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 Advice for perspective prowler owner
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| Author | Topic: Advice for perspective prowler owner |
jamesf   POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:Ottawa, ONT, Canada |
posted 05-15-2019 11:54 PM
    
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                 POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:Elk Grove Village, IL, USA |
posted 05-16-2019 06:24 AM
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 POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:Acworth , Georgia , USA |
posted 05-16-2019 08:50 AM
At the moment I can't think of anything to add to Ray's reply. |
Bob Mears POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:Lubbock, Texas, USA |
posted 05-16-2019 11:03 AM
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. |
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jamesf POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:Ottawa, ONT, Canada |
posted 05-16-2019 11:58 AM
Thanks for the responses so far, that's very helpful. Are there model years I should target or avoid? |
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RJ RILEY unregistered Admin Use |
posted 05-16-2019 12:43 PM
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: |
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StingRay POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:Elk Grove Village, IL, USA |
posted 05-16-2019 04:16 PM
quote: 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 POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:Bulverde, Texas, United States |
posted 05-16-2019 07:02 PM
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 POA Lifetime Site Supporter Prowler Junkie Personal ScrapBook From:Cincinnati, Oh, USA |
posted 05-16-2019 08:13 PM
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 Prowler Junkie From:Houston, TX USA |
posted 05-16-2019 09:53 PM
From BeWare
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 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 |
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