I installed a set of Goodyear Aquatread III's on my 99 GL about 25,000 miles ago. Quieter and a bit softer ride. This is supposed to be a 80,000 mile tire. After 25,000 they aren't showing any visible signs of wear. The wife loves them (she drives the Intrigue to work every day; 50 mile round trip), especially in the rain. She has actually mentioned twice that she really likes "those tires you put on my car." I paid $72 each for them at a Goodyear store (plus the usual mounting/balancing/valve stem charges). Goodyear was having a $50 credit promotion at the time, so I wound up paying about $300 out the door. If you buy tires at Sears, make sure to check your lug nut torque when you get home. If you don't you could be replacing brake rotors in about 6 months. Actually, I do this regardless of WHERE I buy tires. Never had a single rotor problem in 25 years.
I just read this in yesterday's Rockford (IL) Register Star: "According to the 2002 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study, GM is now No. 1 in car powertrains in the industry among full-line manufacturers, surpassing Toyota and Honda. GM's car powertrains had only 13.6 problems per hundred, beating Toyota's 14.3 and Honda's 14.8. The score of 13.6 is a 29% improvement over last year. Three GM vehicles had engines that were in the top 10 for car engines: the Chevy Corvette, Olds Intrigue and Buick Century. The Corvette LS6 engine was the best of all GM engines at 3.8. GM's car automatic transmissions currently lead the industry. GM is 12% of it's nearest competitor, Honda. The Cadillac Seville had the best car transmission in the industry at 0.8, while the Bonneville and Grand Am were in the top ten." My opinion: Just one more reason to show why canning the 3.5 (and the Intrigue) was a big mistake.
We are shopping used car for weeks now. (From Toyota Corolla '01 to '99 Mazda 626, then '01 Nissan Altima.) Each time we were at the dealer, they showed us another model cars.... We like '01 Altima and we can chose from many, but none of them have ABS. The sales person showed us '99 INTRIGUE GL, we love it.(very clean inside and out) It only has 14k miles on. We are sure that we can get it for less than 11K, even their asking price is 14.5K.
Can you tell me any known problems w/ this car? We are too tired shopping around anymore. If this is good reliable car, we just make a deal w/ dealer. (otherwise, we go for '01 Altima at 12.3K)
You should be able to get it for 11K or even less. Resale on intrigues is pretty horrid. Although 14K miles is excellent. Don't believe factory offered 5yr/60K warranty on '99s. Only 2000's left in stock and 2001's and 2002s offered it. Old's demise was announced in December of 2000, so unless this car was left unsold for '99 the factory won't warrant it for 60K. Find out the build date or better yet the inservice date Is the seller offering to pay for the extended warranty? Does this car have the 3800 engine or the 3.5L? I prefer the 3.5L although the 3800 is ultra reliable, the 3.5L is smoother and more refined. Things to look out for: Rough start or hard start. Crankshaft sensor or ignition switch will fix it, but getting dealer to do it without a trouble code is difficult. Intermediate Steering shaft: Listen for clunking or popping sounds when turning right. A lube kit will stop the noises. Dashboard coming loose around air vents. Most 99's don't have this problem but 00's-02's can. Warped front rotors. Replace Intrigues are a little noisy over rough pavement and at higher speeds. '01's and laters are quieter. Overall a pretty decent car if you can buy it right. Mine was unfixable and got a '01 Impala to replace it. Not as sporty as the intrigue but fewer issues and a little cheaper to buy brand new. Bigger backseat and a huge trunk.
Intrigues are just noisy anyway. I would recommend going with a S-rated tire built for comfort. Did your Thunderbird have Goodyear Gatorbacks "VR"? That was a hard riding noisy tire using technology from 1983. Goodyears ultraperformance tires are pretty good. Their OEM line has too many compromises.
The last 1999 model would have been built in June of 1999 so I doubt that a 1999 model would have any warranty coverage left. Ask the dealer to get a CarFax report on it to check its history.
Thank you, b4z and lmacmil. The car which we test drove was very clean. We like the ride and the power. (also, I think it looks better than Altima.) However we don't know about GM cars. If we buy this car, we have to get the extended warranty.
You are right. Depending on when it was titled, it may have some warranty left.
Okmom, read the fine print on whatever extended warranty you get. They are not all created equal. Also note that for many extended warranties, the mileage figure is the odometer reading. IOW, a 3yr, 36,000 mile extended warranty probaby means 3 yrs from the start or 36,000 miles on the odometer.
This '99 intrigue has a steering wheel shimmy over 60 mph. Do you think re-balance can fix this problem? Also, when we opened the hood, we saw the rust on passenger side screws. Dose this mean this car had water leak problems?
Run a carfax report om it to see if it has been in a accident and to search it's chain of ownership. Don't know about the leak but some Aleros had water in the passenger side footwell. I seem to remember that some intrigue's did also. Take the car to an independent mechanic and have him look over it. The shimmy can be fixed. A rebalance will fix it unless the tires have a bad wear pattern on them. Intrigues are at there best on the highway. Smooth as glass and tied to the road. The only negative is the high road noise coming from the rear wheel wells.
99s just have a 3 year 36,000 mile warranty unless someone purchased an extended warranty. As someone else mentioned, I'd run a car fax report on the VIN and make sure it comes back clean. Also, see if the dealer can give you any info such as if the car is a one owner, local, etc. If the car is a GL than more than likely it was not a program car(read former rental) as those are typically the base model. 14K for a three year old car is pretty good and chances are it was owned by "a little old lady who just drove it to church on Sunday". If everything checks out, I'd make them an offer and go from there. IMO, the Intrigue is a much better choice than a Corolla, 626, or previous generation Altima. Better looking, better performance, better equipped, and more room. Good luck with your negotiating.
Interesting that the 3.5 made the list of the most reliable but the 3800 wasn't on there as it has typically been considered a bullet proof engine. For years I've maintained that GM has built some of the most durable and long lasting engines.
Interestingly, my 3.5L had initial oil consumption that went away, and I experienced no other problems except for the rough start problem(electical not mechanical). My 3800 had to have its uppermanifold base replaced because it was warped(made of plastic). So in my experience I would have to say that the 3.5L was the better engine.
My Intrigue has the Eagle LS tires. Recently I had the alignment done as the car was pulling right. I was advised (ofcourse) that the car needed aligning so I gave the OK. When I got it back, it still pulled to the right. There wasn't any improvement. Because I knew I would be back in a week or so (a new dash pad was ordered), I waited to address the issue then. The service advisor said the alignment was fine, but the pull was a result of the tires (radial pull). I bet the car didn't need aligning. They swapped the front tires, and now it pulls to the left. Ugh. According to the original tire warranty, the tire is in the pro ration period. I think I might see what Goodyear says, they might replace them free...but I doubt it. They seem to be wearing well, and are vibration free. I've had Goodyears on several cars, and these are the first that might require adjustment. I'm a fan of Michelins, but they've gotten pricey. Instead, I might opt for Dunlops, or the Firestone LH's that I've read are good. Always interested to hear feedback about other's experience.
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
winter9 : Not surprised. GM makes the best transmissions of any car brand I have ever driven. Even our old leased Cavalier (which was not a great car) had an amazingly smooth transmission.
sda : Costco has great prices on Michelins and BF Goodrich tires. I would avoid Firestones, worst tires I have ever owned and my mother in law has had similar experiences.
I must have gotten the lemon when it comes to transmissions as mine had to be rebuilt which started the who love/hate relationship I'm having now. Love the car, hate the dealer due to their EXTREMELY POOR SERVICE. Time for my public service annoucement; anyone in East TN considering a Chevy, Pontiac, Olds, Buick, or GMC(or a Toyota as they have a Toyota dealer) please let me know and I will email you the name of a dealer to avoid!!
I've noticed that on my 02 GL w/ PCS but only for the first few yards. It is quite loud while backing out of the garage but it seems to go away after 10-20 yards. I opened all the windows and turned the radio off the last time I pulled in and I didn't hear that clicking poping noise. Also, I don't see any cracks. Hope that helps.
I still love this car and have only been to the dealer to fix the 'Service Engine Soon' light (3 times). I'm thinking of having some major maintenance done, mostly preventative, in another 10k miles or so.
What would you recommend? I'm thinking of changing all fluids, filters, belts, having the steering intermediate shaft lubed to 'fix' the clunking, and change spark plugs.
We have a dog. She likes to travel. I see there are many online places to buy seat covers. Have any of you folks installed seat covers on your Intrigues? I'd like something that looks nice, but not necessarily the top-of-the-line stuff. I have the cloth seat surfaces on my 2000. Something easy to install, but not schlocky-looking would be nice. Thanks.
At a classic car show today, held at work during lunch today, saw a "final 500" Intrigue (dark black cherry like color) nearby. They had several looking at "her" (the car) from the show(!) and of course me included. Looked great with them 17" Aurora rims. Seats looked cool too with the Olds logo.
I looked for one at the local lot last week, but nothing. They had 3 GXs and 1 GLS left with a C$4200 credit or 0% for 48 months. Great deals, wish I could get one. The new stereos make the dash look a little more up-to-date.
I took the car to the dealer yesterday and they replaced all four hub caps. They said they have not heard of this problem from the manufacturer bulletin. I doubt that I am the only one with this problem with these wheels. Well, hopefully these new ones will not be as annoying as the previous ones.
Glad someone has finally actually seen one as I was beginning to wonder if the car was really built. BTW, has anyone seen any of the collectors edition of the Cadillac Eldorado?
Took the Intrigue in this morning to a different dealer to have the "flicker" checked and also to see if they could activate the delayed headlamp illumination feature as the service manual clearly states the car has this feature. They said the Intrigue does not have this feature and it cannot be activated. I'll take their word only until I get my hands on a scan tool and get into the BCM and see what really can and can't be turned on or off. Anyway, the main reason I took it in was for the flicker. I wrote a very detailed explanation of what it did, when it did it, and the various conditions it did it under. The first thing they said was it was probably "parasitic load" conditions when a high power accessory is turned on. I explained right off that load has NOTHING to do with it and the condition occurs under a variety if conditions. So they took the car in and included my note with the service order. Less than two hours later the service advisor came and said the techs had checked the car, connected a voltmeter to the electrical system, and tried to simulate the problem and could not duplicate the problem nor could they find anything. I had mentioned in my note that the previous dealer had checked this twice and found nothing and that there is a problem. The service advisor did say he would document the concern and include my note with their service records but that they could not find anything. So I left. I'll say I found the service department at this dealer to be much better organized and the personnel seemed more friendly and interested in listening to the problem, but I'm a little disappointed that they claim they could find nothing. I clearly told the advisor both in person and in the note that the condition is pure intermittent and that it may not do it for weeks then will start doing it. So now, I'm not sure what to do. I guess next time it does it, I'll take it back and will continue to do so until they correct the problem. I figure if they see the same car come in for the same problem 2 or 3 times, surely someone will realize there really must be a problem. Or maybe I'll get a raise at work and I'll just go trade for that Cadillac CTS I've been wanting. Anyone else who has had the "flicker" and had it fixed, how did you approach the service department?
Just bring in the service bulliten # and have them check it. That's what I will do when I get mine fixed this winter. I am waiting right to the end to get it fixed as it only happens when it's real cold anyway.
just bought 5 year/100,000 km GMPP total plus extended warranty for $1125+tax cdn., i found out that most dealers do a big mark up on top of the listed price provided by GM. Installed new stereo, amp, etc., factory speakers are ok but not up to standard of new equipments, will get them changed soon. Went out of town quite a bit during august and got quite a few stone chips in the front. 20,000+ km now, 1 year in october.
Hi All. Should I do anything if the security light remains on when I'm driving? This has happened occasionally. Only time it may have posed a problem was when the car wouldn't start (no cranking--just panel lights). After waiting about 30 minutes, the car started just fine. I don't know if that's related to the security light. 1998 GL, 35K miles.
Another topic: Car n Driver mentioned 2004 Olds models! I thought 2003 was the last year . . .
I've got a 99 Intrigue GX 58000 miles, moonroof, keyless entry, new tires and brakes/rotors, freshly waxed (looks good), 3.5L, Silver. In Indianapolis
What would be a good price to sell Private party? I'm thinking $8500, is that too low/high?
I was trying to sell my Civic instead, and based my price on TMV and NADA (~$14200). When I posted my asking price ($13900) on the Civic board, they all basically laughed at me and told me I was way too high....this and the fact that I've had that car for sale for more than a month has not only weakened my faith in these guides, but forced me to consider selling my older, higher mileage intrigue
My experience has been that private party used car buyers are all looking for great bargains within a fairly narrow price range. They aren't interested in spending over $10K on a late model, even if it is clean and fairly priced. OTOH, there's very little interest in cars greater than 10 years old or with more than 100K miles, even if they are cheap.
If the $8500 figure is the Edmunds TMV or NADA price for private party, that would seem to be a good place to start. If you are shopping for a replacement from a dealer, find out what the trade-in value is so you know the minimum to accept from a private party. Keep in mind that, as great a car as it is, the Intrigue is an orphan and has little badge recognition. That's going to steer the unsophisticated buyer away.
I'm not sure what you mean by the "delayed headlamp illumination" feature, but I specifically notice that when a red traffic light stops me under an underpass where the sun doesn't reach, there is a delay of a few moments, then the headlights do come on. So, if this is what you mean, the car definitely has it.
Sorry to hear you got the "could not duplicate". I really hate that. It's such a slap in the face. What do they expect you to do? Say to yourself "Yeah, I guess I just imagined it"? My car (Aurora) has some firm 1-2 shifts when the car has been running for a while, and especially on hot days. But of course when I go to the dealer, it cools off enough. They won't run it around for an hour, but instead tool around the street in front of the dealer and say "it's working fine". They even tried to tell me the 4T80-E is supposed to be a firm tranny. I just find it very insulting when they try to tell you there isn't a problem. I think I'll try a Caddy dealer next. But I just wanted to say that I feel for you.
Purchased my new 2002 GX about a month ago and am very pleased with its performance with the 3.5 twin-cam. As many know, it loves high-speed highway cruisng (already driven 5,000 kms), handles well and brakes are quite good. With GM discounts purchase price was only CAD$23.9K (about US$15K), about CAD$5.5K off list - what a steal when compared to a Grand Prix or Camry/Accord.
Its now time for first oil/filer change and was wondering if anyone has switched their Intrigue to synthetic oil? If so what mileage interval re: oil changes would be appropriate (about 90% highway driving)? Is it true that the Intrigue uses an cannister-style oil filter, and is this filter easy to change as a do-it-yourselfer?
So far only two concerns noted:
(1) There is a whine that lasts for about 30-45 seconds when the car is started cold - is this correct or is this a second stage air intake motor malfunction (is the motor binding and causing the whine)?
(2) When applying the brakes when backing up or moving forward slowly there is a loud 'click' from the right front brake area (caliper?) - has anyone else had this problem?
oldsman is referring to the feature that keeps the lights on for 1-2 minutes after you turn the car off. It gives you light to find your way at night if there is no lighting around. It's great when you go to a cottage or something.
ss67 : Congrats on the new 02. The GX's out now are a steal of a deal. I'm sure you will enjoy. Might want to have those things checked. I don't get any whine when I start my car.
I always change to synthetic at my first oil change. Have followed this rule with about half a dozen new vehicles (I lease).
Having done so, I do not adhere to the 3,000 oil change rule. I typically change the filter only and add a quart at 5,000, and change oil and filter at 10,000miles.
The Intrigue filter is NOT a cannister type. It is really quite small, almost motorcycle size, that is installed inside of the oil pan. I was concerned over the size but it worked fine and always appeared clean when changed, even on my modified change schedule.
The 6 quart capacity of the crankcase preovides enhanced cooling for the 3.5 liter and IMO provides an even greater margin for change intervals.
With the syn, you do not experience fluid breakdown from heat in the same way as with the dino oils. Therefore the lubrication properties last longer with the greater issue being filtration. Keep it clean.
I have always thought that the change interval was a marketing scam of the auto-oil industries.
There may be users who should adhere to the 3,000 mile change interval. But in normal usage, I can't imagine that necessity in other than engines under constant heavy loads.
Just leased a GMC Envoy. It is equipped with an oil life monitor. It is designed to constantly monitor and accumulate usage data on the engine oil. It provides a % of life remaining on the oil. After 3,000 miles, it is reading 80% life remaining on the original factory installed oil. This vehicle sees the same usage pattern as the Intrigue.
delrick, how do you like the Envoy? My wife and I may purchase one within the next year. Possibly an Envoy XL 2WD XLT.
yellowperil - I don't think I've ever seen the security light come on in my Intrigue. You may be experiencing a malfunction. I would have it checked out or else you might find yourself stranded somewhere when passlock keeps you from starting the car...
Everyone has their own philosophy on oil changing intervals. But you are asking your oil to last 10,000 miles. If you add 1 quart of clean oil to 4.5 quarts of dirty oil you now have 5.5 quarts of dirty oil that needs to go 5000 more miles.
Granted you are using synthetic but there is still dirt and contaminents in it.
I doubt if GM would honor the warranty if they found out you were going to 10,000 miles.
Here is a quote from the owner's manual:"When you start your engine, or when you begin to drive away, your anti-lock brake system will check itself. You may hear a momentary motor or clicking noise while the test is going on, and you may even notice that your brake pedal moves or pulses a little. This is normal." This might be the sound you are hearing. I know I hear that whine when I start-up.
I'm also guessing that's what I heard every time I backed my grandmother's 99' GX out of the garage in the morning. She told me it was "the brakes adjusting themselves", so she must have been right.
The Intrigue's service manual states that the car has a "delayed headlamp illumination" feature which will leave the headlamps on for 90 seconds after the ignition is turned off if it is dark. The owners manual says nothing about it, but the service manual did. When I tried to steps it said to activate the feature, it did not work. Buick Regals and Chevy Impalas have this feature and I can't help but think that there is a way to turn the feature on if one can get into the BCM.
Does anyone subscribe to the alldata service, which gives you all the details of all the TSBs issued for your car? Seems like a good idea for about $25/year. Something valuable to have in your hands when you visit a dealer with a complaint, especially if the dealer "cannot duplicate." You can find it at alldata.com
I've been using synthetic since my 2nd oil change. The last 2 changes I've been using 5w-50 because I wanted to protect against wear because of using one quart between changes. It's reassuring that b4z said that his stopped using oil, even if out of the blue. I noticed after this last fillup that my mileage has gone up. Mileage is looking like it does when doing a mix of long highway and regular driving. Do I attribute it to synthetic? I'd like to. But after 28,000+ I think it's finally getting truly broken in.
On the subject of oil changes, I subscribe to the recommendation of Castrol (since I use Syntec). They recommend changing the oil at the scheduled interval. In our case, that means changing it when the change oil light comes on. My light blinks at about 4,000 miles, 5,000 if I do a lot of driving. I may let it slide 2,000 miles more but at that point I am determined to change it. I don't think this hurts since the light appears to err on the side of caution.
I try to follow the lite because if synthetic oil protects so much better than conventional dino, [and engines last for long periods with regular oil when changed according to schedule] then changing it with syntec at the same intervals should make that baby last forever.
I change the oil filter every single oil change. If you get them from GM Parts Direct ( http://gmpartsdirect.com/ ), you're only paying $3.19 each filter. That doesn't even register when you consider how much it would cost to replace an engine. Interestingly enough, if I remember correctly, the manual says you can replace the filter every other change. But why would you? You spend more than $3.19 buying an Extra Value Meal. Is not your engine more important that that?
Don't plan on an ext. warranty after mine is gone in March. I'll take my chances as the car has been pretty good and I don't expect that to change. Just have to get the alternator and intermediate shaft issues looked at this fall.
Comments
"According to the 2002 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study, GM is now No. 1 in car powertrains in the industry among full-line manufacturers, surpassing Toyota and Honda.
GM's car powertrains had only 13.6 problems per hundred, beating Toyota's 14.3 and Honda's 14.8. The score of 13.6 is a 29% improvement over last year.
Three GM vehicles had engines that were in the top 10 for car engines: the Chevy Corvette, Olds Intrigue and Buick Century. The Corvette LS6 engine was the best of all GM engines at 3.8.
GM's car automatic transmissions currently lead the industry. GM is 12% of it's nearest competitor, Honda. The Cadillac Seville had the best car transmission in the industry at 0.8, while the Bonneville and Grand Am were in the top ten."
My opinion: Just one more reason to show why canning the 3.5 (and the Intrigue) was a big mistake.
(From Toyota Corolla '01 to '99 Mazda 626, then '01 Nissan Altima.)
Each time we were at the dealer, they showed us another model cars....
We like '01 Altima and we can chose from many, but none of them have ABS.
The sales person showed us '99 INTRIGUE GL, we love it.(very clean inside and out)
It only has 14k miles on.
We are sure that we can get it for less than 11K, even their asking price is 14.5K.
Can you tell me any known problems w/ this car?
We are too tired shopping around anymore.
If this is good reliable car, we just make a deal w/ dealer.
(otherwise, we go for '01 Altima at 12.3K)
Basic: 5 yr. / 60,000 mi.
Drivetrain: 5 yr. / 60,000 mi.
Roadside: 5 yr. / 60,000 mi.
Rust: 6 yr. / 100,000 mi.
If so, it's great.
(our sale person doesn't know anything.)
Thanks.
Although 14K miles is excellent.
Don't believe factory offered 5yr/60K warranty on '99s. Only 2000's left in stock and 2001's and 2002s offered it.
Old's demise was announced in December of 2000, so unless this car was left unsold for '99 the factory won't warrant it for 60K.
Find out the build date or better yet the inservice date
Is the seller offering to pay for the extended warranty?
Does this car have the 3800 engine or the 3.5L?
I prefer the 3.5L although the 3800 is ultra reliable, the 3.5L is smoother and more refined.
Things to look out for:
Rough start or hard start. Crankshaft sensor or ignition switch will fix it, but getting dealer to do it without a trouble code is difficult.
Intermediate Steering shaft: Listen for clunking or popping sounds when turning right. A lube kit will stop the noises.
Dashboard coming loose around air vents. Most 99's don't have this problem but 00's-02's can.
Warped front rotors. Replace
Intrigues are a little noisy over rough pavement and at higher speeds. '01's and laters are quieter.
Overall a pretty decent car if you can buy it right.
Mine was unfixable and got a '01 Impala to replace it. Not as sporty as the intrigue but fewer issues and a little cheaper to buy brand new. Bigger backseat and a huge trunk.
Did your Thunderbird have Goodyear Gatorbacks "VR"?
That was a hard riding noisy tire using technology from 1983.
Goodyears ultraperformance tires are pretty good. Their OEM line has too many compromises.
Basic: 5 yr. / 60,000 mi.
Drivetrain: 5 yr. / 60,000 mi.
Roadside: 5 yr. / 60,000 mi.
Rust: 6 yr. / 100,000 mi.
If so, it's great.
(our sale person doesn't know anything.)
Thanks.
The car which we test drove was very clean.
We like the ride and the power. (also, I think it looks better than Altima.)
However we don't know about GM cars.
If we buy this car, we have to get the extended warranty.
The guy on this thread that recently bought the brand new 2000 got the full warranty.
Okmom, read the fine print on whatever extended warranty you get. They are not all created equal. Also note that for many extended warranties, the mileage figure is the odometer reading. IOW, a 3yr, 36,000 mile extended warranty probaby means 3 yrs from the start or 36,000 miles on the odometer.
Lmacmil
Also, when we opened the hood, we saw the rust on passenger side screws.
Dose this mean this car had water leak problems?
Thanks again.
Don't know about the leak but some Aleros had water in the passenger side footwell. I seem to remember that some intrigue's did also.
Take the car to an independent mechanic and have him look over it.
The shimmy can be fixed. A rebalance will fix it unless the tires have a bad wear pattern on them.
Intrigues are at there best on the highway. Smooth as glass and tied to the road.
The only negative is the high road noise coming from the rear wheel wells.
My 3800 had to have its uppermanifold base replaced because it was warped(made of plastic).
So in my experience I would have to say that the 3.5L was the better engine.
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
sda : Costco has great prices on Michelins and BF Goodrich tires. I would avoid Firestones, worst tires I have ever owned and my mother in law has had similar experiences.
What would you recommend?
I'm thinking of changing all fluids, filters, belts, having the steering intermediate shaft lubed to 'fix' the clunking, and change spark plugs.
How long has it been since you posted?
Didn't you live in Columbia or Sumter?
I am in Charleston.
The jury is still out on replacing tranny fluid if it hasn't been done before, but if it were me I would change it too.
CTS is a tempting car though!!
Installed new stereo, amp, etc., factory speakers are ok but not up to standard of new equipments, will get them changed soon.
Went out of town quite a bit during august and got quite a few stone chips in the front.
20,000+ km now, 1 year in october.
Another topic: Car n Driver mentioned 2004 Olds models! I thought 2003 was the last year . . .
58000 miles, moonroof, keyless entry, new tires and brakes/rotors, freshly waxed (looks good), 3.5L, Silver. In Indianapolis
What would be a good price to sell Private party?
I'm thinking $8500, is that too low/high?
I was trying to sell my Civic instead, and based my price on TMV and NADA (~$14200). When I posted my asking price ($13900) on the Civic board, they all basically laughed at me and told me I was way too high....this and the fact that I've had that car for sale for more than a month has not only weakened my faith in these guides, but forced me to consider selling my older, higher mileage intrigue
If the $8500 figure is the Edmunds TMV or NADA price for private party, that would seem to be a good place to start. If you are shopping for a replacement from a dealer, find out what the trade-in value is so you know the minimum to accept from a private party. Keep in mind that, as great a car as it is, the Intrigue is an orphan and has little badge recognition. That's going to steer the unsophisticated buyer away.
Good luck.
Its now time for first oil/filer change and was wondering if anyone has switched their Intrigue to synthetic oil? If so what mileage interval re: oil changes would be appropriate (about 90% highway driving)? Is it true that the Intrigue uses an cannister-style oil filter, and is this filter easy to change as a do-it-yourselfer?
So far only two concerns noted:
(1) There is a whine that lasts for about 30-45 seconds when the car is started cold - is this correct or is this a second stage air intake motor malfunction (is the motor binding and causing the whine)?
(2) When applying the brakes when backing up or moving forward slowly there is a loud 'click' from the right front brake area (caliper?) - has anyone else had this problem?
ss67 : Congrats on the new 02. The GX's out now are a steal of a deal. I'm sure you will enjoy. Might want to have those things checked. I don't get any whine when I start my car.
I always change to synthetic at my first oil change. Have followed this rule with about half a dozen new vehicles (I lease).
Having done so, I do not adhere to the 3,000 oil change rule. I typically change the filter only and add a quart at 5,000, and change oil and filter at 10,000miles.
The Intrigue filter is NOT a cannister type. It is really quite small, almost motorcycle size, that is installed inside of the oil pan. I was concerned over the size but it worked fine and always appeared clean when changed, even on my modified change schedule.
The 6 quart capacity of the crankcase preovides enhanced cooling for the 3.5 liter and IMO provides an even greater margin for change intervals.
With the syn, you do not experience fluid breakdown from heat in the same way as with the dino oils. Therefore the lubrication properties last longer with the greater issue being filtration. Keep it clean.
I have always thought that the change interval was a marketing scam of the auto-oil industries.
There may be users who should adhere to the 3,000 mile change interval. But in normal usage, I can't imagine that necessity in other than engines under constant heavy loads.
Just leased a GMC Envoy. It is equipped with an oil life monitor. It is designed to constantly monitor and accumulate usage data on the engine oil. It provides a % of life remaining on the oil. After 3,000 miles, it is reading 80% life remaining on the original factory installed oil. This vehicle sees the same usage pattern as the Intrigue.
Just wondering.
yellowperil - I don't think I've ever seen the security light come on in my Intrigue. You may be experiencing a malfunction. I would have it checked out or else you might find yourself stranded somewhere when passlock keeps you from starting the car...
Granted you are using synthetic but there is still dirt and contaminents in it.
I doubt if GM would honor the warranty if they found out you were going to 10,000 miles.
On the subject of oil changes, I subscribe to the recommendation of Castrol (since I use Syntec). They recommend changing the oil at the scheduled interval. In our case, that means changing it when the change oil light comes on. My light blinks at about 4,000 miles, 5,000 if I do a lot of driving. I may let it slide 2,000 miles more but at that point I am determined to change it. I don't think this hurts since the light appears to err on the side of caution.
I try to follow the lite because if synthetic oil protects so much better than conventional dino, [and engines last for long periods with regular oil when changed according to schedule] then changing it with syntec at the same intervals should make that baby last forever.
I change the oil filter every single oil change. If you get them from GM Parts Direct ( http://gmpartsdirect.com/ ), you're only paying $3.19 each filter. That doesn't even register when you consider how much it would cost to replace an engine. Interestingly enough, if I remember correctly, the manual says you can replace the filter every other change. But why would you? You spend more than $3.19 buying an Extra Value Meal. Is not your engine more important that that?
Don't plan on an ext. warranty after mine is gone in March. I'll take my chances as the car has been pretty good and I don't expect that to change. Just have to get the alternator and intermediate shaft issues looked at this fall.