You are the Detroiter with the rattle problem and Olsen for your dealer. Your father wants an Olds now; great choice. Took my car to Bill Lee last week for oil change and the sales person said that they did not order for stock any GLSs due to the higher price. They had 30 Intrigues in stock; but no GLSs..
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??
I don't think GM will be without a DOHC V6. The 3.0L and new 3.7L DOHC engine coming out are sure to find their way into new GM cars in the coming years. I'm sad to see the 3.5L go, but apparently it's expensive to make and GM has to be competitive.
I had the pleasure of taking part in a focus group on luxury cars last night in Toronto. The six cars I had to evaluate were all entry level luxury imports. They consisted of the following : Lexus IS300, Infiniti I35, Mercedes 230, Audi A4, Acura 3.2TL-S, BMW 330 and a new Infiniti prototype. Interesting to sit in these vehicles back to back and then in my Intrigue.
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.
I have decide against the grey interior. The neutral is a lot brighter and fresher looking. I think resale will be better too. The grey shows dust big time. I have not had any trouble keeping my neutral interior clean.
cd96ns:: you may be right about when I'll have to change the struts. I've been dropping the wife off at work taking Kelly Drive in Philly that winds along as it follows the river. Still hugs the curves like a mother her child in the cold.
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.
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!
Since you can't cross reference the part number to see if the Aurora filter will fit the Intrigue (a search under "1999 - 2001 Intrigue" will come up blank), one way to figure it out is to use Fram or another filter manufacturer as a reference. If the filter for the 3.5 Aurora is the same part number for the 3.5 Intrigue with Fram, there's a very good chance it will fit. I did notice that the part number is the same for the 3.5 and 4.0 engines. Don't know if that will make a difference but may help in your search.
Right now, the IS300 is my only favorite Japanese sports sedan. I drove one about a month ago (Silver/Black Leather) and it is one sweet automobile! Precise handling, comfortable front seats, excellent acceleration, great build quality and superb weight balance ratio.
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.
Not sure what is happening with the car but I hope it isn't the starter. The shortstar has a bad reputation among mechanics as far as how difficult it is to work on it, and I've read the starter takes way too long to get at. The car is running really nice right now otherwise so I don't think it is fuel related. Just had it flushed about a month ago along with an oil change - maybe they screwed it up then.
My wife's '00 Intrigue's rough starting problem with accompanying Service Engine light was traced to a cam sensor. The sensor has been replaced and we'll see how it goes. Any idea why the PHS and Teak OFF lights would be associated with a bad cam sensor?
Besides my poor typing in previous post, My mistake....they replaced a crank sensor.
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.
Jgriff : IS300 is very tight inside. Also has a love it or hate it interior. Best looking was probably the BMW 330 or the Infiniti Concept. If it wasn't for the bland looks, the 3.2TL wouldn't be so bad.
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!
I have to wonder if the "bad reputation" of the 3.5 among mechanics is truly because the 3.5 is difficult to work on, or mainly unfamiliarity. Surely the 3.5 is not in the same league as the old Chrysler lean burn, or the GM 8-6-4 engine!
I don't like pinstripes, but i wanted to post about some i saw yesterday. 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.
Just searched bill lee oldsmobile and they have a huge selection. 140 oldsmobiles! But no GL's with PCS. I noticed that they still had two 2000 GLS. Talk about losing money.
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.
Saw a Volvo S70 sedan that looked stock except for a huge ~4.5 inch tin can tailpipe (big enough that a custom cut had to be taken out of the plastic bumper cover as it was slightly upwards pointing.
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?!
bz4 : Keep in mind a lot of the PCS eqiuped Intrigues do not have the PCS label on the trunk. The Canadian promo on now is no charge leather and PCS on Intrigue GL. Great deal! Local lot had only 3 in stock though.
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.
Where are you getting the information telling you that a 3.7L DOHC engine is in the works.
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.
It would seem that dealers across the country have fewer intrigues than everything else. Don't understand. Most of the cars are GX's and GL's that have very few options. I have learned in my search that dealer's are not adventureous when it comes to optioning their cars.
I get a slight creak at the area where the right side A-pillar meets the dash. Haven't noticed any odd noises in the steering or front end. Mine is a 3800 and has never failed to start.
Check these wheels out. They are true 3 piece wheels and are expensive. I think these are 18" wheels. www.groupawheels.com/oldsintrigue2jpg. also put 1,3,4 after intrigue and before jpg for additional photos.
- Creaking sound coming from driver's side somewhere where the A-pillar meets the rest of the dash area, and the centre console at the bottom where the little stowaway area is. Will treat with hidden hockey tape or something. This only happens on bad roads. - No suspension noises - Weird starting condition. Car won't attempt to start. Turn off and try again and it starts.
bz4 : No creaks, no front end noise, no engine problems. The seat belt clip used to rattle a bit but after fiddling with it for a few weeks I finally got it to stop.
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?
vcjumper: You think a Cadillac with a ragtop (pleather) roof is bad? I saw an Intrigue last year with it. It looked pretty horrible. Dealerships will often take the cars to custom shops that put them on, and then sell them on their car lots. They are usually popular with the "older" folks.
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.
I think the Maxima is being redone for 2003. Not sure where they will take it but probably upmarket. The Altima competes with Accord, Maxima -> TL?. Sentra -> Civic.
About the Altima being larget than Maxima, i think they are close but Altima has larger interior dimensions.
The AC Delco Oil Filter part for the Intrigue is PF2129. You can get it at Murrays or an auto store near you. The price is no more or less than any of the others. I pay around $2.99 if they aren't on sale.
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.
Checked with my regular Olds dealer and last day to order 01s was 4/16..He has one GLS coming in and a bunch of GLs, however none with PCS.. try Drummy Olds on 8 Mile for they are Olds/Suzuki..
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..
Survey------No dimming lights, no rattles, no starting problems, and no complaints...Brakes are no problem right now; so I quess my status is a "happy camper".
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
The only rattles we have noticed come from the CD player when it's not being used. The CD rattles a bit; easy to fix... take out the CD when not in use. I hate to say anything, but the alternator has not given us any problems since replacement in January or February (I forget which). Still have not added a drop of oil between changes (5,000 miles). Brakes still have lots of pad, and no pulsation. Steering still feels good. Interior is holding up well. My wife's friends always ask "is this a new car?" whenever she drives a new bunch to lunch (she has a "big" car so she gets to drive). Ours is black, so the side mirrors require polishing every three months or so to keep them shiny. 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!
I agree. I will never buy a tire from that company again. I have had nothing but grief with Firestone and the Explorer fiasco sealed their fate with me.
No creaks, no rattles, no steering or front end noises, no starting problems, no engine problems, no headlight dimming. Car is two years old, 1999 with a 3.5 engine. It's running great, and I like it. Also, it's one of the few cars around that's comfortable for me,a tall driver (6'5"). 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).
1998 Olds Intrigue with 3.8 engine with 50,000 mile. No rattles, no starting problems but a feeling of looseness (this is not a good description but I am not sure how to describe this) in the steering. I have had the intermediate shaft replaced 2 years ago but think that over time some parts have become worn. I am going to have a local mechanic (not GM) look at it next week and plan to pursue a fix.
I am also 6'5" and really appreciate the roominess of this car.
Could the "looseness" you're referring to be described as loosing the on-center feeling? Or possibly more play in the wheel than expected? I'm experiencing the same thing. Still handles well but it is not as "tight" as before. My shaft was replaced as well (2x actually). I think that the replacement part used was probably a "workaround" until they reengineered it to work properly in later models.
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.
Any standard end cap type filter wrench with a 74 millimeter cup and 15 flutes will fit ,however,make sure it is not a combination wrench,such as,74-76,15 flutes,Since the filter housing only projects approx.one inch below the oil pan a combination wrench cannot go on far enough to engage the 74 millimeter portion of the wrench, a combination wrench can be only be used on a canister type filter since a canister has a much longer length,PEP BOYS carries them.
Any new incentives on the Intrigue? Buick is now offering 0% apr for up to 48 months and 1.9 for 60 months on the Regal. Unless Olds has changed theirs, that is better as the best they were offering was 0.9 for 36 months and 3.9 for 60 months. With the new incentives and the still poor selection of Intrigues around, a Regal GS my soon replace my Intrigue. Both cars have their pros and cons and I'm just about equal on them with a slight edge going to the Intrigue for it's more contemporary dash layout. But the Regal is quieter on the road and if the price and selection are better, that may be the road I take. I just can't decide which I would like better, the smooth high revving 3.5 or the 240 hp supercharged 3800. Both make an excellent case for themselves.
I've been lurking here for a while without posting (not much to report). I have noticed since the middle of December or so a loose feeling through my steering wheel ('00 GLS with PCS). The steering still feels pretty tight, but I get a feedback through the steering wheel that just feels as though something is loose. Is this what you are experiencing? Anybody else with a post 1998 model year have a similar problem?
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?
Firestone is rather unconsistent. The company produces some of the best tires, and some of the worst ones almost an any category. Just opposite to Michelin: most of its tires are between the best 3-5 in every category.
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:
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:
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:
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.
Having had the 98 GLS for 26k miles, I would like to share some moments with 98 owners..The excessive play of the steering was due to the steering gear or rack which was replaced twice. The intermediate shaft was replaced once..When the car was returned to its maker the front end was tight. They had several engineering levels of the rack and the first replacement only lasted a couple thousand miles and developed excessive play..
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????
Comments
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????