F You, Chrysler!!

[SwAMi75]

I have been a fan of Dodge trucks since I was first able to drive. My first vehicle was a '71 D100. When they came out with their "new" body style in '93, that was my dream vehicle. I finally bought a '97 model 4X4 in '99, and drove it all over the eastern half of the country. Now Dodge is known for their crappy automatic transmissions, and mine started showing signs of meltdown at around 90K mi. I never had any major issues with that truck (fuel pump, water pump). It was just kind of a dog with the smallblock and auto trans. Plus, it came from up north (originally purchased in Canada--I bought it in northern NY), so it was starting to rust.

So, I found a '98 model 2500, with the V10 and 5 speed. Supposedly that trans (the NV4500) was bulletproof. The clutch went out on me about a month after I bought it at 66K mi.....$1,900 later, I'm back on the road. Since then, I've spent about another grand on misc stuff like water pump, vacuum leaks, vacuum actuator for the 4X4 system, not to mention the gas.

Last week, I'm heading back from Tulsa to Oklahoma City to catch a plane to go see my wife(76K on the odometer now). I'm tooling down the turnpike with the cruise control on, and something lets go, bigtime. There was an awful squeal/buzz, and a burning smell. I lost overdrive, and the motor started racing. Long story short, it was a catastophic transmission failure. It's sitting at a Chrysler dealer right now. I'm going out tomorrow to trade the damn thing in on a used something-or-other.

I hate to bid my beloved Dodge farewell, but it is time to let it go. It's a damn money pit, and I could never trust it again. Unless Chrysler (more specifically, Dodge trucks) unscrews their transmissions, I'll never own another one. Granted, it would appear that the truck was either worked really hard by its previous owner, or was just a lemon from the get-go. I'm eyeballing a slick little '06 Mitsu Eclipse. Oh, and if anyone cares, I made my flight.

 

[BierMuncher]

Car problems suck man...on top of all the other stuff you've had to endure this last month...ya gotta wonder when it's gonna end.

OF course...in light of "the big picture"...things like car problems are easier to keep in perspective.

 

[david_42]

That's a shame. The transmission was about the only thing that never gave me a problem in my '78 Dodge-based RV.

 

[bradsul]

My dad was a die-hard Dodge truck driver and has had to bail for the same reasons. He's dropped down to the Mazda B Series due to the gas price situation and for all the great reviews and reputation that the B Series has.

 

[Docapi]

So you've had three Dodges and are abandoning the entire brand because one of them gave you problems?

In that case, stay away from Chevy/GMC, I had a '93 that the tranny went out on,.

Ford is no good, my father-in-law's '02 needed a new tranny at 56k (6k out of warranty).

Foreign vehicles are no good, either. A friend had a Toyota blow it's tranny once, too.

The fact is, any of the modern trucks are great products. Occasionally, no matter who made it, sh!t happens. If you like Dodge, don't abandon them because of one crappy experience.

 

[todd_k]

My first vehicle was a Dodge, an '88 Dodge Dakota pickup. Called it "The Dodge" just like Al Bundy

 

[Ize]

So you've had three Dodges and are abandoning the entire brand because one of them gave you problems?

The fact is, any of the modern trucks are great products. Occasionally, no matter who made it, sh!t happens. If you like Dodge, don't abandon them because of one crappy experience.

Um, I think the point was that the damn thing was acting up on him from the word go, and then even after he had the major repairs done it started nickle and diming him...

I work with someone who just unloaded her Durango because of tranny probs, so I don't blame you Swami. And FWIW the nickle and dime BS is the exact reason I won't own a Chevy. SWMBO's needed her 4th intake in 4 years. It's now gone. I've never owned anything but one of the big 3, but the 'Yota Camry looks good in the driveway and she loves it.

Ize

 

[SwAMi75]

So you've had three Dodges and are abandoning the entire brand because one of them gave you problems?

In that case, stay away from Chevy/GMC, I had a '93 that the tranny went out on,.

Ford is no good, my father-in-law's '02 needed a new tranny at 56k (6k out of warranty).

Foreign vehicles are no good, either. A friend had a Toyota blow it's tranny once, too.

The fact is, any of the modern trucks are great products. Occasionally, no matter who made it, sh!t happens. If you like Dodge, don't abandon them because of one crappy experience.

I'm just ranting more than anything. It annoys me, though, that it's been a well-known fact for years that Dodge's transmissions are by far their weakest link. I wish they would address it. Chevy did the right thing by putting the Allison transmissions behind their diesels. Why can't Dodge do something similar?

Overall, I'm just chapped that I have to give up my truck(s). It's just time, though. The thing was entirely impractical for my needs, and cost way too much to operate. Not to mention the awful timing of its demise....it crapped out at the worst possible time, both time and money-wise, so that makes me doubly pissed. Hopefully the next owner gets it sorted out and tows big loads all over the US with it.

 

[homebrewer_99]

I know what you mean about the Eclipse. I wanted one a whole lot until I got into one to drive.

I'm 5'11". I don't know how tall you are, but my head hit the inside liner. If you are shorter than me you shouldn't have a headroom problem.

Just letting you know what to expect.

 

[Docapi]

Um, I think the point was that the damn thing was acting up on him from the word go, and then even after he had the major repairs done it started nickle and diming him...

Yeah, I got that.

I was just saying that every manufacturer puts out the occasional lemon. Just because he had one bad one doesn't mean that the whole line is junk. Even Allison transmissions occasionally fail prematurely.

 

[knarfks]

This is why I learned to work on cars. For my van and my car I have spent a total of $550 and minor work and they both run great. They aren't going to get me the ladies, but they are reliable.
I can't justify spending good money on a car and having it worth half of what I paid for it the moment it came off the lot.
Haven't had a car payment yet, and I don't have to have full coverage, been driving these for over 2 years with very few problems. I figure I save at least $350 a month, thats quite a bit compared to minor repairs(total of maybe $500 in the last 2 years total, but never left me stranded)

 

[Bernie Brewer]

It's more of a crap shoot than anything sometimes. SWMBO's Intrepid is still going strong with about 160k on it. We've had such good luck with it that we recently bought a Neon for me as a commuter car. My Chevy C1500 is still doing well with 180k on it, but I don't drive it much anymore because of gas prices.

OTH, we've had a Ford that lost it's tranny at around 80k, and a Chevy Beretta that threw a rod at 90k. It's a crap shoot. All the automakers make good vehicles, and they also all make junk.

 

[Buford]

I used to drive a 1975 Plymouth until the transmission gave out. Granted, it lasted 25 years before that happened.

 

[Melana]

I had a Dakota with 220K on it and had not one problem with the tranny or clutch... and my '05 Ram is pushing 60K and my Mercedes 6-speed manual tranny is still holding strong...
I love my Dodge trucks.

 

[brewt00l]

I had a '96 2500 that ate transmissions like a fat kid eats doughnuts.

....not to mention the blown door locks, bad intake manifold gasket the failed window regulators and other assorted issues it had and you have the last Dodge truck I will ever own.

 

[SwAMi75]

Well, I did it. The Dodge is history--I pulled the trigger on an '06 Mistubishi Eclipse. It's just the GS, 4 banger auto. I'd prefer a stick, but it runs along just fine for my needs. After driving 4X4 trucks for so long, this thing is a hoot to drive. I'l try to get some pics in a few days.

I do miss my truck, though.

 

[Bernie Brewer]

I do miss my truck, though.

That's why I still have my Chevy. There are definitely times where I NEED a truck-hunting, fishing, etc. Can't pull a boat or a camper with my Neon, and I'm damn sure not gonna tie a deer to the top of it....:cross:

 

[SwAMi75]

That's why I still have my Chevy. There are definitely times where I NEED a truck-hunting, fishing, etc. Can't pull a boat or a camper with my Neon, and I'm damn sure not gonna tie a deer to the top of it....:cross:

Oh, I hear ya. My wife's Mountaineer has the towing package, so I'm going to buy a smallish trailer pretty soon so we can haul our junk around.

 

[McCall St. Brewer]

I suspect that, unless you know the history of a truck, it's better to buy them new. Why? Because unlike with cars, where many people trade them in every two or three years, with trucks people traditionally tend to buy them new and run them until they wear out. So, if you get one with 66K miles or something on it, chances are the original owner dumped it because they knew it was about to kick the bucket.

I've had three Chevy trucks now-- an S10 and two Trailblazers. The Trailblazer I have now has generally been the best vehicle that I've ever had, but with one exception: wheel bearings. I had one go out two years ago and with parts and labor it was $1,000. Now one is going out again. I have a quote for $450 this time, but I'm not looking forward to plunking that much down for a doggone wheel bearing.

 

[Brewer3401]

A friend of mine had sex with a trannie once.

Oops - With little kids, we got a Dodge Caravan.

Engine finally gave it up at 140m.

The body really hated paint, and transmission went out at 90 and 110.

RAFPOS.

Best thing was the Jap enjine.

Driving a Hyundai Sonata now. For $ 22m, tax, title, etc. and extended warranty (10 year, 100m mile unlimited warranty).

 

[Dude]

Sorry to hear it bro, I loved that truck!

You didn't get a Jeep? ...oh wait, Chrysler.

 

[SwAMi75]

You didn't get a Jeep? ...oh wait, Chrysler.

I really wanted to get one, but I'm sick of paying through the nose for gas. Plus, you know how I am.....if I bought a Jeep, it would be another money pit! So, right now I'm sticking with economical and reliable. Plus, it's fun enough to keep me entertained.

 

[Two Minutes]

Well, I did it. The Dodge is history--I pulled the trigger on an '06 Mistubishi Eclipse.

Congrats! and good luck with the car.

SWMBO has provided me with approval to augment my broken 2000 grand cherokee with a 2004 TT roadster.

The jeep is currently sitting in the driveway with a poor ground. Gauges go haywire and it can maintain a consistent voltage. Talking about money pits, so far I've dropped 2k on it this year: fan, brakes, hub seals, something electronic related that ran me 550 bucks. This problem has me tracing connections in a probably vain attempt to prevent another 300-400 dollar job. This is stuff that chews up my beer money.

And the water pump hasn't even gone yet.

 

[Brew Runner]

For a few years now I've wanted one of the square body diesel Dodges.....but I couldn't afford even a used one. I drive an early '90s Toyota pickup instead. I got it cheap with a blown head gasket and put a $1000 rebuilt engine in it(myself). After the new engine broke in, mileage topped out at just a hair under 32mpg highway. :rockin: The chassis is only about 78mi away from rolling over 200,000. I wouldn'y mind a 4wd version of it(short bed, regulat cab) for some of the offroading I do.

My other two cars are old, worn-out Mustangs; the "fun" cars that need restoration. :cross:

One vehicle that certaily doesn't owe anyone anything is my folks' '93 Explorer Sport. 220,000+ and all that has been replaced since they bought it new was the battery cable, intake manifold gaskets, radiator x2, clutch x2, heater core x2, and the muffler.

 

[alemonkey]

FWIW, I used to work in a Dodge dealership's service department, and I agree their automatic trannies are junk. If you're going to be doing any pulling you'd better just plan on replacing it sooner or later. We made a ton of money replacing those things.

My dad's a Dodge guy, and he's had to replace multiple trannies over the years. I think he's too stubborn to give up on them.

 

[RLinNH]

Hate to say it, and I am rather surprised that no one here has yet. But a Mitubishi Tranny is no better then a Dodge. Do your research. If you want reliability, go Toyota or Honda.

 

[Special Ed]

I put 225k on a 2000 durango. During that time I replaced front breaks/rotors 2X, a fan clutch, tires, and changed spark plugs 1X just because I hit 175k and figured "how long can they last?" I traded it in only because the AC didn't work this spring when it got warm and I didn't want to invest any $$ into it. I traded it in for an F-150 because I knew I got lucky with that dodge and figured I try my luck elsewhere. I see it like hitting good on a slot machine and moving on to the next one. Odds are that one won't hit again any time soon.

 

[jakee117]

I feel the same way. My first car was a Plymouth Valiant ( same as the Dart ). Straight six ... or was it a slant? Best car I ever owned. You could fix anything on it with basic tools and the parts were cheap. My car would start in the winter at -15F with an old battery @ 150 k miles while my Dads new GM with 3,000k miles wouldn't.

But my Grandfater bought a new Dodge in the mid to late 80s and it was a POS and they didn't back up the warranty. I went back to Dodge with an interpid in the mid 90s and loved it but the water pump wend at 65k. Took this as a bad sign and moved on.. I hate to say it but if you don't want to get screwed you need to go foreign ( and not European by the way ). I hate to buy Toyotas as I believe in buying
American but I can afford the risk.

 

[alemonkey]

I went back to Dodge with an interpid in the mid 90s and loved it but the water pump wend at 65k. Took this as a bad sign and moved on.. I hate to say it but if you don't want to get screwed you need to go foreign ( and not European by the way ). I hate to buy Toyotas as I believe in buying
American but I can afford the risk.

FWIW, we replaced a ton of water pumps in the intrepids. Pretty much every single Intrepid that came into the shop was leaking at least a little bit.

Then there's the Neon. Aluminum head on a cast iron block. The two metals expand at different rates when heated, so guess what happens to the head gasket? Pretty much every Neon we saw was puking oil. It was cured by putting in a better quality head gasket. Too bad they didn't do that from the start.

 

[MikeFlynn74]

Ive never had any issues with my 2 Silverados- One is a 2000 with 90K and the other is a 2007 with 3K. lol

the 2000 was starting to rattle a lot in the interior and ended up trading it in on the 07.

Wish I hadnt as it was paid off.