The perfect first car
Written: May 27 '04 (Updated May 27 '04)
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Pros: reliable, affordable, solid, attractive
Cons: oil usage
The Bottom Line: I recommend the Shadow strongly both as a first car and as a fun summer car for those who already have a day-to-day workhorse. Serious bang for your buck.
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| dsred5's Full Review: 1993 Dodge Shadow Convertible |
Introduction
I purchased my 1993 Shadow convertible last year with 95,000 miles on it for $1,600. (I have put a little over 7000 miles on it since.) I should probably point out two things about the circumstances of its purchase: first, I bought it from a certified Dodge mechanic, so mine might be in slightly better condition than most, and second, I work with the person I bought it from, so he gave me a discount; asking price was $2300.
Driving
Everyone I know who's borrowed my Shadow has been blown away by how "zippy" it is for a ten-year old convertible with a four-cylinder engine. Its solid performance is especially surprising when one considers that one of its previous owners attached a hitch to the back and used it rather frequently to haul things around. I'm a usually-conservative driver, so I don't know exactly how fast it can go, but I have broken 85 mph with no problems whatsoever. Acceleration, braking and steering are more than satisfactory. I get about 24 miles per gallon on average.
Durability
I haven't had to replace anything on this car except both headlights; the engine, brakes, heating, etc. have been absolutely rock solid. One drawback I've experienced is that starting at about 100K miles, it began to need a new quart of oil every two weeks or so; the other '93 Shadow convertible owner I know has experienced the same thing. The car has a few spots of rust, but probably less than what you'd expect from any car its age in Cleveland. Its previous owner replaced the top and tires and apparently did some engine work on it, but I have no way of knowing specifics.
Superficial Bonuses
This is a classy-looking car with the top down; I frequently get compliments on it (I also frequently get the response "Dodge Shadow convertible????", as if I'd said I own a Ford Escort convertible), and I love it so much I had my senior pictures taken in it. The stereo system is also wonderful, and the seats are very comfortable; the back is a bit like two conjoined bucket seats rather than a bench, so passengers have more room than they otherwise might.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 1600
Condition: Used
Model Year: 1993
Model and Options: Automatic, Highline (I believe), power windows
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Epinions.com ID:
dsred5
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Location: Cleveland, OH, USA
Reviews written: 3
Trusted by: 0 members
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