The wife and I are beginning to look at purchasing a used 2002+ Dodge Stratus. Is there anything we shold be looking out for, besides the usual? She wants a sedan with a V6, 4 cyls (toy cars, she calls them) are out of the question. She is currently driving a 2000 V6 Chrysler LXI Coupe, but with a small child to tote around, its a PITA to get in and out of the back. Colors she is considering are: blue, black and silver.

Thanks for any comments and/or suggestions.

 

For starters, the 2.7L V6has some serious sludge issues. While I havent heard as many issues with this on the Stratus, the Intrepids have had HUGE problems with it. I'd seriously just keep it in mind and make sure to have it looked over really good. If you find a good deal with a 2.7L, it's not a bad motor, just has its issues like some others do. Keep that info in mind and you should be okay.

The 4cyl Stratus sedans are actually quite nice to drive. My stepdad has a 4cyl, and it doesnt drive like one. Feels very much like a V6.]

Consider this:

2000 Sebring LXi - 160hp/151ftlbs torque
2001-2006 Stratus Sedan 4cyl - 147hp/165ftlbs torque

The power difference is not that huge between the two... I'd suggest you have her test drive one at least to see what she thinks....The V6 Stratus's are generally R/T models only. With most vehicles, you can get the bigger motors in the SE/SXT's, but you wont find them as easily.

You might also consider looking at Chrysler 300M's, as they have a 3.5L V6 that's a very good solid motor and the car itself is very nice.

 

I was looking at cars.com and found some V6's that are SE's and SXT's. I'll keep the sludge issue in mind, but could changing to a synthetic oil solve the issues?

 

That and proper maintenance could indeed fix the issue.....but it's something that can cause major damage to an engine and if you buy one that's already affected....you may be asking for trouble...

2003 Chrysler 300M Special - $14,995- 25,903 miles

That one in particular is a steal... The 300M Specials were the fastest sedan Chrysler or Dodge had built since the 70's...and was only recently surpassed by the V8 powered LX cars.....it's got all the power she'd ever want, coupled with all the extras you'd ever need. Heated seats, quality sound, sunroof, etc etc...

2003 Chrysler 300M - $15,988- 26,346 miles

This one's also nice.....26k miles for 16 grand.....considering this car has practically every option on it.... both are great buys for the price....not to mention they are better cars then the Stratus in my opinion.

 

Ibought asedan 2002 - 4 cyl, 5 months ago with 74 K miles on it. The car is overall quite nice, except for the engine noise.

 

Looking for collision damage on a used car.

Look at the pinch welds along the bottom of the rocker panels for clamp marks (usually at the front and back). If it has any, its a good sign its been wrecked, and had to go on a frame rack.

Check inside the trunk, under the carpet. Look at the spot weldswhere the frame rails weld to the floorto see if they are factory, or if someone hasreplaced theframe rail(s).

Check fender bolts under the hood and see if the fender has been off or adjusted. Also look at door, hood, and truck hinges for any sign of wrench marks or adjusting.

Also look at the spot welds under the weather strips around the door opening.

 

Avoid black! My 2001 R/T started white blotches in summer '03 and it has spread all over and down to the base coat in some areas. We started at 35K with local dealer and he blew us off (no record of him sending pix to head office at all) and at 45K I'm still trying to get someone to make it right...now they say we're out of warranty! So I have a major expense coming up. Mechanically, though, the car is great, and it's an absolute dream to drive. I should add that it's always been handwashed and dried and Maguire's products used on it.

 

I belive after 2001 the paint problem was a rarity. They fixed it in 02. Also, it wasn't just black. They all had that issue.
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We got a black 2005 Stratus SXT that I posted in another thread. Thanks for all the replies.