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Comments
If I had to do it again today, the only thing I would do different is have PCS added to a 02.
I lot of people rave over the "well balanced" transmission of this car, but I'm not so sure. Maybe PCS gearing should have been standard, and even shorter gearing used on the PCS cars.
Same deal at 30mph, gotta get it back down to first gear or its a long and not quick way up to the end of 2nd. I hate it when it doesn't downshift for me at certain speeds when I go from gentle throttle to flooring it. Have to get off the gas completely, have it downshift, then gun it.
Intrigues 0-60 times would be much more competitive if Olds had done what most other manufacturers do - put shorter gears with DOHC engines. I suspect one reason they did not is to help fuel economy which already took a hit vs. the 3.8, despite the smaller displacement.
I've been alternating between my Intrigue and my old Mazda Protege (partially employed, cheaper to insure the Mazda.) But I'm gonna sell the Mazda this month and the Intrigue will be my only driver.
So, time to drop the Olds off for the steering lube and air dam replacement, while I still have a backup car. I'm itching to put the STBs on too while it's there...
GM swipe: Why does my Mazda at 265,000 miles still have tight, nimble steering (which has never been touched, even so much as a fluid replacement) while the Olds at 26,000 miles pops and ticks in parking lots at low speeds?? *Sigh*. I have a feeling that steering lube will become a recurring event over the life of my car.
Any of the Toronto area guys know of a good detailing place on the west end? My Intrigue really needs a good clean up.
As much as the press has liked the Intrigue concept, most will concede that the execution was flawed. A world-class powerplant mated to a transmission that reacts slowly to driver inputs. A very pleasant interior marred by poorly fitting components. A clunky steering shaft and flickering headlights, etc., etc.
A used Intrigue may be a great value but a new one is overpriced compared to the competition for most buyers.
Since the car is quieter now, I'm noticing noises that I never noticed before. I hear rattles on the front end, kind of like the "yahtzee shaker" that others have described. It's only noticeable when going over bumps. I'm also hearing wind noises from around the windows that I never heard before. But at least now I don't have to turn the radio up when I get on the highway like I used to.
They're annoying sensations, that remind me of my old 1974 Plymouth Valiant's overboosted and worn out steering. (Except that I'll cut some slack for the build quality of the 1970's, and a car that needed a new front end after 15 years of use! A Y2000 car should not "feel" like this.) :-(
Oh well. VCJumper: I was looking at the ZZperformance website. Do I just order the front bar kit for $69? Or is this the mounting brackets only-- and I still need to order a GM bar?
Back bar is the #1245-6148 Buick setup.
Air Dam TSB is #00-08-63-003.
I'm *still* thinking about having the windshield replaced to get rid of the distortions... Maybe I'm being a whiner, but they *do* distract me when I drive, and that's a safety issue. 1-800-442-OLDS said I could probably still have it done, even at 26,000 miles.
The Intrigue uses a PPG windshield, a common brand. I could probably stop by the PPG distributor here and select a new one personally, to be *sure* it's free of distortion.
Alternatively, they sold me just the bracket for $40 and I picked up the GM bar at the dealer. Cheaper shipping to Canada for me that way.
According to GM data:
http://service.gm.com/techlink/html_en/pdf/200009-en.pdf#dst12
the TSB is about different problems. Quote:
"00-08-63-003A; Replaces 00-08-063-003;
Noise at Torsion Bar Location, Cab
Difficult to Open, Torsion Bar Broken
(Inspect/Replace Cab Pivot Torsion Bar);
1997-98 Chevrolet and GMC F Model TSeries
Medium Duty Tilt Cab Trucks"
-----------
Date Aug, 2000
Subject:
New Front Air Deflector with Increased Ground Clearance
Models:
1997-2000 Buick Century, Regal - Built Prior to VIN Breakpoint Y1297005
1998-2000 Oldsmobile Intrigue
1997-2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
Part #10442031
TSB #00-08-63-003
A new front air deflector with improved ground clearance is now available if replacement
of the production air deflector is required. This new air deflector is a non-hinged design
and has approximately 12 mm (1/2 in) more ground clearance than those previously used. In
addition, this new air deflector sets back approximately 38 mm (1 1/2 in) further rearward
and uses a material and shape that makes considerable less noise if contact with a curb or
the ground is made.
This new design front air deflector is a direct bolt-on and should be used if service
or replacement is required on the above listed vehicles.
Important: To maintain proper air conditioning performance, vehicle aerodynamics and
prevent extreme underhood temperatures, the front air deflector must be properly installed
on the vehicle and be fully functional. As a result, operating the vehicle without the
front air deflector is not recommended.
my ride is a lot quieter with my new potenza re950s too. But you're also right in that you notice squeaks and rattles more.
I agree that the Intrigue is overpriced as a new vehicle. Though I've yet to drive a 2002, the build quality on the 2001 Aurora 3.5 I test drove was no better than my 2000. I don't know who posted here about the Aurora interior but I couldn't differ from him more. I think the Aurora interior is very VERY handsome, the most handsome I've seen in a domestic product. The center instrumentation is so close to one's fingertips and has a volvoesque quality. The genuine burlwood is handsome and just enough not to be overly powering. I'd say the aurora interior is the epitome of oldsmobile achievement.
jg28 : I don't think the Intrigue is "overpriced" at all. A less equipped V6 Accord was more expensive as was a base Maxima. With the deals these days, the GX is a bargoon for anyone in the know. Unfortunately with very little marketing the Intrigue will make a quiet exit from the market.
Sounds like the intrigue is running great.
If you are interested e mail me.
Rutledge
rwebb@prucar.com
htwired : Good report. Sounds a lot like my car. I have only had 2 minor issues, the oxygen sensor and an erratic temp gauge.
I never ask myself if I should have paid a few thousand more for a Maxima or an Acura. I do sometimes ask myself if I should have paid a few thousand less, and gotten a compact sedan, or maybe even a small convertible.
When I bought my house, it was the same thing. I looked at condos, townhouses, detached housing, and different sizes of each of these. Eventually I settled on "the best use of my money".
That violates the idea of "comparing only comparables", but I think real people look at "what am I getting for what I spend". Not "I'm gonna get size X, so which car will it be?" Consumer's Reports and car mags seem to make the 2nd assumption about buyers.
oldsman : Do you have a GLS? I forget.
I'm not sure what this really means to the layman. Sounds like you can get the mounting brackets anyway if you want them.
Speaking of GM MSRP's and discounts, basically it makes considering a recent used car pointless if you have GM card rebates. And Stacked rebates attract some folks just as stacked headlights attract others, personally I think I am hooked on this cycle of dependence - Aid to Families with Detroit Cars.
Like Dindak,got an Alero at around 6K off MSRP. after 2002,+ usual dealer discount of 1700, + 1500 olds loyalty+ 800 GM card discount which is like 30% off on a 20- 21K sticker, equivalent to a similar 01 car, or a 99 Accord/Camry the hard currency of automobiles.
Oh I hope I get my rebates up quickly before the buzz wears off, and the rattles and shakes kick in(in the car that is).
http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2002/05/15/stolen-cars.htm
The Civic-racer crowds are lusting after the motors to hop up their machines.
Better look out folks - next thing you know the Intrigues will become hot as people start stuffing Shortstars in their Sunfires! ;-)
BTW, according to my window sticker, my Intrigue was equipped with an air cabin filter, but when I went to replace it this past weekend, there was just an empty space where the filter was supposed to be! I've ordered a 'replacement' from Autozone.
Water in the brake fluid also lowers its boiling point. Bad news if you are traveling down a long grade and your brakes get really hot.
Lubing the caliper pins should be part of any brake job but with linings lasting 30-40,000 miles (or more on the rear), it's likely to be several years before those pins see any fresh lube. It shouldn't take one more than 10 minutes per corner to do that. Hmmm, sounds like a good Saturday project for my 2000 built in Dec. 1999. I'm past due!
On the plus side, have you seen the new Saab 9-3 sedan? VERY nice! I may be using my GM points at a Saab dealer next car if it drives as good as it looks.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
When I get the time, I'll put the sway bars back on to see how it feels.
Which now brings me to the Intrigue. After having a 92' Pontiac Grand Prix LE sedan, she traded it with 96k miles in August of 1999, for a demo Intrigue. She bought a 99' Intrigue GX with the 3.8, split folding rear seat, and power driver's seat. It's Silvermist with a dark gray cloth interior. It had 5k on it when she bought it, and now has 28k. In the time my grandparents have had it, there's only been two minor issues. First was a bad seal on the oil pan which left a few drops of oil out on the garage floor and then the chrome strip around the back door windows came off and needed to be re-attatched. Other than that, no a single problem or odd noise, even though she tends to drive her cars a bit hard.
Last month we stayed with them on a visit from out of state, and I was able to drive her Intrigue for a day. That's mainly why I like it so much. First of all, it's a very solid feeling car, with no rattles or creaks even over bad bumps. The 3.8 has great power and the acceleration is excellent, alond with the brakes which I loved. I also thought the suspension tuning to be nearly perfect, with a rather firm ride that's also supple, and a lack of body roll. Overall, it just felt very tight and trim, with no excess or float to be found. In addition, the steering also had me smiling, with nearly perfect weight, linearity, and precision. It just "snicks" right through turns, and feels like an extension of the driver. I never had this feeling in our $32k 300M, and felt kind of uneasy driving it. Basically, I love the Intrigue.
Now, being a true car buff and typically car-crazy teen, I hope to get my first car sometime this year, probably late this fall/winter. After driving and loving my grandmother's 99' GX and then seeing how cheap one can be had used, I'm really looking towards it as a very much possible first car choice. I've been reading this board for some time and have yet to see any real uncurable issues with the Intrigue or any multiple owners who have had bad experiences, so that's also a plus.
I already have the perfect vision of an OSV Intrigue clone. Starting with a GX or GL, add an SLP dual exhaust, ground effects kit, new struts, and 17" chrome wheels, probably the same ones used in 19" size on the OSV. I think it'd be one heck of a nice car, but, I just need to work a little this summer and build up some money. Wish me luck!
oldsman01- I read your CTS review on the other board. I must say, you drove on of my favorite cars, a CTS in copper sunburst (or as I like to call my fave color--orange!). They are extrememly nice cars and I'd take one any day! So, any idea when you might be able to afford one? I bet after that test drive, you just can't stop thinking of ways to put one in the driveway, huh?!
Beach15: Good luck in getting you Intrigue. I love mine.
Just a quick question for everybody, what grade fuel do you use in your Intrigue? I use 94 octane but don't see any real increase in my mileage. I mean I know its supposed to be cleaner and everything, but is it worth it? Same for oil. I haven't changed mine yet but was planning on going with full synthetic. Any comments?
spidey : Always go with 87 octane and it's just fine. Don't waste your money.
However, it does not provide more energy / mileage. It even can be worse in this respect, due to higher amount of additives. It does not burn cleaner either - the additives even may cause carbon deposit.
Using high octane with stock engine designed for 87 octane is wasting money.