Wizard you should tell about × The biggest repairs you ever done! × The most beat up cars you ever get in your shop × About your time as a mechanic soldier × Most expensive repairs you ever done!
I never liked how the car looked. It looked like it was trying to be a hatchback, a wagon and a crossover all at once. It wasn't as bad as the PT cruiser or the Chrysler crossfire though.
We have a 2010 2.4L Avenger that my wife bought brand new. It’s been a reliable car but is now badly rusted which makes it hard to work on. Nuts and bolts disintegrate when you put a wrench on them. Besides that, the engine - while underwhelming is running strong with 140k miles. At this point we only use it to transport our dogs.
. My 2011 dodge avenger I bought new. It’s now 13 years old and has 250k miles. I take very good care of it. I’m always amazed at how it just keeps chugging along . No engine or transmission problems to speak of. Cars will last a long time as long as you take good care of them.
I bought a used fully loaded '89 Dodge Shadow in '94, and I drove it until parts were no longer available in 2009. It was reliable, but not the most reliable. Cheap parts and service made it a great car to own.
I had an '01 Durango we used as our first family car and it was awesome for us. We kept it for 13 years and when we sold it, someone got a great vehicle.
91 Journey 200K NO engine repairs, No trans repairs we look after this unit all within in or before recommended. Drilled and slotted brakes added long before stock wore out Considering a 2020 Dakota as replacement
@@canadianplanespotter 3.5L or 3.6L-equipped Journeys are pretty durable, they aren't known for catastrophic failures if maintained (timing belt replacements, transmission fluid maintenance, etc). The antiquated 2.4L 4-cyl models on the other hand are crude and unrefined, not likely to last long without unprovoked repairs needed eventually, but V6 models can believably achieve 200k with few issues.
1992 Dodge Stealth R/T Twin Turbo owner here. While I agree that these cars are difficult to work on to an extent, I've had no trouble finding parts for them. 3SX has any part you could ever need for the car (at a markup though), and Rock Auto carries all of the important things you'll need to keep the car running. If somehow both of those sources fail you, Mitsubishi still makes most of the parts for these cars. Parts really aren't very expensive either unless you buy directly from Mitsubishi. Mine hasn't been terribly unreliable either. I've had an issue with my electronic suspension control computer going bad, but other than that it runs like a dream and there's nothing out there that drives quite like it.
Kinda shitty of the wizard to call them ALL unreliable,the naturally aspirated SOHC/DOHC ones are going to be more reliable than a dodge viper,pretty slow cars but nice handling....
Horrible advice. They are all unreliable and will all fail eventually. you couldn't give me a 3000gt or a Stealth. Everyone time someone sells one they should include a free set of jack stands.
I own a 93 stealth, I commute in it 280 miles round trip twice a week in Montana winters. It hasn't let me down at all. If you keep up on routine maintenance it'll run forever. Seen them with 250000 mile before still running.
I have owned 2 Chrysler products and they were both good overall. I had a 2001 Neon R/T and it was almost bulletproof with the only mechanical issue being something failed in the air conditioning in the first couple years I had it. Once it was fixed, I had no issues with it anymore that weren't wear and tear. I had it 5 years and about 80K miles. I'd still own a 97-04 Durango/Dakota they are tough as nails and they look great too. One of my fav products from them.
Great video and love your channel! Glad most of you Challenger owners have not had the issues I have had!!! I have a 2017 T/A 5.7L and purchased it used in 2021 with only 14K miles on it. It only had one previous owner that did not drive is much. I daily drive my Challenger to work and home and take good care of it by keeping it maintained and clean. I have not done any modifications and don't drive it hard. Unfortunately, I have had my Challenger in and out of the Dodge dealership service center multiple times😮💨! My PCM was having issues and had to be replaced. The battery died on me with no warning and replaced it. The purge control valve had to be replaced due to code P0443. The electrical connector on the purge control valve had to be replaced and wiring soldered on. My latest issue as of 11/10/2023 when cleaning up the engine bay, I have an oil leak under the intake manifold. While checking the oil, I could not get the oil dipstick to go back into the tube!!! I have owned many vehicles over 30 years and never seen where the oil dipstick wont go back in. I guess there is always a first for everything. I have an appointment once again with the dealership service center. Guess I was one of the unlucky ones and got a used lemon. I love my Challenger and have always wanted a muscle car. After these issues I've had and the inconvenience of dropping off and picking up my Challenger plus being without transportation multiple times makes me think it's time to trade it in🤔!!!
I have a 79 Dodge pickup truck with the palomino appearance package. My grandfather bought it new in 78 and I'm still driving it every week with the original 318 engine and transmission at 347,000 miles and counting. The tailgate fell off about 5 years ago and got run over by a train, it's got a 12 gauge slug bullet hole in the passenger door but that's ok with me. I just wish it was four wheel drive. As everyone knows, if you take care of things they will last forever.
Robert Hull this is the problem. Everyone got PTSD over the 90s. ALL cars, if not expensive and built for performance, WERE TOTAL CRAP. American, German, some Italian and some Japanese, all of them were garbage. Then people categorize the whole brand IN MODERN TIMES because of the sins of retarded criminals who acted as company CEOs 25 years ago.
@@rhull3939 lol i know right .. i read his comment 4 times over, to make sense of it ..still makes NO sense .FYI my brother has a very neglected 78' stepside 318 with the (Three on the tree) and god dam she always starts... and i mean everytime!!! just needs a good battery.
He is totally correct about how great the 97 to 02 dodge durango with the 318 V8, and this also appiies to your dodge pickups with the 318 V8 from 1994 to 2002. I am a master 44 year experience mechanic and own a 1998 dodge ram extended cab with the 318 V8 and these cast iron V8s are actually your LA 318s from the late 1960s era. I love mine so much that I will never get rid of it
The 3.6 pentastar has been good to me. Had 2 cars with them. 1 challenger , 1 Chrysler 300. Also had a .96 intrepid. steering rack issue was the rubber bushings, I had that fixed , not that expensive. The driving dynamics were excellent on that car .
Here are some Chrysler engines from the 90’s that easily roll over 200,000 miles and can still keep going with minimal maintenance, 3.3 and 3.8, 3.2 and 3.5, 3.9 5.2 and 5.9 and 8.0 Magnum engines, 4.0 of course. For the average guy, make sure you drop the pan and change the fluid and filter of the transmission with ATF+4 every 30,000 miles, adjust bands according to procedure on the Ram and Durango and Dakota it’s a must! Occasionally solenoids go bad, replace as necessary with a Mopar oem one. Sometimes a cheap Chrysler product can go quite the distance with a little care. I still own a few Ram Trucks with Magnum engines in them, for the price I paid used they do great.
I quite like the way a Dodge Journey looks, especially in that Cherry Red color FCA uses. Here in Europe they came with a 2.0 diesel with 170 HP and a manual transmission. Quite a good combo.
In England, Neon's were Chrysler. Top model was the RT rated at 150hp. Omni was badged as a Talbot Horizon. My summer ride is a 1988 Dakota LE V6 3.9 V6 manual. Love it and has never let me down
I thought the Omni looked familiar, I had a Talbot Horizon, it was the second car I owned and was like new when I got it and other than being very basic, was an ok car. Though I did sell it after a year and got a Opel Manta.
What about the Dodge Caravan? The 2001 to 2007 with the 3.3 or 3.8 can be purchased for cheap. Are easy to work on, parts are cheap and readily available. You can remove or if you have "stow n go" fold the seats and haul stuff. I've personally moved myself and friends with mine. Have 2 with well over 200,000 miles on them. One at almost 300,000. Even if you have a transmission problem it can be removed without taking off subframes. You can get used working transmission for as low as $150 and they are the same transmission from at least 1998 to 2007 so they are interchangeable if it's a 3.3 or 3.8 front wheel drive.
They are fairly good minivans, but go for the newer ones with the 3.6 L Pentastar V6 engine. They are a lot better than the previous-generation, because they are getting too old now. Avoid the 2011 and 2012 model, but buy the 2013 and up Dodge Grand Caravan without the flex-fuel technology, either go for the Crew or the R/T models. They are fast, they are very reliable, they are fuel-efficient and they are the best.
The Neon we had was a Trooper! It was the Best car on Gas!! when we took it off the road,it had 305,000 ! We only did Brakes and a gas tank strap!! I loved that car! Now we have a 2009 Dodge Charger and an Army of P T. Cruisers,the Cruisers are G.T.Turbo's, they work Great,lots of Power!
90s (and maybe some early 2000s) cars where the last of the greats. I sound like some old fuck but none of these modern cars give you a mechanical to man feeling. 90s cars are ver nostalgic to me
Ditto. My 99 300M was the best car I ever had. Got 345000 km out of it when rust problems took it away. 3.5 V6 got good mileage, never leaked or burned oil. Three repairs were power steering hose, cooling line that went under the intake manifold and one power window motor. Repairs costs totalled about 3k over 13 years, not counting regular maintenance items. Previously I owned 2 Mercury Sables (awful) and afterward a 2001 Toyota Corolla the worst car I ever owned. Despite oil changes every 3000 miles, it started burning vast amounts of oil at 50k miles. Finally it got rear ended in a snowstorm and I got rid of it. Good riddance! sterringreplahe end
@@barrykrauter2364 had a 02 300m was a great car at 250k it dropped a piston but I drove it for 1k rattling tell moter finely locked up and rust had pretty much takin it
The wizard seems to be blaming the cars for the fact that the owners never maintained them. He doesn't realize that people never maintain cars that are reliable. They just ignore them until they fall apart, then they sell the cars on to the next guy.
My aunt had an 01 with the dreaded 2.7 v6 and it got over 200k miles. She wore that thing out for years. The water pump and timing was changed regularly.
You've said it all when you talked about the Intrepid: they're almost never maintained, and that has wreaked havoc on their perceived reliability. If they're taken care of, they're actually very good vehicles (as long as they have the transmission cooler which wasn't on all of them). I had a '99 Chrysler 300M (mechanically similar) and it was a very dependable, even fun car all the way to around 200k miles when the brake lines and radiator fan started to go out (it was almost 15 years old, decided to trade at that point). Only simple maintenance. Never had steering rack issues, never heard that they were "common," even having been an active member on a forum. I traded it for a 2011 Chrysler 200 with 20k miles, currently 160k+ miles--only weird thing I've had to change on that was a thermostat ($15, 10 minutes). Very good car, underrated in almost every way. Going back to the Intrepid, even the notorious 2.7L was actually a good engine IF you changed the water pump every 80k miles when you did your timing chain (hint: few ever did). At that mileage, they tended to start leaking, which is terrible when it's driven off the timing chain and the leaking coolant mixes with the oil (hence the sludge). The 3.2 and 3.5 engines used the same water pump, but they were timed by belt, so the oil was never contaminated (that's why you see far more of these with 200k+ miles even though they're the same family as the 2.7). When I had my 300M and was on the forum, I remember a guy with a 300M whos odometer stopped working at over 500k miles, probably had around 700k last time I heard from him. But also on that forum was no shortage of 2.7L owners with well over 200k miles. It ALL came down to the water pumps leaking (and in rarer cases with the 3.2 and 3.5s, seizing and breaking the timing belt). A very good engine family underneath one part. Chrysler has long had the highest rate of sub-prime lending in the automotive market. Coincidentally, these buyers also happen to be the ones who neglect their cars. And then they're bought second-hand by people who neglect them even further because their resale value is low. It's a terrible cycle for brand perception. If you're picky about the condition and maintenance of the car you buy, most Mopars will run just as long as the "best" of them for little fuss. I sure as hell wouldn't keep buying them if I didn't whole-heartedly believe that.
You are absolutely right. Some mechanics, such as Scotty Kilmer, does not take these factors into account , with regards to maintenance. Unfortunately, many Chrysler owners neglected their maintenance. As a person who worked for WalMart Oil and Lube and a Automotive Service Advisor For 3 Chrysler Dealerships, and for Toyota, Honda and Mazda, one thing I can say is that a good chunk of Chrysler owners, would change their fluid much later than the recommended mileage. On the contrary, the owners who maintained their Chrysler vehicles very well, in most cases, were extremely reliable and durable. It wasn't uncommon to see Chrysler vehicles with over 250 000 miles on the original powertrain, if they were maintained to a tee. As a matter of fact, when I worked at a Chrysler dealership, there was this owner who owned a 1994 Dodge Grand Caravan with a 3.3l v6, that had over 900 000kms on the original engine. He replaced one transmission at 595 000kms approximately. The owner was a Courier Driver and was putting over 120 000kms in a year on average. This was in 2002. When asked how did his vehicle run so much, he said, "I never skimped out on the maintenance. I would change the fluids well before the recommended mileage." Personally, my family and I have owned 10 Chryslers and 9/10 were very durable and reliable. As a matter of fact, I had a 1988 Plymouth Gran Fury, which I got rid of at 376 250 miles. Had the original 318 cid. engine and 2 barrel carburetor. I rebuilt the transmission at 372 500 miles. I bought this car in 2000 and drove it until late 2005. It was rust that made me junk it. It is kind of funny as to why Toyotas and Hondas had very good reliability and that is because, most of the owners of these cars, maintained them very well. The ones who didn't maintain their Toyotas and Hondas very well, were just as bad, if not worse than Chrysler in terms of reliability. This did not apply for everyone of the ill maintained Toyotas and Hondas. There was a small percentage that held up despite the owner's poor maintenance habits. Likewise, there were a small percentage of Chryslers that held up, despite the owner's maintenance habits. The bottom line is, always take care of your vehicle very well and it will take care of you. Regardless of what automaker it is.
@@JSIV-j7p probably just fine if taken care of. People drive them like idiots though. I would not buy one after 40 or 50k miles. My father in law bought one with 15k. Unbelievable the power in that engine.
As someone who's been buying/selling/working on cars for 40 years. Here's my advice...real simple. FORGET ANYTHING MADE BETWEEN 1975-1995. In general, the late 70's everyone was trying to figure out emissions, the 80's was transiting from standard to electronic ignitions, fuel delivery and dash. Early 90's was hit and miss. After that...for the most part it's just been tweaking. Yeah there are true lemons even now but NOTHING even close to the "dark" 20 year period I mention.
I had a 1995 Dodge Neon Sport, and it was the worst car I ever owned. Had it back to the dealership a bunch of times in the first year. Stuff broke on that car that never breaks. The turn signal broke! And I had to have the A/C fixed every single year. I finally paid it off and traded it in immediately before something else could fail. That car was built in Mexico, which may be significant.
I bought a 2018 Journey in October, silver Blacktop edition with the 6 banger. I agree that most you see on the road are the base line bland ones, but I must say that mine with that package, sportier wheels etc, isn't that bad. Certainly isn't my dream car, but def a reliable budget friendly choice. Love the videos, and thank you for all the info you pass along.
My 2011 dodge avenger I bought new. It’s now 13 years old and has 250k miles. I take very good care of it. I’m always amazed at how it just keeps chugging along . No engine or transmission problems to speak of. Cars will last a long time as long as you take good care of them.
My family has had 3 Dodge Spirit/Plymouth Acclaims over the years and they are some of the best cars we've ever had. They ride fairly well, very cheap to work on, great mileage and super cheap to insure. Not the most stylish thing, but we're talking reliability here. They're getting harder to find just due to the age, but if you find one in good condition it's a great daily beater.
Thank you my friend for your wonderful reaffirmation and support of the marvelous Dodge Intrepids. I have a 2004 ES gold, fully loaded. With regular maintenance and good care these vehicles are out standing. My 2004 Intrepid just hit 128.000 miles it has the 3.5 liter high-out-put V-6. I take very care of it, it's good to know that it can go 200.000 plus miles. Take care, and Thank you🌊🌊🌊🌿🌺
@@michaeledwards2919 The car is still running beautifully. 265.000 miles. Mine has the 2.7. The engine all the internet experts claim wouldn't last over 100.000 Miles. I think that the original 20 year old rack and pinion is about to go bad and it has some front end clunks. Otherwise it's extremely reliable for a 20 year old car.
@@trr5291 Excellant, I'm glad the 2.7 V-6 is still running great. You have proved those quote, unquote, experts all wrong. I have heard from other 2.7 V-6 intrepid owners who take good care of those engines, and they last as long as any motor. I believe that it was the owners who "didn't take care of their engines who were to blame for any problems they may have had.🌊🌊 Meanwhile, we keep sailing along with our Intrepids🌊. On the steering-rack an pinion, you probably already priced them, I think rebuilt 350.00. And used "Be Careful" maybe 150.00, I might be low here. Labor might be a little steep in price, unless your a mechanic, and save that cost. Best of luck your intrepid, it has a great owner🍀🌲.
@@michaeledwards2919 Ya the racks are not cheap and the labor is worse. I won't be able to do it myself. I'm going to wait until it's completely broken.
One of my close friends family bought a used 2013 Dodge Durango with the V6. They are not very wealthy and when it started rod knocking really badly I told them, I know you spent a lot on this car but just sell it. It’s a pain in the ass to fix rod knock and it costs a lot of money.
I bought the 2008 Dodge Avenger SXT 2.4L, automatic. Went through two transmissions in less than two years. Traded for a 2012 Honda Civic LX. No issues for 7 years and counting =)
For older, mid-sized truck-based SUV's, here is an idea: To buy: 2006 to 2009 Chevrolet TrailBlazer 4WD with the 4.2 L I6 or the 5.3 L V8 Not to buy: 2001 to 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe 4WD with the 2.7 L or the 3.5 L V6
Dodge Journey is a nice car for what it is made for! Had one when I was lived in Germany! It looks very cool for a Midsize family hauler! Had it with a Volkswagen Diesel and Volkswagen double clutch, that was the sad part of it. Typical Volkswagen Quality, awful... Turbo went bad and transmission after 40k miles, it would cost 9k to fix, luckily it was still under warranty!
I know Dodge gets a lot of hate, but I like them. We own a 2006 Charger 3.5 that is still running strong. We replaced the intake on it at a little over 100,000 miles, not because it quit on us, but because the engine light came on. It has never left me stranded on the road. We also own a 2015 Charger 3.6. It has been very reliable. Finally, we own a 2018 Challenger T/A 392 HEMI. Awesome car! OK, so they are not Toyotas. Well....that's the point. They are not ugly, under powered and front wheel drive. I hate front wheel drive. Sorry Toyota.
Omni's and Horizon's were solid cars. Idk who he got his information from but the 2.2's in the later models were virtually indestructible, and they had very little else to go wrong with them being so basic. Almost none exist anymore but I remember them being good basic transportation back in the day.
About 1999 I worked in Daytona across the street from Smokey Yunick's garage. He had an omni/horizon as a daily driver. One day at his quitting time he couldn't get his doberman dogs to get in the car. The dogs were just running around but wouldn't get in the car. He got on the phone and a few minutes later a pretty much younger woman drove up. She was easily able to get the dogs into Smokey's car.
3000gt/Stealth parts are readily available and easy to come by. A Mass air flow sensor is simply not a commonly replaced part on an old enough mitsubishi (not a dodge) making it not available from factory.. so source some good used parts, if you have to, in that rare scenario. FYI, mitsubishi mass air flow sensors have common operation and are often swapped on turbo mitsubishi cars to upgrade to a higher flowing unit, a MAF Translator can also allow you to run a GM-style MAF! 3000GT VR-4 owners will upgrade to a higher flowing EVO unit. I have a 1G DSM turbo MAF on my '89 Chrysler Conquest Tsi.
@Josh S I had a Toyota Camry and it was the most unreliable car I've ever owned. And I've owned Fords, Chevys, Dodges, Jeeps, Kias, and a Mazda. The Toyota was by far the most problems per mile. The others had a few issues here and there, but nothing like that Camry. I'll never buy another Toyota, or Ford.
@@jamesmedina2062 1997 Camry. The engine had sludge deposits (there was a recall) and the transmission slipped out of gear and had to be replaced. The interior was falling to bits by 5 years. Not a good car.
On the problem with the gauge reading to high, my guess is that it is simply a bad gauge. To say it another way the gauge is simply out of Specification.
I've had a 2001 Sebring the past 3 years. It's basically Intrepid's sister car. I just change the transmission fluid every year, use only full synthetic in the 2.7. It's been a reliable car. I've only changed the brakes on it, a coolant bleeder valve, and getting ready to change the original alternator. Not bad for 3 years of use.
2011 Dodge avenger, 173k I bought it at 31k miles honestly runs good stuff that went out alternator, battery, AC compressor rattling but still blows cold, maybe a wheel bearing a few years back but I'm happy with it.
9:00 ...well, that’s 2 out of 3 cars in my driveway that are on the Car Wizards “do not buy” list. First my Aveo, and now my moms Journey. Unlike my Aveo, our journey has been completely trouble free ever since we bought it. Fun fact: the JC platform on which the Journey rides on is actually a highly modified version of the midsize JS platform. Take a WILD guess what dodge car rides on the JS platform: the RECOMMENDED Dodge Avenger.
What I love about Dodge is that they always kind of did their own thing. A lot of what they make, they made because you could tell they were interested in it and wanted to do something cool. What I absolutely hate about Dodge is how cheap they get. Their quality control is just ridiculous. I understand you're trying to keep costs down, but no car company that is a century old should be making vehicles with transmissions that won't last a decade. or a dash that cracks after three years. Or front end problems. You know better than that Mopar
It doesn't matter if it's Wizard, Scotty, or any mechanic out there,, they are going to tell you that Dodge's are unreliable and they are expensive to fix.
If you can't find reasonably priced parts for a Dodge, you either live in buttfuck-nowhere with no internet or parts shops or you're the kinda person who takes your car to Pep Boys and acts surprised when they overcharge the bejezus out of ya.
Not true. They are great cars to own, if you are mechanically inclined. Easy to work on, inexpensive to buy and maintain, and certain models are good in general. Some of their engines are excellent.
Boomer Scott once made a video on how to change the alternator on a Ram 1500. As expected he bad mouth it the whole time he worked on it, but basically he proved how easy and cheap the repair was.
@@peterchen9763 the engine bay in the 3rd gen Rams are roomy from my experience, the only time I've struggled is the replacement of the driver side back 8 spark plugs cuz of the brake booster.
I owned a used 1989 Dodge Omni in 1998 with 90,000 miles. I purchased for $850. drove for about 8 months without any problem except oil lick, always had a couple of bottles of oil in the trunk. When I finally had a problem, Sold it for $25. to the junkyard. It was a fun car to drive.
Wizard, I have owned over 20+ cars. Like everything. Had a 2013 charger rt and that car was solid!! Not a money pit at all. Close to 190k miles and no leaks or lights on the dash, just worn suspension. I now have a 2013 avenger with the pentastar V6 and that car is in impeccable shape with 124k miles! No rattles or creaks and can get good gas mileage! No lights on and no issues other than the fact that someone tried to steal it in the past and there's dents on the driver's side door at the top 🙁 It almost is faster than my rt too 🤪 Oh, and I got it for $5k. Steal. I love dodge.
I like how he doesn't bash ALL Chrysler products like Scotty does. I have had several and they were all reliable. 94 wrangler 4x4 4.0 manual , 98 JGC 5.9 4x4 Limited , 1990 Cherokee 4wd 4.0 , 2004 Durango 4x4 Hemi. Never a problem.
5.2 v8 is a good engine I've owned some in the jeeps, it's just the transmission are usually going bad first, and I was about to buy a stealth or 3000gt but thought about the clearance of working on a twin turbo v6, so I bought a sc400
Fave Dodge I owned: 1968 Dart GT convertible, 273 bored to 318, A833 4 speed w Centerforce 2 clutch and Hurst shifter, CARTER AFB, dual glass packs exiting in front of the rear wheels, 4.11:1 gears, disc front brakes. FUN!
I have a 2002 Intrepid. Bought it for $500 3 years ago, 159,000 miles on it now. No major problems. Only time it left me (my wife actually) stranded is when a radiator hose let go.
Same engine I have in my truck, 200k miles and she's original and solid! Same case with the 545RFE transmission they made during that time. They last people just never change the damn fluid.
Some of your of opinions are unfounded! I have a 99' Chrysler 300m (LH same as Intrepid) with 345,000 miles on it. Yes, I've had some rack and pinion issues... so what. Car still runs great and is my daily. I'd drive it anywhere. This is not uncommon mileage from these 3.5 LH cars if maintained. Also, I have a 1986 Chrysler Laser XT (2.2 Turbo) with 186,000 miles on the clock and it still runs perfect. I've owned a 1983, 1985 and 1986 Dodge Chargers (same as Omni with na 2.2), and they were fantastic little cars. Besides the occasional broken door handle and Holley carb. issues, these cars got me through college with out leaving me stranded and very little to no repairs costs. All of them had 200,000 or more miles on them.
My 2015 Toyota Sienna (purchased brand new) has had many more issues than the cars mentioned above. It currently has 44,000 miles on it (all maintanence done by dealer). I've had the driver front seat frame replaced. Front struts replaced. A/C compressor replaced twice and still makes noise. Wiring in steering column replaced. I have noises in the dash and rear of the vehicle that the dealers still haven't found. The sliding door rollers are shot. I've already had an engine light on for a possible cam gear issue (death rattle on 3.5s). You mentioned that Prius' are super reliable. What about the $5000 brake actuator repair on these... common brake issue on these Prius' and not all of them were recalled. Or how about the $1000 EGR and cooler repair? I put a Mopar EGR valve on my Jeep GC 5.7 for less than $100. Toyota = overrated! Chrysler = underrated. Chrysler is not the only one with some past transmission woes. How many Lexus RX350s will you find on craiglist that need transmissions? The transmissions in the LH cars were actually very good with regular maintenance. There were a few bad years where Chrysler changed the manufacturer on solenoids packs but could be repaired without pulling the transmission. I've installed 1.8s in Corolla's (known piston issues) and 1.7s (head gasket issues) in Civics. BTW... The Neons that you recommended had engines that received their design from these K car engines. Why is that no one tells the truth about Honda and Toyota designing their own doozies! Yes, Chrysler has made some doozies but so has Toyota with their oiling sludging 3 liters and Honda/Acura transmission issues galore just to name a few. No one talks about these Toyota/Honda doozies except for the folks that are stuck with repair bills that are as large as another car purchase. I could go on....
My 2011 dodge avenger I bought new. It’s now 13 years old and has 250k miles. I take very good care of it. I’m always amazed at how it just keeps chugging along . No engine or transmission problems to speak of. Cars will last a long time as long as you take good care of them.
XLPCX that’s not true if you look at the over variants don’t count the r/t as it’s top form when you think of a challengers power think of the hellcat because anyone’s who’s racing will buy that instead of the r/t
ricky sanchez yeah but no when your looking at the hellcat. The r/t is the hellcats little brother that got the leftover meals and stayed scrawny and tone while the hellcat buffed up and is jacked
I'm speaking more on the attainable average side. Sure the Hellcat is sweet, but it's also 70k. I bought a 09 RT 6-speed in mint condition for 18k and chose it over the GT and SS due to room.
I love pointing this out... One of my favorite cars I've owned was a 2001 Chrysler Intrepid ES, with the 3.2L V6. I bought it at 300k km (about 190k miles), drive it for about four years, about 60-80k km.... with one repair coating about 300 bucks. Enough power to make a difference. Decent interior. Trunk space for miles. A great car. That's said, I totally recognize that it was a unicorn.
@@ericbrule4465 The Dodge Journey is just garbage and looks hideous, same with the older Chrysler Pacifica wagon. Just trade-it in for a 2016 and newer Mazda CX-9 with the 2.5 L Skyactiv four-cylinder turbocharged engine, which is more reliable.
My Dodge Omni [81 024] lasted 6 years and then got totaled. My 87 Shadow Turbo lasted 13 years and got sold for 2k with 180k on the odo. My 88 Lebaron Coupe lasted till this Feb '19 [31 F'ing years]and was sold for 500 bucks. Hopefully the 03 Sebring Coupe I just got will last an easy 5 more years. Take care of them and they will take care of you back generally.
As a mechanic, there is no way that I would EVER recommend a Dodge Avenger, they are built on the same platform as the Journey and almost as bad as the Caliber. The only Dodge I haven't seen significant issues with are the new Darts. All of the 3.6L motors are having issues with burning valves on the left hand cylinder bank and while it is covered under an extended warranty on most vehicles it's such an issue that the replacement heads are on backorder. One vehicle not covered under the extended warranty is the RAM Promaster and pulling the head on that thing was a nightmare.
The Journey with the standard 2.4 liter engine is the spiritual successor to every forgettable K-car. The GT with the 3.6 liter, on the other hand, is a bit of a sleeper. My wife wanted one desperately after renting one, and my reaction was... really? Of all the cars to desperately want... a damn Journey? And it took me months to get on board with the idea, but she loves it to this day. The trim looks better on the GT, though the silver trim piece under the air dam has to go. She liked it better than the Ford Edge Sport and corresponding Lincoln MKX, even. Gadgetry on the GT trim level is respectable, ride is comfortable, and she swears she does not need another new(ish) car for another ten years. (Then she saw the Stelvio.) I watched this video waiting for Mr Wizard to say something, anything, about the reliability or mechanical issues for the Journey, and... nothing. All the focus is on its fugliness. I’ll interpret that as a blessing.
It rides on the same platform and is mechanically similar to the Avenger, which he called “decent”. So take that for what it’s worth too. It’s literally just a lifted Avenger with a third row and optional AWD. (And really, aren’t pretty much ALL of these SUVs nowadays just that - a lifted version of a sedan w/AWD? Minus the 4Runners and Broncos of the world, there aren’t necessarily any “true SUVs” I’d argue anymore… So in that respect, the Journey is a fine “Avenger SUV”)
I'd say the Journey is ome of the best-looking crossovers on the market. Still old as hell, but I don't know what Weezard is talking about with its looks.
The Intrepid also had serious oiling issues with the V6s having channels that were too small to provide proper lubrication. I remember seeing the prices drastically drop on these & now they're very hard to find. Truly throwaway cars. A shame since the 2002 was a decent looking car.
Police Departments all across the country hated them too and went straight back to the Ford Crown Victorias. The Charger was better made than the Intrepid. The Intrepids were a PITA to work on, they had a ton of electrical problems, they went through brakes and transmissions quite frequently, and they overheated a lot. All police Intrepids had a 3.5 V6.
Get an OBD MX Bluetooth adapter and get AlfaOBD for Android. You can monitor EVERYTHING along with doing Proxi Alignments and link to all modules in the vehicle from powertrain to body modules on newer models. Best $50 you can spend.
I had a 1999 dodge intrepid 3.2 engine for 7 years, 221k miles until transmission faild, but it was a trouble free and reliable car, I drove it around 80k miles for $2000 that's what I paid for the car.
My first car back in high school was actually an 04 Intrepid with the 3.5 V6 List of some of the problems -Crank Shaft Sensor -AC/Serpentine Belts -Leaking Headgasket
Wizard you should tell about
× The biggest repairs you ever done!
× The most beat up cars you ever get in your shop
× About your time as a mechanic soldier
× Most expensive repairs you ever done!
Yes. Great ideas!
@@1k_vonte its a neon
@@carsontoopes837tru lol but I've seen some do 120 with the 4 speed lol
I think its all hovvies cars
Hooviesg would take all does trophies
I looked up "Dodge" in the dictionary. It means "To Avoid."
Underrated comment, had a good laugh😂😂
Dodge. GOTTA GET OUTTA ITS WAY!
Makes perfect sense... GET THE HELL OUTTA DODGE!!!
😀😅😂🤣
Another good one is for the truck lovers: “If you can’t Dodge it, Ram it!“
Dodge always builds something at the last minute that pulls them out of obscurity.
They should've just kept making the viper...it's like shooting yourself in the foot
That sums up my school days.
A year later, it winds up putting them back on the shit list
@@terranceaddison4599 Nobody was buying them
@@terranceaddison4599 Your precious bidin would ruin that too.
“Again, we’re dealing what I have to work with here”. Love it.
Favorite Dodge is the Charger. Good looking, powerful, practical. A close second would be the Challenger.
Magnum.
My heart goes to that one.
What about Avenger?
@@Fariz.Mammadov, I just don’t like the lines of the Avenger. It’s too “stubby” for my tastes.
@@y.u.doodat9133 tastes are different :), What do you think about endurance?
@@Fariz.Mammadov, I’m not familiar with the Endurance. Is that a new model for 2023?
The magnum v8s are bulletproof engines. Sure they’re terrible on gas. My old 5.9 has 250k
If u ignore water pump failures
@@CorneliusMegadook lol but I agree bulletproof be nontheless
My 5.9 12v cummins has 166k. They're even more bulletproof.
@@RiggyRonnie much to the credit of cummins
@@JDMHaze Still in dodge pickups, boats, school buses, RVs, medium duty freights, swapped into fords, you name it.
Hi Wizard. The Dodge Caliber: what a toilet of a vehicle. Several years ago, I had one as a rental; I took it back after a day.
That's how rental works 😆
I never liked how the car looked. It looked like it was trying to be a hatchback, a wagon and a crossover all at once. It wasn't as bad as the PT cruiser or the Chrysler crossfire though.
The 5.2 and 5.9 magnum V-8s are pretty decent engines. Gas mileage may not be the best but parts are readily available
Gutless... but run lol
5.7 has had their defects, but atleast for my '05 1500, they're solid engines! 200k, original engine, basic maintenance. Oil, spark plugs at most.
Liam 5.9 Jeep runs high 14’s stock. Pretty quick and far from gutless for a 1998.
Stop watching this channel--he is worse than SCOTTY. My advice is BETTER!!
the 3.9 Magnum is basically a 318 without it's front 2 cylinders they are reliable.
I have an 09 Charger w 70k miles- flow master exhaust, Injen cold air intake, brembo pads and rotors - Michelin tires.
Love my car!
MOPAR MORE POWER!!
We have a 2010 2.4L Avenger that my wife bought brand new. It’s been a reliable car but is now badly rusted which makes it hard to work on. Nuts and bolts disintegrate when you put a wrench on them. Besides that, the engine - while underwhelming is running strong with 140k miles. At this point we only use it to transport our dogs.
Your dogs deserve better
@@eternallogic6394 😂😂
I have a 2013 V6 avenger and it's nice. If you get one in a state where there's no rust you're good. Like Texas
. My 2011 dodge avenger I bought new. It’s now 13 years old and has 250k miles. I take very good care of it. I’m always amazed at how it just keeps chugging along . No engine or transmission problems to speak of. Cars will last a long time as long as you take good care of them.
Chargers & Challenger are a lot of fun to own. The v8 Hemi is great! Nice video
I love messing with them in my 06 impala ss
There boats even with the 4 speed auto I still take em
@@Moecean I have a Monte SS w/ 5.3 v8 - it would get roasted by my RT stock vs stock.
@@RTLife what year is your r/t?
@Yul Strokheet Al-Wauch I've had my 12' Charger R/T since new 45k miles, I run it hard only fluid changes.
I bought a used fully loaded '89 Dodge Shadow in '94, and I drove it until parts were no longer available in 2009. It was reliable, but not the most reliable. Cheap parts and service made it a great car to own.
I had an '01 Durango we used as our first family car and it was awesome for us. We kept it for 13 years and when we sold it, someone got a great vehicle.
It's good you're talking about cars people can get that don't exactly cost a million bucks; it's great to see a vid about durable & practical drivers
I got the stealth parts from japan and Mitsubishi dealers cuz it’s actually a Mitsubishi
The Wizard supports all his claims with facts and experience, but his reason for not liking the Dodge Journey?
It's hideous 🤣
What a legend
lmaooo,,,, the journey was a POS, my co-worker worked for dodge and STILL OWNS ONE,, and he always roasts that thing for being so awful
91 Journey 200K NO engine repairs, No trans repairs we look after this unit all within in or before recommended. Drilled and slotted brakes added long before stock wore out Considering a 2020 Dakota as replacement
error 2011 journey
@@terrybrenan9448 I doubt it has 200k miles on it without an engine rebuild. 200,000 kilometers is believable though
@@canadianplanespotter 3.5L or 3.6L-equipped Journeys are pretty durable, they aren't known for catastrophic failures if maintained (timing belt replacements, transmission fluid maintenance, etc). The antiquated 2.4L 4-cyl models on the other hand are crude and unrefined, not likely to last long without unprovoked repairs needed eventually, but V6 models can believably achieve 200k with few issues.
I have a 92 ram charger with the 318 tbi and is not that bad on fuel, is reliable, cheap to fix, I like it a lot
1992 Dodge Stealth R/T Twin Turbo owner here. While I agree that these cars are difficult to work on to an extent, I've had no trouble finding parts for them. 3SX has any part you could ever need for the car (at a markup though), and Rock Auto carries all of the important things you'll need to keep the car running. If somehow both of those sources fail you, Mitsubishi still makes most of the parts for these cars. Parts really aren't very expensive either unless you buy directly from Mitsubishi. Mine hasn't been terribly unreliable either. I've had an issue with my electronic suspension control computer going bad, but other than that it runs like a dream and there's nothing out there that drives quite like it.
Hmm he must mean local parts stores, as these things are a bit rare nowadays. Not mitsu cordia turbo rare but rare
Kinda shitty of the wizard to call them ALL unreliable,the naturally aspirated SOHC/DOHC ones are going to be more reliable than a dodge viper,pretty slow cars but nice handling....
@@Jdres123 How? The Viper V10 is a slightly upgraded truck engine and it's a simple pushrod design.
Horrible advice. They are all unreliable and will all fail eventually. you couldn't give me a 3000gt or a Stealth. Everyone time someone sells one they should include a free set of jack stands.
I own a 93 stealth, I commute in it 280 miles round trip twice a week in Montana winters. It hasn't let me down at all. If you keep up on routine maintenance it'll run forever. Seen them with 250000 mile before still running.
I have owned 2 Chrysler products and they were both good overall. I had a 2001 Neon R/T and it was almost bulletproof with the only mechanical issue being something failed in the air conditioning in the first couple years I had it. Once it was fixed, I had no issues with it anymore that weren't wear and tear. I had it 5 years and about 80K miles. I'd still own a 97-04 Durango/Dakota they are tough as nails and they look great too. One of my fav products from them.
Bulletproof you say, do tell
80K miles isn't a lot though lol
80k miles. 😆 that's not even broke in yet on a Toyota.
People hate on something when they have one bad experience.
Great video and love your channel!
Glad most of you Challenger owners have not had the issues I have had!!! I have a 2017 T/A 5.7L and purchased it used in 2021 with only 14K miles on it. It only had one previous owner that did not drive is much. I daily drive my Challenger to work and home and take good care of it by keeping it maintained and clean. I have not done any modifications and don't drive it hard. Unfortunately, I have had my Challenger in and out of the Dodge dealership service center multiple times😮💨! My PCM was having issues and had to be replaced. The battery died on me with no warning and replaced it. The purge control valve had to be replaced due to code P0443. The electrical connector on the purge control valve had to be replaced and wiring soldered on. My latest issue as of 11/10/2023 when cleaning up the engine bay, I have an oil leak under the intake manifold. While checking the oil, I could not get the oil dipstick to go back into the tube!!! I have owned many vehicles over 30 years and never seen where the oil dipstick wont go back in. I guess there is always a first for everything. I have an appointment once again with the dealership service center. Guess I was one of the unlucky ones and got a used lemon. I love my Challenger and have always wanted a muscle car. After these issues I've had and the inconvenience of dropping off and picking up my Challenger plus being without transportation multiple times makes me think it's time to trade it in🤔!!!
I have a 79 Dodge pickup truck with the palomino appearance package. My grandfather bought it new in 78 and I'm still driving it every week with the original 318 engine and transmission at 347,000 miles and counting. The tailgate fell off about 5 years ago and got run over by a train, it's got a 12 gauge slug bullet hole in the passenger door but that's ok with me. I just wish it was four wheel drive. As everyone knows, if you take care of things they will last forever.
Other than the slant 6, the 318 is the only good motor Dodge ever made. Old Rams with 318s just don't die.
Robert Hull this is the problem. Everyone got PTSD over the 90s. ALL cars, if not expensive and built for performance, WERE TOTAL CRAP. American, German, some Italian and some Japanese, all of them were garbage. Then people categorize the whole brand IN MODERN TIMES because of the sins of retarded criminals who acted as company CEOs 25 years ago.
@@savagetuner2404 I don't have a clue what you're talking about and how it applies to my comment.
@@rhull3939 lol i know right .. i read his comment 4 times over, to make sense of it ..still makes NO sense .FYI my brother has a very neglected 78' stepside 318 with the (Three on the tree) and god dam she always starts... and i mean everytime!!! just needs a good battery.
That's insanely low miles for a car that old. You must never drive it at all.
He is totally correct about how great the 97 to 02 dodge durango with the 318 V8, and this also appiies to your dodge pickups with the 318 V8 from 1994 to 2002. I am a master 44 year experience mechanic and own a 1998 dodge ram extended cab with the 318 V8 and these cast iron V8s are actually your LA 318s from the late 1960s era. I love mine so much that I will never get rid of it
The problem with those is the automatic transmissions on those. Otherwise very reliable engines.
@@damilolaakanniyeah, I got a 96 ram with a good trans. It's best to save money why it's working for the inevitable.
The 3.6 pentastar has been good to me. Had 2 cars with them. 1 challenger , 1 Chrysler 300. Also had a .96 intrepid. steering rack issue was the rubber bushings, I had that fixed , not that expensive. The driving dynamics were excellent on that car .
Please do a video about which Fords to buy and not to buy
Thats pretty simple. Avoid everything but Panther bodies and mustangs.
Here are some Chrysler engines from the 90’s that easily roll over 200,000 miles and can still keep going with minimal maintenance, 3.3 and 3.8, 3.2 and 3.5, 3.9 5.2 and 5.9 and 8.0 Magnum engines, 4.0 of course. For the average guy, make sure you drop the pan and change the fluid and filter of the transmission with ATF+4 every 30,000 miles, adjust bands according to procedure on the Ram and Durango and Dakota it’s a must! Occasionally solenoids go bad, replace as necessary with a Mopar oem one.
Sometimes a cheap Chrysler product can go quite the distance with a little care.
I still own a few Ram Trucks with Magnum engines in them, for the price I paid used they do great.
I believe the Caliber was available with a manual transmission.
Yeah the SRT-4 had a manual.
So did the 4cyl, I learned to drive manual on an 09 5 speed with a horrible titanium blue interior XD
I’ve seen lower end models with a 5-speed
Srt4 versions of Caliber and Neon are fun, but also not very reliable lol
@@arros8a the srt4's are reliable compared to other factory turbo cars, try to find a subaru sti with over 100k that hasn't had the motor opened up.
I quite like the way a Dodge Journey looks, especially in that Cherry Red color FCA uses. Here in Europe they came with a 2.0 diesel with 170 HP and a manual transmission. Quite a good combo.
Yeah for me the Journey is the perfect size and shape. It's a bit utilitarian, and I do it. Cheap tranny though.
In England, Neon's were Chrysler. Top model was the RT rated at 150hp. Omni was badged as a Talbot Horizon. My summer ride is a 1988 Dakota LE V6 3.9 V6 manual. Love it and has never let me down
I didn't know they sold Dakota's over in Europe. I have a 90' with the 2.5 5 speed. 210,000 miles on her. Still starts up
@@detroitdiesel-vu3ig I now live in Canada. You're right, they didn't have them in Europe
Holy shit, had no clue for the Talbot Horyzon. Thought I had seen this thing somewhere already!
I thought the Omni looked familiar, I had a Talbot Horizon, it was the second car I owned and was like new when I got it and other than being very basic, was an ok car. Though I did sell it after a year and got a Opel Manta.
@@gutsngorrrr I'll admit I haven't seen on on the roads in a long time
What about the Dodge Caravan? The 2001 to 2007 with the 3.3 or 3.8 can be purchased for cheap. Are easy to work on, parts are cheap and readily available. You can remove or if you have "stow n go" fold the seats and haul stuff. I've personally moved myself and friends with mine. Have 2 with well over 200,000 miles on them. One at almost 300,000. Even if you have a transmission problem it can be removed without taking off subframes. You can get used working transmission for as low as $150 and they are the same transmission from at least 1998 to 2007 so they are interchangeable if it's a 3.3 or 3.8 front wheel drive.
They are fairly good minivans, but go for the newer ones with the 3.6 L Pentastar V6 engine. They are a lot better than the previous-generation, because they are getting too old now. Avoid the 2011 and 2012 model, but buy the 2013 and up Dodge Grand Caravan without the flex-fuel technology, either go for the Crew or the R/T models. They are fast, they are very reliable, they are fuel-efficient and they are the best.
The Neon we had was a Trooper! It was the Best car on Gas!! when we took it off the road,it had 305,000 ! We only did Brakes and a gas tank strap!! I loved that car! Now we have a 2009 Dodge Charger and an Army of P T. Cruisers,the Cruisers are G.T.Turbo's, they work Great,lots of Power!
Always enjoy Wizard's 'real world' reviews/views based on actual everyday mechanics' experience.
90s (and maybe some early 2000s) cars where the last of the greats. I sound like some old fuck but none of these modern cars give you a mechanical to man feeling. 90s cars are ver nostalgic to me
Imagine the beard of knowledge his mentor has
Problem with a Challenger R/T is you have to be careful you don't buy one used that somebody didn't beat the crap out of racing or doing burnouts.
I like the tractor in the background - looks like my Dad's 1948 Ford we had on our farm when I was a kid!
I owned a 2000 Chrysler 300m which is the same platform as the intrepid, my had the 3.5 engine and it was the best car I have ever owned
Always been curious about those, seems like sportier, more compact, and more luxurious Intrepid.
Ditto. My 99 300M was the best car I ever had. Got 345000 km out of it when rust problems took it away. 3.5 V6 got good mileage, never leaked or burned oil. Three repairs were power steering hose, cooling line that went under the intake manifold and one power window motor. Repairs costs totalled about 3k over 13 years, not counting regular maintenance items. Previously I owned 2 Mercury Sables (awful) and afterward a 2001 Toyota Corolla the worst car I ever owned. Despite oil changes every 3000 miles, it started burning vast amounts of oil at 50k miles. Finally it got rear ended in a snowstorm and I got rid of it. Good riddance!
sterringreplahe end
@@barrykrauter2364 had a 02 300m was a great car at 250k it dropped a piston but I drove it for 1k rattling tell moter finely locked up and rust had pretty much takin it
The wizard seems to be blaming the cars for the fact that the owners never maintained them. He doesn't realize that people never maintain cars that are reliable. They just ignore them until they fall apart, then they sell the cars on to the next guy.
My aunt had an 01 with the dreaded 2.7 v6 and it got over 200k miles. She wore that thing out for years. The water pump and timing was changed regularly.
You've said it all when you talked about the Intrepid: they're almost never maintained, and that has wreaked havoc on their perceived reliability. If they're taken care of, they're actually very good vehicles (as long as they have the transmission cooler which wasn't on all of them). I had a '99 Chrysler 300M (mechanically similar) and it was a very dependable, even fun car all the way to around 200k miles when the brake lines and radiator fan started to go out (it was almost 15 years old, decided to trade at that point). Only simple maintenance. Never had steering rack issues, never heard that they were "common," even having been an active member on a forum. I traded it for a 2011 Chrysler 200 with 20k miles, currently 160k+ miles--only weird thing I've had to change on that was a thermostat ($15, 10 minutes). Very good car, underrated in almost every way.
Going back to the Intrepid, even the notorious 2.7L was actually a good engine IF you changed the water pump every 80k miles when you did your timing chain (hint: few ever did). At that mileage, they tended to start leaking, which is terrible when it's driven off the timing chain and the leaking coolant mixes with the oil (hence the sludge). The 3.2 and 3.5 engines used the same water pump, but they were timed by belt, so the oil was never contaminated (that's why you see far more of these with 200k+ miles even though they're the same family as the 2.7). When I had my 300M and was on the forum, I remember a guy with a 300M whos odometer stopped working at over 500k miles, probably had around 700k last time I heard from him. But also on that forum was no shortage of 2.7L owners with well over 200k miles. It ALL came down to the water pumps leaking (and in rarer cases with the 3.2 and 3.5s, seizing and breaking the timing belt). A very good engine family underneath one part.
Chrysler has long had the highest rate of sub-prime lending in the automotive market. Coincidentally, these buyers also happen to be the ones who neglect their cars. And then they're bought second-hand by people who neglect them even further because their resale value is low. It's a terrible cycle for brand perception. If you're picky about the condition and maintenance of the car you buy, most Mopars will run just as long as the "best" of them for little fuss. I sure as hell wouldn't keep buying them if I didn't whole-heartedly believe that.
You are absolutely right. Some mechanics, such as Scotty Kilmer, does not take these factors into account , with regards to maintenance. Unfortunately, many Chrysler owners neglected their maintenance.
As a person who worked for WalMart Oil and Lube and a Automotive Service Advisor For 3 Chrysler Dealerships, and for Toyota, Honda and Mazda, one thing I can say is that a good chunk of Chrysler owners, would change their fluid much later than the recommended mileage. On the contrary, the owners who maintained their Chrysler vehicles very well, in most cases, were extremely reliable and durable. It wasn't uncommon to see Chrysler vehicles with over 250 000 miles on the original powertrain, if they were maintained to a tee. As a matter of fact, when I worked at a Chrysler dealership, there was this owner who owned a 1994 Dodge Grand Caravan with a 3.3l v6, that had over 900 000kms on the original engine. He replaced one transmission at 595 000kms approximately. The owner was a Courier Driver and was putting over 120 000kms in a year on average. This was in 2002. When asked how did his vehicle run so much, he said, "I never skimped out on the maintenance. I would change the fluids well before the recommended mileage."
Personally, my family and I have owned 10 Chryslers and 9/10 were very durable and reliable. As a matter of fact, I had a 1988 Plymouth Gran Fury, which I got rid of at 376 250 miles. Had the original 318 cid. engine and 2 barrel carburetor. I rebuilt the transmission at 372 500 miles. I bought this car in 2000 and drove it until late 2005. It was rust that made me junk it.
It is kind of funny as to why Toyotas and Hondas had very good reliability and that is because, most of the owners of these cars, maintained them very well. The ones who didn't maintain their Toyotas and Hondas very well, were just as bad, if not worse than Chrysler in terms of reliability. This did not apply for everyone of the ill maintained Toyotas and Hondas. There was a small percentage that held up despite the owner's poor maintenance habits. Likewise, there were a small percentage of Chryslers that held up, despite the owner's maintenance habits.
The bottom line is, always take care of your vehicle very well and it will take care of you. Regardless of what automaker it is.
I'm interested in how the hellcats hold up over time being supercharged
Even if those dangerous contraptions dun kill you first, they'll be shure to murder yer wallet when it comes to repairs!
@@JSIV-j7p that's not the milage things start to fail it's now well over 100k miles
@@JSIV-j7p probably just fine if taken care of. People drive them like idiots though. I would not buy one after 40 or 50k miles. My father in law bought one with 15k. Unbelievable the power in that engine.
The hellcat engines themselves are bulletproof. But it’s the Chrysler electronics in those that are shit.
Yeah....there was a police chase down in Texas wit this dude riding a hellcat...so the proof's in the pudding..
As someone who's been buying/selling/working on cars for 40 years. Here's my advice...real simple. FORGET ANYTHING MADE BETWEEN 1975-1995. In general, the late 70's everyone was trying to figure out emissions, the 80's was transiting from standard to electronic ignitions, fuel delivery and dash. Early 90's was hit and miss. After that...for the most part it's just been tweaking. Yeah there are true lemons even now but NOTHING even close to the "dark" 20 year period I mention.
So far, two cars you've told me not to buy have been the most reliable cars I've ever owned.
I had a 1995 Dodge Neon Sport, and it was the worst car I ever owned. Had it back to the dealership a bunch of times in the first year. Stuff broke on that car that never breaks. The turn signal broke! And I had to have the A/C fixed every single year. I finally paid it off and traded it in immediately before something else could fail.
That car was built in Mexico, which may be significant.
Yeah those neons were all built in Mexico. Total junk.
If you think the Dodge Journey looks bad, look up the Ssangyong Rodius, particularly the early models. It makes the Journey look good in comparison.
Or the Fiat Freemont
@@angeljorgeofficial it's the same car as the Journey with a Fiat badge.
I bought a 2018 Journey in October, silver Blacktop edition with the 6 banger. I agree that most you see on the road are the base line bland ones, but I must say that mine with that package, sportier wheels etc, isn't that bad. Certainly isn't my dream car, but def a reliable budget friendly choice. Love the videos, and thank you for all the info you pass along.
My 2011 dodge avenger I bought new. It’s now 13 years old and has 250k miles. I take very good care of it. I’m always amazed at how it just keeps chugging along . No engine or transmission problems to speak of. Cars will last a long time as long as you take good care of them.
I've had nothing but great experiences with Dodge Stealths. No issues getting parts or fixing them.
My family has had 3 Dodge Spirit/Plymouth Acclaims over the years and they are some of the best cars we've ever had. They ride fairly well, very cheap to work on, great mileage and super cheap to insure. Not the most stylish thing, but we're talking reliability here. They're getting harder to find just due to the age, but if you find one in good condition it's a great daily beater.
I bought a 2002 intrepid in 2014. It has 228.000 miles now. I got 80.000 miles out of it so far so I've been mostly satisfied.
Thank you my friend for your wonderful reaffirmation and support of the marvelous Dodge Intrepids. I have a 2004 ES gold, fully loaded. With regular maintenance and good care these vehicles are out standing. My 2004 Intrepid just hit 128.000 miles it has the 3.5 liter high-out-put V-6. I take very care of it, it's good to know that it can go 200.000 plus miles.
Take care, and Thank you🌊🌊🌊🌿🌺
@@michaeledwards2919 The car is still running beautifully. 265.000 miles. Mine has the 2.7. The engine all the internet experts claim wouldn't last over 100.000 Miles. I think that the original 20 year old rack and pinion is about to go bad and it has some front end clunks. Otherwise it's extremely reliable for a 20 year old car.
@@trr5291 Excellant, I'm glad the 2.7 V-6 is still running great. You have proved those quote, unquote, experts all wrong. I have heard from other 2.7 V-6 intrepid owners who take good care of those engines, and they last as long as any motor. I believe that it was the owners who "didn't take care of their engines who were to blame for any problems they may have had.🌊🌊 Meanwhile, we keep sailing along with our Intrepids🌊. On the steering-rack an pinion, you probably already priced them, I think rebuilt 350.00. And used "Be Careful" maybe 150.00, I might be low here. Labor might be a little steep in price, unless your a mechanic, and save that cost. Best of luck your intrepid, it has a great owner🍀🌲.
@@michaeledwards2919 Ya the racks are not cheap and the labor is worse. I won't be able to do it myself. I'm going to wait until it's completely broken.
One of my close friends family bought a used 2013 Dodge Durango with the V6. They are not very wealthy and when it started rod knocking really badly I told them, I know you spent a lot on this car but just sell it. It’s a pain in the ass to fix rod knock and it costs a lot of money.
I bought the 2008 Dodge Avenger SXT 2.4L, automatic. Went through two transmissions in less than two years.
Traded for a 2012 Honda Civic LX. No issues for 7 years and counting =)
How could that Bee,😢after you replaced the first one with the new one That should've took care of all your problems!
For older, mid-sized truck-based SUV's, here is an idea:
To buy: 2006 to 2009 Chevrolet TrailBlazer 4WD with the 4.2 L I6 or the 5.3 L V8
Not to buy: 2001 to 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe 4WD with the 2.7 L or the 3.5 L V6
The older TrailBrazer and the older Santa Fe are now a not to buy, because they are too old.
Dodge Journey is a nice car for what it is made for! Had one when I was lived in Germany! It looks very cool for a Midsize family hauler! Had it with a Volkswagen Diesel and Volkswagen double clutch, that was the sad part of it. Typical Volkswagen Quality, awful... Turbo went bad and transmission after 40k miles, it would cost 9k to fix, luckily it was still under warranty!
I know Dodge gets a lot of hate, but I like them. We own a 2006 Charger 3.5 that is still running strong. We replaced the intake on it at a little over 100,000 miles, not because it quit on us, but because the engine light came on. It has never left me stranded on the road. We also own a 2015 Charger 3.6. It has been very reliable. Finally, we own a 2018 Challenger T/A 392 HEMI. Awesome car! OK, so they are not Toyotas. Well....that's the point. They are not ugly, under powered and front wheel drive. I hate front wheel drive. Sorry Toyota.
Had a Dodge Omni with a 2.2L Engine and Automatic Transmission. Ran Great only Problem was with the hand crank windows.
Omni's and Horizon's were solid cars. Idk who he got his information from but the 2.2's in the later models were virtually indestructible, and they had very little else to go wrong with them being so basic. Almost none exist anymore but I remember them being good basic transportation back in the day.
I had a 84 dodge Aries wagon it was awesome... Got rear ended by a loser
SuchANiceGirl22 He was talking about the ones that have the Volkswagen and Peugeot engines.
About 1999 I worked in Daytona across the street from Smokey Yunick's garage. He had an omni/horizon as a daily driver. One day at his quitting time he couldn't get his doberman dogs to get in the car. The dogs were just running around but wouldn't get in the car. He got on the phone and a few minutes later a pretty much younger woman drove up. She was easily able to get the dogs into Smokey's car.
3000gt/Stealth parts are readily available and easy to come by. A Mass air flow sensor is simply not a commonly replaced part on an old enough mitsubishi (not a dodge) making it not available from factory.. so source some good used parts, if you have to, in that rare scenario. FYI, mitsubishi mass air flow sensors have common operation and are often swapped on turbo mitsubishi cars to upgrade to a higher flowing unit, a MAF Translator can also allow you to run a GM-style MAF! 3000GT VR-4 owners will upgrade to a higher flowing EVO unit. I have a 1G DSM turbo MAF on my '89 Chrysler Conquest Tsi.
Chrysler 300c was the most reliable vehicle I had. 165k when I bought it. A tank of a car.
Justin Anger that’s why ya can’t judge. The 4cyl 300c were insanely crap but the V6 and V8 were unbelievably good.
@@savagetuner2404there was no 4 cylinder in a Chrysler 300
@Josh S I had a Toyota Camry and it was the most unreliable car I've ever owned. And I've owned Fords, Chevys, Dodges, Jeeps, Kias, and a Mazda. The Toyota was by far the most problems per mile. The others had a few issues here and there, but nothing like that Camry. I'll never buy another Toyota, or Ford.
Herbie Husker What Camry? What problem?
@@jamesmedina2062 1997 Camry. The engine had sludge deposits (there was a recall) and the transmission slipped out of gear and had to be replaced. The interior was falling to bits by 5 years. Not a good car.
On the problem with the gauge reading to high, my guess is that it is simply a bad gauge. To say it another way the gauge is simply out of Specification.
speck
the big stickler with the older vipers is some of the body parts are unobtainium
ForTehNguyen. Isn’t a hood about 25 grand?
@@graphitedak04 Not just that, can you even get rear tires? Toyotas have their issues but you can at least buy tires
@@graphitedak04 25 grand hood for a 30k car lolz
I've had a 2001 Sebring the past 3 years. It's basically Intrepid's sister car. I just change the transmission fluid every year, use only full synthetic in the 2.7. It's been a reliable car. I've only changed the brakes on it, a coolant bleeder valve, and getting ready to change the original alternator. Not bad for 3 years of use.
2011 Dodge avenger, 173k I bought it at 31k miles honestly runs good stuff that went out alternator, battery, AC compressor rattling but still blows cold, maybe a wheel bearing a few years back but I'm happy with it.
9:00 ...well, that’s 2 out of 3 cars in my driveway that are on the Car Wizards “do not buy” list. First my Aveo, and now my moms Journey. Unlike my Aveo, our journey has been completely trouble free ever since we bought it. Fun fact: the JC platform on which the Journey rides on is actually a highly modified version of the midsize JS platform. Take a WILD guess what dodge car rides on the JS platform: the RECOMMENDED Dodge Avenger.
What I love about Dodge is that they always kind of did their own thing. A lot of what they make, they made because you could tell they were interested in it and wanted to do something cool. What I absolutely hate about Dodge is how cheap they get. Their quality control is just ridiculous. I understand you're trying to keep costs down, but no car company that is a century old should be making vehicles with transmissions that won't last a decade. or a dash that cracks after three years. Or front end problems. You know better than that Mopar
It doesn't matter if it's Wizard, Scotty, or any mechanic out there,, they are going to tell you that Dodge's are unreliable and they are expensive to fix.
Their isn't a Dodge on the planet that is "expensive" to fix unless it's a new Dodge or a vintage Dodge... Or any Viper. Unless you get ripped off.
If you can't find reasonably priced parts for a Dodge, you either live in buttfuck-nowhere with no internet or parts shops or you're the kinda person who takes your car to Pep Boys and acts surprised when they overcharge the bejezus out of ya.
Not true. They are great cars to own, if you are mechanically inclined. Easy to work on, inexpensive to buy and maintain, and certain models are good in general. Some of their engines are excellent.
Boomer Scott once made a video on how to change the alternator on a Ram 1500. As expected he bad mouth it the whole time he worked on it, but basically he proved how easy and cheap the repair was.
@@peterchen9763 the engine bay in the 3rd gen Rams are roomy from my experience, the only time I've struggled is the replacement of the driver side back 8 spark plugs cuz of the brake booster.
Sold my caliber with 150,000 miles on it. Only had to replace sub frame. $400 fix.
Transmission ran great. Struts went out often as well
I owned a used 1989 Dodge Omni in 1998 with 90,000 miles. I purchased for $850. drove for about 8 months without any problem except oil lick, always had a couple of bottles of oil in the trunk. When I finally had a problem, Sold it for $25. to the junkyard. It was a fun car to drive.
These vehicles are horribly not good, same with the newer PT Cruiser.
My All Time Favorite Chrysler Product is The 1973 Imperial LeBaron 4dr.. Grandpa had one New fully loaded.
I had 2012 Charger with 3.6 V6 and 8 speed transmission. Very good car. My ex now has it.
good,, because the 3.5 was SLOW(7.8 0-60) the 3.6 does a 6.4 -060
Good thing your ex has it lol
Phil Gudet lmaoo
A supercharger kit would have smoke the V8 variant
@@AnthroGearhead It would also be a couple more grand expensive than the v8, and if not, it will be keeping it running vs a NA v8
2000 Dodge Durango 5.9 4x4 slt 249,XXX miles still chugging along great.
Wizard, I have owned over 20+ cars. Like everything. Had a 2013 charger rt and that car was solid!! Not a money pit at all. Close to 190k miles and no leaks or lights on the dash, just worn suspension. I now have a 2013 avenger with the pentastar V6 and that car is in impeccable shape with 124k miles! No rattles or creaks and can get good gas mileage! No lights on and no issues other than the fact that someone tried to steal it in the past and there's dents on the driver's side door at the top 🙁
It almost is faster than my rt too 🤪
Oh, and I got it for $5k. Steal. I love dodge.
I like how he doesn't bash ALL Chrysler products like Scotty does. I have had several and they were all reliable. 94 wrangler 4x4 4.0 manual , 98 JGC 5.9 4x4 Limited , 1990 Cherokee 4wd 4.0 , 2004 Durango 4x4 Hemi. Never a problem.
5.2 v8 is a good engine I've owned some in the jeeps, it's just the transmission are usually going bad first, and I was about to buy a stealth or 3000gt but thought about the clearance of working on a twin turbo v6, so I bought a sc400
Hog wash!! I had 2 omni's put 189k on the 1987 and 210k on the 1990 . Plus they had the most comfortable seats ever in a compact car
MrSlicer2424 hog wash!
Define comfortable. Like have you sent in a smart car and been like oh this is luxurious? At least that is what I'm picturing
Definitely agree. They were solid cheap cars.
Charger/Challenger/Magnum/300 same thing dif body lol(well for equivalent years I should say)
Fave Dodge I owned: 1968 Dart GT convertible, 273 bored to 318, A833 4 speed w Centerforce 2 clutch and Hurst shifter, CARTER AFB, dual glass packs exiting in front of the rear wheels, 4.11:1 gears, disc front brakes.
FUN!
I have a 2002 Intrepid. Bought it for $500 3 years ago, 159,000 miles on it now. No major problems. Only time it left me (my wife actually) stranded is when a radiator hose let go.
Dodge Omni is the greatest car ever, I had so many of them, plus the Turismo and the laser and the Daytona
Troll! i just learned a dodge omni exists.....
@@dannyboyyyy14 LOL
I always loved the look and practicality of the design. Unfortunate to hear they’re not actually built well.
Great video! Glad to hear my 2005 5.7 hemi non mds is on the good list and from my experience it has been a solid engine.
Same engine I have in my truck, 200k miles and she's original and solid! Same case with the 545RFE transmission they made during that time. They last people just never change the damn fluid.
Love my Challenger RT and I've seen the 5.7 last over 300,000 miles. As usual the wizard is right.
Some of your of opinions are unfounded! I have a 99' Chrysler 300m (LH same as Intrepid) with 345,000 miles on it. Yes, I've had some rack and pinion issues... so what. Car still runs great and is my daily. I'd drive it anywhere. This is not uncommon mileage from these 3.5 LH cars if maintained. Also, I have a 1986 Chrysler Laser XT (2.2 Turbo) with 186,000 miles on the clock and it still runs perfect. I've owned a 1983, 1985 and 1986 Dodge Chargers (same as Omni with na 2.2), and they were fantastic little cars. Besides the occasional broken door handle and Holley carb. issues, these cars got me through college with out leaving me stranded and very little to no repairs costs. All of them had 200,000 or more miles on them.
My 2015 Toyota Sienna (purchased brand new) has had many more issues than the cars mentioned above. It currently has 44,000 miles on it (all maintanence done by dealer). I've had the driver front seat frame replaced. Front struts replaced. A/C compressor replaced twice and still makes noise. Wiring in steering column replaced. I have noises in the dash and rear of the vehicle that the dealers still haven't found. The sliding door rollers are shot. I've already had an engine light on for a possible cam gear issue (death rattle on 3.5s). You mentioned that Prius' are super reliable. What about the $5000 brake actuator repair on these... common brake issue on these Prius' and not all of them were recalled. Or how about the $1000 EGR and cooler repair? I put a Mopar EGR valve on my Jeep GC 5.7 for less than $100. Toyota = overrated! Chrysler = underrated. Chrysler is not the only one with some past transmission woes. How many Lexus RX350s will you find on craiglist that need transmissions? The transmissions in the LH cars were actually very good with regular maintenance. There were a few bad years where Chrysler changed the manufacturer on solenoids packs but could be repaired without pulling the transmission. I've installed 1.8s in Corolla's (known piston issues) and 1.7s (head gasket issues) in Civics. BTW... The Neons that you recommended had engines that received their design from these K car engines. Why is that no one tells the truth about Honda and Toyota designing their own doozies! Yes, Chrysler has made some doozies but so has Toyota with their oiling sludging 3 liters and Honda/Acura transmission issues galore just to name a few. No one talks about these Toyota/Honda doozies except for the folks that are stuck with repair bills that are as large as another car purchase. I could go on....
After a V8 2002 Durango, a 2006 300C, a 2015 300S and a Penta 2015 Durango… I must’ve been the luckiest man on earth. No complaints at all.
I'm glad the Car Wizards recommended the Dodge Avenger because I drive the 2013 Avenger RT
My sister’s Avenger is well over 250k miles and still going strong
My 2011 dodge avenger I bought new. It’s now 13 years old and has 250k miles. I take very good care of it. I’m always amazed at how it just keeps chugging along . No engine or transmission problems to speak of. Cars will last a long time as long as you take good care of them.
My favorite Dodge? Hmm. It's a tough choice because I'm usually a Plymouth man. I'll have to say that my favorite is the 1970 Polara and Monaco.
PHM III I own a 74 Monaco the Chrysler c body's don't get enough love
Are you a Chrysler/Fiat fan? I am a pre-Daimler-Chrysler fan. The only awesome and beautiful Dodges and Plymouths were discontinued in the 70s.
@@edwardk6764 I liked their stuff through '93. (Yes, I was loyal during the K-car years.)
@@chicagolineproductions2001 I belong to a '70 Fury convertible.
Found the C body guys lol, I have 3 and love them.
Challenger is a great car! Not as fast as the competitors, but you can also fit two adults in the back.
XLPCX that’s not true if you look at the over variants don’t count the r/t as it’s top form when you think of a challengers power think of the hellcat because anyone’s who’s racing will buy that instead of the r/t
@@whydoihave6neutrals772 392s are also a horsepower giant!
ricky sanchez yeah but no when your looking at the hellcat. The r/t is the hellcats little brother that got the leftover meals and stayed scrawny and tone while the hellcat buffed up and is jacked
I’m not saying that almost 500 is bad though it’s still very impressive but In a different league
I'm speaking more on the attainable average side. Sure the Hellcat is sweet, but it's also 70k. I bought a 09 RT 6-speed in mint condition for 18k and chose it over the GT and SS due to room.
I love pointing this out...
One of my favorite cars I've owned was a 2001 Chrysler Intrepid ES, with the 3.2L V6. I bought it at 300k km (about 190k miles), drive it for about four years, about 60-80k km.... with one repair coating about 300 bucks.
Enough power to make a difference. Decent interior. Trunk space for miles. A great car.
That's said, I totally recognize that it was a unicorn.
I’ve actually seen a few 4th gen Dodge Caravans with high miles and owners who seem to love them.
My 06 Caravan just hit 200 000km this week and it's still going strong.
Has Dodge journey, tbh the 2017 I have I honest-to-god think it looks pretty sexy.
Yeah I agree I think the Journey looks awesome
Love my Journey...with the 3.6, its a blast to drive
@@ericbrule4465 The Dodge Journey is just garbage and looks hideous, same with the older Chrysler Pacifica wagon. Just trade-it in for a 2016 and newer Mazda CX-9 with the 2.5 L Skyactiv four-cylinder turbocharged engine, which is more reliable.
My Intrepid finally died with 387,000 miles! Great car.
Yea there decent cars if you do correctly maintenance on them
My buddy had an Omni, he sold it to a guy who used it for a bonfire.
My Dodge Omni [81 024] lasted 6 years and then got totaled. My 87 Shadow Turbo lasted 13 years and got sold for 2k with 180k on the odo. My 88 Lebaron Coupe lasted till this Feb '19 [31 F'ing years]and was sold for 500 bucks. Hopefully the 03 Sebring Coupe I just got will last an easy 5 more years. Take care of them and they will take care of you back generally.
As a mechanic, there is no way that I would EVER recommend a Dodge Avenger, they are built on the same platform as the Journey and almost as bad as the Caliber. The only Dodge I haven't seen significant issues with are the new Darts. All of the 3.6L motors are having issues with burning valves on the left hand cylinder bank and while it is covered under an extended warranty on most vehicles it's such an issue that the replacement heads are on backorder. One vehicle not covered under the extended warranty is the RAM Promaster and pulling the head on that thing was a nightmare.
The newer Dodge Darts were trash. They burnt oil on the 2.4 cars and they have a ton of electrical problems.
@@atx-cvpi_99 Never personally seen either problem on the ones we service.
The Journey with the standard 2.4 liter engine is the spiritual successor to every forgettable K-car. The GT with the 3.6 liter, on the other hand, is a bit of a sleeper. My wife wanted one desperately after renting one, and my reaction was... really? Of all the cars to desperately want... a damn Journey? And it took me months to get on board with the idea, but she loves it to this day. The trim looks better on the GT, though the silver trim piece under the air dam has to go. She liked it better than the Ford Edge Sport and corresponding Lincoln MKX, even. Gadgetry on the GT trim level is respectable, ride is comfortable, and she swears she does not need another new(ish) car for another ten years. (Then she saw the Stelvio.)
I watched this video waiting for Mr Wizard to say something, anything, about the reliability or mechanical issues for the Journey, and... nothing. All the focus is on its fugliness. I’ll interpret that as a blessing.
It rides on the same platform and is mechanically similar to the Avenger, which he called “decent”. So take that for what it’s worth too. It’s literally just a lifted Avenger with a third row and optional AWD.
(And really, aren’t pretty much ALL of these SUVs nowadays just that - a lifted version of a sedan w/AWD? Minus the 4Runners and Broncos of the world, there aren’t necessarily any “true SUVs” I’d argue anymore… So in that respect, the Journey is a fine “Avenger SUV”)
I'd say the Journey is ome of the best-looking crossovers on the market. Still old as hell, but I don't know what Weezard is talking about with its looks.
Yeah I like mine. Practical and not flashy.
The Intrepid also had serious oiling issues with the V6s having channels that were too small to provide proper lubrication. I remember seeing the prices drastically drop on these & now they're very hard to find. Truly throwaway cars. A shame since the 2002 was a decent looking car.
Police Departments all across the country hated them too and went straight back to the Ford Crown Victorias. The Charger was better made than the Intrepid. The Intrepids were a PITA to work on, they had a ton of electrical problems, they went through brakes and transmissions quite frequently, and they overheated a lot. All police Intrepids had a 3.5 V6.
Get an OBD MX Bluetooth adapter and get AlfaOBD for Android. You can monitor EVERYTHING along with doing Proxi Alignments and link to all modules in the vehicle from powertrain to body modules on newer models. Best $50 you can spend.
Wow wizard. I'm incredibly appreciative for this man. Free knowledge that'll save me lots of money.
Actually looking forward to that Buy this or That: Truck episode he was talking about
I had a 1999 dodge intrepid 3.2 engine for 7 years, 221k miles until transmission faild, but it was a trouble free and reliable car, I drove it around 80k miles for $2000 that's what I paid for the car.
Says 95-99 neon and in the picture shows 2003-2004 Srt-4 neon lol
He always so on point you gotta nip pick to find something :p
My first car back in high school was actually an 04 Intrepid with the 3.5 V6
List of some of the problems
-Crank Shaft Sensor
-AC/Serpentine Belts
-Leaking Headgasket
The 2011 to 2019 journey is actually a very lovable vehicle the rt anyway for a guy that has a busy family