1997 Chrysler Cirrus

My mother-in-law desperately needs a new vehicle because her GMC Safari is a rolling death trap. She can't even afford to fix the GMC so my wife and I are trying to find a cheap vehicle in better shape to replace it. I have a friend who is selling a 1997 Chrysler Cirrus with 182,000 miles. It looks to be in good shape, but I have zero experience with Chrysler vehicles. If anyone here has experience with this car, please let me know. I'd hate to buy her another rolling death trap.

 

I'd say buying her a 1997 Chrysler with 182,000 miles isn't a very wise idea...

 

Normally, I would agree with you. But her van is in bad shape and none of us are in a position to buy her a newer vehicle.

Chrysler = $2,000. Repairs to the Safari = ~$5,000.

I've read lots of reviews on the '97 Cirrus and the biggest issue seems to be the brakes wearing out quickly. They look reliable other than that. I was just hoping to find someone who has experience with one.

 

I'd say if you're in cahoots with your in-law, then buying her a Chrysler Cirrus is a great idea!

Buy a Honda. Any Honda.
They're unkillable.

 

^This

Buying an american made car with 182,000 miles is a recipe for disaster. I would stick with a Civic or Camry, even if they had 182,000 miles they'd still be much better than any Chrysler, Ford, Chevy in that range.

 

My other options was trying to find a Toyota RAV4 in that same $2 - $3k range, but they are usually 200,000 miles or more.

 

I take immaculate care of MY vehicles. Her Safari leaks oil and she doesn't think to add any until it starts making knocking/squealing noises...

 

Why are you worried about a 200K+ vehicle, when the Chrysler is at 187K? Espeically when the 200K vehicle is a Yota or Honda.

 

I would stay away from Chrysler at any miles to be honest.

 

Thanks for all of the input guys. Like I said, I've had no experience with Chryslers and didn't know how well they hold up over time. Apparently I'll be looking elsewhere.

 

Chrysler reliability is near the bottom of the barrel. The Cirrus won't be a rolling death trap, because it probably won't be rolling for much longer...

The Safari driver's compartment is part of the crumple zone it seems:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kuSghb7P7U

 

$2k for a Chrysler with almost 200K? id pay like $200. lol. that thing will blow up...may as well find a cheaper one if your looking for a POS american bomb.

 

it seems like the front 3/4 is part of the crumple zone

 

I'd not only shy, but actually run away from the Chrysler....tranny, cooling system, brakes, there's 3 good reasons alone.

IMHO Hyundai is another option, any model newer than 03 is a pretty reliable vehicle if it was maintained.

When my 3 (now adult) boys were younger, they killed many good cars.....every Hyundai they had was pretty indestructable.