Lori of Nanty Glo, PA, writes:
I bought a 1997 used Dodge Stratus in 1998. I have had to replace the bearings on 3 of 4 wheels (at a cost of about $100 each). It uses oil, so I add oil weekly. The locks don't work, and of course, most recently the head gasket went. After much confrontation with Dosge, they agreed to pay all but $250 of the repair costs on the gasket work. Plus, all the hoses, and many other parts were included in this repair.

Next to go was the cruise control. It wouldn't disengage and I found myself speeding toward the back of a truck at 65 MPH. It took all I had to stop the car. I had to have a mechanic make a raod service call to cut the cruise control line, which was frayed. I absolutely despise this car.

Now I'm broken down again. This time it's the transmission. THe car has about 80K miles on it, but not one mile has been trouble or worry free.

I drive about an hour each way to work and come home at night. Never is it far from my mind what will break down on this car next, especially since the cruise control incident, and what will I do if I'm stranded. I bought a cell phone and have the tow truck's number on speed dial. I have had to arrange for rides and have been late for work many times. I'm on a strict budget and my car payment takes a large chunk, but the repairs have squeezed my other expenses to where it has been a huge financial burden.