Faults:
My rear oil seal had to be replaced along with the timing belt.
Water pump went at about 125,000 miles.
A/C has been replaced, which cost about $500.
Transmission downshift cable need to be replaced a few times before they fixed it right.
General Comments:
The Dodge Raider, all in all, has been a great vehicle. Mine has had its share of problems, expensive problems at that, but the truck is an import and parts aren't cheap! People have to realize that this is a truck and not a car. I have the same pair of brakes on this thing and have had no problems! Don't drive it like a car, it's not a new SUV. It's a classic and more durable one, not a plastic bumper looking SUV like the new ones today.
All in all, it consistently beats Jeeps off-roading and has a much stronger engine if you have the 3.0 V6. I have 134,000 miles on it and it still runs and looks brand new. I get more head turns on the highway than if I had a PT Cruiser!
I have paid for my share of repairs, but you can never break even on repairs for a truck that is over 10 years old. Some of the comments on this truck are way too harsh, considering how old this truck is.
In conclusion, it's a great, durable truck and if you do all the maintenance work, it will last you over 250,000 miles, maybe more from what I have heard from other owners. It runs and looks like no other 2 door SUV on the road. I'll take my Raider over a crappy, plastic looking Toyota Rav4, Honda CRV, or Ford Escape any day.
7th Aug 2003, 18:30
I have a 1989 Dodge Raider, V6 automatic. I bought the car from the original owner knowing the car has a problem. Occasionally, it will not start. The previous owner and I have tried the logical ideas (i.e. plugs, wires, distributor), but the problems still exists. It turns over, but will not start. After 10-30 minutes., it will usually start. Have you had this problem? If so, do you know the cause? E-mail me at copper@wctc.net Thank you.