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Comments
Improvements
- Illuminated entry now included
- automatic temperature control included
- Cloth in interior is now the same as the ES rather than the SE
- Trunk escape handle
Decontenting
- No trunk lid liner
- Front fascia no longer painted
- Cassette no longer included in radio
Matter of Opinion
- Chrome wheels
- rear spoiler
- Engine very similar to ES now
Have a closer look at the car, i think you are mistaken.
As for the whole front bumper cover, that extends around to the wheel wells, I'm sure THAT is still body color! Gawd, that would look horrible if they had that part be flat black plastic! Probably would be a lot more dent/ding/scratch resistant, though!
Also, the illuminated entry is part of an option package, not standard. Their catalogue is not very clear on which packages are standard and what are optional. The dealer only had a couple 2002 Intrepids in stock, they seem to run a tight inventory on those until the 2001's are cleared out, since their is very little difference.
With the badges moved, the car, like most new cars, has a very plain and monotone exterior. I much prefer the exterior of my 67 Galaxie XL, but apparently not many else want chrome and metal trim and badging right now.
The box:
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/ViewPhoto?u=1280646&a=13764864&p=55243320&f=0
Final install:
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/ViewPhoto?u=1280646&a=13764864&p=55718914&f=0
Plans:
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/ViewPhoto?u=1280646&a=13764864&p=55785794&f=0
Old v. new:
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/ViewPhoto?u=1280646&a=13764864&p=54971393&f=0
I have ordered two digital thermometers from JCWhitney so I can compare the temperatures between the inside and the outside of the airbox.
Can't believe it's been since the spring/early summer since I last logged in. Hope all is well with you all---fellow Intrepid owners. I ventured back a few screens and see that our resident detractors are still about. My 2000 ES just is fast approaching 26,000 miles. No problems to report--other than some items resulting from having the front end removed by a poor driver back in February. Frankly I thought she'd get repaired and I'd end up trading her (you know the old "can't never fix them damn unibodies right once their broke"). So far she's as tight and sturdy as day one.
The one problem I'm going to ask folks about again are the "incredible shrinking weather strips". Any else noticing this from the inside? My 5 star dealer said "tell the parts guy to order 4 and we'll put them in for you".. Thoughts? Good to be back..
REALLY intrigued by the filter and air box installation...is it K&N?
Get new weatherstripping. Make sure when they install them to flatten any kinks with heat, and to put cardboard between the strip and the interior trim before applying the heat. Or make sure its done right and do it yourself.
Anybody know how much it would cost to fix those seals once they're out of warranty? Otherwise, the car's been pretty good. Needed new front brake pads at 39,000 miles, new rear pads at 52,000, when I also had to have the thermostat housing replaced because of a small leak.
I went through a weak period a couple of months back, thinking about trading in for an Acura. Decided I'd rather keep my baby for a lot longer. However, my baby has been howling lately.
The fuel indicator keeps dropping to empty. This is accompanied by the loud "bing" one hears when the gas tank is almost empty. Over and over and over again. It's become maddening! Occasionally, the overhead lights come on mysteriously, then go off. The driver's side front window sometimes won't open to command. The worst problem is that fuel indicator...."bing, bing, bing, bing"!
I'm taking my 'trep to the dealer next week. What is the problem here?
38700 miles in 25 months, still love the car, will love it better once the problem is solved!
I'm sure they've improved the technology though...at least I hope they have! How long did it take 'em to change your battery? I know it's buried in there pretty deep, and I don't look forward to the day mine needs to be replaced!
I have to admit I am leaning toward Altima or Maxima, but I hate to not buy American.
I don't like the looks of the newer ones as well as mine, but guess I should atleast take one for a spin.
Any one have a new 2002, and if so comments.
Thanks.
I have the sunroof option, it is nice. I know there are deals to be had on all the LH's, so I would seriously consider one. Altima's and Maxima's are nice, but make sure to look at the Intrepid as well.
FWIW, the December issue of Car & Driver has a family sedan comparo with an '02 Intrepid SE (base model) in it. I thought it was an unfair comparison, because they pitted a base Intrepid against an up-level Impala, Taurus, Camry, Altima, and Accord. They also tested an XG350 and Regal LS, which come well-equipped, even basic. The Intrepid finished 5th. Even though it was at a disadvantage, it still beat beat out the domestics, but still fell short of the XG350, Altima, Camry, and Accord. They should've tested an Intrepid ES though. I'm sure it would've scored much higher, with the stronger 3.5 and better equipment list.
But anyway, take one out for a test drive before you make a decision. Even though it's been around since 1998, I think the Intrepid has aged very well, and still holds its own against the competition.
to me the 3.2l in my '00 felt almost exactly like (horsepower, etc) the old cast iron 3.5l in my '96. if i remember right, the old 3.5l was rated at 214hp/221 torque. the new one is rated somewhere around 240 hp so i'd imagine it would feel a little more punchy. anyway, hope the trep is treatin' you good! i'm on my second s-crew. this fall i traded for a more luxurious one. intially had an xlt, now am the owner of a king ranch. the leather in the kr is to die for. anyway, you all take care and have fun. i do miss my intrepid! it just isn't as much fun "flogging" a truck as it is a car!
I'm looking at the 2000 Intrepid brochure they gave me when I bought mine, and it shows hp and torque curves for the 3.2 and 2.7 w/ active intake valve. For some reason they chose not to show the 3.5 and regular 2.7. But on the 2.7 curve, it looks like, judging from the distortion of the curve, that you get maybe 5 more ft-lbs of torque up to about 4200 rpm, where it looks like it peaks out at 195 ft-lb. Then it looks like it drops down to about 190 around the 4500 rpm level, but then creeps back up to maybe 192 right around the 5000 rpm mark. So I guess the active intake kind of gives it two peaks on the torque curve? As for hp, the curve has a distorted peak right around 5900-6100 rpm, so I guess that's where you see the benefit of the extra 2 hp!
As for various 0-60 times, here's what I've heard...
3.3 V-6 (153?-161 hp) 10-12 seconds
3.5 V-6 (214 hp) 9.2 seconds
2.7 V-6 (200 hp) 9.5-10 seconds
2.7 V-6 (202 hp- active intake) 8.8 seconds
3.2 V-6 (222-225 hp) 8.4-9 seconds
3.5 V-6 (242 hp R/T): 7.8-7.9 seconds
Of course, take 'em with a grain of salt...magazine tests can be innacurate, and so can my memory!
With all this 0% APR hoopla, I'm almost tempted to try out an '02 ES, to see how that 234 hp 3.5 performs. If anyone else out there gets a chance to drive one, please report on it!
My Intrepid is still going strong. Only obvious issues were the infamous dead battery and the "incredible shrinking" weather strips. I am rather envious of you buddy...I would NEVER by an F-150 but have drooled over that King Ranch edition. Really like that style of leather...
Any pearls of wisdom anyone can share about Intrepid ownership would be appreciated. Thanks!
They are pretty well equipped as is. Due to the air flow, there has been some issue with odd turbulence with the moon roof open, have to crack the rear windows slightly.
There are some compromises due to the styling (rear door, low headliner getting in and out of the car), but I think you will find the car pleasently surprising, and will start to wonder why it doesn't sell better than it does.
I've got a 2000 R/T, it is great.
As for maintenance issues, here's what I've had done on the car (my apologies to the veterans around here, for the repeat)
30,000 miles: new tires, transmission service
35,000 miles: new power lock actuator in driver's door
39,000 miles: new front brake pads
43,000 miles: rear door rubber seal shrunk and came loose. Passenger side remote mirror quit working
50,000 miles: new spark plugs, new rear brakes, new thermostat housing.
That's about it, except for oil changes every 3-4000 miles, rotating the tires every 3rd oil change, a few PCV valves and air filters, a couple tire plugs, and a Viper alarm/remote entry (installed after someone broke into the car).
Also, I used to deliver pizzas with this car, so it's probably seen more abuse than a typical car. On a busy night, this car would get turned on and off about 15-20 times, not to mention countless times of me slamming the door, and hopping in the seat. I could easily put a month's worth of "normal" use on that car in one night!
As for mileage, I think the worst I ever got was just under 20, and that was while delivering pizzas, in the winter time, and running on oxygenated gas. I've actually gotten a bit over 30 on trips.
I had a Malibu rental car back in May, and noticed the same thing. The Malibu's 3.1 is supposed to be quicker from 0-60 (don't know about the 1/4 mile though), but it just felt slow compared to my Intrepid.
Oh yeah, as for odd turbulence like Jsylvester mentioned, my 'Trep was the first car I ever noticed that if you only put down the rear windows, they would vibrate once you got up over 30-35 mph or so. At higher speeds, the noise and vibration can give you a serious headache! Since then, I've noticed that all new cars do it, unless you crack one of the front windows a bit to neutralize it.
As far as I know, the Intrepid will have a redesign, but not until 2004 or 2005. The new Intrepid is also supposed to have a 5-speed automatic transmission borrowed from Mercedes.
'00 Intrepid, just passed 39000 miles today, still going....
I read this on http://www.car-truck.com/ which has a lot of info and speculation on present and future DC offerings.
I have a 2000 R/T, and I love it, but I like leather, heated seats, and a nicer interior. The same powertrain in a 300M's interior sounds mighty tempting. Granted the brakes and suspension are firmer than the base 300M, but I could live with that.
Is the $1,000 owner loyalty credit for a 300M lease available if you trade a DC vehicle, or just if returning off of lease?
PS...Anyone know of a good Dodge or Chrysler service department in Central NJ? There are a ton around, Dennis Adams Dodge is a stone's throw away.
Also, the people on the Malibu board ripped on our choice of car, saying it is Chrysler garbage, etc. All I tried to do was say goodbye to my fellow posters on that board.
The 2nd generation LH are probably the best sedan for the money on the road.
I've always ran mine to the dealer for the oil changes, primarily because it is close, and the one time I didn't, the place I took it to used a filter with a bad backflow valve, which caused valve clatter on starting. The Mopar filters my dealer uses doesn't do that.
I've never changed my own oil, but the 300M board here has a ton of info.
Check out this website, though it can be kind of juvenile:
http:\\www.dodgeintrepid.net
I don't know how hard it was to change the oil on your Malibu, but I can change my oil without even jacking the car up, which is a good thing, because there aren't too many spots for the jack under there!
Also, don't worry about the Chevyheads giving you a hard time for buying a Chrysler product. That's been going on since cars had tailfins, and even before that, most likely!
The other scenario, and one I hope for frankly, is that the Intrepid/Concorde will use a revised FWD platform, revised engines and transmissions--most like the evolution from the 1st to 2nd generation Intrepid. The RWD--if used at all--would be reserved for an "upmarket" 300N replacement.
Oil Changes--My driving, while not torturous, is in town and brief trips. I realize that I have to "work through" my brainwashing about 3000 mile oil changes, but can't quite embrace the whole 7500 mile thing. So..I generally change oil at about 5000 miles. Each time I've asked the guys how the oil looks, and looked myself, and they have said "OK".. Not tarry, overly dark or broken down.
Malibu??? Of course the Malibu contingent whines! My sister-in-law has one going on two years and I am rather underwhelmed. Styling aside--it has neither the room, handling or appeal of my Intrepid. Sure--it's cheaper and I'm sure it's a relatively solid car...but.... And ANYONE owning a GM vehicle that suggests a Chyrsler is junk should spend a bit more time with their therapist. But I guess when your engine technology and architecture has been around for 40 years---you should be doing something OK... Done with the snide comments...
Question...Those of you who have replaced your tires. Please tell me what you used and how you like them.. I'm still thinking Goodyear Aquatred 3's when I hit 30-35 K..
LAST ITEM.. You should all know that my 5 Star service manager told me to order 4 new weatherstrips for the doors and they'd be replaced free of charge. Mine are shrinking and while it's not a big problem--it's nice to know he's amenable to changing them. Sorry this was so long..
2000 Steel Blue ES with Leather and 26K...