Why is the Dodge Journey so expensive to repair?
3 Answers
Dodge Journey is expensive to repair for the following reasons: High maintenance costs for imported vehicles: The Dodge Journey does not have a production line in China, so it can only be purchased as an imported vehicle. Imported cars generally have high maintenance costs. When the Dodge Journey develops a fault and needs repair, parts must be ordered from overseas and shipped to China, which significantly increases the repair expenses. Lack of aftermarket parts: Many people believe that replacing original factory parts is too expensive and unnecessary, so they often look for cheaper aftermarket parts when repairing their cars. However, due to the Dodge Journey's limited popularity, few manufacturers are willing to produce parts for this model, making it difficult to source affordable alternatives. Lack of experienced mechanics: Since the Dodge Journey is a niche model, most mechanics in China lack experience in repairing this vehicle. Many have never even worked on one before. As a result, when a Dodge Journey needs repairs, it's challenging to find a professional mechanic familiar with this specific model.
I drove an old Dodge Journey for several years, and now repairs have become a major issue—definitely not something the average person can afford. The main reason is the high maintenance costs, with many parts relying on imports, leading to skyrocketing prices. Even replacing a simple small component can cost over a thousand yuan. Additionally, due to the car's unique design and discontinuation, parts are even harder to find, making it difficult to get repairs done at regular garages. You often have to go to the 4S shop, adding another layer of labor costs. Last time, a transmission issue cost me nearly 7,000 yuan, almost emptying my wallet. Insurance doesn’t cover daily minor faults either, so you just have to tough it out. Over time, this affects safe driving, so I’d advise owners to consider switching to a new car early or keeping enough cash reserves if they plan to stick with it.
As a long-term owner of the Dodge Journey, I've found the repair burden heavy due to the difficulty in obtaining parts. The car has been discontinued for years, making original parts as scarce as gold, while second-hand parts on the market are unreliable and prone to secondary issues. Mechanics often say they need to order parts from abroad, which takes weeks, naturally driving up costs. I once dealt with an electrical fault where repair and part costs exceeded two thousand, wiping out a month's salary. Additionally, the brand's niche status means general repair shops lack familiarity, leading to repeated fixes and wasted money. With financial constraints now, every repair decision is agonizing, and driving has become a nerve-wracking experience.
