the tranny) or is it a fairly straightforward one? I just want to be informed before I jump into buying a car. Thanks, Jim