I'm very close to buying a 1999 Intrigue GL, 65000 miles, $10,700. The owner tells me it has a 3.8l engine. Olds has only made these with a 3.5l, correct? Has the 3.5l been a good engine? Any other cronic problems with the Intrique? I'm looking at buying an extended warranty for another 35,000 miles. Any "heads up" on things to be aware of is appreciated. TIA.
The 3.8L is in all 1998 and many 1999 models. The guy is likely telling the truth. The 3.8L is a great engine and the 3.5L is even better. You won't go wrong either way. Only thing I would look out for is the steering shaft problem which showed up mostly in 98s, but also some 99s. It may not be an issue, but even if it is, it will be fixed for free.
Was out of town this weekend with the family and got to have fun on the highways of Ontario with the Intrigue. A 300M and I were zipping around slower traffic for about an hour and a half. I think he was surprised how well I kept up with him on acceleration. On the way home I was exchanging passes with a Taurus SHO. Intrigue was faster!
I want to buy an extended warranty for an 1999 Intrigue with 65000 miles to extend to 100,000 miles. Can I buy a warranty from GM? Or, do I have to buy from another warranty company? Anyone have any experience with warranty providers that could enlighten me. I'm interested in costs, deductible, what's covered, how you get reimbursed or if you just pay the ded. Do you need to get the work done at dealer? TIA Paul
I now have over 600 miles on the impala and got on the beltway to go to an appointment. I merged into the left lane after letting an old blue ford pickup and a dodge neon by. The neon was following the pickup with a "nascar" bumpersticker and three construction worker redneck types kind of closely. The pickup was going 60 in a 60, when the neon tried to pass on the right, the pickup sped up to 75 mph. After blocking the neon for a mile he let it by on the right and i followed through. At 60 i floored it and it kicked down and took off fairly well up to about 80 when i let off. Acceleration was okay but it is not an intrigue. The intrigue at 60 mph practically takes you head off. Then charges up to 80 in a matter of seconds. I would say that the intrigue has a 30 hp advantage on the highway. Due to its powerband and gearing. Around town the impala has more go, but on the highway it is not a contest.
Taurus SHO was not keeping up at highway speeds. Maybe the driver was slow, but Intrigue kicks on the highway. Having driven a 3.8 Grand Prix, I know the 3.5 is way more fun on the highway. 3.8 is a city car.
I saw today a new Olds Intrigue GLS in black. A looker. I think the Intrigue looks much better in dark colors than light paint schemes....it almost looks like a BMW from the rear.
My 2000 Intrigue, having started life as a rental car, does not have keyless entry. The cheapest I've been quoted locally is $135 without alarm. I see Crutchfield has a kit for $70. I haven't a clue where the harness is that I would need to get at. Anyone done this on their own? Is the harness fairly accessible or should I leave it to a pro?
teo : I have a silver car. I think the best 2 colors are the dark blue and silver. Don't think dark looks like a BMW. I think it looks better!!
vcjumper : Love El Caminos!! Still want to buy one some day. If they cut an Impala in half and gave it the treatment, I'm sure it would sell well as a collector car.
This is my personal opinion, but I'd stay away from the warranties offered by dealers. Usually there are a lot of loopholes in them, they're expensive and don't give you much. And in "some" instances, you can only use them at the dealer you purchased it from (usually not the case if it's a genuine GM plan). I also tried the Allstate warranty. Don't waste your money.
There are others you can try. Warranty Gold is one I seriously considered. Another is Warranty Direct . Warranty Gold has the better reputation and it covers more things. And it's good in Canada and the US not to mention that their plans are more comprehensive than most I've seen and YOU choose the repair facility.
Give 'em a go and see what they'll give you. As for me, I haven't really needed one and hope not to before I make my next purchase.
Interesting article on the new concept cars coming from GM. My favorite is the Pontiac REV. Once they modify the Buck Rodgers interior I think it will be a major hit. Let's just hope GM learned their lesson from the advertising disaster at Olds. From the new Tiger Woods/Buick Regal commercial, it would seem that they have.
Just got a JD Power survey form in the mail last night for the Intrigue. Gave the Intrigue very high marks all around, but gave my service dealer only fair-good marks. I guess it won't do much good as Intrigues days are numbered, but I guess it can't hurt GMs over all marks.
Was also reading in Business Week that GM looks to be over taking Ford in the truck market and is making huge gains in large SUV market share. Further, GM productivity was up 8% over all. Perhaps the elephant is finally moving in the right decision.
My wife recently took our (my)1998 intrigue on a 1000 mile trip and got 34MPG!(That even included some Chicago City Driving). I recently got a 9" K&N cone air filter and it seems to have bumped the mileage up by 5 MPG.
I also received the J.D. Power survey in the mail last night. I also gave my '01 Impala LS very high grades all around, including my dealership. At already 1,100 miles traveled, this car continues to excel in its flawless execution and hasn't gone back to the dealer for anything.
Going over the J.D. Power questionnaire, it appears to be very comprehensive in regards to critical areas of operation of the car. I always was under the impression that the J.D. Power questionnaires were some sort of 'Mickey Mouse' or balooney surveys with inconsistent data. I no longer get this impression from them after reading their survey structure.
I hope to receive one from Consumer Reports as I suscribe to their On-Line mag.
I am also glad to hear in the news that GM is improving their initial quality of their products and has already surpassed Ford and DCX in this venture. It seems that GM is finally very serious about adopting Toyota's super efficient manufacturing processes in their plants.
This is a GOLDEN opportunity for GM to pull ahead of the 'pack' as DCX is battling the woes of the Daimler-Benz take over, quality problems and financial problems while Ford is still trying to recover from a very bad year IMHO plagued with failed new product launches (Recalls galore) and the Explorer-Firestone fiasco which has almost already surpassed the after effects of the 1977-78 Ford Pinto scandal.
Ya, I was very surprised to see how comprehensive the survey was. I think it was six pages total. Very impressed with JD Power. I think they also have a draw for various prizes at the end.
As for GM, they do indeed have the opportunity of a generation to pull ahead in quality and grab back market share. Lets hope all of these early signs are good ones.
The cost was $999 and came with no deductible (that was a special). The plan, which is fairly comprehensive, will last me until 5/06 or 100K, whichever comes first. Before I bought the plan I read the entire Edmunds thread on 1source. It *appears* that they offer good coverage so long as you are not out to scam them. Can't blame them there.
Where did you get the cone filter? It was like pulling chicken teeth trying to find the regular K&N filter for my '98 Intrigue. It has smoothed out the acceleration from a dead stop and accelerating from high speeds. Fuel economy may have increased by about 1 maybe 2 miles per gal but nothing like you have observed.
It's pretty sad that the only thing out there for the Intrigue is an aftermarket air filter. And with the model going away we are almost guaranteed not to see any performance mods for this car. By the way, I got beat by a Chevy Metro at the light the other day. I wish the 3.5 had a little more low-end power.
1415 installed it and like it very much. As well as I remember, his Intrigue have 3.5l engine. However, SLP advertises the exhaust only for 3.8l engine...
Won't help get any more low end torque.. A little less if anything. Maybe 1 or 2 horsepower at the higher end. But would you want to risk breaking anything in the 3.5L? Going to be REALLY expensive to fix. Better off getting an aftermarket exhaust.
There won't be any mods for the 3.5L, makes no sense with such a low volume of cars out there with it. Lots of suspension mods can be done though as most of the ones available for GP's, Regals etc will fit our cars.
Internal modifications could be done, but would be expensive. I wouldn't want to be the guinea pig if it were my car. Somebody like John Lingenfelter or a comapny that balances and blueprints engines for showroom stock road racing could handle the job. Port matching Clean up the heads, CNC etc. Regrind the stock camshafts Slight compression bump by milling the heads I am thinking that 240-250 hp would be easily attainable without messing up the computer. These mods will give less low end torque though. It was also probably spin to 7000 rpms with computer changes. Anyone who has modified a aurora should be able to do the work too. Remember the tranny does not have limited slip, and if you spin the tires too wildly it will eventually fail. But, I will leave it to you guys since i am no longer an intriguer. ...........Hmmmm, lets see, I could find a 3.5L in a junkyard and put it in the impala, and then i could...........
Intrigues will just be plain old used cars that can be picked up cheap, and people will be more experimental modding them out. Right now, most Intrigues are still under warranty, and people don't want to screw things up.
I'll probably at least put better tires on mine when the time comes. But true mods, I'm not sure.
So far my brakes are still doing well at 10K. I'm making an effort to brake a little earlier and lighter to curtail excessive pressure and heating. But if I get any brake problems I'll probably upgrade that, too.
Over 70,000KM's now, no brake problems (all original) aside from the fact they have never been great. Just adequate/average. If I had the old autobahn size brakes with proper materials, they would probably be noticeably better.
On my 98 Intrigue I had all four rotors replaced at 44,000 miles under warranty. I now am at 52,000 miles and have not seen the return of the shuddering braking problem caused by warped rotors. Somewhere I read an online article about warping of the rotors caused by poor casting of the part. I have to conclude this was the problem with my brakes as machining the rotors twice was only a temporary fix. Replacement seems to have cured the problem.
Remember way back when that reviews of the Intrigue were less than positive, some reviews stopping just short of saying the car was crap?
Well, I went looking for reviews for the Buick Regal in case the Intrigue isn't around when I'm ready for a new one and found an article written by a favorite of ours (updated in Feb of this year actually) who ripped the car apart but now has given the 98 Intrigue a glowing report.
I won't say who the writer was or where it came from but here's the link.
If this person had good things to say about a 98 Intrigue, folks purchasing '01 or '02s shouldn't have any problem. I think the change of heart is because ALL the writer's contemporaries at competing journals had completely different experiences.
Well, most of the other threads are essentially [non-permissible content removed] sessions about the problems with their cars, or bash American/Foreign, or bash SUV/cars.
I really haven't had any problems with my car. In fact, I still need to go to the dealership to have my keyless remotes programmed... (they forgot to do it when I bought the car). But even after 7 months of driving, I haven't found any reason to go there other than one oil change, so I just never get around to it. Maybe this next oil change I'll remember.
Ever notice there's a distinctive sound to GM starters? When I'm at a gas station or a parking garage with good acoustics, I swear I hear someone starting up an Intrigue. And I look, and it'll be a Grand Prix or a Malibu.
I hope their starters are better than they were in the early 80's... apparently they're using the same one in a lot of models.
one2one : I'm not a big fan of Edmund's reviews not because I disagree with them, but because they are inconsistent and in some cases very unprofessional.
swagled : You are right, Intrigue really has no major issues any more and if Oldsmobile was not killed we would be talking about the next generation Intrigue which we would likely see in 2004. I don't notice GM starters, but I do notice the growl of GM V6 engine. Love the sound! The 3.5L is a bit different though.
-- As an aside, I took a 2002 Rendezvous CXL 4WD out for a test 2 days ago. What a nice vehicle! The fit and finish is top notch and it drives like a dream. While I will always prefer cars, this may be my next family mobile to sit beside the Intrigue.
No. It's not going to win any drag races, but it's rated 0-60 in 9.1 or 9.2 seconds. I thought power was good, but not great. I'll take the power cut to get the good gas mileage. Still, a 3.8L would be a nice option for next year. Go test one and tell me what you think.
I am not sure that the 3800 will fit because it is a 90 degree design. I am assuming the purpose of the 60 degree pushrod GM V6's is because they have no other engine that is suitable.
I also test drove a Rendezvous recently - just to see how I'd like it - no plan on buying anything. My reaction was that it drives much like minivan - smooth riding, peppy, somewhat sloppy in cornering, but a good alternative to an SUV or minivan if you don't need to carry more than 5 people regularly. The third seat is hard to get to and when in place steals all of the avaiable cargo room - no place to store any luggage for traveling.
The width of the vehicle provides tremendous spaciousness inside - not the cramped feeling you sense in some smaller SUVs - although the new Envoy et al are wider than their predecessors too.
All in all a very nice vehicle for everyday use - and it can even tow a boat like mine (2500 lbs) so it's pretty versatile and will most likely sell well.
You may be right, the 3.4L may be the only thing that fits. Perhaps with a new generation Venture/Montana will come a new engine.
As for the third row seating, I have no need for it so I didn't really even look. I think it's a great idea for people like me who don't really want to give in and buy a van. I guess we will see what the money situation is like next year. I also want to see the Saturn Vue and the Jeep Liberty. Saw a Liberty from the road, but have to stop in and test one.
Took a friend out in my Intrigue last night. He owns a 3.2TL and was surprised by the power of my Intrigue. He thought the Intrigue was very good value for a car with this type of engine. I had to agree. ;-)
Comments
Paul
Anyone have any experience with warranty providers that could enlighten me. I'm interested in costs, deductible, what's covered, how you get reimbursed or if you just pay the ded. Do you need to get the work done at dealer? TIA Paul
I merged into the left lane after letting an old blue ford pickup and a dodge neon by. The neon was following the pickup with a "nascar" bumpersticker and three construction worker redneck types kind of closely.
The pickup was going 60 in a 60, when the neon tried to pass on the right, the pickup sped up to 75 mph.
After blocking the neon for a mile he let it by on the right and i followed through.
At 60 i floored it and it kicked down and took off fairly well up to about 80 when i let off.
Acceleration was okay but it is not an intrigue.
The intrigue at 60 mph practically takes you head off. Then charges up to 80 in a matter of seconds.
I would say that the intrigue has a 30 hp advantage on the highway. Due to its powerband and gearing.
Around town the impala has more go, but on the highway it is not a contest.
Holden Maloo HSV
Thanks.
vcjumper : Love El Caminos!! Still want to buy one some day. If they cut an Impala in half and gave it the treatment, I'm sure it would sell well as a collector car.
There are others you can try. Warranty Gold is one I seriously considered. Another is Warranty Direct . Warranty Gold has the better reputation and it covers more things. And it's good in Canada and the US not to mention that their plans are more comprehensive than most I've seen and YOU choose the repair facility.
Give 'em a go and see what they'll give you. As for me, I haven't really needed one and hope not to before I make my next purchase.
80,000 mile update coming soon!
Was also reading in Business Week that GM looks to be over taking Ford in the truck market and is making huge gains in large SUV market share. Further, GM productivity was up 8% over all. Perhaps the elephant is finally moving in the right decision.
Going over the J.D. Power questionnaire, it appears to be very comprehensive in regards to critical areas of operation of the car. I always was under the impression that the J.D. Power questionnaires were some sort of 'Mickey Mouse' or balooney surveys with inconsistent data. I no longer get this impression from them after reading their survey structure.
I hope to receive one from Consumer Reports as I suscribe to their On-Line mag.
I am also glad to hear in the news that GM is improving their initial quality of their products and has already surpassed Ford and DCX in this venture. It seems that GM is finally very serious about adopting Toyota's super efficient manufacturing processes in their plants.
This is a GOLDEN opportunity for GM to pull ahead of the 'pack' as DCX is battling the woes of the Daimler-Benz take over, quality problems and financial problems while Ford is still trying to recover from a very bad year IMHO plagued with failed new product launches (Recalls galore) and the Explorer-Firestone fiasco which has almost already surpassed the after effects of the 1977-78 Ford Pinto scandal.
As for GM, they do indeed have the opportunity of a generation to pull ahead in quality and grab back market share. Lets hope all of these early signs are good ones.
The cost was $999 and came with no deductible (that was a special). The plan, which is fairly comprehensive, will last me until 5/06 or 100K, whichever comes first. Before I bought the plan I read the entire Edmunds thread on 1source. It *appears* that they offer good coverage so long as you are not out to scam them. Can't blame them there.
Lindsey
How difficult was the retrofit?
http://www.slponline.com/view_product.asp?PARTNUMBER=31026
1415 installed it and like it very much. As well as I remember, his Intrigue have 3.5l engine. However, SLP advertises the exhaust only for 3.8l engine...
There won't be any mods for the 3.5L, makes no sense with such a low volume of cars out there with it. Lots of suspension mods can be done though as most of the ones available for GP's, Regals etc will fit our cars.
Somebody like John Lingenfelter or a comapny that balances and blueprints engines for showroom stock road racing could handle the job.
Port matching
Clean up the heads, CNC etc.
Regrind the stock camshafts
Slight compression bump by milling the heads
I am thinking that 240-250 hp would be easily attainable without messing up the computer.
These mods will give less low end torque though.
It was also probably spin to 7000 rpms with computer changes.
Anyone who has modified a aurora should be able to do the work too.
Remember the tranny does not have limited slip, and if you spin the tires too wildly it will eventually fail.
But, I will leave it to you guys since i am no longer an intriguer.
...........Hmmmm, lets see, I could find a 3.5L in a junkyard and put it in the impala, and then i could...........
Used filter pic
I'll probably at least put better tires on mine when the time comes. But true mods, I'm not sure.
So far my brakes are still doing well at 10K. I'm making an effort to brake a little earlier and lighter to curtail excessive pressure and heating. But if I get any brake problems I'll probably upgrade that, too.
Well, I went looking for reviews for the Buick Regal in case the Intrigue isn't around when I'm ready for a new one and found an article written by a favorite of ours (updated in Feb of this year actually) who ripped the car apart but now has given the 98 Intrigue a glowing report.
I won't say who the writer was or where it came from but here's the link.
If this person had good things to say about a 98 Intrigue, folks purchasing '01 or '02s shouldn't have any problem. I think the change of heart is because ALL the writer's contemporaries at competing journals had completely different experiences.
I really haven't had any problems with my car. In fact, I still need to go to the dealership to have my keyless remotes programmed... (they forgot to do it when I bought the car). But even after 7 months of driving, I haven't found any reason to go there other than one oil change, so I just never get around to it. Maybe this next oil change I'll remember.
Ever notice there's a distinctive sound to GM starters? When I'm at a gas station or a parking garage with good acoustics, I swear I hear someone starting up an Intrigue. And I look, and it'll be a Grand Prix or a Malibu.
I hope their starters are better than they were in the early 80's... apparently they're using the same one in a lot of models.
swagled : You are right, Intrigue really has no major issues any more and if Oldsmobile was not killed we would be talking about the next generation Intrigue which we would likely see in 2004. I don't notice GM starters, but I do notice the growl of GM V6 engine. Love the sound! The 3.5L is a bit different though.
--
As an aside, I took a 2002 Rendezvous CXL 4WD out for a test 2 days ago. What a nice vehicle! The fit and finish is top notch and it drives like a dream. While I will always prefer cars, this may be my next family mobile to sit beside the Intrigue.
The width of the vehicle provides tremendous spaciousness inside - not the cramped feeling you sense in some smaller SUVs - although the new Envoy et al are wider than their predecessors too.
All in all a very nice vehicle for everyday use - and it can even tow a boat like mine (2500 lbs) so it's pretty versatile and will most likely sell well.
Ken
As for the third row seating, I have no need for it so I didn't really even look. I think it's a great idea for people like me who don't really want to give in and buy a van. I guess we will see what the money situation is like next year. I also want to see the Saturn Vue and the Jeep Liberty. Saw a Liberty from the road, but have to stop in and test one.