Despite its handsome looks and silky V6 engine, Chrysler’s latest go at the 200 nameplate was a short-lived one.
The 200 never sold well, mostly because many Canadians are after crossovers, not cars. This machine was killed off after just a few years so Chrysler could focus on more popular products.
The 200 was a four-door, five-seat car, and offered advanced safety feature content, a fantastic touch-screen interface, climate-controlled leather seating, remote start, and premium audio systems. It’s a comfortable, connected drive.
The 200 offered available V6 power, with the better part of 300 horses on offer. A four-cylinder engine was available as well, with 184. All-wheel drive could be had with the V6, and all models ran a nine-speed automatic.
Consider this
If you’re set on a used Chrysler 200 but unsure which engine to select, many 200 owners say the V6 is the way to go. The 3.6-litre unit is an award-winning engine that’s been in production for years, and looks like a solid and reliable performer in this and other applications.
Owner-reported engine problems are relatively rare, and most centre around the four-cylinder, not the V6.
Transmission check
The 200’s nine-speed automatic can start acting up if things go a little wonky with its software, and especially, if it hasn’t been maintained and serviced regularly by the previous owner.
Owners have reported issues with loose wiring harnesses, corrupt software and even a potential overheat condition caused by a faulty thermostat. Most of these issues will make the 200 shift harshly, feel sluggish, and even present difficulty switching between Drive and Reverse.
Before you buy, confirm that all maintenance is up to date, and have the vehicle inspected professionally by a Chrysler technician, especially if you notice any funny-business from the transmission during your test drive.
Immediately after your purchase, contact a dealer service advisor, and ask if they can determine which, if any, software updates may be available to help fend off possible future glitches.
Oil levels
Carefully checking the oil on any used car as per the instructions in the owner’s manual is a great idea before any test drive, and especially if you’re considering a Chrysler 200 with the four-cylinder engine.
Some owners have reported oil consumption issues and dropping oil levels that may cause spontaneous engine stalling when oil pressure gets dangerously low, though this typically requires an extreme lack of regular oil level checks.
Owners need to check their oil on a regular basis, and report any loss of oil between oil changes to their dealership immediately for assessment, especially if the vehicle is still under warranty.
Climate control
A run-through of the climate control system is advised, as some owners have reported sporadic problems with the system’s ability to sustain a desired temperature. Run the system hard on your test drive, frequently changing temperatures and distribution settings, and confirming a satisfactory result.
If you notice any loss of heat or cold, or a lack of air-flow from one or more vents, have the system inspected professionally before you buy.
Have a good listen
After finding an appropriate location, accelerate slowly from about 30 km/h to about 100 km/h, pausing every 10 km/h or so along the way.
During your pause, make the cabin as quiet as possible, and listen for a dull scraping or groaning sound, from beneath the vehicle. It may be accompanied by a ‘buzz’ felt through your seat. If you notice it, bad wheel-bearings or damaged wheel rims may be to blame.
The information presented above is gathered from online owner discussion groups and collaboration with a network of automotive repair professionals. The above information is not a comprehensive list of all possible issues with the vehicle in question and is instead intended to draw shopper attention to possible trouble spots they may wish to investigate before they buy. In most cases, problems listed above are reported with relative rarity in comparison to total sales volume. Shoppers are advised to have a dealer-performed pre-purchase inspection on the vehicle they’re considering for maximum peace of mind.
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