At 93,000 miles when I purchased it, it ran good for a thousand or so miles. Then the thermostat got stuck and caused the head gasket to blow. Couldn't get the engine to seal, it went back 3 times to replace gaskets and couldn't reuse the pulleys once they were off either. Then the lifter noise start quietly for about 20,000 - 30,000 miles, then it began to drink oil and smoke big puffs of blue smoke - enough to fill a city block. Now at 130,000 it's getting worse, losing power and it will be fine on oil one day and out the next. No oil gauge to tell you when it's low, so it's a constant worry and guessing game. Estimate for top rebuild is around $1,500 for parts and labor for lifters, valves, etc. I've been told it could be the lifters or the valves or valve guides. Either way these are junk. My husband had 2 full size vans and I liked the ride, so that's what sold me on this in addition to the cup holders, but it's not worth it. Check around and talk to several mechanics and have one looked at before buying, wish I would have as my AC Belt came off 2 days after purchase @ 93,000 miles, then the AC Compressor was replaced within 6 months. Oh, did I mention the tranny was out at 123,000 miles (and they are notorius for this) - it's a dodge thing.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
At 93,000 miles when I purchased it, it ran good for a thousand or so miles. Then the thermostat got stuck and caused the head gasket to blow. Couldn't get the engine to seal, it went back 3 times to replace gaskets and couldn't reuse the pulleys once they were off either. Then the lifter noise start quietly for about 20,000 - 30,000 miles, then it began to drink oil and smoke big puffs of blue smoke - enough to fill a city block. Now at 130,000 it's getting worse, losing power and it will be fine on oil one day and out the next. No oil gauge to tell you when it's low, so it's a constant worry and guessing game. Estimate for top rebuild is around $1,500 for parts and labor for lifters, valves, etc. I've been told it could be the lifters or the valves or valve guides. Either way these are junk. My husband had 2 full size vans and I liked the ride, so that's what sold me on this in addition to the cup holders, but it's not worth it. Check around and talk to several mechanics and have one looked at before buying, wish I would have as my AC Belt came off 2 days after purchase @ 93,000 miles, then the AC Compressor was replaced within 6 months. Oh, did I mention the tranny was out at 123,000 miles (and they are notorius for this) - it's a dodge thing.
- Paula T., Dm, IA, US