There are some cars that are undeniably vintage yet not likely to become prized collector’s items. This is a good thing, as it means the car in question can be driven daily without too much regret, while still being significantly more interesting to drive than most vehicles on the road. This claimed grandma-owned 1993 Dodge Stealth R/T listed here on craigslist is such a car, especially since it’s the more mundane front-wheel drive version as opposed to the sought-after all-wheel drive turbocharged version which might present more of a conflict in terms of using it for running to the dry cleaner. The asking price is $9,999.
Thanks to Barn Finds reader Tony Primo for the tip. When I was a younger man, the woman who cut my hair had a front-wheel drive, naturally-aspirated Mitsubishi 3000GT. She thought it was near Ferrari-status in terms of exotica, and talked about the car endlessly as if she owned the road. I suppose the FWD versions of these corporate twins spoke to a certain demographic, and a hairdresser is about bang-on for such a vehicle. To the older gal who owned this particular Stealth, we should give her some credit for choosing one with a 5-speed, as it seems like most of the non-turbo models got the automatic transmission.
Now, this Dodge Stealth has just 40,000 miles on the clock and it looks every part of that. The seats are in spectacular condition, along with the rest of the interior. The carpets are surprisingly clean, too. The small details – the things that are usually damaged even by mostly careful owners – show no real flaws, like the seats with no rips or tears, no evidence of coffee stains in the carpets, and no curb damage on the wheels. Really, all the boxes are checked cosmetically, and the seller’s claims of this Stealth being garaged seem to hold up. The green paint is a terrific 90s color and with the exception of one missing center cap on the driver’s front wheel, the exterior looks just as nice.
The 3.0L V6 kicked out just over 220 horsepower, and paired with the 5-speed manual, this Stealth will certainly get out of its own way. The seller claims it’s been maintained, and generally speaking, these were not needy powerplants. However, these are interference engines, so if there’s no evidence of a recent timing belt change, you best prioritize that service item soon after getting it home. The seller claims scheduled maintenance has been performed, but plenty of owners put off that job and never get around to it. Check for a sticker indicating it’s been changed and at what mileage if you do go check this clean Stealth out.
I’ll tell you what………
That’s my kind of Grandma!!!!
Grandma, can you please take me to……..
( insert any destination here…)
This definitely looks like its been very well taken care of. That Grandma must’ve been a hoot. I wouldn’t be surprised if she tried picking off a couple of 6 cylinder Mustangs and Camaros here and there too.
Hope it goes to a good new home. And get enjoyed as much as Grandma did.
Hey-you know-old people are funny-and so are their cars! ; > )
Looks like an affordable way to get into the classic Japanese car hobby, and look damn good doing it.
You are right. It shouldn’t be limited to the Japanese car hobby, but the car hobby in general. There is 50 years worth of desirable cars produced since the end of the Muscle Car era, many are affordable and relatively easy to find. It’s hard to understand why more than a few people prefer to die on the hill of complaining about the high prices of certain cars, while there are plenty of others to choose from for anyone willing to open their eyes to what’s available.
Steve R
I really like this car a lot. The turbo 4 wheels steering version (that Ant did on the TV show) is just too complicated for a daily driver (as you wrote). My ex and I had a 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT with this engine. It was a great car to drive. The non-turbo engine had lots of pop. The Stealth and 3000GT were heavier than you’d expect though.
With 40K, the belt replacement is usually 60 or 75K, I don’t exactly recall. I did the belt job on ours and it was tedious work, but not an especially hard job, lots of parts removal and getting in through the right wheel well. If this car’s belt is the original, I would replace it at this point simply due to age.
If this car were in NC, I’d probably go see it and make an offer. While Atlanta is not far and I travel there frequently to visit a buddy and his family, it’s a little too far to go to check this out. I don’t love it that much, but it’s a good deal, if it’s real.
How good was Granny with a clutch? If it’s not slipping than this is a good deal. This is a good looking vehicle though, that interior is lux.
Hey Fox owner. The late Lux Interior fronted The Cramps rock band. But you knew that.
These were and are very nice cars and this is a very good price someone is going to get a great deal and price on a fun car to drive.
Regarding the timing belt: In the last picture, there’s a label on the engine that says “Timing Belt Replacement Maintenance Record.” It’s tough to make out, but looks like it says 30,900 miles. So maybe it’s been done already.
Good eye, RL. It’s kind of scribbly isn’t it?
And easily manipulated. I wonder if maybe a small tin plate with stamped lettering would be a better option?
I owned one-in some ways they are clumsily engineered and end up too expensive to keep in repair. They will leave you stranded, and parts can be both difficult to find and/or over the top expensive. Rear seating is at best, a cruel joke on whoever ventures back there.
Grandma was a LOT younger when this was brand new. Just sayin’ – not the most motivating way to sell a car.