Looking for a more fuel effecient vehicle than my 360 ramcharger.. and I see a million of the 3.0 liter cars around with high mileage... 200k+. Just wondering if say... a 93 stealth with a 5 speed and 215,000 original miles is worth buying in to for a commuter to work and back kinda vehicle? I have had a few of the mitsu 3.0 cars... daytona, lebaron..etc and they all had 150k ish and seemed fine, but never quite in the 200k area. How reliable are these motors at this mileage?
thanks,
Dave

 

I have a 2.5 with 219k on it and NEVER an engine problem. Not sure if the 3.0 is based on it. RUN away from the 2.7's, junk. As far as a commuter car I recommend the 95-2000 JA series[Cloud cars, Cirrus, Stratus, Breeze]. Millions made, parts cheap, yards are full of them, I have a manual, I worked at the factory, know them inside and out, all interchangeable, still stylish, 28 mpg with the 2.5 v6, non-interference motor [no timing belt drama!], still has factory exhaust, leather interiors common and last forever. Cons, headliners fall down, wheel bearings up front at 100k, door switches for dome light are crap, hoods rust at the front edge.

 

I appreciate the advice. not sure myself whether or not the 2.5 is based on the 3.0. I have my eye on a white 92 stealth with the 222 horse dohc 3.0 now 92 with 92,000 miles timing belt replaced 10,000 miles ago. 5 speed leather interior only down side is even though all the power options work currently thats just more stuff to have a problem with down the road.

 

i had a mini van in taxi with the 3.0 and it had 700000kms.used a bit of oil so i went with 20/50 oil and that slowed it down.had many more 3.0 in taxi with 4 to 500000kms on them.oh and the 2.5 is a chysler engine and the 3.0 is a mitubitshi.

 

I had a 94 Stealth SOHC until last year when it was totaled for the second time by hail. (The insurance company actually fixed it the first time in 1997)

I always averaged 23-26 around town and when I took it on a trip from Minneapolis to Devils Tower Wyoming in July, I averaged 31 with a passenger, luggage, and the air on.

I didn't have any trouble until 180K - alternator and throttle position sensor. Oh yeah- I forgot. When I first bought it, my son was 17. I had to put in a few clutches also.

Then the second hail hit. I bought it back from the insurance company for $360.00 and sold it to a guy for $1800.

I replaced it with a '94 3000 with the DOHC and for some reason it doesn't seem as much fun to drive.

I work on several Community College campuses now and I see these all over the place, running great with 100k+ according to the owners.