Oldsmobile Intrigue

white6

Virtually every Mercedes, BMW, Cadillac, Audi, etc. use aluminum engine blocks. Mercedes even uses the same technique that GM pioneered in the Vega: high-silicon aluminum with etched cylinder bores. This allows the piston rings to ride on the silicon ridges that remain after etching away a bit of aluminum, therefore no steel cylinder liners. I assume Mercedes has refined the technique, of course. 3.5 V-6 in Intrigue (as well as Northstar V-8 in Cadillac and Aurora) use steel cylinder liners pressed into the aluminum block, so you don't have to worry about the Vega melt-down lock-up syndrome. I think the $6800 is maybe a little high, though, depending on your area. Especially considering the time of year: holidays are notoriously bad for used car sales. If you do decide to buy it, make them fix the steering BEFORE signing the papers. This gives you the leverage, so they can't just say afterwards, "Gee, it was more than what we thought, so you're gonna have to pay the difference." If you let them sell the car to you first, you have no choice, since it is now YOUR car and, technically (and legally), YOUR problem. Also, if you want it and they won't budge on price, see if you can get them to throw in an extended warranty to close the deal. Our 99 Intrigue 3.5 has been pretty reliable from 45,000 to 88,000 miles (current); most of our problems got fixed in the first 30,000 miles or so. I change the oil every 5,000 miles and it is always less than 1/2 quart low at that point.

white6

that some of you with 3.5 engine might experience. My 99 GL had a hot-start stall problem for about 6-months. After sitting for 5 to 30 minutes, it would stall immediately after starting on the first try. Second try would start and run perfectly. Since there was never a "check engine" light, I figured it was probably something to do with the fuel system. After doing some on-line research, I determined good chance that it was the fuel pressure regulator. I replaced the fuel pressure regulator ($90 at local auto parts store) and it fixed the problem completely. Very easy to replace; took no more than 15 minutes.

white6

I read that the 2005 Impala and Grand Prix will have a 5.3 V-8 engine option.

b4z

I had the fuel pressure regulator replaced in mine and it didn't solve the problem.
I believe it was the crank sensor.
Might have been two unrelated issues though.

htwired

Hello everyone! it has been almost six months since my last post and much has happened in my life. I have previously alluded to a health crisis in the family. Miracles happen and my wife received a kidney transplant in Septemeber. Dialysis was a real challenge, but everything now looks great, and I look forward to her perpetual guidance for many more years. The experience puts into perpective that the car that a person drives really is wholly unimportant. The Intrigue continues to run flawlessly. It is 42 months old and has 44,000 miles. I still have the original Goodyear GSA Eagles which still have tread depth of 8/32 out of an original 11/32. Honestly, I can't explain it. I was going to replace the tires before winter arrives in Milwaukee, but I am going to wait. When the time comes it will be Conti extremes. No door dings and the Intrigue in its Ruby red with custom pin stripping by Sid, gold package, and chrome wheels continues to make heads turn. Drive safely everyone. Htwired in Milwaukee

focus

We are glad that both your family and car are in good health. Yeap, life would be a lot happier when we put things into perspective. Best Wishes!

b4z

That's great news!
Glad to hear you and your wife are doing well.

dindak

Glad to hear all is well. Sounds like a tough 6 months.

evandro

IIRC, some have stated that replacing it was a simple operation. However, looking at this procedure in the service manual it requires removing the starter. Is this step unnecessary or is it the cam sensor that has to be replaced, which is easily accessible?

ozznet

Has anybody seen that the new 2004 Bonneville GXP will have the 4.6L Northstar in it. Finally something other than a super charged 3.8.

b4z

Yeah, but pricing is the same as the Aurora was and it had one of the best interiors GM made.

dindak

The GXP is very nice but like b4z says, it's overpriced. GM should just put the 4.6L as an upgrade motor for a couple of grand. Then it would sell like hotcakes. As it is, I would get a CTS anyday over a GXP.

evandro

The owner's manual recommends 87 octane gas, but the service manual recommends 91 octane gas. Which one is right?

dindak

87 is all ya need.

v8lincolnguy

For the 2 years and 2 months that I had my Intrigue, I used 87 octane and never had a problem. Once while paying more attention to a cute young woman filling up her car, I mistakenly selected premium(93 octane) and truthfully did not notice any difference or improvement in performance. If there is one thing I really miss from my Intrigue after being without her for 3 months now, it is the Bose audio system. The system in the LS just doesn't measure up. I've replaced the factory "whizzer cone" speakers with some JBL GTO series and that improved things some, but still not to the level of the Intrigue. With the LS's more isolated interior, I can only imagine how good a sound system like the one in the Intrigue would sound like in this car.

dindak

I had my car in to Jiffy Lube today. Oil change and engine flush. They took out the cabin air filter and it needs changing. I told them to put it back as they wanted $49.99 for a new one. RIP.

Question is, where can I get a replacement? Is this a GM part only or can they be had other places and if so, what brand would I be looking for? The guy was nice enough to show me how to take it out so all I need is the part.

thanx

racer_x_9

Here is an article that details how to do it on an Impala. I have done mine in my Intrigue every year since 99. It looks the same as this article.

Also lists aftermarket filter numbers

http://www.impalahq.com/HowTo/Cabin_airfilter.html
Be sure to read on to part2 - that has the aftermarket numbers.

Good luck.

moonshadow

I once priced this at a dealer while getting oil filters and other parts for other cars and i rememebr a price around 30+ dollars. Swallowed my tonsils and said no thanks.

I take it out regularly, hold to the light and it looks good. Due for another inspection soon, so we will see. Have looked at CTC and no luck.

Call your dealer and see what he says. Gotta be cheaper than the quicky lube.

evandro

I replaced the one in my Intrigue myself and the procedure is exactly like that in the Impala shown in that site. Just go easy on the pins or you'll break them as I did. :-(

I bought the filter at http://gmpartsdirect.com for less than $13.

evandro

Isn't interesting to see Oldsmobile's cars sales falling less than Buick's at http://media.gm.com/servlet/GatewayServlet?target=http://image.em- - erald.gm.com/gmnews/viewmonthlyreleasedetail.do?domain=6&doci- - d=1793 ? ;-)

vcjumper

The number of people who like this style of interior is dwindling

I still like this though

b4z

I picked up on that too.
Buick's and Pontiac's are dropping off far worse than Oldsmobile's did before Olds was killed in December 2000.

taycron

I was thinking of upgrading my stereo system with a used Bose system.. I have a 2000 Intrigue with the base stereo. I heard that I wouldn't be able to use a BOSE system because my car didn't originally come with a BOSE system.. Is this true?

ab348

GM should never have killed the division with the best product even though it had the worst marketing. It embarasses me to see Centurys still being sold while the Intrigue is no more.

dindak

ab348 : Century is dead after this year I believe. RIP.

racer_x_9 / moonshadow : Thanks for the info. I watched the guy take it out so I have a pretty good idea how to do it. C$50 (U$35) to change it, HA! Unreal.

v8lincolnguy

To be fair, the Aurora is a more expensive car than the LeSabre is. But still, the Aurora interior is much more upscale looking. While it is styled a bit differently, the color tones of that Aurora interior is nearly identical to that of my LS.

focus

You can upgrade to whatever system you want, in fact, the intrigue is perfect to upgrade to a component speaker system (separate tweeter and woofer) as the car has already installed that way (tweeter up at the window corner and woofer on door panel); there are many systems that's equal to or superior to bose (at same or lesser price)
Cabin Filter - it's amazing how the dealer and garages continue to rip people off for a relatively simple task. My friend was just quoted $48 to fix a punture tire on the tread!

b4z

Go with a quality aftermarket system.
it will sound better than the bose and be cheaper too.

b4z

I think the head guy at olds said he walnut on the console cost them $300.
pretty expensive.
But a nice ouch.

dindak

One of the things I HATE about Jiffy Lube is they always try and sell you 3 things while you wait for your car and they things they try and sell you are always way overpriced. Air filter - $15, gas filter $50 and a cabin filter $50. I'm sure people buy the stuff and clearly that's where they make their money. The oil changes with coupon are $24.95 but many people probably leave there spending $60+.

evandro

Just look at those wide gaps in the Buick's dash and at the tight fitting in the Olds'! World-class.

redline65

I can't find the cabin air filter on gmpartsdirect.com. Do you have the part number? I have the 3.5L engine, by the way.

vcjumper

I find the general theme of the LeSabre interior pretty lame. I'd take an Intrigue interior over it, GX too.

Ofcourse my interior dash pad and centre vent have started their separation process. Anyone have pics of how bad it gets? Mine is separated on the upper passenger side of the vent.

evandro

Sure, it's #10446783.

rocketman71

I recently purchased a 2002 GLS in white with the two-tone beige interior. It has every option that Olds offered - 1SB package - PCS, spoiler, Bose, Chrome wheels,and Onstar plus the Gold package. So far I'm very pleased; it complements my 97 Olds 88 LSS and my 71 Cutlass Supreme SX. I can't believe the high speed acceleration and handling. It was a used car from a Chev-Olds dealer (Optimum Used Car)with only 15,000 km. It's nice to own such a fresh car - it was built in April 2002 but didn't go into service until Jan 2003 - and for some reason came back to the dealership in August where it sat until I bought it in October. I have the full years free ONSTAR package as it was never registered with them - go figure. Powertrain warranty until Jan 2008 -can't beat it - I had no plans to buy one, but being an OLDS nut and since it was loaded and as new, I took the plunge. I'm amazed they couldn't sell Intrigues-far,far more classy and refined than the GM sister divisions products. - only W body with PCS, twin cam V6 - it even has liquid filled motor mounts. I spend time comparing features with my LSS - I like them both - somethings are nicer about the LSS and vice versa. I have been enjoying the posts - hopefully all the bugs are out - it being built only two months before the shut down on June 14/02. Do any of you know if any of the final 500 were shipped to Canada? -haven't seen any.

dindak

Just for interest, what did you pay?

Sounds like a sweet ride.

rocketman71

The GLS retailed for $36,600 or so and I paid $23,200, for vitually a new car - over a third off. Depreciation won't be a factor as I generally keep a car for years.

codog2

I'm looking to buy a small can of touch-up paint for my 98 Intrigue (black). Does anybody know where the paint code is listed?

thanks
td

focus

Elton J. would of been pleased of your purchase. Welcome aboard!

ozznet

Its in your VIN number on your dash or your registration.

hammen2

Look on your RPO build sheet (don't know where it is on the Intrigue, it's in the trunk/spare tire cover on my Aurora).

It's usually the last line, right after the BC/CC (base coat/clear coat) and is usually 4 letters...

--Robert

dindak

Great deal. Most of the heavy depreciation is gone, you are all set!

taycron

Thank You focus and b4z... I've heard great things about the Bose system but an aftermarket head unit seems to be the better way to go...

v8lincolnguy

Your Intrigue sounds like it was equipped as my 01 was. Fully loaded GLS model. Not many here with fully loaded GLSs nor do I see many on the road. Most are base or GLs. Hope you have better luck yours than I did with mine and more importantly, I hope you have a competant dealer as this was the biggest downfall of the Olds for me.

b4z

Congrats on your purchase.
I want you to try something that will blow your mind.
The first thing is to do this on dry pavement.
Drive the car a steady state 25-30 mph. But not higher than 30 mph.
I always did it at about 28-29 mph.

Put both hands on the steering wheel.

Then floor it.

Report back to us.

white6

As a side-note: Nov 03 Car and Driver 2002 Toyota Camry long-term wrap-up shows total cost for five factory-recommended routine maintenance stops (not repairs or warranty work) of $750 for 40,000 miles. And people think my BMW is expensive to maintain!

dindak

Makes those new GM pushrods seem like a good idea.

;-)

sda

The paint code is on the RPO sticker located inside the trunk lid.
Rocketman 71--I too am an Olds nut. We've had them in the family for yrs, I can't believe the brand is dead after this yr. Learned to drive in a 72 Cutlass Supreme 350 4bbl in 1974. It is still mom's favorite car, with her 98 Aurora being a close second. I really enjoyed my 2000 Intrigue. Loved the 3.5 V-6 and its balanced ride/handling. Bumped into what I think was a good buy and bought an 01 Olds Aurora 4.0. Sold my Intrigue to CarMax for $9300. Just saw it listed on the internet site (CarMax) for $12599. If anyone's interested, go to the CarMax site, list Charlotte,NC, Independence Blvd site, and you will see it there. Stock #2044416. They list it as blue (it is midnite blue) with gray interior. Actually, it has the neutral (beige) interior. Though I really like my Aurora, I have a real soft spot for my Intrigue. Enjoy the 02. It sounds great!

perna

If I knew how to link to a picture I'd do it, but the interior of their new Terraza minivan is gaudy. Check out the plastic shifter stalk with the faux-wood grip. Nasty.

dekester

guess I'll find out how well the AVIDs are in this stuff in about an hour and a half! They've GOTTA be better than the Eagles that came standard.

Wife's Camry came with Continental Tourings, but she can't make any observations on snow handling since she never drives in it if she can help it! Guess I'll take it out after dinner and see for myself. Read a few comments on the Camry board that the Contis stink in the slop, so it should be an experience.

Deke