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Saying Goodbye to the Grand Prix

Chadgervais

Chadgervais

Former GP Owner
I have an appointment Wednesday to appraise and trade in my GP. This car is at the point where its going to start nickel and diming me to death... and thats after either a rebuild or replace of the transmission. Of course all its issues can be expected from a car with nearly 250k. Right now, in addition to the transmission, it needs
Steering Rack
Shocks/Struts all around
Oil Pan Gasket
Heater Core
Fuel Pump
Blower Motor
and something causing a wicked thunk when I hit bumps.

The car Im looking at is a 2010 Dodge Avenger with 51k. It is a 4 cylinder with slightly less power, but it has less than a quarter of the miles.

I would like to thank everyone on the forums for helping me with the issues Ive had. Hopefully the Avenger will not overheat on the drive home from the dealer like the GP did.
 


As an FYI, take it from a Chrysler dealer Sales Manager...wait and look for a 2011 V6. Seriously.

2010 was the last year for the "old" design Avenger. A 10 and an 11 may LOOK almost the same, but they are vastly different. Chrysler did as much of a fix to the Avenger as they could in an 11 month timeframe to make the car more competitive. It simply didn't look anywhere near as bad as the Sebring (which became the 200, its sister car), so they simply revised the facias and lighting on the outside.

The interior is entirely different...MUCH better materials, fit and finish and quality. The seats are much more comfortable. The engine is the 283hp Pentastar V6, which will go 0-60 in about 6 flat (faster than a stock GTP). They revised the 6 speed automatic for better shift quality. The suspension is different. The steering is different. You won't even save gas with a 10 four banger because the Pentastar has the same EPA ratings as a 10 4 cylinder.

Spend the extra couple grand and buy an 11+ V6. You will be soooo happy you did, especially considering the amount of miles you drive...
 
The dealer also has a 2012, that in looking at, if I can get a good interest rate and payment I will take that one. Both are 4cyls

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Chad,

I understand your GP may be on borrowed time and that you probably need a car asap. Have them find you a V6. Seriously. The 12 is MUCH better than the 10, but the 6 is MUCH better than the 4. Trust me on this one. I am sure you can find a V6 Avenger or 200 close by.

You're definitely on the right track...they are a good car for the money. Reliability is actually pretty damn good. I considered selling my Comp G and buying a brand new 14 base SE V6 with the Rallye package (18s, blacked out headlights and a spoiler for $400!!), but my 04 is the opposite of yours...64k miles and in pristine condition.

Again, good luck. You'll see what I mean if/when you compare the 10 to the 12!
 
I drive for a rental car co. I've driven both the 4 and 6, it really doesn't matter to me that much. I just need out of the prix. I've researched the avenger engine and tranny, both seem rock solid.

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You know my feeling.. Friends don't let friends drive something with a name that is a symonym for avoid. :th_biggrin2:
 
As far from town as I am, I need a car I can trust. The GP is no longer trustworthy to me. A car with 30k and a known maintenance record, warranty, and proven reliability is more what I'm looking for.

I am a road tripper, my philosophy is "if it's gonna happen, it's gonna happen out there". I cant be stuck 500 miles from home. There is no bus service where I am. If I lived in town and did just short trips and had public transport to fall back on, it might be different.

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Keep in mind your investing in at least 3-4 yrs worth of payments. I understand the urgency but as everyone has mentioned, the v6 is the way to go. Remember you don't only need to like it now, you need to like if for at least 2 yrs before moving on. Just my two cents.
 
Good luck with it! Just moved a whole row of them here to plow the lane...good little cars for the money. How much did they give you for the GP? $200 or $300?? :D

They may have shown you more than that for it, but I guarantee it went on their books for under $500. Sadly, your ride is more than likely heading to the bone yard :(
 
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