Greetings Owners:
I’m currently in the market for a new automobile, and I have been interested in the new Avenger. I have done quite a bit of homework myself on styles and features. I have narrowed my selection down to the:
AvengerR/T AWD 3.5 V6
I come here to get the “lowdown” on other aspects of this car that reviews and sales people just don’t know.
Background:
Alittle about myself, an automotive background, I currently drive a 1998 Durango 4x4 with 5.9L 360 Magnum. I bought this new off the floor when I graduated college and has been a fine automobile. It still is, I do not wish to part with it, however getting only 13.6MPG and only 1 week of fuel from the tank (Going just home and work only) is a bit tough. It’s going to be a hard sell for me to leave this truck and move to a new automobile. This is where you come in…. I want the good and the bad. Face it, every vehicle has something that needs improvement. So I’ll start with the questions, I hope you can provide the answers.
Why do I ask such questions? I come from an old world of thought…. I don’t like plastics, I don’t like timing belts, I want AWD that’s is actually AWD, and a vehicle should be serviceable. I’m not of the era of “throwaway cars” My Durango has lasted 10 years (next month) 250k Miles with only 1 problem, Power windows. I know its not fair to compare a truck and a car that’s why I want the truth and make a decision on my own, after I have the facts.
Thank you for your time and candor in this subject. Please include any likes and dislikes or areas of improvement to help me in my decision.
Dan
I’m currently in the market for a new automobile, and I have been interested in the new Avenger. I have done quite a bit of homework myself on styles and features. I have narrowed my selection down to the:
AvengerR/T AWD 3.5 V6
I come here to get the “lowdown” on other aspects of this car that reviews and sales people just don’t know.
Background:
Alittle about myself, an automotive background, I currently drive a 1998 Durango 4x4 with 5.9L 360 Magnum. I bought this new off the floor when I graduated college and has been a fine automobile. It still is, I do not wish to part with it, however getting only 13.6MPG and only 1 week of fuel from the tank (Going just home and work only) is a bit tough. It’s going to be a hard sell for me to leave this truck and move to a new automobile. This is where you come in…. I want the good and the bad. Face it, every vehicle has something that needs improvement. So I’ll start with the questions, I hope you can provide the answers.
- AWD? The Avenger is FWD by default with the “Option” of AWD. Is this AWD actually ALWAYS on? Or is it a AWD on Demand feature where the rear wheels only apply drive power when a slip is detected by the FWD sensors?
- Serviceability? I am the son of a Mechanic Shop owner, I perform 99% of all my services, Including Oil/Filters/Transmission/Transfer Case/ Differentials, Plugs, Wires, and Fluid changes. Is the Avenger AWD self serviceable or will it require special tools to provide basic service (Special tools exclude anything you can buy from a local tool store)
- Suspension System: In today’s world so few cars and trucks have greasable fittings on their suspension parts. How does the Avenger rate?
- Alignment: Vehicles have gone to a “no alignment” possible system where special ball joints or rod ends must be bought to align the front end. The company’s official stance is, “If an alignment must be done, the car is faulty, buy another” Where simple things like road design cause problems an alignment to adjust for the road will fix. Beyond Toe-end, is the Avenger able to be aligned without expensive part replacement? (Caster and Camber adjustments)
- Engine: Is it Cast Iron Block with Aluminum Upper Intake or Aluminum Block with “Plastic” Upper Intake.
- The Blind Spot: Many reviews talk of a large blind spot. Do you have this problem?
- Timing Belt or Timing Chain? Do I have to break down and have someone rip half the engine apart every 60k miles to replace an internal belt?
Why do I ask such questions? I come from an old world of thought…. I don’t like plastics, I don’t like timing belts, I want AWD that’s is actually AWD, and a vehicle should be serviceable. I’m not of the era of “throwaway cars” My Durango has lasted 10 years (next month) 250k Miles with only 1 problem, Power windows. I know its not fair to compare a truck and a car that’s why I want the truth and make a decision on my own, after I have the facts.
Thank you for your time and candor in this subject. Please include any likes and dislikes or areas of improvement to help me in my decision.
Dan