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jerseybrewing	Hi all, I am looking to purchase my first prowler, not concerned as much with low miles, just a fun car to drive. Any recommendations on what to look for in purchasing one? I figure general condition is important, also convertible top, tires. Any concerns on long term, higher mileage from anyone out there with heavier miles on their prowler? Many thanks JB
alrtg	Hi there, Good question. I too recently bought a Prowler. Condition, modifications, along with mileage were concerns of mine as well. In my opinion a car with mileage that is to low may become as much of a problem as a car with higher mileage just from non use. Example: if a car sits for several month's at a time without proper preparation of the fuel in the tank, the fuel can go bad and result in a varnish effect that could cause issues from the pick up in the tank to the fuel injectors. Tires may look perfect but may not perform as well as they did when new. Belts and hoses will deteriorate and even if the car has low miles, these items will likely need replacement. My car is a 2000 with 14K miles and I am planning on replacing the water pump and timing belt simply due to their age. The '99 and later 3.5 engines are known as interference engines. If the timing belt breaks it can result in the valves hitting the pistons causing significantly more expense. It is also my opinion that a car with more mileage on it should have any inherent issues worked out by now. Of course cars with higher miles may have other issues. They also may have a lower price allowing you to spend more on whatever is necessary. Be advised that the run flat tires the cars were delivered with are not easy to locate at this point. Another item to beware of from what I have read on this forum would be window regulators. You can do a search on these topics and come to your own conclusions. In my opinion regardless of any problems or quirks these cars have are well worth it. Just be prepared to have a continuous grin on your face after driving one.
idive	Tire Rack has the OEM tires. They started making them again last November.
jerseyjoe	If you are ever in the area of Hunterdon County, NJ..let me know. I can show you my kat and give you my impressions of the car. I agree, look for one with low miles if you can and there are many to choose from right now. Bottom line, I have have owned many cars in my life but this is a combination of old school looks with modern add-ons. When ever I feel a little down, I go for a ride..the best medicine JerseyJoe
garysss	Start with your favorite color and start your search from there.
Dead End Don	Others will have a lot more to say, I am sure, but being a "parts bin" car with major pieces taken from high-volume production cars, they seem very reliable. There was a ball joint recall awhile back, and you should make sure that work was done, as it was a safety problem. The chrome on the wheels is notoriously bad, especially inside the barrels, so check them carefully. Some folks have had rubbing/wear issues with the soft tops near the rear window, so check to be sure there are no holes or weakened areas of abrasion. The power window mechanisms are also a weak spot, and the gas gauges tend to malfunction or fail. Otherwise, in terms of the engine, drivetrain, interior and exterior fit and finish, etc., I have had less trouble in 19K miles with my Prowler than most other ordinary cars. Earlier comment re: mileage/storage is probably true to some degree, but it seems like the majority of owners on this board take excellent care of their cars during storage, etc., and while it is true that everything deteriorates over time, I would go with a well-documented, low miles car that was conscientiously maintained rather than save a few $$$$ on an higher mileage car that perhaps wasn't so carefully pampered. I have yet to see a neglected Prowler that was owned by anyone who is active in POA.
ed monahan	The wheel center caps are pretty weak, also.
jerseybrewing	Thanks for all the great insight, checking out one in a couple days and bringing my list from the forum! Wish me luck! Thanks again JB
idive	Don't be too surprised if the underside of the nose has been scraped. If it's not a 97, make sure when the hood is up and your head is under it that they hold it up. The hood struts are another weakness. Look at the top of the shocks (not the hood shocks, the front end shocks) to see if they say KONI on them. Chrysler changed to Dynamic, but they leaked, so they went back to KONI's.
jmcant1	quote: Originally posted by idive: Don't be too surprised if the underside of the nose has been scraped. If the bottom of the nose is NOT scraped - it has not been driven...
Chromer	quote: Originally posted by jmcant1: If the bottom of the nose is NOT scraped - it has not been driven... Now that is a fact! If you drive one...(not a garage queen) it will have "character" under the chin... ------------------
Dead End Don	I've got my 1999 Purple listed in the Classified section (hint, hint.....) Also, be aware the the '97's have a cast iron engine block which does not make the same performance as later years, and have painted (not chromed) wheels.
Capt Billy B	I have a 2002 Inca gold with matching trailer. I have all the orginal parts that was taken off. Custom paint around the bottom edge, chromed running gear and grill. Custom made exhaust system with cross over, Mopar hitch ceramic brake pads, 18,500 miles. I will take $27,900 for all. For more information feel free to call me at 850.897.1823 I tried to include a picture. Please let me know if you received this and the picture.
DFOTOPRO	photo did not post...But thats a GREAT price for the kat and matching trailer, should sell very fast, in fact send me some photos I may be interested in putting a new one in the barn dj