Faults:
Front struts were replaced at 101,000 miles. Sway bar end links were also replaced at the same time. I replaced the struts and links myself. I started with the struts, but found that it was actually the links causing the "clunking" sound. Both dramatically improved the handling to what I remembered it being when we got it. Both front wheel bearings have been replaced. One was bad and the other was changed to appease my conscience. Again, I did the work myself.
I have peeled the shrinking plastic from off the weather stripping around the doors, and reused the black part underneath to solve the shrinking weatherstripping issue. I could not see buying new only to have it happen again.
I have re-glued the foam in the speakers using a repair technique used on home speakers, and it has worked every time.
I have replaced the heater core and A/C evaporator core at 101,000 miles. I did the heater core only because I was that far into the dash to replace the evaporator on the A/C. The evaporator core had leaked for over two years, but the replacement works like a charm. It gets cold enough now to "hang meat."
I have used the headlight repair kit to get rid of the faded lens look. It worked good enough that I haven't replaced the lens - yet. The weatherstripping around the headlights is gone and I can't find a good replacement.
I'm on my second set of replacement tires. I used Continental Conti-Trac tires which were excellent tires. I got them for $100/each at The TireRack in Shreveport, LA. I replaced them with Goodrich tires from SAMS, and I have been equally pleased with these tires. I did have trouble with the Continentals going down on me, but I haven't had that trouble with the Goodrich tires. SAMS really cleaned the rims well before installing the tires.
I have replaced the electric lock on the back door on the driver's side ($75 from an online dealer).
I have glued the windshield cowling down with windshield sealant and it stays. I just replaced a broken door glass mount ($10 dealer) and got the window working up and down again. I would suggest checking the adjustment on the regulators to make sure they track right.
I have to agree that the finish leaves something to be desired. It comes off with the slightest little nick.
General Comments:
The car was a vast improvement over the Honda CR-V. It is a nice, big car that gets decent gas mileage - better than the CR-V it replaced. The cabin is comfortable and roomy. Then engine still pulls hard. It is still a joy to drive. I miss a few things that the CR-V offered, most notably the driving height. However, I have a Jeep Grand Cherokee ('92 model with over 200,000 miles on it) that satisfies the sitting high need.
This is the first American car I have had in a long time. The last one was a Chevy Beretta. It was a good car, but something kept going out during our annual Thanksgiving trek home to family, so we got rid of it and went back to Honda. I have been a Honda or Toyota man all my life. I have to say this Chrysler made me feel good owning an American car - albeit by way of Canada.