Oldsmobile Intrigue

intrigueguy

It's been a while since I've posted but I just reached 100,000 mile on my '99 Intrigue 3.8 GX (bought used, previous rental)

I've been on the road back and forth from Atlanta to Indiana and Atlanta to Dallas and as always it's been a great highway car.

I've had no major repairs(replaced AC Head Unit at 50,000 and left strut while under warranty).

I've got 45,000 miles on my Yokohama YK420's 235/55/16 (very good tires) but I'm looking at a longer wear tire. Has anyone had experience with the Yoko AVID? Any other suggestions?

jg28

I saw an 2002 Aurora 4.0 on sale at a dealership for just over 19K. It had somewhere in the range of 20K miles if I remember. I wouldn't consider paying anything more than 16K for that Intrigue. Heck, see if you can get a 3.5 Aurora for less than that.

rjs200240

jg28:"I saw an 2002 Aurora 4.0 on sale at a dealership for just over 19K. It had somewhere in the range of 20K miles if I remember."

Ouch...

Guess it's good I'll be keeping mine for a long time.

dindak

Resale on Intrigues totally depends on the area in which you live. Some places I hear it's bad, but around here a used Intrigue goes for the same price as any GM midsize car, maybe even a touch more. You can't say a price is too high without knowing what they generally go for in a particular area.

jgriff

Pat -- FYI: the Oldsmobile 'News & View' is a dead zone. Guess NO one is interested in discussing Olds products over there.

Must be: Out of sight, & out of mind.

Oh well, seem like back in '98 Olds/GM gave it a good shot. Seems unfair to have gotten the big ax. And then GM has still not stepped up to the big plate.

ozznet

In Manitoba they are going from 17,000 to 24,000 depending on the k's and model.

pat

jgriff -- I'll bet you can liven it up in a heart beat.

Start a new discussion over there if you have a fresh approach to the issue, or post in whatever exists there now to get it going again.

In any case, this is still the wrong place for those kinds of observations as I note in my previous post.

pat

Join us tonight, 6-7pm PT/9-10pm ET for another
round of automotive trivia and member-to-member chat.
Test your skills (or multiple choice guessing ability)
against other Town Hall members.

http://www.edmunds.com/townhall/chat/townhallchat.html

Hope to see you there!

dindak

Manitoba is a major truck center. I was there 3-4 years ago and all I seemed to see is pick up trucks everywhere. Prices are about the same here, Oldsmobiles sell pretty well in the Toronto west area.

TSchramm

An acquaintance of mine just bought a one-owner '99 GX on eBay for $6,600. Car is perfect - only 46K miles, was sold in Cleveland, OK.

Personally, I'm skeptical of buying any car I can't drive first, but there was an "out" clause for the buyer if he showed up and was not completely satisfied, so the greatest risk of buying through eBay is potentially incuring the time and expense to show up and not want the car. He , as would I, spent quite a bit of time on the phone with the seller, had photos emailed, did a CarFax, etc.

This GX is a one-owner, doesn't have a single scratch or door ding, has all records, drives perfectly, and the seller provided a 3K/3month bumper-to-bumper. I suggested maybe he should drive it to Canada and make a quick 5 grand, but he's too happy enjoying his great deal. I would be too. Less than $7K for a like-new Intrigue with the 3.5 is unreal.

oldsman01

I understand GM's business logic on axing Olds(the division simply was not making money and sales were not increasing) but from an auto enthusiast standpoint, Olds should have gotten a bigger boost with their new products. Had the Intrigue not been available when I bought mine, I would have probably gone with a used Cadillac STS or last generation Aurora as no other GM(or really any) new cars in the range that I could afford then attracted me. I guess it's because I've always preferred luxury and been willing to buy used, but in the case of the Intrigue I was impressed. While no Caddy or Lexus, it does look and feel upscale(remember mine is the GLS model) and offers great performance. I've been disappointed with the build quality and even more so with the dealers ability to correct problems, but it seems even luxury cars aren't immune to problems. Still, if the dealer can't get the problems fixed this tiime, I'm going to dump the car this summer.

b4z

looks like he did good on that purchase. Especially in light of the fact that it has the 3.5L and the 3.29 gear.

My '99 GX leased in March '99 and turned in june '01 with 36K miles got $8300 at auction.
I paid 21K for it.

I figure it went on a lot for $11,900-12,900.

ozznet

Just got my 2002 Intrigue today. I love that car. You don't even realize how fast you are going at times. Hopefully I don't get any speeding tickets.
My favorite part so far is that there's no squeaks or rattle like my grand am, those were annoying.

regfootball

congrats, enjoy that fine powerplant.

winter9

Well, it happened. I've been reading about it in this forum for years and thought that by the final model year Olds would have worked out the dreaded headlight flicker problem. Not on my Nov 01 built 02 GL. I've had the car for 16 months now and finally noticed about 5 successive "intensity pulses" within about 10 seconds. Was not running much accessory power at the time. Temp was about 40 deg F. The low intensity part of the pulse was still bright enough to see, but I was going slow on a neighborhood street with a little lighting. It may have been much more serious on a dark highway.
I'd like to write the Gov on this issue to help shore up a recall case. Someone posted a website a while back if memory serves me. Please repost. This is a disappointment, but I still LOVE to drive this car.

evandro

Now that I'm shopping for a used car after having one totalled, the Intrigue came into my radar screen again.

I just checked out a '99 Intrigue GL 3.5 with measly 25000mls! Sweet mamma of an engine! I was a bit disappointed with the fit and finish (I think that my Alero was put together better), but the leather and carpets were were in perfect shape (very comfortable seats, by the way).

I checked its warranty repair history and it had the dreaded crankshaft sensor replaced twice and a window regulator once. The steering wheel had no cluncks end-to-end and I couldn't notice the flicker issue.

However, a window wasn't working. I wonder if the alternator issue starts frying electrical accessories such as the window regulator... Can it?

How much do you guys think this car is worth, considering that it spent 2 years in CT and has some scratches?

Many thanks.

evandro

Usually CR holds the judgment on reliability until it gets data about it. Sometimes it just used to say that it was promising, considering the brand and the previous model record. However, CR blew its cover blatantly: it thinks that the Mazda 6 is above average (page 64).

What data did it use to state that? CR's dishonesty is not even subdued anymore. Oh, well, I guess it's whatever it takes to bash domestic models... :-P

ozznet

So far I love the car but that factory stereo has to go. I don't thinks its the speakers its more the head unit. Its ruff going 2 years with a Rockford system then to this. Ever wonder why car companys don't put decent systems in. I don't want to shake houses but clear sound would be nice. Maybe some jbl's with a decent amp. I will have a new system in about a month from now. But still love the car.

hammen2

Evandro, GM power window motors are notorious for going out after 3-4 years (especially if they are not used, which I'm betting is the case for the car you mentioned). I'd bring it to the attention of the dealer, but not worry about it.

It could also be the window motor switch (test both the "master" on the driver's door, as well as the one at the specific door where the window won't move).

Hope this helps,

--Robert

dindak

ozznet : Congrats on the car. The stereo in mine is good, I have the middle upgrade with the steering wheel controls. BTW.. what did you pay for the car and how many KMs did it have?

winter : Just had my alternator replaced a week before my warranty was up. Have not seen a return of the flicker. Replacement parts have a 1 year warranty so I figure I will see how it goes.

evandro : CR gives the new Accord the benefit of the doubt highest reliability rating. Judging by all the issues in the Accord forum, CR made a mistake. Surprise!

ozznet

I have the low end stereo. No steering wheel controls for me. It's the GX model but its got the PCS, trac control, spoiler. Is it a 6 speaker if its got the tweeters by the mirrors or is that counted as four? I payed what I payed. Just kidding. Its was 18,900 with 24k plus extended warranty. I didn't take the rust proofing and all that other crap.

b4z

You don't have the low end stereo. You have the upgrade. Then the Bose is above that.
The regular stereos have the tweeters in the speakers that are down in the doors.

ozznet

It still sucks. I miss my old system. You would think they could make those rear speakers a little easier to take out. Is there any easy way to take them out?

dindak

I think the stereo is good. I'm not an audiophile, but it's better than my past systems. Sounds like a decent deal on the car though. Cash price on them new was about C$24-25K about 6 months ago. Perhaps you can have the speakers changed?

white6

FYI, about a month after purchasing our 99 GL, the rear passenger side window quit... I popped the switch plate off and saw the problem; the switch wasn't plugged in all the way. A simple "click" and everything was fine.

regfootball

"Sweet mamma of an engine!"

Yeah, no shocker, its DOHC. Makes a big difference. I thought you preferred that pushrod action, according to your posts in the Alero board.

'Technology' has its benefits. Makes one think they should offer it in the other GM cars too, doesn't it?

evandro

Stalking me? :-)

Even in the Alero board I made clear that I do miss the lack of "oomph" on the highway of typical OHV designs.

Then again, it's not "technology" that made me say that, but a nice torque curve coupled to a telepathic tranny, as many GM powertrains have. And I wouldn't trade the 3.8 SC for the 3.5 DOHC. You see, it's not "technology" that moves the wheels, torque does. ;-)

oldsman01

I'm split nearly 50/50 on the 3.5 v the supercharged 3800. While the 3.5 is a blast to rev up, there is something about the raw "kick a**) power of the S/C 3800 that is equally as tempting. The fact that it's considered "low tech" by many but can kick the tail of many "high tech" engines also has some appeal to me(call me crazy).

oldsman01

Welcome to the club, good luck on getting your flicker fixed. Mine got worse when they replaced the alternator. It did it earlier this evening, temps were mild(around 60 degrees) and no accessories other than the headlights and radio on.

dindak

oldsman : I sometimes wonder if there is more to the flicker than just the alternator. Mine was very minor and its gone now with the replacement.

evandro : Some people think hi-tech is always best. Can't argue with them, you just blow their doors off at the stop light. :-o

ian18

Just did a good spring cleaning on the '98 Intrigue. I am very impressed that the OEM chrome wheels are looking like new after 5 Chicago winters. Years ago I had a set of after market chrome mags which I took off every winter and they still developed a lot of rust problems. I have to commend GM (and its supplier) for making a very good product.

While on the subject of praising Olds, I still find the overall design of the instrument panel and driver controls to be excellent. Even my new Passat is not quite as nice in terms of display and design of controls.

Its a shame that there is no new Intrigue from GM. They lost a loyal customer to the imports.

regfootball

Its too bad GM didn't supercharge the Shortstar. That would have ended any talk about and purpose for the 3800 right there.

I can't wait to see Nissan's twin turbo 350z coming soon. Not that the generals supercharger doesn't already eat its dust but adding twin turbos to Nissans free revving 287hp motor should easily bring it into BMW M territory. Now an Altima would be tasty with a blower then too.

A special version of the Intrigue Shortstar with forced induction may have actually generated interest for the model line.

dindak

"A special version of the Intrigue Shortstar with forced induction may have actually generated interest for the model line"

Maybe a little, but I doubt it would have saved Olds.

akitadog

Well, Olds did supercharge the Shortstar once, in the first iteration of the OSV Intrigue.
Of course, they were only able to squeeze out 35 extra horses and 30 extra lb/ft. Hardly worth it. It would only put it near the new Maxima with its hp and torque numbers, and Nissan does it naturally aspirated!
If I wanted to, I could get those OSV numbers with things such as cold-air intake, cat-back exhaust, port polish and maybe lighter pistons and other engine parts. Hey, there's an idea!
Hmmm....

b4z

I have a feeling it put out a lot more power than they were telling us. Also supercharging builds torque and the tranny is only rated for 280 lbs ft.
I would guess that the midrange acceleration of that the motor was something else.

evandro

I found a '99 Intrigue GL with leather and just 26000mls on it. The asked price is $12500, which I think is on the way high side. I'm thinking about bidding $9000. What do you think?

TIA

akitadog

I checked out the specs on the Eaton Model 62 supercharger, the one used in the OSV Intrigue. It actually tops out at supplying around 35 extra hp and 30 extra lb/ft. If they had used a larger blower, such as the Model 90 or the Model 112, then there could be hp numbers like 260 or 280, respectively.

http://www.automotive.eaton.com/product/engine_controls/superchar- - gers.html

evandro - kbb.com puts the Intrigue you're looking at for $11,145 from the dealer. And that's in DC, a high-priced place to live. You should'nt pay any more than $10,000.

oldsman01

I'd loved to have seen an Intrigue GL-SC model with the supercharged 3.5. That would have been pretty neat Bolted to a nice 5(or 6 speed) manual. Too bad Mr. Lutz showed up at GM a bit too late to save this one.

dindak

http://www.edmunds.com/new/2004/pontiac/grandprix/100252307/roadt- estarticle.html?articleId=93322&tid=edmunds.h..reviews..4.*

jr45

My '01 GL has about 38K on it now. For the last 12k mis or so, it has begun to shift hard under heavy acceleration. Recently I have noticed that the trans shudders when it shifts even under moderate acceleration. Haven't taken it in to the dealer on this issue yet, but wonder if anyone has experienced the same problem. Also, I was looking through the paperwork on the car from when I bought it in 2/02, and I don't really have anything that states it's covered by the 5yr/60k warranty, even though I know that was part of the deal Olds was offering at that time. The car's book has the standard 3yr/36k language in it. How can I verify that I have the extended coverage?

jjpowell2

Our '01 GL started doing the hard shifts about 2 months ago with 24,600 miles under its belt. It also had a high whirring sound. I can't understand why you didn't bring your car in right away. They can get the trouble code when hooking it up to the computer. Once you turn off the ignition it seems to clear the problem for awhile.

This is what our work order said: Pressure tested with guage & Tech 2 - Pressure readings were inconsistant. R & R valve body to recondition to free up scoured pressure regulator valve. Replaced the pressure regulator solenoid. Reset toe.

All was done under warranty. You should have received a separate warranty policy in the mail for the 5 yr/60,000 mile. Contact your dealer for details.

jr45

Thanks for the info. Until recetly the hard shifting was rare and not so hard that I could conclude there was a problem. I cut & saved the potion of your post describing your repairs, so I will have something to go on. My dealer sometimes has a hard time "duplicating" my problems

oldsman01

My transmission problems began as yours did. On one trip it begins shifting harshly(feels as if it is slamming into gear) and the whirring sound that varies with engine speed. Did it the entire trip, but cycle the engine and it goes away. Transmission was first serviced 02/02 and a few months later the problem comes back so 06/02 the entire transmission was supposed to have been rebuilt(took them 15 days). So in October guess what, the problem comes back. Again, stopping and restarting the car makes it go away but soon after this occurence, the transmission began slipping upon acceleration from a stanstill whenever the car is cold. So I took it in again 11/02(a different dealer this time) and they replaced the shift control solenoid which corrected the problem long enough to drive it home as it did the same thing the next morning. So I scheduled another visit a week or so later and they kept the car all day and found nothing. I've got an appointment next week to take it in and I am going to take in the night before and instruct them to leave it parked outside all night and drive it first thing in the morning when it s cold. I've also got a little grocery list of other things to have checked and corrected. If they tell me they cannot find anything wrong with the transmission this time, I don't know what I'm going to do. Probably sell the car to the first person to give me within $500 of payoff.

jr45

Eesh, can't blame you for wanting to get rid of your car. I hope I'm not heading in the same direction with my transmission. I have yet to hear any whirring sound, but the shudder I'm feeling is probably momentary slipping. Usually these problems get worse rather than better. Funny thing is that the car shifted fine all day today.

redline65

My tranny always takes a little longer to shift when the engine is cold, I just assume it is supposed to. It doesn't feel like a hard shift though.

dindak

Transmissions are always a little rougher when they are cold, especially in the winter up here. Once our Intrigue is warmed up, I fine the transmission is very smooth though.

TSchramm

Problem is, anyone with any sense buying a used car is going to ask to see the service records - and will see the numerous transmission issues you've had.

Of course, you would never think of witholding that information to some poor, unsuspecting mother of three samll children, who might end up with a broken transmission on a dark road late at night, would you?

Seriously, the problem needs to be resolved by Oldsmobile at the zone or higher level. Just passing the problem along to someone else isn't the answer.

jjpowell2

That's exactly the point I made in our BBB Lemon Law Case and it's what the arbitrator used to give us a favorable ruling. I said that I couldn't in good faith sell this car with the dimming headlights without disclosing that fact. The henchman at GM made the mistake on the speakerphone of saying they can't disclose to the customer "every little thing" wrong with a car or they wouldn't make any sales. Didn't play well to the audience.

oldsman01

Thats my problems with selling the car out right as more than likely a potential buyer is going to want to see the service records, especially if they are paying top dollar. One look at those and they'll either leave or low ball me.

jr45

Mine shifts fine when it's cold. Most of the hard shifts and shudder occur after the car thoroughly warms up. Looks like I'm heading to the shop because the problem is getting worse, and so noticiable that it is beyond any plausible deniability from the service dept. Found the paperwork on my 5yr/60k warranty. Must be the onset of Alzheimers because I had stuck in a separate file in the bottom drawer of my file cabinet. Fortunately, I have the 5yr/60k GMPP Major Guard, 0 deductible.

Oldsman: You of course can always try to trade it or sell it to Carmax. I have sold two cars to Carmax and they never asked me anything about the history, condition or service records. They just inspect it and make you an offer. Granted they don't pay anywhere near private sale value, but on both cars I sold they paid about $500 over dealer trade-in offers.