I need advice. The college kid needs a vehicle and given the costs for used vehicles I am looking at the best deals available. I see five-to-seven year old Dodge Journeys out there low miles under $10k. The last Chrysler product I owned was an Eagle Vision in the 90s and I vowed I would never buy another Chrysler. Should I stick to my guns and stay away or are my fears overblown? Wife says AWD is a must other than that make and model doesn’t matter. My buddy only buys Chryslers and never has an issue. Thoughts?
Dodge Vehicles
- Thread starter BigTurk
- Start date
My experience has been all the dodge chrysler jeep stuff is trash. Great styling and just garbage underneath.
If you want reliable, get the least old and least miles CRV or RAV4 you can find for your budget.
If you want reliable, get the least old and least miles CRV or RAV4 you can find for your budget.
I have driven Dodge, Jeep, and Eagle my entire life and loved them, especially my 1994 Eagle Vision. However I know absolutely nothing about the Dodge Journey. I also have a Mitsubishi Outlander that came with the marriage. That has been a wonderful reliable car. I have thought about another Outlander and it seems like you get alot car for the money, especially if you are looking for AWD, just stay away from the CVT transmission. I worst car I have ever owned was a Ford w/ a 4 cylinder ecoboost.
Ok, my opinion is based on having managed a 6 pack dealership back in the 90s, and from what I’ve seen, things haven’t changed.
First, Eagle products were bad. Second Jeep products will routinely break down. Chrysler is their flagship product and as long as it’s not the first year of that vehicle, they are fine. Dodge/Ram are ok but they have entry level (the cheap ones) that you want to stay away from. They make those to get the buyer wanting cheap. If you go mid line or better, and take care of them, they will last.
First, Eagle products were bad. Second Jeep products will routinely break down. Chrysler is their flagship product and as long as it’s not the first year of that vehicle, they are fine. Dodge/Ram are ok but they have entry level (the cheap ones) that you want to stay away from. They make those to get the buyer wanting cheap. If you go mid line or better, and take care of them, they will last.
78% of all DUIs in the midwest come from Dodge drivers
I had a 73 Dodge Charger. Best car I ever owned. Followed closely by an 81 Chrysler Cordoba with rich Corinthian leather (It didn't really have leather, it was more of a velour, but I couldn't resist.) Those are the only two Mopar products I've owned, but I don't have a bad thing to say about either of them.
I just traded in my 2015 Chrysler 200 c . Bought it new and after 10 years I was sick of the same thing. Only repairs were 2 fuel injectors and a rusted exhaust flex coupler. This was a v6 - the 4 cylinder version was reportedly much less reliable.
I would not buy a Fiat now Stellantis (full acquisition in 2014) Chrysler, Dodge, or Jeep under any circumstances. A Toyota, Honda, Mazda, or Subaru 10 year old vehicle without huge mileage will be your best bet.
I really liked two Foresters for their practical use that I bought with low mileage but one had major engine issues after maybe 5 years and the other started nickel and diming (read: $500 and $1000ing) so went with a a CR-V this spring. Hopefully that has a much better life span.
Cars are stupid.
I think most reliability opinions are personal anecdotes, largely shaped by people's parents.
A used car is a crap shoot either way. You're relying heavily on prior people's driving style and diligence on maintenance.
I have zero brand loyalty. I've been lucky, and have friends that have been burned by seemingly ever different make eventually.
A used car is a crap shoot either way. You're relying heavily on prior people's driving style and diligence on maintenance.
I have zero brand loyalty. I've been lucky, and have friends that have been burned by seemingly ever different make eventually.
Honda makes a smaller CRV called the HRV. Perfect size for college towns where parking is a premium. Both of my kids have HRVs now and love them.
Other than questionable styling the quality seems rocky too....
Gemini
The Dodge Journey's reliability varies by year, with the 2009-2012 model years being the least reliable due to significant issues like brake problems, engine failure, and electrical system failures. Later models, particularly 2015-2019, are considered safer options, although the 2015-2020 models were based on an aging platform that received few updates.
Gemini
The Dodge Journey's reliability varies by year, with the 2009-2012 model years being the least reliable due to significant issues like brake problems, engine failure, and electrical system failures. Later models, particularly 2015-2019, are considered safer options, although the 2015-2020 models were based on an aging platform that received few updates.
Ram Diesel is best Mopar product. Love my truck.
We also have a Jeep Renegade that has been pretty good. Normal maintenance
That said I bought my son a Mazda 3 hatchback great little car. I actually "borrow" it from time to time cuz I just like to drive it. And they are a bit cheaper than used Toyota's and Honda's which I think are a bit overpriced.
Unless the kid is planning long trips or lots of driving most cars should suffice without too much maintenance costs
We also have a Jeep Renegade that has been pretty good. Normal maintenance
That said I bought my son a Mazda 3 hatchback great little car. I actually "borrow" it from time to time cuz I just like to drive it. And they are a bit cheaper than used Toyota's and Honda's which I think are a bit overpriced.
Unless the kid is planning long trips or lots of driving most cars should suffice without too much maintenance costs
I have had dodge my whole life and they have always been super reliable. I know some have had problems but every brand has its problem
A couple more thoughts to bank for decision making.
The older you get, the more you have to pay attention to other things beyond maintenance and reliability. Specifically all rubber components (hoses, seals, mounts, etc). Age is undefeated.
Also, anything used in cold winter zone really needs a good inspection before buying. I recommend an inspection no matter what, but corrosion is hard to find by kicking the tires.
The older you get, the more you have to pay attention to other things beyond maintenance and reliability. Specifically all rubber components (hoses, seals, mounts, etc). Age is undefeated.
Also, anything used in cold winter zone really needs a good inspection before buying. I recommend an inspection no matter what, but corrosion is hard to find by kicking the tires.
