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My 99 GLS is a black one; loaded except no Bose!!!
b4z----The dark grey leather with similar colored carpeting sure ages better than the neutral.. My 98 GLS was white with neutral and it showed wear and dirt quicker.. Of course, in the south the white and lighter colors does a great job of reducing the heat factor which is a plus..
vcjumper----sounds like you have pushed the Intrigue over the hill??? Maybe the summer gas in Canada upset it??? Mine always runs better with fresh oil; I think??
Worst car of the bunch was definitely the Audi. Over priced and cramped like you would not believe. Quality seemed poor also. Best was the I35, but the exterior isn't great and I would get a Maxima and save a few grand. The Acura was nice and spacious inside, but was definitely the most bland car there. Another guy said it looked like a fancy Accord. I chuckled. Prototype looked cool but it was not fully functional (it was hand made) and it was right side drive so it was hard to get a grip on how good it was.
All in all a lot of fun, but after all that I was happy to get back in my Intrigue. Great looks and a well laid out interior. No it's not as luxurious as the cars I just sat in, but the extra $10-15K in my pocket makes me feel a lot better than the extra amenities.
The grey shows dust big time. I have not had any trouble keeping my neutral interior clean.
But that's not the good news.
Ride quality IMO has improved. Expansion joints aren't intrusive, highway ride has always been good but feels a litte better and small imperfections are handled the way they should be. The best way I can describe it is to compare it to the Regal GS w/Grand Touring Package. It's not that soft; it's still firm. But the comfort level is reminiscent of the Regal.
So if you plan on keeping your Intrigue a while so that the struts are "broken in", you won't be disappointed. 76,600 miles and still kickin'.
The K&N is beautiful! I hope there is enough volume of the 3.5 to make a filter for it.
Did you find the IS300 to be very small as well?
Was the focus on both interior & exterior?
Money NOT being a factor, based on looks which of the 6 would you have purchased?
I did a search on K&N's site for a filter for the 3.5. As we know, it shows nothing for the Intrigue. However it DOES have a filter for the 3.5 Aurora. The part number is: 33-2063-1.
I never bothered looking under the hood of the 3.5 Aurora, but since it is the exact same engine I would assume it uses the same filter. That may not be true. The shape and size may be different depending on how they shoe-horned the engine in the bay. My wife's 95 Bonnie uses a different filter than my 98 Intrigue but when looking under the hood, everything else looks exactly the same.
I don't think it would be a problem though. The important thing is to be sure that the gasket fits around the filter housing.
If you want to see it yourself, go to: http://www.knfilters.com/appinq.htm . Then do a search for 2001, Oldsmobile, Aurora to see the results.
I'm looking forward to hearing the results anyone has after installing it!
Downsides:
* Premium Fuel
* Price to equipment ratio comes up short against its intended competition, namely the BMW 3 Series, Lincoln LS, etc.
* Very tight cockpit, specially in the rear. The IS300 is midway (Sizewise) between a Honda Civic and a Honda Accord.
* Some "Rice Boy" styling details such as the clear tailight lenses...
If I were looking at vehicles in that range and I had to had a Japanese RWD 6 cyl sedan, this would be my top choice among the pack.
Glad to return the Corolla loner.
If it were the starter it would have stopped by now.
Has the cam sensor fixed it?
I believe it is electrical in nature, but not the battery.
Not much information on the invoice, but here it goes:
Tech entered: Check engine light is on-vehicle does not wantt to start on first try- TCS, PCS lights come on at same time. Performed system test-traced and found open in crank sensor. Replaced crank sensor, cleared codes and road tested.
Replaced Sensor 2.383, part number: 10456594
Has it corrected? I'll keep you apprised...we've only had it back since Monday afternoon [no Olds warranty work done on the week-end].
Before the problem appeared on Friday morning we had no other indications there might be trouble coming.
teo : Perhaps the IS300 is a good performer, but I'd take the BMW over it anyway. I wasn't all that impressed with the quality of materials either. Most of the other cars seemed better. Audi was the worst though.
vcjumper : It was the current model A4.
In the end, I'll still take the C$10-15K and drive my Intrigue or a Maxima if GM doesn't come up with something comparable. Intrigue rocks!
That is 25 more hp than the Intrigue. I can not imagine what in future for the Max.
Went to the bank and saw a '99 silver mist with a small pinstripe running around the middle of the car. It was just above the body side moulding and was blue on the top and red on the bottom.
The interesting thing about it was that just behind the front wheel it had a very small oldsmobile logo in blue. Not the logo that says oldsmobile but the one that is on the hood.
At the rear of the car on the left side it had a blank space. Maybe the words intrigue or oldsmobile were supposed to go there.
Has anybody seen this type of pinstriping before?
Usually it goes on top of the fenders.
If anybody else knows of a large dealer with their own internet site please let me know.
I have found that the gmbuypower site does not work well.
In my condo someone owns a brozemist new style Deville with beige pleather over the roof. I've seen a few of these (with the gold trim on the bottom, all the way around and over the fuel door). Is this a dealer option?!
jgriff : Altima is too small. The new one looks much better but won't be much bigger. Maxima is nice. If I had to buy a car tomorrow though, I would get another Intrigue.
I've read that a High performance version of the 3.5L WAS in the works for the next gen GranPrix, which was to displace 3.7L. BUT, when they decided to scrap the 3.5L, the 3.7L HO variant went away too.
The 3.5L is a decent motor, but I'm sure starting to notice alot of cam sensor/starting problems lately (myself included). Hopefully, when others take their car in to be fixed, the fix will work (unlike mine).
Of course, my car was "repaired" by a dealer that quit selling Olds 2 weeks after I had it fixed, so maybe they just screwed me.
I just wish someone else would make a reliable, value holding car with a similar interior to the Intrigue.
1) Does your dashboard creak when turning and going over bumps?
2)Does your steering or front end make noises when turning?
3)Those of you with the 3.5L. Does it start roughly, bog, or not at all sometimes?
I do have a creaking sound coming from the left front corner somewhere. I've assumed it was the usual Intrigue strut noise; maybe it's the dash.
I've got the alternator/headlight gremlin. But not too bad... seems to go away after a few flickers.
www.groupawheels.com/oldsintrigue2jpg.
also put 1,3,4 after intrigue and before jpg for additional photos.
- No suspension noises
- Weird starting condition. Car won't attempt to start. Turn off and try again and it starts.
readly_one : Perhaps you are right. I was reading about the upcoming 3.7L in a Canadian newspaper a couple of weeks ago. Perhaps it's no longer in the work. Anyone know?
vcjumper : If the Altima is bigger, why have a Maxima? Will Nissan replace the old Altima with a new compact car?
b4z: The only creaks inside I have are from the piece of plastic that surrounds the shifter console. I think the dealer removed it when they tightened my shift handle and when they put it back on it's never the same as the factory fit. I used to have noises on the left front-end when turning or going over bumps but the replaced intermediate steering shaft cured that. No noises up front now. I have the 3.5L engine, and sometimes it does start rough or takes a long time to start. I'm pretty used to it now, and I just hold the key in the "start" position until it finally decides to start, which can be as long as 3 seconds. I used to just push it to "start" and let go immediately, but if you get a rough start it won't start - so hold the key as long as it takes.
About the Altima being larget than Maxima, i think they are close but Altima has larger interior dimensions.
I got my oil change done and was charged an extra C$5 for my filter.
questions:
a) are Intrigue filters more than say Regal filters?
b) have filter prices gone up like they claimed when I picked up my car today?
c) did I get screwed?
I use an oil wrench made by RiteFit and believe I got it at Murrays or Auto Zone. I don't remember the part number but if you get an AC Delco PF44 oil filter and find the RiteFit (or any wrench) that fits that then it will match perfectly for the Intrigue. I've done all of my oil changes and have had no problems with it.
Mine turned 40k miles today with a 400 mile business trip down I-75..Toledo is a mess for main bridge is down to one lane each direction.
Cruised at 2250/2500, filled tank on return and averaged 29.3mpg.. The 3.5L is getting loosened up and only saw triple digits twice today..
I think the front end problem with the warmer weather is less noticeable since the additional heat has probably made the plastic facia more pliable/flexible..Maybe my hearing is also fading; but I think I shall buy the Firestone SH-30 tires which according to the dealer are quiet and absorb shocks better.. OEM tires are usually the award of the lowest bidder..
The SLP exhaust is not loud but the little bit of backpressure when one gets off the gas at 90/100 is worth the money. No backfires, just a low rumble. As a kid I had a 6 cylinder Chevy 50 fastback, and we had dual strombergs and a dual exhausts with the split manifold and a set of glass packs.. Lots of racket and great acceleration; but with the 1950 Chevy engines there was no pressure lube, only scoops on the crankshaft throws that acted as oil pickups when the crank rotated. After 68mph in third gear the engines would start to lose oil pressure and at 80 there was 0 pressure. Ford had pressure lube from the first V-8
cd96ns: Saw a new Firestone commercial on TV last night. Their "Number One Concern is Your Safety". At least until everyone forgets their current fiasco. How many times in the last 30 years has Firestone been involved in wrongful death lawsuits? I've lost count. Firestone 500. Firestone 721. Firestone Wilderness AT. Sorry, no Deathstones for me!
Only concern so far--After an absence of a few weeks, the self-locking front door is back. I reported on it a few times earlier. And for a couple months it seemed to be gone. Then, eight times in the last seven days the driver's side front door locked itself after I left it parked unlocked (in various places). Once this week all four doors self-locked while the car was parked. The other times, it was only the driver's side front door. It seems that none of you have experienced this, so I must be getting the straight story from the dealer and GM when they say they have not a clue.
At least it is happening with some frequency now, instead of once every week or two. Maybe the next time I take it to the dealer, they will be able to "replicate." It is the only problem I have experienced in the two years and, while puzzling and recurring,it is minor (as long as I don't leave the keys in the car).
I am also 6'5" and really appreciate the roominess of this car.
My 98 is heading upward to 78,000 miles. The problems I've had are relatively minor. I'm seriously considering getting another Intrigue before GM stops making them. I'm 6'8" and am also perfectly comfortable.
Mine is going in for its 15,000 mile service tomorrow so maybe I'll have something substantive to report after that.
I see many of the "usual suspects" are still keeping up on all things Intrigue. Has 1415 undergone a name change?
dwg
In other words, when shopping for tires, you can select Michelin by brand. Safe and simple, if somewhat expensive. With Firestone (and most of other tire producers, including Goodyear), you need to know what you are buying. Not just a brand, but a specific model.
Fortunately, a lot of information is easy available now. I would suggest to use the tirerack user surveys.
For example, you (white6) suggested the Goodyear Aquatread 3. The very best model in the "All-Season" category, according to the tirerack survey:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/surveyresults/as.jsp
They are especially good in rain: wet traction and hydroplanning resistance. As you can see, the worst tires in the category, Invicta GL, bear the same Goodyear brand.
Though, the original Intrigue tires, Goodyear Eagle LS, are of higher performance category, the "Touring Tires". So-so tires quality, as you can see:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/surveyresults/touring.jsp
1415 drives fast and long distance and, to the best of my understanding, he wants to upgrade to "High Performance All-Season" tires, not to downgrade to standard all-season ones. According to the user survey:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/surveyresults/hpas.jsp
the best tires in this category are SH-30, with Michelin Pilot the close second. Even while five of the six worst tires in the category are also produced either by Firestone, or its corporate parent, Bridgestone. The Goodyear tires are in mid of the pack for this category.
My 99 GLS has had the shaft replaced once, but I didn't realize any improvement. My impression of the current car's front end at 40k miles is totally based on how amazingly perfect the tire wear is across the width of all 4 tires.. My driving habits are not jack rabbit starts or 4 wheel drifts; but sustained higher speeds and the Intrigue suspension is not pleasant; but it is certainly keeping all 4 tires firmly in contact with the road..It's a harsh ride with 34# air on LS tires; but the results are amazing after 40k miles..
The Firestone dealer whom I have known for 20 yrs, non-factory store, says that the SH-30 will do the 50k miles easily.. He drives a 300M with the European suspension option/stiff setup. I have bought from him Goodyears, Firestones, and Michelins; so it really doesn't matter for he has always treated me fairly..
I will do the SH-30 over the Aquatred 3 to really satisfy my curiosity more than anything.. Cost out the door is a tossup..I hope the Intrigue suspension has enough oomph left to keep the tire on the road????