We purchased a brand new 1997 Dodge Stratus in March, 1997. Since we purchased this vehicle, we have had numerous problems with this vehicle. To start it all off, when we signed our loan on our vehicle, they did not give us our refund we were due from our Bank (car we traded in had a loan with our bank) loan manager. It was only 43.00 we were to have refunded to us.
Our Bank loan manager sent the check to Hoyte Dodge and they endorsed the check and put it into their account. They never even tried to contact us to let us know we had a check coming. I found out about it 31 months later. After numerous attempts to receive my refund, I finally was cut a check 5 weeks later, after I had to go to my previous loan manager and ask for a copy of the front and back of the check that was sent to Hoyte Dodge. They said they didn't have any information stating they even received a refund for that money.
To give you a small idea of the problems we have had with the vehicle, we have had to take it to them more than 12 times to have work done on the vehicle. We have also had 3 recalls on the vehicle parts. We have had to take it to the shop for the following items to be fixed: replacement of cylinder head gasket 10-99, replacement of timing belt 10-99, engine maintenance tune-up 9-99, replacement of valve cover gasket and spark plugs 8-1999, replacement of sensor map 8-99, replacement of spark plug wires 8-99, replacement of front struts and an alignment 8-99, removal of front brake pads and adjusting of brakes 8-99, replacement of drive belts 8-99, adjusting of shifter assembly 2-99, cleaning of AIS motor 2-99, replacement of valve cover gasket 2-99, recall 2-99, replacement of A/C compressor 8/98, replacement of "O" rings 8-98, adjusting of idle 6/98, replacement of thermostat and radiator cap 6/98, recall 5-98, adjusting of rear brakes 4/98, recall 2-98, replacement of gasket-cylinder head 2-98, replacement of cam seals 2-98.
As I stated above, we had a tune-up done in 9-99. A few days after that tune-up, we took the car to have the oil changed at a quick lube oil change station. At that time, the service attendant notified me that my air filter was filthy. I took a look, and sure enough, it was very dirty and old! They did not replace it when they did my tune up. I had to purchase an air filter, even though Hoyte Dodge supposibly did it when they did the tune up. We have also taken the vehicle to Hoyte Dodge for the idle speed numerous times. It was getting so bad that if we turned on the air conditioner while the car was running, the car motor would die and we would have to restart the motor. Sometime, if we had to stop at a stoplight or stop sign to fast, the car would die. To me this is unacceptable.
They told us everytime we mentioned it that the car idle was running with in manufacturer's specifications. I am aware that it has been three years since we purchased the car, but, we still have problems with the vehicle. We have cancelled the remainder of the extended warrenty so we can have that money credited to our loan we took out to get the car. I checked last month to see what we owed on the vehicle and we still owe over 12,000.00 for that piece of crap and the car is only worth 5,000.00.
They screwed us all around. Our monthly car payments are 440.00. Yes, you heard me right, 440.00 for a 1997 Dodge Stratus. I have not taken our vehicle back to Hoyte Dodge since 10-1999 because I am sick and tired of trying to deal with them. If anyone has any suggestions for us, please email me with them.
All we want to do if get away from the car free and clear. Like we never even had to deal with it. I can tell you one thing, I will never purchase another Chrysler Automobile again!!!
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