1989 Dodge Raider 3.0 6 cylinder

Summary:

The best car I've ever owned

Faults:

At about 100,000 I needed to replace the water pump and while I was at it I replaced the timing belt. Still has all other original parts.

At 80,000 the steering gearbox started leaking. I had to disassemble and repair with a gasket kit.

General Comments:

This is the most reliable car I have ever owned. I have had it now 11 years. It still starts and runs like the day I drove it off the showroom floor (it's a little less powerful but the gas mileage is as good as ever).

I recommend you replace the rear differential fluid with synthetic gear lube every 15,000 miles and ALWAYS add the slip modifier from the dealer each time or you'll grind up your differential.

The only bad thing is that since so few of these were made, parts are very expensive. They wanted $2500 for a new steering gearbox. Obviously, instead I rebuilt it for $30 in gaskets. If you are not opposed to getting parts from junkyard providers when necessary, this is a great truck.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th January, 2001

25th Mar 2001, 20:14

Hi, I too own a dodge raider and find it to be a o.k. automobile. I live in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada and the 4x4 is a real help in the winter. My main concern is the gas mileage I'm getting.

Gas prices hear are about $0.65 per liter and I'm getting about 90-100 km for $10.00 does that sound right. I have replaced the head 3 times, 1 water pump, and other wise just basic maintenance. Its a 1987 2.6L, I've done many after market changes too it. It has a metelic blue paint job, 33inch tires, stainless steel bumpers, a bush guard and after market stereo system.

Thanks

Dave.

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1987 Dodge Raider 2.6 litre

Summary:

Been the best vehicle I've ever owned

Faults:

Fuel pump at 196,000.

Starter at 238,000.

Still isn't smoking. Uses about 1 quart of oil ever 3000 miles.

No other parts replaced other than belts, plugs, normal stuff...

General Comments:

I will buy another one, a newer model, ie 1989 or 1990 if mine ever gives up, probably just keep mine chugging along.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th January, 2001

5th Jun 2001, 20:14

How would you like a spare one for parts? My husband purchased an 87 4WD automatic and drove it for a week and a half and it just stopped moving. First we had to replace the starter to get it to run again so we could see why it stopped moving. We figured out after a lot of trouble getting to it that the fly wheel was busted. We finally found a flywheel but upon bringing it home found out it is in fact not the same. We assume that the motor is different but trying to match fly wheel to motor has been to no avail. There is not even a similar flywheel in any catalog we have seen this far. It is 11 1/4 inches with 120 teeth and a six hole pattern. Unless we find a flywheel to match all we have is a piece of junk for spare parts sitting in our garage taking up space. The guy we paid a 1000.00 for it to has not returned our calls to help in any way. Any suggestions?

25th Feb 2002, 20:06

Are you still having problems with your raider?

7th Feb 2003, 11:13

I bought a 88 raider about 5 years ago. I was told that I was making a big mistake (raider was 9 yrs old). well I have been very very satisfied with it. I replaced the engine, trans, exhaust, and carb-its like I have a new vehicle!There is no rust, and she (I named her ruby) still shines right up with wax. A lot of people mistakenly think she is a jeep, but I soon correct them. What I love the most is that there are so few of them around where I live so she really stands out. I would buy a new one too if they made them. They are built to last!!Mine is approaching her 15th birthday with 190,000 miles and she is still extremely reliable. I also saw one for sale three years ago with 225,000 miles and it looked still looked great. I really really love my Raider, (RUBY).

27th Nov 2008, 11:43

I have a 1987 dodge raider, how do I change out the starter?

Bud.

In reply to 27th Nov 2008, 11:43

7th Dec 2015, 18:50

I have changed the starter twice in my 1987 Raider and it is a pain in the butt. The top bolt is by far the worst. I can only get about a quarter of a turn before I have to take the wrench off and re-position it again... It takes awhile, but it's the only way besides taking the firewall out.