posted 06-08-2005 10:03 AM                  

1) Are there any major differences in the model year that I should look out for (Major upgrades, issue fixes)

2) Are there any major issues with any of the major mechanicals of that model year?

posted 06-08-2005 01:09 PM                  

They do not have chrome wheels (although some here may see that as a blessing), but my understanding is that the suspension was improved in subsequent years. Also, the 97 has a cast iron engine block which develops significantly less horsepower and torque that the all-aluminum engines in later model years.

There may be some interior features and amenities lacking in the 97's, as well, like the read-out on the mirror, etc.

posted 06-08-2005 04:02 PM                  

quote:

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Originally posted by Brivnov:
I am looking at purchasing a 1997 prowler (Yes I am very excited) and had a few questions.

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1. Where in Northern VA are you?

2. There's a 97 with trailer for sale in Sterling

Drive the 97 before letting others sell you off of the idea - it's THE FIRST YEAR!

-GRROWL

posted 06-08-2005 06:07 PM                  

I plan on still looking at the 1997 prowler but will be a bit more cautious.

posted 06-08-2005 06:42 PM                    

quote:

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Originally posted by Gene:
For what I know and have been told the 2000 models have all the updates,so my pick would be 2000-01-02.Promise you that you will love it.

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i did a lot of research before i purchased....i went for a 2000

posted 06-08-2005 08:49 PM                  

quote:

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Originally posted by Brivnov:
I am actually located in Herndon, VA. If anyone knows of any later model yellow or purple prowlers, let me know.

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I'm by the high school - if you want to get together, just send me your contact info. I have the contact info for the purple 97 with trailer that's about 3 miles from here - if you like purple, you might want to consider it - first year with trailer should prove to be a collectable.

-GRROWL

posted 06-09-2005 05:58 PM                    

quote:

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Originally posted by Brivnov:
I am looking at purchasing a 1997 prowler (Yes I am very excited) and had a few questions.

1) Are there any major differences in the model year that I should look out for (Major upgrades, issue fixes)

The 97's hp rating is lower then other years. I think it's 217hp to 253hp.

The shocks changed in 2000.

The hood struts changed but, not sure of which year.

The 97 wheels are a flat silver color. I think 99 chrome was an option and by 2000 it was standard.

Bezel around the shifter changed in 2000.

Probably some other small things too but, those are the ones I remember.

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posted 06-09-2005 06:24 PM                  

The 1997's had a hood prop rod. Mid year 1999 they switched to gas shocks.

The 97 and 99's have a palstic shift bezel with a plastic slide. 2000 and newer they are chrome with a leather boot.

The 1997's has dual throttle bodies and a different air plenum and upper radiator support.

The speaker covers are different on the 1997's versus 1999 and newer.

The deck lid carpet is different (much nicer) on the 2000 and later models.

2000 There are a few key model year changes to the Prowler. The suspension shocks & springs are changed to a new design for smoother ride. Low friction ball joints were added to the upper lateral links on the rear suspension. The 1997 and 1999 came with Koni Shocks and ride somewhat lower than the later models. They switched to another brand in 2000, but these began to have leaking problems. Under warranty these are now being replaced by the Koni's .The run flat tires (20" rear and 17" front) are redesigned with a softer side wall for smoother ride and new recommended tire pressure of 28 psi for all four tires. A new auto dimming rear view mirror with mini trip odometer and temperature gauge is introduced. A new radio with speed sensitive volume control to automatically increase or decrease the audio level with change in speed. The bumpers are repainted from Gray to Black. The alternator is changed to a new design with declutching pulley to eliminate the serpentine drive belt rattle that occurs as the belt tension decays (relaxes) as the 3.5L does not have an automatic belt tensioner

Common / reported problems:

Inaccaurate fuel gauge readings, also the 97's and 99's can be hard to fill at certain gas stations unkless they have had the upgrade done on the filler neck.

Blistering / peeling chrome on the inside barrels of the wheels.

Wheel center caps are plastic and the tabs that hold them on are easily broken.

Several transaxle input and output sensors failures have been reported.

Hood gas shock need to be replaced every 1.5 to 2 years as they will no longer support the weight of the hood.

There have been several reports of clock springs breaking in the steering column. This makes the radio contols etc on the steering wheel not work.

Recently there have been several reports of window regulator failures

Also:

There was a ball joint recall so make sure the recall has been performed.

Theres may be more, but that is all I can think of right now.

posted 06-09-2005 06:45 PM                  

quote:

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Originally posted by BeWare:
The deck lid carpet is different (much nicer) on the 2000 and later models.

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BeWare...Well written reply... The only section I'd comment on is that the (much nicer) formed rear deck lid carpet was upgraded in the later part of the 1999 model year run.

Brivnov...no question about it...don't mess with a '97 or '99 unless the price is exceptional. As stated..go with the '00 '01 or '02!

JMFO

posted 06-10-2005 05:38 PM                  

All of the problems cited from blistered and peeling wheels to inaccurate gas gauge readings to hood shocks having to be replaced could apply to ALL years. In fact, early 99s don't have failed hood shocks because they have PROP RODS. It's misleading to suggest any of those issues are specific to pre 2000 cars - that's simply not true.

You can add the decklid carpet to the earlier cars (it's readily available from any Chrysler dealer) for not much more than $100, along with the chrome shifter bezel (also under $150).

I have a 99 and I haven't had a single problem with it - ever:

• My hood shocks haven't failed because I don't have any. My prop rod works perfectly. Every time.
  
• My wheels aren't blistered or peeling because I intentionally chose a car with the silver painted wheels, which I happen to think look much better on Purple Prowlers than the chrome ones do. But that's just me. I might add that the guys who built the original concept Prowler seem to agree with me (it was Purple with Silver wheels too)
  
• My clock spring has never had any problem whatsoever.
  
• My steering wheel audio controls work perfectly.
  
• I have no problem putting gas in my car. None. Ever. Although I must admit my gas gauge doesn't see to be 100% accurate all of the time.
  
• My wheel center caps are all in perfect condition. They won't break "easily" if you're careful. (key word: easily - I know some of you other "careful" guys have had 'em break, so they're definitely not worth defending.)
  
• My window regulators work perfectly.
  
• I prefer the lower ride height to the later cars. I think it looks better. I love the way my car rides and handles. If you're lookin' for a "smooth" ride, buy yerself a Cadillac.
  
• I'm quite fond of my KONI shocks, thank you, and they've never leaked.
  
• If you want a Purple Prowler with the "new" motor, 99 is the only option you've got. Period. Trust me - not having the stuff in the rear view mirror and the radio attentuator is really not worth fretting over.

I could go on and on, but you get the point.

It's one thing to joke about which color is best or what mod is better than another, but I think I'm speaking for all of the pre '00 owners when I say that those of us with 99s would appreciate if those of you with later cars wouldn't tell people not to "mess" with our year cars, or we'll find ourselves in the unfortunate position of having to point out all of the things that could be wrong with your cars to level the playing field once again. By the time we're done, it will appear as if no Prowler is worth owning, which we all know is the furthest thing from the truth.

One man's opinion, do with it what you will.

posted 06-10-2005 05:47 PM                  

quote:

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Originally posted by BuckNekkid:
It's one thing to joke about which color is best or what mod is better than another, but I think I'm speaking for all of the pre '00 owners when I say that those of us with 99s would appreciate if those of you with later cars wouldn't tell people not to "mess" with our year cars

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Well said (all of it). But as we all know, the best are 99 and 00's - the ONLY years for yellow PLYMOUTH prowlers.

-GRROWL

posted 06-10-2005 06:30 PM                  

The question was' Are there any major differences in the model year that I should look out for (Major upgrades, issue fixes)'

BeWare just stated facts found anywhere and made no reference as to the 'best' years. He stated known issues and which years were affected.

Chromer stated an opinion and I'm sure he can defend himself so enough on that.

'or we'll be forced to point out all of the things that are wrong with your cars to level the playing field'
Looks like you already have.
'If you wanna be weird about this the 00's, 01's, and 02's ALL have chrome wheels, and 99% of them look like crap. I can't imagine having a perfect car with blistered and peeling wheels. They sit about an inch higher in the rear, which certainly doesn't add anything to the cars appearance, and they don't have KONI shocks either. The chrome shifter bezel can be added for $100 and change, so that's no reason not to buy a 99 either. And the 02s are Chryslers - one could easily say that "real" Prowlers are Plymouths.'

It's one of only 11,578 built. It will be worth just as much as others but right now a 97 is just an 8 year old car as opposed to a 3 year old 02.

I THINK THEY'RE ALL GREAT!