Maintenace at 100k for 2001 Stratus R/T Coupe

CMS16

MEMBER
2001 DODGE STRATUS

Hello,

I have a 2001 Dodge Stratus R/T couple, 3.0L V6, automatic transmission with autostick, and about 113k miles. Since this is the R/T coupe, it has a Mitsubishi engine (and many other parts), which has made servicing this vehicle very interesting. As the mileage on the car rises things seem to be wearing out and the following services have been performed on my car:

entire cooling system flush (do every 2 yrs)
radiator hoses/thermostat replaced (100k)
spark plugs and plug wires replaced (100k)
timing belt replaced (100k)
camshaft position sensor replaced (100k)
fuel/ignition system cleaned (chemical cleaning at 100k, run a cleaner every 4k)
all O2 sensors replaced (100k)
replace the 2 serpentine belts when required (last done about about 75k)
replace brake pads as needed
run synthetic engine (since 40k) and tranny oil (since 50k)

My question to you guys is what other maintenance should I look at getting done on my car since it had passed the 100k mark? Should I replace any other sensors (i.E. PCV, TPS, etc) that tend to wear out at this age or mileage? I also have to same question regarding brake and power steering fluid. I have never changed these but have heard it’s a good idea too, is that true? What would you recommend? If I can spend a little money not and save myself from a huge problem down the road I am willing to do that.

Overall the car runs pretty well. Transmission shifts well, car accelerates fine, and still handles very well. The only minor issue (if it is) I have noticed is when the car is first started (cold engine) and for about the first 10 minutes it runs (when idling at a light) the engine's vibrations sound louder and there is a moderate vibration felt in the steering wheel and brake pedal. The car doesn't making any clunking/knocking noises, no strange smells, engine doesn't move around easily (like with a broken mount), doesn't hiss, etc. After the initial period of about 10-15 minutes the noticeable vibrations go away and can hardly be felt when sitting at a light. Therefore, I am not sure this is really an issue or if the higher mileage cause this behavior. I am not sure if there is some type of rubber gasket or mount that is wearing out and I can just feel the car’s vibrations more.

Any advice/help would be appreciated. Thanks!

3 Replies

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

Congrats, you are taking good care of your car and you'll be rewarded with many more miles to come.
Expect parts to wear out. IT will still be significantly cheaper to replace the parts than to go into a new vehicle.

I would change any sensors unless they are causing a problem. A pcv valve wouldn't hurt it. I didn't see anything about a fuel filter, air filter or transmission filter on there. Also if the battery is original, that would be smart.

I don't know that the vibration is necessarily abnormal. IT may be a fuel/air mix problem causing the problem until it goes into open loop when it gets warm. A good shop may be able to look at the data stream and make a recommendation. They would need to look at it when it is cold.