1988 Dodge Raider SUV 2.6

Summary:

A mule

Faults:

Nothing yet.

General Comments:

I am very impressed with the performance. I know it's a Mitsubishi Pajero and I love it.

On my jeep I had lockers plus 6 cylinder engine, and I think they are very similar in power.

I've been a Jeep owner for years. I belong to a Jeep club in Mexico; they will be surprised when I show up with my little tank.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th January, 2009

1989 Dodge Raider 3.0 V6

Summary:

A truly awesome truck that you will never want to give up

Faults:

My engine was smoking on start up when I bought the truck. The smoke was due to worn valve seals and two worn valves. These were soon replaced when I had the heads rebuilt. At the same time I replaced the water pump and timing belt.

The truck initially had a hard pull to the right due to a bad brake caliper. I ended up replacing the brake hoses, calipers, wheel cylinders, drums, rotors, master cylinder, pads, & shoes.

I replaced the Michelin tires with BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO tires. These tires are excellent. They have an unbelievable grip in all weather conditions (rain, snow, mud, dry pavement) plus they look great on the Raider.

My oil pressure is registering low on the oil gauge, but it has been like that for the past four years. I replaced the oil sending switch, but that did not help. I think the oil gauge is faulty.

The engine still runs like a champ. There is no knocking, ticking or any other noises coming from the engine. I change my oil and filter every 3,000 miles and I add a quart of Lucas Oil Stabilizer every 6,000 miles.

General Comments:

I bought my Raider as a second vehicle. After driving the truck for a short time, I quickly decided to use it as my main vehicle and I stopped driving my Explorer.

This truck is a blast to drive. It handles very well and has a great turning radius. I was amazed at how rugged this truck is made and how much protection it has covering the entire drive-train.

The truck is exceptional in 4-wheel drive. Once the wheels lock (and the wheel lock light comes on), the truck can crawl out of anything. It is great in the snow and in mud.

The truck is strong too, especially with the 3.0 V6. I had pulled a 6.5' x 15' enclosed cargo trailer from MA to NJ, for over 400 miles, and the truck was ready for more.

I just recently installed power door locks, a remote car starter/alarm, HD/AM/FM/CD radio, and a navigation system. The next install will be cruise control.

I would not part with this truck for anything. It is the most reliable vehicle that I have ever owned. It starts every time no matter how cold it is outside. It is so unique and so much fun to drive. Long live the Dodge Raiders.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th January, 2008

1987 Dodge Raider 2.4 liter

Summary:

Great vehicle, if you can do your own work!

Faults:

Due to an overheat (the biggest enemy of this engine) I had to rebuild the engine. The head was cracked when I purchase the Raider, and the use of coolant progressively worse as I owned it.

At about 160,000 I decided to rebuild the engine. I rebuilt the engine entirely myself, even doing all the machine work. The bore on the cylinder was near perfect, even after all those miles, and most parts which were used in the rebuild were standard size.

After the rebuild I have had very, very few problems. I have had to replace the water pump at about 260,000 miles, but that was almost 100,000 on the rebuild pump.

General Comments:

It will amaze most people off-road! Even in relatively stock form it will stand out in a pack of Jeeps.

On the highway it is somewhat underpowered. 0-60 is about 18 seconds, which won't impress anyone.

Gas mileage is about 20-22 mpg in daily driving, when the carb is correct. Keeping the carb working properly is a pain, but not a major expense (unless you have to replace it, the carb is expensive).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd December, 2007

9th Dec 2007, 19:47

Good review - I've found pretty much the same thing in the Raider I own.