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jamesf	I've been wanting a prowler for many years, and now that I am in a position to own one I am looking for some guidance: 1. Is the prowler ownership feasible for someone who is not a 'car' expert? i.e. would not perform my own repairs. 2. I've read about the importance of new tires, changing water pump + timing belt; also the front ball joints. Is there anything else I should watch for when evaluating cars for sale? 3. Winter storage in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada - I'm assuming heated storage is mandatory? 4. For those that take their prowlers to a mechanic - do you use a dealership or specialty mechanic? Any other advice is appreciated, James from Ottawa
StingRay	Hi James ... welcome. You are going to get a wide range of opinions on these 4 topics. End of the day, it's your purchase, it's your car, it's your decision. Here is my 2 cents... 1. Absolutely. That describes a number of Prowler owners. 2. I would be more concerned about # of prior owners and car history - rental vs. private, and then follow the "if it ain't broke, don't mess with it" philosophy. 3. Mandatory? No, certainly insulated, enclosed storage, covered with a battery tender on is desired - heated I would say is a bonus. 4. I would stick with certified Prowler/Viper Tech at dealership - but if you have a 'trusted' independent, at the end of the day these are simply Plymouths and Chryslers. If you don;t know the "specialty mechanic" I would steer clear - likely try to rip you off. Good Luck!
BeWare	At the moment I can't think of anything to add to Ray's reply.
Bob Mears	I am a decent mechanic on older stuff. I continually work on my AMX, Corvette, and GSX. But the Prowler is too new for me to work on. If it dont have a carburetor, its too new for me.So my Prowler goes to outside vendors for work. I love my Prowler though because it looks old, but works new. Air and heat work, Great brakes, decent fuel mileage....the drive train isnt anything special, they built a million of them. I have mine in the shop right now getting timing belt, water pump, change all fluids, Installing the gears I purchased 3 years ago that I never got around to changing, new hoses, cooling and brake flush. I've reserved the idea that if mine ever croaks I'll replace the drivetrain with a V8 and vette trans.
jamesf	Thanks for the responses so far, that's very helpful. Are there model years I should target or avoid?
RJ RILEY	Depends on the color you want. Orange,Blue,Yellow, Silver. Personally I'd stick with 2001 OR 2002 unless you want a Purple Prowler 1999 quote: Originally posted by jamesf: Thanks for the responses so far, that's very helpful. Are there model years I should target or avoid?
StingRay	quote: Originally posted by jamesf: Thanks for the responses so far, that's very helpful. Are there model years I should target or avoid? Avoid? absolutely not ... First year 1997's were only purple and had a steel block. 1999 and later were cast aluminum and horsepower was bumped slightly. Later years they abandoned the Koni shocks for 'softer' ones that... unfortunately were prone to leaking. Pick a color YOU like, which then narrows your search as some colors were year and brand (Plymouth/Chrysler) specific. Happy hunting!
mslc10	2000 had the softer ride but koni shocks ( good ones) , also had the speed sensitive radio, digital mirror. Pick you color that you absolutely don’t want and hope there isn’t a really good deal on one in that color! I got lucky and found the year I wanted at a good deal close to home on eBay. The color was acceptable so ....the fun began !!
ed monahan	I currently own a '97, '01 and '02 and have owned a couple of 99s. Don't get scared off from the 97s. They actually have some nice things the others don't and they run the same. If the timing belt breaks on a 97 it WON'T ruin the engine. That is a plus. I am certainly not pushing the 97s but don't let others tell you not to get one. I have never had my Prowlers in a heated or insulated garage. I have never used a battery tender, either. That said, it is probably better to have a heated or insulated garage and to use a battery tender. The cars are not exotic. They look extremely cool but they are just like most other cars as far as what you need to do to maintain them. Any GOOD mechanic can do any repair. Go for it.
adacus	From BeWare POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:Acworth,GA,USA Registered: Jul 2000 Admin Use posted 05-16-2019 12:37 PM Click Here to See the Profile for BeWare send a private message to BeWare Edit/Delete Message Reply w/Quote Search for more posts by BeWare 1997 The engine was the 3.5 liter V6 cast iron engine rated at 214 HP. It had two throttle bodies. All of the 97's were Purple with Silver wheels 1999 The engine changed to all aluminum 3.5 liter 24 valve V6 that produces 253 HP. This engine was used through the end of Prowler production. Chrome wheels become an option 97 and 99 prowlers and some 2000 were equipped with Koni shocks August 1999 the 2000 model production begins. Eventually Chrysler switched to Dynamic Suspension shocks and new springs which made the ride somewhat softer and the cars sit ever so slightly higher. However over time those shocks tend to start leaking. I don't recall Koni's ever being reported as leaking. Begiining with the 2000's 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. Chrome wheels are now standard In Oct 2000 A new Torque Converter with different design is added to production. This message has been edited by BeWare on 05-16-2019 at 12:39 PM