3.6 Pentastar V6 vs. 2.4 4 Cylinder

I am looking in the 5-10 year old range. I was looking at cars in the $6000-$8000 bracket, but most of the cars with less than 100000 miles are at the upper edge of that or higher. What new 4 cylinders are good engines?
Note if you see a car with a low price, It's even more important to carfax. I had one salesman tell me he didn't know the history of the car. Carfax then showed it had been declared a total loss by Virginia DMV less than 4 months ago.

I've been out of the loop on things since I retired however, FCA knew the 4's needed improvement and it was being addressed. That's not to say they aren't reliable performers though. I agree on getting a carfax before buying. BTW, the 15 & up 200's are very nice cars if you can find one in your price range. One with the 3.6 would be a great performer.
 
I thought the 3.6 is a DOHC?
It is, the 14 Journey I finished today got 24 rockers, 24 lifters and the RT side intake cam. The cam was grooved from one bad rocker arm. If one went bad it was getting them all while it was open, they are all the same age.
I will get some pic's of the parts tomorrow
 
I just turned 50,000miles on our 2017 Grand caravan with the 3.6 Pentastar and it’s a good engine so far providing good power, excelleration and fuel economy on the highway
 
I like the drivability of the 3.6 in my 2018 Durango but I'm not overly impressed with the MPG's. It's AWD and is advertised to get 19-25. In reality I'm getting 16-23. Not a huge difference but not what I hoped for.
 
I'm at 16-22 with the 5.7 in mine.
I've heard that from other people too Peter. I bought it for trips so that's why I went for the 3.6. The only advantage to it is the $5000 dollar difference on the sticker price. That's a good hunk of change for 70 more HP. The worst part is it sits in the garage because we can't go anywhere. :BangHead:
 
I've heard that from other people too Peter. I bought it for trips so that's why I went for the 3.6. The only advantage to it is the $5000 dollar difference on the sticker price. That's a good hunk of change for 70 more HP. The worst part is it sits in the garage because we can't go anywhere. :BangHead:
There are some vehicles that think are just too heavy for a V6. My Durango has the 5.7 Hemi, and I average 25 on the highways, and saw 26.3 on one trip. It does live up to the 12 rating for City driving.

My '03 Dakota with the 3.9 V6 got 20 at its best. I was very disappointed! Then again, the EPA rated it at 19 Highway. Sheesh! The 4.7 V8 was rated at 19 too!

I had a '93 B250 Van, 318 Magnum motor. I averaged 18 on the highway, and saw 20 on three occasions. Some friends bought a new '97 B1500 with the V6. Best they ever saw was 17.

As i said, there are some vehicles that should just go with the V8.
 
Here is a pic of the RT bank intake cam on a 15 Journey with a 3.6, 150,000+ miles, it had a tick and misfire on #5
3.6 cam.jpg


This is the RT intake cam from a 14 Journey 3.6 with 140,000+ miles
3.6 cam 2.jpg


The bad rocker arm compared to a good one. The needles wear, this one was froze to the cross pin.

3.6 worn rocker.jpg

The one on the right is the good one
 
In reply
Here is a pic of the RT bank intake cam on a 15 Journey with a 3.6, 150,000+ miles, it had a tick and misfire on #5
View attachment 431742

This is the RT intake cam from a 14 Journey 3.6 with 140,000+ miles
View attachment 431743

The bad rocker arm compared to a good one. The needles wear, this one was froze to the cross pin.

View attachment 431744
The one on the right is the good one
In reply as I stated in my original post #15 the 3.6 gives you a better torque & HP ratio for the given the gross weight vs the 4 cyl. The greater horse power pays off in the real world city and highway driving. AWD will greatly effect fuel economy. The V6 torque & HP will get you up to speed more efficiently and maintain that fuel economy. As far as durability, the best engine oils of choice will reward you w/ fewer break downs do to oil coking, stiction and accelerated internal wear. Of course it all means nothing w/ a heavy right foot.
 
In reply

In reply as I stated in my original post #15 the 3.6 gives you a better torque & HP ratio for the given the gross weight vs the 4 cyl. The greater horse power pays off in the real world city and highway driving. AWD will greatly effect fuel economy. The V6 torque & HP will get you up to speed more efficiently and maintain that fuel economy. As far as durability, the best engine oils of choice will reward you w/ fewer break downs do to oil coking, stiction and accelerated internal wear. Of course it all means nothing w/ a heavy right foot.
I believe the durability all has to do with the customers oil choice and change intervals, I have yet to see a problem with a 3.6 in a minivan, it's been a 200 and Journey's and it's the same engine. Older vs Younger owners? Maybe the heavy right foot also:rolleyes:
 
I believe the durability all has to do with the customers oil choice and change intervals, I have yet to see a problem with a 3.6 in a minivan, it's been a 200 and Journey's and it's the same engine. Older vs Younger owners? Maybe the heavy right foot also:rolleyes:
We drive the absolute balls off the 3.6 charger, it’s given us no trouble and I’m looking forward to seeing how it holds up.
 
The only time my two pentastars went back to the dealer was for regular oil changes.
Same price as the fast service joints and car was usually done before I finished my coffee.
 
What are you using for oil and what are your oil change intervals?
Well up until recently we have just brought it into the dealer at the recommended intervals, 6000 miles I think. Now I’ll be taking over the oil changes as it’s out of the warranty or whatever. I have to do a change in ~1000 miles, have to consider what oil I want to go with.
 
My folks run a minivan with the 3.6 and trade out vehicle's with around 120 to 130k. They drive cross country in their 80s as they won't fly.. I am concerned about them doing this, but not the reliability of the van. My .02
 
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