2000 Plymouth Prowler

Description

The Plymouth Prowler is one of those cars I'm glad an automaker had the guts to build. Radically different from everything else on the road, then and now, it was hot-rodding elevated to an OEM level and filled with technology. Today, they remain a known quantity and the market is starting to respond to the last of the Plymouths, as cars like this 2000 Prowler are seeing slow but steady increases in value.

Basic black is one of the better choices on the swoopy 2-seat roadster, stealthy and perfect for the period hot rods it was designed to emulate. Showing 54,337 original miles, this nicely maintained Prowler is just right for driving, rather than preserving forever as a low-mile collector's piece. As a study in aluminum construction techniques, the Prowler's lightweight skin is a mixture of aluminum and composite materials, but the shape is part early hi-boy roadster and part 21st century sleek. If this one looks a little sleeker than most, that's because the front bumpers were removed and the rear bumpers are painted black, so it has a very cohesive look overall. The doors open and close easily, the pointed hood fits right, and you'll never get tired of watching the front tires do their thing as you drive. Things like the Xenon headlights, flush-mounted taillights, and high-mounted taillight all give the Prowler modern car functionality, albeit with a retro style.

The interior is as beautifully finished as any custom rod you'll find. With supportive black leather buckets and every creature comfort you could imagine, this car really was engineered for the daily grind. The all-black interior shows a few signs of age and use, but you won't find another 2-seat roadster with this much style that works this well. A color-matched center instrument panel is obviously a tip of the hat to the past (although it's not as effective in black as other colors), and is filled with white-faced gauges, as is the custom with performance cars. There's also a column-mounted tach and a trick Auto-Stick shifter that makes the most of the 24V V6 and 4-speed automatic powertrain. A/C, power windows and locks, and a thundering stereo with speakers behind the seats and a 6-disc CD changer mean that you can take this car anywhere without worrying about dressing for the weather, particularly with a neat-fitting black canvas top that seals up extremely well and only shows modest wear.

Chrysler's corporate 3.5-liter 24-valve V6 was the engine of choice in the Prowler, and with 253 horsepower on tap in a lightweight package, performance is entertaining. It's a snug fit under the pointed hood, but they did take pains to make it easy to service and the big intake manifold up top has a definite hot-rod vibe going on. It's also quite reliable and parts are readily available, making it a no-issues car that can be driven cross-country without a second thought. The 4-speed automatic transmission feeds the rear wheels, and the suspension is fully independent, making the Prowler an agile handler as well. Big disc brakes are a design element inside those stylish chrome alloy wheels, which wear 225/45/17 front and giant 295/40/20 Toyo radials.

Go ahead, indulge yourself. You know you've always wanted a Prowler, and now is a smart time to buy. They won't be getting any more affordable and this one offers the right combination of mileage and price to enjoy it without a second thought. Call today!