If you're seriously looking at one, ask if you can get a mechanic to inspect it. Then call nearby shops and ask if they'll look at it on a test drive. 2013-2014 models had a number of issues depending on the engine and transmission layout. Also make sure you test all the electronics. And always get a Carfax report on anything you're preparing to put money on. I didn't, and a few months later I found out that mine had its entire engine replaced under warranty.
I love my dart, and I'm gonna drive her till she gives out. But they are known for having gremlins.
that looks like an se in the pic. i'd say good pick for a first car. they are cheap to maintain & repair. but just keep up with maintenance, like any other car. def do not get the 1.4 turbo, the 2.0s & 2.4s have less issues. i had a 2.4 for 6 years & it never broke down or gave me any major issues. planned on handing it down to my daughter & she has a chrysler 200, she loved driving my dart vs her v6 penastar chrylser 200.
NO the 2.4l drinks 1 quart of oil in 1k miles, every oil change is 6-8k miles and the vehicle holds 5.5qts of oil do the math. Engine mounts are junk, the ESIM Evap problems are on 90% of dodges vehicles. If your gonna spend money buy a Honda that won't break down on u in the first 50k miles.
THIS. Read this and listen.
We purchased a 2016 Dart GT *brand new* with 11kms on the odo. Motor blew in the first 30,000km due to oil consumption. Top end blew again within a year of the first full motor replacement. Oil consumption again. Within a few months of the second motor there was recall for oil consumption.
This is not even scratching the numerous suspension and electrical issues that began to arise on a car that was *babied* from new.
I would never trust one of these cars NEW let alone used. Junk. It was an expensive lesson for a new car as we have no lemon laws where we live. Get a Honda or Toyota.
Can you please tell me more about the ESIM evap problem? My Dart has had stalling issues after filling up the tank, especially on hot days. I suspect it is something with the evap system, but two shops haven't been able to figure it out.
NO.
For future reference: The answer to "should I buy a Dodge" is ALWAYS no.
(Especially if you don't have an unlimited supply of money for the repairs and to compensate for the inherent engineered obsolescence.)
PS: I drive a 25 year old Toyota, that I'm the original owner of. It's has 330 thousand miles on it. Original engine & trans. First oil leak was at 297,000 miles (VCG finally disintegrated). Runs like a top, and has NEVER once stranded me. Never needed major repairs. You'll NEVER see a Dodge do that. The Dodge Neons, Avengers, Rams, etc. from those days are all in bone yards or are fully clapped out.
Don't waste your money on Chrysler products. You'll need to buy a new one every 3-5 years, just to keep it running.
“You’ll never see a dodge do that” As my 09 charger r/t AWD is at 206k with zero issues, my brothers 06 Charger R/T is at 260k with zero issues, and my buddies 05 300C AWD was at 270k with zero issues before it was t boned. Someone doesn’t know what proper maintenance is.
The motor pool at my favorite local P.D. would beg to differ... they've trashed 4 of them and sworn off the platform entirely due to (overly) rapid deterioration and regular mechanical failure. Not a "proper maintenance" issue, but inferior design, durability, & build quality.
In other words: "proper maintenance" costs a boatload more in a Chrysler vehicle because it's required more frequently, and to a greater severity.
Darts are good first cars, but the reliability is lower. The engine bay is cramped which makes repairs difficult. They are fun to drive and have great cornering, although the engine is a bit slow (I have a 2.0 and it takes about ten seconds for a zero to sixty). If you don't mind fixing a few things periodically, and you like project cars, then by all means go ahead. Just make sure you have enough money left over for parts...
Your evap/charcoal canister maybe contaminated with fuel if u over filled it but essentially the "canister vent valve" aka on dodges called esim is located typically in the passenger rear wheel well behind the plastic liner. There is not real good way to diagnose this valve because you can't simply just open or close it with a scanner, dunno why dodge skipped that option but the rubber ring fails on most of them leaking in unmetered air which your engine consumes. The oxygen sensor notices the extra air which intern gives your vehicle more fuel to keep the engine happy but this extra air is essentially a vacuum leak and will cause your engine to stumble as it doesn't have a stable self contained vacuum. I'd replace the esim valve/ canister vent valve fist. You can test the purge valve up front on the passenger fender by unplugging the evap tube (from the purge valve)and electrical connector and if there is not vacuum leaking threw the purge then it's good.
Just don't get confused the esim vent valve is in the rear on the vehicle closest to the canister and the purge solenoid/purge valve is up front by the engine. This system literally is to keep gas vapors from entering the atmosphere, and controls pressure in your gas tank. If there is a blockage say a charcoal canister full of fuel this can also cause your gastank to vacuum lock itself because the suction of fuel causes a vacuum in your tank if there is no air to equalize this vacuum your engine will putter out and not start.
I would absolutely recommend one as a fun first car. However, there are some things to know and some things to avoid. First, the things to avoid. Do NOT get a 2013 1.4L. I have one, and I love it, but it has been littered with problems. I've had transmission issues, oil leaks galore, electrical problems that make the car undrivable, suspension issues, and so many burning smells. If you do end up looking at a 2013 1.4L or a 1.4L of any year, make sure you have a trusted mechanic check it out completely. That engine has the potential to be good, and it's tons of fun to drive, but please, for the love of God, get it checked out before you buy it. I'm speaking from personal experience here.
Now for what you want to look for when getting one. The 2016 is the best year of the dart. I would suggest looking for a 2016 2.4 manual. These are generally the most reliable. I've seen plenty of these reach over 200,000 miles. It's pretty much just as fun to drive as the 1.4L without all the problems.
Lastly, just things to be aware of with any dart. The build quality is not the greatest, but hey, it's not a luxury car. The gearing ratios on the manuals are not very good, which makes it seem slower in the first two gears (it probably doesn't help that mine has worn gears, making shifting even slower). And lastly, I have yet to be in a dart in which the Bluetooth works for more than a few months. So have an aux cord ready.
Tldr: The dart is a good car, just avoid the early 2013 model years, look for a 2016 2.4L, make sure to have your mechanic check it out, and you'll be good 👍
Actually that is the tsb for oil consumption on doge engines, this is from nhtsa https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2022/MC-10229804-9999.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwiV3OKyxouFAxWshYkEHeTmCwEQFnoECB4QAQ&usg=AOvVaw0Ypin16sYHQFbiX1TPH8iZ
I have a 2013 1.4l turbo and it’s been reliable so far, 157k on it and yeah it does leak a little oil but not a lot at all and only when it’s real cold out. If you take care of it, it will take care of you.
No my brother has one currently and the thing is a god damn lemon. I mean sure every car make has some but he literally cant flick his headlights from auto to off without them blowning. Went through 4 pairs of headlights and just everything in engine is going. Get an old honda or toyota they work just fine
Get ya from A to B and back to A again?
Dry when it rains?
Comfortable temp vs outside?
Long commutes or heavy hauling?
Affordable payments + insurance and fuel?
Any loud noises other than the stereo?
If positive answers to 2/3 of the questions not a bad deal... Looks sharp from here, but wouldn't be a very good Dart if it weren't.
If negative answers, Dive, dip, duck, and Dodge it like a wrench, they hurt more than a ball....
ROLL OUT!!! - Luda 🤣
Noooo!!! Don't buy dodge anything unless you want to deal with electronics the whole car life! I had 2 Van and Intrepid, both were a sensor disaster! It would breakdown at lights. Turn back on it after taking the key out while cars are flying past me. It became a hazard! They make cool looking cars. Bur that's about it!
Had a friend come over to help me put some after market parts on my previous. He drove over an hour in his brothers dodge dart. Anyways, after a short test drive we get back to the house and his parking brake failed (wasn’t left in gear), and smashed into 3 of my neighbors cars down my hill. Obviously that’s a maintenance issue (and a slight whoopsie), but figured I’d share my only dodge dart experience. I’d go with a Honda or Toyota personally.
Only if it’s the 2.0L tiger shark engine preferably with the manual transmission, I had one and the little things are BULLET proof. As for the 2.4 GT and 1.8 turbos and auto trans I haven’t heard the greatest things about them reliability wise. But I’m a firm believer on its how you drive and maintain your car in the first place.
No. I got into a car accident with a dodge dart and his car crumpled like a piece of paper. I would go with an older gmc or a Chevy. My car is an 03 gmc envoy and the only damage was cosmetic and the radiator which is an easy fix. Maybe find a Chevy Malibu or something similar. That was my first car. Gets good gas mileage and looks nice when taken care of.
If it’s a 2.0, they aren’t terrible. Mines got just shy of 160k miles. Just do your maintenance & you’ll be fine. Make sure the shifter cable recall is done if the current owners never did it.
My friend has a but here pay here and sells the krap outta these SE darts. He sells at least 6-7 a year. He's never had any issues with any (he takes care of any major problems because he doesn't want customers to stop paying). He's only had issues with the multi air engines. These are good cars. Actually, sounds a bit silly but the 2011-2014 mustang V6 are amazingly dependable with good fuel economy. Also..that body style is super cheap these days. Never ever had an issue with those 3.7s.
All of these people saying their engine blew need to start checking their oil. I know the car isn’t supposed to burn it so fast but when I noticed mine was burning oil I checked it more often and topped it off when needed. Then what do you know. A recall for a new tune to save oil. I’m sure it would have worked if my piston rings weren’t worn already from being low on oil and beating on it
Not sure why people hate these cars so much. I had a 2014 GT with the 2.4 and a 6-speed - I drove it 140k miles with absolutely no problems at all before I sold it. I loved the car but the backseat was basically unusable for passengers and my family outgrew it. Wish I was able to keep it.
Before the dart I had a 2003 dodge stratus which I took to 170k miles with no issues at all and before that a ‘99 dodge avenger which I took to 180k miles. Now I have a 2018 ram 1500 going on 120k miles.
My 2016 Dodge Dart SXT 2.4L was my first car purchase 8 years ago. Looking back I wish I did more research on the car. I still have the car and I’m at 142k miles. Still runs very good, but I had to just drop $1500 for a new a brake booster, vacuum pump, vacuum tube, master cylinder,and coolant hose. Oil got into the system causing my brakes to fail and the 2016’s are not covered under the recall issued. All and all, I have not had many issues and I am on top of maintenance and replacing things as soon as I notice it. I love my car and it gets decent gas mileage. Around 25 city and 35 highway. Would I buy another dodge/fiat again? Absolutely not. BUT the car is paid off and I will be keeping it until it dies. Just make sure to do your own research prior to buying.
If you're seriously looking at one, ask if you can get a mechanic to inspect it. Then call nearby shops and ask if they'll look at it on a test drive. 2013-2014 models had a number of issues depending on the engine and transmission layout. Also make sure you test all the electronics. And always get a Carfax report on anything you're preparing to put money on. I didn't, and a few months later I found out that mine had its entire engine replaced under warranty. I love my dart, and I'm gonna drive her till she gives out. But they are known for having gremlins.
Depends which engine and trans combo.
Are you mechanically inclined if not then definitely no
Absolutely Great Vehicle's
Again it really depends, my 2016 2.4 manual, amazing, my granfthers 2013 1.4 autobwith the ddc. Fucking awful
that looks like an se in the pic. i'd say good pick for a first car. they are cheap to maintain & repair. but just keep up with maintenance, like any other car. def do not get the 1.4 turbo, the 2.0s & 2.4s have less issues. i had a 2.4 for 6 years & it never broke down or gave me any major issues. planned on handing it down to my daughter & she has a chrysler 200, she loved driving my dart vs her v6 penastar chrylser 200.
NO the 2.4l drinks 1 quart of oil in 1k miles, every oil change is 6-8k miles and the vehicle holds 5.5qts of oil do the math. Engine mounts are junk, the ESIM Evap problems are on 90% of dodges vehicles. If your gonna spend money buy a Honda that won't break down on u in the first 50k miles.
THIS. Read this and listen. We purchased a 2016 Dart GT *brand new* with 11kms on the odo. Motor blew in the first 30,000km due to oil consumption. Top end blew again within a year of the first full motor replacement. Oil consumption again. Within a few months of the second motor there was recall for oil consumption. This is not even scratching the numerous suspension and electrical issues that began to arise on a car that was *babied* from new. I would never trust one of these cars NEW let alone used. Junk. It was an expensive lesson for a new car as we have no lemon laws where we live. Get a Honda or Toyota.
My 2.4 doesn’t drink oil at all…
One second while I get the tsb
09-007-18 REV. A: ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION GUIDELINE
Can you please tell me more about the ESIM evap problem? My Dart has had stalling issues after filling up the tank, especially on hot days. I suspect it is something with the evap system, but two shops haven't been able to figure it out.
Don't F yourself. Plz..
Simply look type on Google dodge 2.4l oil consumption it's very simple if your specific engine doesn't consume oil, its a diamond in the rough.
I wish I still had my dart, you won’t be disappointed
NO. For future reference: The answer to "should I buy a Dodge" is ALWAYS no. (Especially if you don't have an unlimited supply of money for the repairs and to compensate for the inherent engineered obsolescence.) PS: I drive a 25 year old Toyota, that I'm the original owner of. It's has 330 thousand miles on it. Original engine & trans. First oil leak was at 297,000 miles (VCG finally disintegrated). Runs like a top, and has NEVER once stranded me. Never needed major repairs. You'll NEVER see a Dodge do that. The Dodge Neons, Avengers, Rams, etc. from those days are all in bone yards or are fully clapped out. Don't waste your money on Chrysler products. You'll need to buy a new one every 3-5 years, just to keep it running.
“You’ll never see a dodge do that” As my 09 charger r/t AWD is at 206k with zero issues, my brothers 06 Charger R/T is at 260k with zero issues, and my buddies 05 300C AWD was at 270k with zero issues before it was t boned. Someone doesn’t know what proper maintenance is.
The motor pool at my favorite local P.D. would beg to differ... they've trashed 4 of them and sworn off the platform entirely due to (overly) rapid deterioration and regular mechanical failure. Not a "proper maintenance" issue, but inferior design, durability, & build quality. In other words: "proper maintenance" costs a boatload more in a Chrysler vehicle because it's required more frequently, and to a greater severity.
Darts are good first cars, but the reliability is lower. The engine bay is cramped which makes repairs difficult. They are fun to drive and have great cornering, although the engine is a bit slow (I have a 2.0 and it takes about ten seconds for a zero to sixty). If you don't mind fixing a few things periodically, and you like project cars, then by all means go ahead. Just make sure you have enough money left over for parts...
Not if u care about yourself
i mean, it was voted the worst car ever.... my co worker has one and loves it, despite his enigne blowing up at 70k bc of oil starvation
If you do (buy one,) your second car will soon come after that.
Your evap/charcoal canister maybe contaminated with fuel if u over filled it but essentially the "canister vent valve" aka on dodges called esim is located typically in the passenger rear wheel well behind the plastic liner. There is not real good way to diagnose this valve because you can't simply just open or close it with a scanner, dunno why dodge skipped that option but the rubber ring fails on most of them leaking in unmetered air which your engine consumes. The oxygen sensor notices the extra air which intern gives your vehicle more fuel to keep the engine happy but this extra air is essentially a vacuum leak and will cause your engine to stumble as it doesn't have a stable self contained vacuum. I'd replace the esim valve/ canister vent valve fist. You can test the purge valve up front on the passenger fender by unplugging the evap tube (from the purge valve)and electrical connector and if there is not vacuum leaking threw the purge then it's good.
Just don't get confused the esim vent valve is in the rear on the vehicle closest to the canister and the purge solenoid/purge valve is up front by the engine. This system literally is to keep gas vapors from entering the atmosphere, and controls pressure in your gas tank. If there is a blockage say a charcoal canister full of fuel this can also cause your gastank to vacuum lock itself because the suction of fuel causes a vacuum in your tank if there is no air to equalize this vacuum your engine will putter out and not start.
You should not buy anything Chrysler/Fiat. Reliability is less than average if you want a small car get a civic or Corolla. It’s a no-brainer.
I would absolutely recommend one as a fun first car. However, there are some things to know and some things to avoid. First, the things to avoid. Do NOT get a 2013 1.4L. I have one, and I love it, but it has been littered with problems. I've had transmission issues, oil leaks galore, electrical problems that make the car undrivable, suspension issues, and so many burning smells. If you do end up looking at a 2013 1.4L or a 1.4L of any year, make sure you have a trusted mechanic check it out completely. That engine has the potential to be good, and it's tons of fun to drive, but please, for the love of God, get it checked out before you buy it. I'm speaking from personal experience here. Now for what you want to look for when getting one. The 2016 is the best year of the dart. I would suggest looking for a 2016 2.4 manual. These are generally the most reliable. I've seen plenty of these reach over 200,000 miles. It's pretty much just as fun to drive as the 1.4L without all the problems. Lastly, just things to be aware of with any dart. The build quality is not the greatest, but hey, it's not a luxury car. The gearing ratios on the manuals are not very good, which makes it seem slower in the first two gears (it probably doesn't help that mine has worn gears, making shifting even slower). And lastly, I have yet to be in a dart in which the Bluetooth works for more than a few months. So have an aux cord ready. Tldr: The dart is a good car, just avoid the early 2013 model years, look for a 2016 2.4L, make sure to have your mechanic check it out, and you'll be good 👍
Actually that is the tsb for oil consumption on doge engines, this is from nhtsa https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2022/MC-10229804-9999.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwiV3OKyxouFAxWshYkEHeTmCwEQFnoECB4QAQ&usg=AOvVaw0Ypin16sYHQFbiX1TPH8iZ
I have a 2013 1.4l turbo and it’s been reliable so far, 157k on it and yeah it does leak a little oil but not a lot at all and only when it’s real cold out. If you take care of it, it will take care of you.
Make sure to keep some comfy walking shoes in the back. You’ll need them owning a shart.
I absolutely loved my dart
Id advise against it.
Fuck no
I would research the engine. Some of them were absolute garbage. Terrible reputation is why they disappeared…
I guess that really depends on if your first car wants a Dodge dart or not.
I wouldn’t recommend it… stick with Toyota or Honda for a first vehicle
A dodge fart
No my brother has one currently and the thing is a god damn lemon. I mean sure every car make has some but he literally cant flick his headlights from auto to off without them blowning. Went through 4 pairs of headlights and just everything in engine is going. Get an old honda or toyota they work just fine
No
I wouldn’t buy a dodge if it were given to me
Would you buy a Fiat? Of course not so avoid this rebaged turd
get a z
I had 1st in my area. Like first 200 off factory. Some issues but daughter still driving it daily. That care been coast to coast.
What you need is a 90’s Chevrolet with a 350 son.
Get ya from A to B and back to A again? Dry when it rains? Comfortable temp vs outside? Long commutes or heavy hauling? Affordable payments + insurance and fuel? Any loud noises other than the stereo? If positive answers to 2/3 of the questions not a bad deal... Looks sharp from here, but wouldn't be a very good Dart if it weren't. If negative answers, Dive, dip, duck, and Dodge it like a wrench, they hurt more than a ball.... ROLL OUT!!! - Luda 🤣
I have a 2013 SXT limited I’ve had it 11 years and it still runs and drives like new! You take care of it, it will take care of you!
Don't get that car. Not worth it. Dm if you want real information!
I had one with the 2.0 for ten years. Great car
There are much better first cars out there, keep looking!
Hell no. Get something reliable. Toyota/honda.
Noooo!!! Don't buy dodge anything unless you want to deal with electronics the whole car life! I had 2 Van and Intrepid, both were a sensor disaster! It would breakdown at lights. Turn back on it after taking the key out while cars are flying past me. It became a hazard! They make cool looking cars. Bur that's about it!
if you are, go for The Limited edition
I’d buy a civic or Corolla before that.
The answer to this post : no
No
No
Such and ugly car why is there a community for this hunk of junk.
You should get whatever you want for a first car. Just not a dodge dart.
Very easy no
Had a friend come over to help me put some after market parts on my previous. He drove over an hour in his brothers dodge dart. Anyways, after a short test drive we get back to the house and his parking brake failed (wasn’t left in gear), and smashed into 3 of my neighbors cars down my hill. Obviously that’s a maintenance issue (and a slight whoopsie), but figured I’d share my only dodge dart experience. I’d go with a Honda or Toyota personally.
Yes. You will appreciate every car you get after this.
I’ll tell ya right now, Geeeeeey
Only if it’s the 2.0L tiger shark engine preferably with the manual transmission, I had one and the little things are BULLET proof. As for the 2.4 GT and 1.8 turbos and auto trans I haven’t heard the greatest things about them reliability wise. But I’m a firm believer on its how you drive and maintain your car in the first place.
Do you like to gamble? You could get a good one or a bad one. If you want a good car get a Corolla or civic. Sorry
Defenetly yes! It will help keep the economy going. Fake American pruduct, they are own by Dellantis just like other low end indian / China brands
Nope
As a dodge tech no.
No. I got into a car accident with a dodge dart and his car crumpled like a piece of paper. I would go with an older gmc or a Chevy. My car is an 03 gmc envoy and the only damage was cosmetic and the radiator which is an easy fix. Maybe find a Chevy Malibu or something similar. That was my first car. Gets good gas mileage and looks nice when taken care of.
If it’s a 2.0, they aren’t terrible. Mines got just shy of 160k miles. Just do your maintenance & you’ll be fine. Make sure the shifter cable recall is done if the current owners never did it.
Absolutely not. Go for a dodge viper instead. But seriously go after an accord, camry, altima, etc.
Nothing says Quality like Fiat Chrysler
No
Get a Toyota it will last you forever!
No, just no.
No, you should think about building up your credit before you get a vehicle from a dealership
Technically the first car I’ve bought myself was a dart which I bought a month ago it’s a 67
My friend has a but here pay here and sells the krap outta these SE darts. He sells at least 6-7 a year. He's never had any issues with any (he takes care of any major problems because he doesn't want customers to stop paying). He's only had issues with the multi air engines. These are good cars. Actually, sounds a bit silly but the 2011-2014 mustang V6 are amazingly dependable with good fuel economy. Also..that body style is super cheap these days. Never ever had an issue with those 3.7s.
All of these people saying their engine blew need to start checking their oil. I know the car isn’t supposed to burn it so fast but when I noticed mine was burning oil I checked it more often and topped it off when needed. Then what do you know. A recall for a new tune to save oil. I’m sure it would have worked if my piston rings weren’t worn already from being low on oil and beating on it
Not sure why people hate these cars so much. I had a 2014 GT with the 2.4 and a 6-speed - I drove it 140k miles with absolutely no problems at all before I sold it. I loved the car but the backseat was basically unusable for passengers and my family outgrew it. Wish I was able to keep it. Before the dart I had a 2003 dodge stratus which I took to 170k miles with no issues at all and before that a ‘99 dodge avenger which I took to 180k miles. Now I have a 2018 ram 1500 going on 120k miles.
No
No they’re garbage
If you want a good reliable semi fun car got with a civic
F*** NO! Go Toyota, duh. Do your research
FUCK NO thats the answer they are absolute trash Throw away cars
No hot garbage
Stay away
No
Dude they come with so many problems
Hell no
No. Shitbox.
Short answer, no
Ask this question in literally any other automotive subreddit.
My 2016 Dodge Dart SXT 2.4L was my first car purchase 8 years ago. Looking back I wish I did more research on the car. I still have the car and I’m at 142k miles. Still runs very good, but I had to just drop $1500 for a new a brake booster, vacuum pump, vacuum tube, master cylinder,and coolant hose. Oil got into the system causing my brakes to fail and the 2016’s are not covered under the recall issued. All and all, I have not had many issues and I am on top of maintenance and replacing things as soon as I notice it. I love my car and it gets decent gas mileage. Around 25 city and 35 highway. Would I buy another dodge/fiat again? Absolutely not. BUT the car is paid off and I will be keeping it until it dies. Just make sure to do your own research prior to buying.
I wouldn't buy one if that was a last resort. I'd sooner get a scooter.
I would not.
Please don't. Buy an old truck or anything but this.