1991 Plymouth Acclaim

I purchased this car in May 2015 for my 16 year-old daughter to drive back and forth to school (5 miles one-way) and around town. The car was purchased with 23,000 original miles. Please check the CARFAX.

She and the car made it through the last two-years of high school without incident. Around graduation time this spring, the transmission started acting up. What happens 50% of the time is the transmission ‘skips’ and the car chugs along at half speed and the speedometer needle jumps around. Get in the car again and it goes fine. I replaced the speed sensor with no improvement. Our mechanic recommends that the transmission be rebuilt, which will cost between $1,000 and $1,500. It’s time to graduate to a different ‘teen car.’

With the transmission problem, the odometer stopped working. Currently, it shows 30,727. It stopped working, about 5,000 miles ago.

The car is too good to scrap. Plus, it’s now a 26 year-old classic. Hopefully, there is an enthusiast out there who could give it some TLC and who would like to add it to their collection.

I have listed the work and repairs completed over the last two-years and the pros and cons regarding the car’s condition. Please read an ask questions.

Work and repairs completed within last two years:

• New tires
• New battery
• Four wheel alignment
• New steering rack and pinion
• Rebuilt right-front axel shaft assembly
• New speed sensor
• Regular servicing

Pros:

• Sheet metal is solid with no rust
• Interior is very good, clean, and no tears
• Engine runs well and does not burn oil
• Power steering works well
• No oil leaks anywhere
• Air conditioning is cold
• Factory AM/FM radio and cassette player
• Original paint, see notes below
• Clean trunk
• All lights and gauges work, except as noted below
• Good brakes
• Original owner’s manual and cassette
• Good exhaust system

Cons:

• Transmission will need to be rebuilt
• Odometer has stopped working
• Speedometer needle jumps
• Headliner is loose
• Chocolate milkshake stain on front floor
• Clear coat has flaked on hood
• A few spots where paint has flaked-off
• Missing one original hubcap

In summary, the car DOES NEED a its transmission rebuilt. It runs and drives, but it is NOT reliable for long distance travel. The new owner will need to have it transported. The speedometer and odometer need to be repaired. The headliner is loose. There are no rust-outs. It has not been repainted and has some clear coat and paint flaking. One hubcap is missing. There is a chocolate stain on the floor. With this said, it is an original, solid, clean, and low-mileage car.Again, please ask any questions.