Dodge Nitro

[bonepyro]

Just looking for a new car, and the seen a couple of Dodge Nitro's on autotrader that fit with my budget.

But looking on the Dodge website, it is defunct other than a link that says Dodge is now owned by Fiat Group.

Any experience with the Dodge Nitro, or any insight on where you would take one of these things for repair or service if I got one.

 

[BrokenBiker]

as dodge is now owned by Fiat it stands to reason that you should be able to go to your local Fiat garage and have it serviced, however I wouldn't trust a Fiat garage with a spanner, let alone a car. (Bad experience with my brothers car)

speak to some local garages. I have a guy local to me that runs a small garage. employs 2 mechanics and a sprayer. everytime I go in he has a different mustang in there having work done

 

[CompoSimmonite]

Different car but same "family" - Dodge / Chrysler. I used to have a Chrysler Neon and loved it. They aren't a patch on Japanese or even UK / European build quality though. Parts difficult to source other than main agent and then some can be horrendously expensive. Our Neon died when some parts simply were no longer available so it was scrapped even though not rotten.
So if you asked my opinion then I'd say unless amazingly cheap consider something more "mainstream" even if older. It's a little like the current Dacia range - look good value until you examine them carefully (I've been underneath one on garage ramps) and then you realise they are cheap for a reason well same could apply to the Nitro.

 

[masleeve]

American cars can be a bit of a challenge to find parts for ,the main dealers dont seem interested once they get to 3yrs old. Thankfully there are plenty of specialists. My Chrysler neon is at 194k and has so far not required anything more than any of my european cars.
Speak to a few owners, have you had a look at honestjohn to see what reports they have?

 

[bonepyro]

Ok, thanks guys. It seems my suspicions are confirmed by the comments made by you. What initially looks like a good purchase 'might' turn out to be a right royal PITA.

I will follow up on honestjohn, but think that in reality I will look at a more well known European market car.

 

[steve.h]

Go for a shogun, they are GREAT fun, I had a v6 lwb, I fitted MT tyres and could go anywhere, great in all weather, even with all terrain tyres they will gomost places and will get better mpg.
Not many 4x4s are very good on mpg, the shogun petrol is similar to a range rover, they are also nice cars, I have driven a couple of them in the past as well.
Both of them have really good forums for info on all aspects of the car, both are enthusiasts cars so there are a lot of really helfull people on the forums that will help you with any problems.

 

[CompoSimmonite]

Don't dismiss Jeeps. Whilst still the same "family" (Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep) they have a far better aftermarket parts situation.
I found with our 1996 / P reg 1st Gen Chrysler Neon parts are deleted from main agents catalogue quite soon after model production ceased and only option was then to buy a whole unit rather than just the aspect you need. ie whole calliper rather than set of seal or in my case calliper pistons (the original are composite and broke up !). No way was I going to spend £600 on a pair of rear callipers so the car was scrapped. Reconditioners required sound callipers in exchange and lack of seals meant no way would I consider secondhand. It might be possible to get things sent over from US but I never tried that.
Also Chrysler, Dodge & jeep use VM diesel engines for the European market. I like them but they need to be treated with care - especially regarding waterways. A lot of people, including some mechanics, think they can be abused like a Peugeot, Merc, Ford etc diesel whereas they should be treated more like a Rover K Series
Over they years I've had 14 4x4's. None were perfect and all had some aspect or other I wasn't happy with. 6 x Land Rovers, 1 x Discovery and 3 x Range Rovers needed more attention than anything else plus despite alloy outer panels rot of the steel aspect was never ending. Avoid older model Freelander due to possible expensive transmission problems. Current model Freelander OK.
On reflection my Vitara was quite good although a swb and I found the need for a lwb was the reason sold. The Grand Vitara could be worth considering. Mate had an Isuzu Trooper 3.1 for many years and that was impressive. He replaced it with a Shogun Pinni and it didn't last long due to the high fuel consumption due to being petrol. My stepmother has Kia's both Sportage and Sorento and rates them highly. Her favourite was a Toyota Land Cruiser bought new. She wasn't happy with the, again new, Nissan Patrol bought to replace it. Mate has a Nissan Pathfinder that I sometimes drive and nice vehicle. He previously had an X Trail and only changed due to needing heavier vehicle for towing. I found that gave excellent economy when driven carefully but, for me, a little tight in footwell (I need plenty of space by left leg due to disability). Friend has a Mitsubishi L200 and whilst good as a road vehicle is disappointed with off road and snow performance despite decent tyres. He says it need load area to be weighted down for decent traction in such conditions.

Any way I can talk - I currently have a Mahindra MM540 and love it

Paul H