help on my $10.00 stratus

i have a 96 stratus auto with a 2.4L dohc, i picked it up for $10.00, the front driver side was smashed and it cost me about $50.00 to get back together, the prob is that the idle is around 1500rpm it has droped to 750rpm once after i used outlaw fule treatment and now back up to 1500rpm
next the front driver side wheel is now squeeking, i checked the breaks and they are good, i dont know why i checked them though because if it where the breaks it would squeek louder when pressed, the squeek is only there when driving it goes away when i put on the breaks and when i take corners.
third it gets realy bad gas milage, i did make a catch jar to go between the pcv and intake to filter out the bad oils and varnish going back through, it did boost my milage a little about 3 to 4 mi per gal and gave me about 3 more hp but thats up to 15 mi per gal from 10 mi per gal.
and last it shifts kinda hard, when i floor it it goes to 7000rpm gefor it goes in to gear, is that bad? or are they just not made to be floored?..

im lost now any help would be great...

if you got a stratus for $10, and its been in an accident and youre fairly sure you will have to invest a good amount of money to get it back to good condition, your best bet is to sell it for parts. You'll actually make some money that way and be able to pick up a better car or be able to use that money for something else. If you dont want to buy a decent car for a higher price, then you'll end up dumping money into a car that was in bad shape in the first place.

i took the car to a used lot to see how much i trade it in for and they offerd me 1500, you cant tell it has deen wrecked. the only bad parts from the wreck was smashed fender dented hood broke bumper cover and bent steering nuckle, it is all fixed now, im thinkeng a new wheel bearing for that squeek $7.00 at pull and save. only main worry is the idle and gas, besides all that it runs like a champ..

$10.00...seems like you got your money's worth! I own a'93 dodge spirit and consider that car, along with the status/breeze/cirrus - granny cars, and they're not made to be floored - not to 7000rpm! Take it in for a tune up and a 100 point inspection at a local garage, or dealer. It'll cost a few bucks but at least you'll know what needs to be done to get the car running properly! Personally, I'd sell it and put that profit of $1490 down on a smoother running vehicle.

Originally Posted by dodgefan360

$10.00...seems like you got your money's worth! I own a'93 dodge spirit and consider that car, along with the status/breeze/cirrus - granny cars, and they're not made to be floored - not to 7000rpm! Take it in for a tune up and a 100 point inspection at a local garage, or dealer. It'll cost a few bucks but at least you'll know what needs to be done to get the car running properly! Personally, I'd sell it and put that profit of $1490 down on a smoother running vehicle.

LOL you dont know whats been done to the cloudcars

i have a 97 stratus es autostick i drive it like a stick i have won many races it is not a granny car lmao. i got 2 in drop springs kyb gr2 struts side pipe exh. gages cust. fabed into my door a tv dvd and nice head unit (still considered under construction) so to me its sad that my grocery getter kicks peoples asses and i did no motor mods on it......

If the dealer will give you 1500 for it take it. You can buy a car private party for that. Does the dealer know how f'd up it is though?

the squeaking noise you are experiencing is a recall on the front lower ball joints/control arms....good luck finding one because the company that makes them has a contract with dodge to make them strictly for the recalls....im about 97% sure about the front end squeak noise information....hope i could help you out