I had two Dodge vans with the real Chrysler small block in them and they both got over 300k with basic maintenance. I’d still be driving them if the springs hadn’t come through the floors.
I Don’t buy this line about the electronically regulated engines being more reliable. Perhaps they require less maintenance due to the systems but I could change a ballast resistor or set of points in a few minutes with very basic tools and less than five bucks.
It seems the mandates put on the auto makers are just to kill backyard tinkering and shade tree mechanics because their self sufficiency threatens government control of the individual — Or, even more disturbing, because they get more taxes from the sale of a $40000 vehicle than a $8000 vehicle.
Yeah, and God help you if you didn’t keep a ballast resistor or 2 in the glove compartment or walking would be your default mode of travel. You see, I’ve owned a couple of Dodge vans too.
CC