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The internet didn't work great for me either. I got a couple of decent quotes, but the dealers were all at least 45 minutes from my home. Internet is very good for gathering information, not so great for actual shopping.
Hill Cadillac Oldsmobile. I received your request for my best price on a 2001
Olds Intrigue GL. I have checked my stock against the options you are looking
for and the closest I could get to the one you are looking for, I have an
onyx black GL that i could sell you for the price of $24,000*
* selling price does not include tax, tags or any factory rebates or special
programs General Motors is running right know.tax and tags will be added at
the time of sale
all factory rebates or special programs will be deducted at the time of sale.
I could also locate the exact vehicle you want if it is out there and bring
it here but it would cost you a few hundred more dollars. If you have any
questions or you would like to contact me please feel free to do so. The
telephone number here is (610) 356-4900 or you can e-mail me at the following
address rolldogg77@hotmail.com
Also in your comments section you mentioned about a 2002 model if you are
looking for this it is not to your advantage because they have not put out
any special programs or rebates on that model year yet and it could be a
while before they do
Currently you have a choice with the intrigue you can take a $2000 dollar
rebate or you can do special financing plus it also comes with a 5 year
/60,000 mile warranty from General Motors
I would like to thank you for your interest in our great product and I hope
to hear from you soon."
Maybe I should charge him for this free plug :-)
Since I have already found the car I want at another dealer's lot, I don't think it makes sense to pay this dealer to drive it over when I can just go to the dealer that has what I want. But at least he gave me something to work with.
dindak::: I have to agree with everything. The only thing I'll miss is the 3.29 tranny (no PCS). Anybody that doesn't have the 3.29, do you think I'll miss it for initial acceleration?
Olds problems were not only concentric to a very poor (or lack of thereof) marketing campaign but initial quality is what drove most Olds products out of the market.
Understand this: An Impala is not marketed or aimed to compete with a Nissan Maxima, VW Passat or Acura TL. The Impala main competition are its own W-body cousins, the Ford Taurus, Dodge Intrepid, the Big Ford RWD CV and GM sedans and to some extent the Accord and Camry. So there are not a lot of overwhelming expectations in terms of premium quality and performance set forth over the Impala.
On the other hand, the Intrigue was marketed as GM's midsize import fighter sport sedan alternative. Different design, better interior, better powertrain and suspension componetry. It was made and marketed towards people that otherwise would not buy or even consider a GM product..in other words the Import oriented consumer.
For the Intrigue to succeed, the car not only had to match the maxima, Passat, TL and whatnot in quality but to surpass them and offer something above and beyond these import competitors. Where the Intrigue failed miserably was in initial quality control. The 1998 and 99 Intrigues should have been nearly perfect cars to gain respect in the marketplace, but they were not. Noisy suspension, creaky body shells, falling trim, problematic brakes,low resale, questionable safety sorry but that does not make a supposedely 'Premium' automobile. The Intrigue had all the right ingredients to be a kick [non-permissible content removed] automobile but it got burnt in the oven!
Who's to blame?? GM for cutting corners with this car and then pretending that they could fool the general public into paying a higher sticker price for substandard quality. Owners of the first years Intrigue quickly came to realize that this car was no match for the intended competition and market segment..too many relibility problems to deal with.
The 2000 model year + Intrigues are probably very good cars...but so what?? To late in the game. In dec 2000 GM axed Oldsmobile at a time when probably the Intrigue was a fine automobile. Initial impressions do count a lot in the Intrigue's market segment and the problems it had in 1998 and 1999 did enough to erase it from existence. Ditto for the Cadillac Catera.
If the first Intrigues had exhibited consistent good quality, the car I am sure would have survived the closure of Oldsmobile by just the word of mouth of happy owners.
yes marketing had much to do with Olds demise but what put the final nail in the coffin was the poor quality of the 'Premium' GM motorcar.
Buick Reatta
Cadillac Allante
Olds Intrigue
The common theme? All were marketed as sporty vehicles, but launched a bit too early with underpowered engines and build quality problems. They turned out to be decent cars after a few years of upgrades, right about the time it was too late to turn public perception around... and GM axed them.
It was bound to happen and it is a little late in trying to level the playing field..Wages and benefits are not the issue; it is mainly line speed and not enough workers being used to build the car..The unions and governments are somewhat alike and you can fill the blanks!!!!!
The intro was screwed up and never got straightened around..
With my knowledge of the Impala from reading the forum messages; it would be safe for me to predict under my driving habits at 45k the suspension would be nice and floppy screaming for new struts..The tires would have been flatspotted by 25k and junked..The Impala seems to be plagued with a host of quality mishaps relating to poor assembly and cheap materials..
The rear spoiler is not a pretty sight..The Intrigue is a good looker..
Other than brakes, and a noisy front end my 99 Intrigue has been 100% reliable--no warranty used in other areas--no reason to complain--the dealer could not quiet the front end and it hasn't fallen off; so I guess it's okay to drive..
Since I am not doing the 02 Intrigue due solely on the location of service avenues and lack of guidance at this time; my next ride will be a Z-28--a ride down memory lane..When you get to the back side of sixty; one realizes that the time line has shrunk..
On this thread there are two high mileage owners known-myself and one2one who recently had his totaled but is stepping back into the arena..My 72k miles in Intriguing has been swift..The 98 Intrigue affair is still funny and its outcome was delightful..
As always it a pleasure to read your opinions; you should move to the Motor City..
You will be buying a brand new car that will have awesome depreciation. Why not get the car that exactly fits your needs.
The difference between 3.05 and 3.29 may not sound like much but it is almost a 10% increase in torque multiplication.
I think if you were to ask your dealers to locate you a car with PCS they could find it for you.
I was able to locate a midnight blue GL PCS car in NC last May.
Remember the dealers don't even put the cars in the locator until it has been in inventory awhile.
If it were me i would pay the couple of hundred dollars to have them find the correct car.
I think the PCS would also help in resale down the road.
Good Luck!
9899olds : Is Cambridge going unionized? I had no idea. My co-workers husband is an engineer there. She generally knows little about what her husband does though.
Regal GS accelerates 0-60 in 6.7 sec. However, the insurance rate is only $35 more (per year) than for Impala LS. Most probably, because the car itself is a bit more expensive.
Strange thing: the liability component of the insurance (as opposed to comprehensive etc.) for the Buick is less than for Chevy Malibu with the same drivers.
"all recent Taurus motors are rock solid. The 3.0 vulcan is solid, the Duratec is also solid. My v8 SHO motor is stunning. I wish it had a lil' bit more torque, but certainly it is top notch in quality!
Amazing that GM can't even come close to these Ford motors."
JAJAJA!!!!!!!
Having run a UAW shop for 7 yrs in the Mich area; I have been exposed to their thought process and ideals..
Like I said. I'm rationalizing! If I had to do it over, I'd look harder for a PCS car without all the useless frills... But if I *had* to buy them, effectively paying $2-$3k more just for the axle, I'd stick with the 3.05.
Can't drive at night for the flickering headlights
Can't drive in reverse for fear of an accident
Can't drive for long on the highway for the wonky/ sloppy steering that requires a firm grip to keep straight.
I think I have a nortel car " losses value every day"
I'm this far from contacting transport Canada for these safety issues.
Gm service center will get a call again this day.
swagled : I would have loved the PCS, but the PCS eqiuped cars at the time were all GLS models. Of course a couple of months ago, Oldsmobile was giving the PCS option away with 2001 GL models. Such is my luck!
9899olds : I'm sure the outcome will be in the paper today. If the CAW gets hold of that plant, it's doomed.
I'm not rambling, i'm ticked, i got a new vechile that is not new. it drives like its ten years old.
The 2002 Lemon-Aid Used Cars book tells a real horror story about the Taurus/Sable. Makes the Intrigue look like a Lexus by comparison. The author says "These cars aren't bargains at any price, despite their rapid depreciation". He devotes about 20 pages to a litany of transmission and engine failures and a multitude of other chronic problems and a wall of apathy from corporate Ford. There is a letter from a 95 Taurus onwer who is on his second transmission and FOURTH 3.8L engine. Transmission problems and other problems continue even to recent models.
Ford has completely abandoned owners with problems. The author, a strong consumer advocate, says: "After exchanging dozens of letters and meeting with Ford officials over the past three years, I've come to the conclusion that Taurus, Sable and Windstar engine and transmission defects are so widespread that Ford's customer relations department has been overwhelmed by the enormity of the problem".
Apparently 1 in 5 Taurus owners can expect a transmission failure. We've had numerous problems but no major failure yet and thankfully we don't have the dreaded 3.8L, but this got me so spooked that my wife and I are looking to get rid of the Turkus before we end up with a huge repair bill.
Yet the Taurus continues to sell well. I think that pretty well invalidates the argument that the Intrigue lost sales because of a bad quality reputation.
Incidentally, the author also has this to say "I never thought I'd say this, but General Motors' after-warranty assistance is the best of a bad lot...I believe this is due mainly to the company's successful dealer empowerment programs, which allow dealers to make substantial warranty and post-warranty refunds, without head office approval."
I feel your pain, my own experiences were very similar to yours. Good Luck in getting your issues resolved. Me I dumped my 98 after only 18-months, and never regretted the decision.
In 1993 I spoke with a gentleman who was retired from ford. He complimented me the one week old paint job that was on my '87 camaro. I told him that GM had just done a bare metal repaint on it even though the car was past warranty.
His reply was that GM was always doing things like that. He said Ford never did.
In 1985 my Chevy dealer bought my '84 Z28 back from after their service department couldn't fix it.
Except for the intrigue i have had mostly good experiences with GM service.
I have a '99 GX (build 10/98)now with 55,000 miles (32,000 when I bought). Other than oil change every 3000-5000 miles the only service has been driver side strut replaced/warranty and driver door molding/warranty. The brakes are starting to feel a little sluggish and I do feel a little vibration when braking (rotors ? )but I have/am really enjoying the car.
I've never been an auto "enthusiast" but I think I've been bitten by the bug and I've got the fever. I plan on keeping the Intrigue for a long time so I'm thinking of accessorizing and would appreciate some feedback on a couple of things. (I've checked the intrigue car club forum but not alot of info)
1)I'm needing tires and I've read the posts of the Pilots XGT and checked out tiretrack (thanks to this forum)and the customer reviews. However I noticed that the Potenza RE 950 had a better rating (no customer ratings) and wondered if anyone has had any experience?
2)With the brakes/rotors acting up, what are the recommendations? I've read about Baer rotors.
3)Has anyone added the wood trim to the intrigue? and what were the results?
4)Has anyone added leather seats to the intrigue? results? I've checked on katzskins and classic soft trim.
This should cure the fever for a while but I really would appreciate any other suggestions that would add to my Intrigue experience.
Thanks
Not a trick question either..so fess up and tell us about your deal..
I know dindak is a avid Intriguer and a member in good standing on this forum so as an ex-Intrigue owner why do you want to pester us..???
Moonshadow::::::Please find a new dealer, because someone has totally screwed up your car, I know because I have my second one which gets the heavy foot every day..Call GM, don't let up; they are good cars..
There are no major changes for '02. However, some of the packages have changed (based on Cars.com's spec sheet):
The GL has a "Sun & Sound" package that gives you a sunroof and Bose system. PCS is still a stand-alone option.
The GLS Precision Sport Package keeps everything status quo except it looses the sunroof and adds the Bose radio.
The GX options remain the same.
The only real advantage for me waiting is that I can get a GLS w/o the sunroof. But then I'm paying $2000 more and really get less than I would now opting for a GL over a GLS. At leat now I'd get the sunroof. So, all things taken into account, a GL is still the best choice for me.
Now as far as initial acceleration goes, I don't think the 3.29 w/PCS can touch my "old" 3800 Intrigue. It dropped a ton of torque to the pavement. But what I really missed was the (comparatively) slow response at and above 45mph. Either gearing will outshine the 3.8 Intrigue on the highway. So relatively speaking, I suppose a PCS and non-PCS Intrigue will feel inadequate when I compare it to my old car at the stoplight raceway. However, I still have never driven a non-PCS car. If I don't like it, I can always wait until the '02 models arrive where I'll have a better selection. AND they're coming back with another (better?) blue-- Indigo Blue. The same one used on the Bravada.
I talked to a guy at anandtech forums a while back who was doing some OSV mods to his Alero. He said that he somehow got ahold of an engnieer that worked on the OSV project, and actually got some performance/apperance ideas from the guy. This all sounded great, but I never did get any contact info from him.
I am just about to buy my wife a Civic, so I can get my Intrigue back from her. At which time, I will probably proceed to replace the tires and possibly wheels (grey, not chrome) with some aftermarket polished aluminum wheels. I've seen a few that totally change the apperance of the car.
Then possibly I'll add a little tint to the windows and maybe a K&N filter, ah yes and brakes. Assuming it will need new rotors anyway, I found some slotted rotors at www.grandprixstore.com for grand prix's...Anyone know if they will fit an Intrigue>? They have 10.9in and 11.9in available. They also have all kinds of other goodies that !might! work for a 3.5 Intrigue.
have fun with your mods and take pictures!! We'd all like to see them!
The grand prix guys have been installing intrigue autobahn brakes on their cars. Go figure.
I would think any wbody brake would fit on the intrigue. Since the spindles are the same.
If you go to an aftermarket 17" wheel try tire america. They have a better selelction than tire rack.
Only two manufacturers make a 245/50R-17 tire. The only affordable one is BF Goodrich.
If you go to an 18" there are more options, but the expense is huge and i don't think there is an 18' tire that will outperform a 17".
I wonder who manufactures the duck tail spoiler that was on the second OSV intrigue?
I have founds with the impala that it is a little bit faster off the line, but i have not floored it from a dead stop.
With the impala i find myself hesitating when passing someone on a two lane road. I usually think twice or three times before actually doing it.
The intrigue was a different matter. I never gave it a second thought and as long as i was going over 45-50 mph when i dropped the hammer i knew that i would be in the sweet spot when it dropped to second.
At 30 mph it would drop into first so hard that it would take your head off.
Go with the 3.29 and have the dealer find you an '01 car. They are out there. Trust me.
I figure the incentives on the '01 are $5500. You should be able to get $2000 off MSRP,
$2000 rebate and $1500 Olds loyalty bonus.
Pretty hard to turn down.
The 3.5 has a longer breakin period from my limited experience of 46k miles.. mine is a comfortable cruise at 2500 revs..
i assume the 3.05 ratio was adopted to increase gas mileage; it will be a little on the sluggish side..
Was the autobahn pkg offered with the 99 3.5???? When I bought my my 99 GLS it was a hurried deal due to the refund on the 98, so I never got a 99 brochure. I ask the dealer to find a black GLS equipped as the my 98 GLS.. Of course I have the 3.29 which is really hampered by the fuel cut-off at 108/110 which the Autobahn or currently PCS pkg would speed rated tires along with the 130 top.
Yesterday I visited the dealer and we spent the first 30 minutes talking about non-auto items; I had to leave and we never even discussed the Intrigue present or future..Had to get to the golf course, was running late as is always the case..Nice to have a great set of wheels to insure a timely arrival!!!
The dealer is going to run a history check on my son's 93 Allante to see what surprises are in its past..
one2one::::How long do you get a car rental furnished at no-charge???you will miss the low end of the 3.8 if the stop light blast was your driving mode..
I will call my Olds dealer Monday to find out what the 02 deals are initially.. The program varies from state to state due to various regulations..
A GLS model 01 w/PCS will be your best deal unless GM extends the warranty and the other goodies into the 02 calendar year..It could be a very limited production year due to final build out requirements to gut the system of parts. Limited model availability could be the case to insure a smooth build out and it could also have the 02 model run until 03 calendar year..
You all work the possibilities!!!
Even the dealers i have talked to can't see why somebody would go with a GLS. YOur are in Acura & infiniti territory at that price.
Go with the GL with PCS and leather and you are in the 26.5K range. With the incentives it can be had for 21K. Try to do that at honda or toyota.
redly_one : You should look at the Sentra instead of the Civic for your wife. Much more fun to drive, better deals and there aren't nearly as many around. Check it out!
bz4 : I agree.. the GL was the best value. The fog lights, leather accents and dual climate control were all well worth the upgrade.
My point being part of Olds demise has been dealers service, and quality of parts and some of their poor designs. There are still many people out there who have had more than their share of problems, and you guys cant keep dismissing them as being mere flukes. And it may get worse as the years and miles progress.
So tell me 9899olds aka 6363/1415 how did you get back in? I guess Re-registered right?
dindak ::: I am always keeping abreast of everyone progress. I feel I can always learn something, most everyone here is pretty knowledgeable. However I do not see GM winning any awards for their products.
Did you guys see Edmunds review for Entry Level Luxury Sedans? The TL Type-S nudged out the BMW 330i. Pretty dang impression, the TL price & standard features were the big factors. It is a heck of a car for 32k. In a couple of years and the next body style change, and it may be my NO brainier # 1 choice.
GM has got to get with the program boys, they are losing ground.
I will chat at you guys later, I have some chores to get done around the house. BTW it is way too hot here in sunny KS 106 *HOT* degrees, feels more like AZ or NV.
9899olds::: Got the rental GMC Envoy until July 10 courtesy of State Farm. My policy pays 80% of my rental; I kick in the other 20%. They let me keep it 5 days after they settled.
jgriff::: I have to disagree with you on the point about the problems getting worse as time goes on. My '98 had most of the problems that those whom you reference had. I speak from extensive experience. My totalled '98 had 81,000 miles and the only problem that resurfaced was the jiggling steering wheel/brake. That was probably because I got it replaced early before they actually "fixed" the part. That's a lot longer than most people will keep their cars. Once it's fixed, the problems shouldn't come back. Your comments are based on pure speculation; my are based on experience and solid fact.
As far as GM loosing ground, you're probably right when it comes to cars. But when you talk SUVs, the Japanese can't hold a candle to them. This 2002 Envoy drives way better than the RX300, Highlander or Pathfinder. And unlike the 300 and Highlander, it's a real 4x4 SUV. Don't belive me... take one for a spin. I've had this one for a week so I'm not talking off the cuff. If they put this kind of care and thought into their cars, the world better watch out.
Interestingly, for a '98 Intrigue base w/spoiler, powerseat, fold-down rear seats, leather wrapped steering wheel and 81,000 miles, the insurance company gave me (after $250 deductable) $11, 250. Not too shabby for a car from a company going out of business.
A picture tells a thousand words so check it out..
Not a photoshop job. Sorry couldn't get a better pic, but we were both moving. It also had a GT with a big R underneath it on the front fender where you would usually see a little GL emblem. Where it usually says Intrigue above the rear license plate it said something like GPX. That is a K&N sticker you see.
I feel like paparazzi. The female picture took a shot of me with their camera.. Guess they saw the flash a few times and decided to play my game.
And yes my mirror needs to be cleaned! It rained today.
It sure sounds better than the Cutlass I traded for it. Salvage title, cracked winshield, pads/rotors/struts are shot, a bit out of alignment, flaking paint, airbag light stays on, 74000 miles and I got $4000 for it on top of below invoice pricing on the Civic. Coupled with excellent resale, this was a deal I couldn't pass on.
Anyway, soon I will get my Intrigue back from the wife, then the fun begins!!
Re: Someone mentioned he was considering 17" tires. Would those really fit? To me, the 16" tires look like they fill up the wheel wells pretty close.
And speaking of wheel well space, I wonder if the wheel well cladding from the 2002 Intrigues could be put on the older models to quiet things a bit.
I have seen 19" wheels on an intrigue. But the tires look like rubber bands. Probably a 30-35 series tire. Hit a curb with one of those things and you have crunched a wheel.
2001s have the wheel liners. They would probably fit on earlier cars.
I told her to take the reliable(Intrigue) car on her shopping and I would take the Caddy..It runs along well but after it sits for prolonged periods, it justs cranks, no starts this am, Sunday, also last day of golf match at a course some 60 miles from the house..
At 56k it runs like dream, when it runs!!!HaHa however it's dead in the garage..Since it is covered by Master Guard the options are: service call to jump start the beast or a tow to the nearest Caddy dealer.. Since it's Sunday we decided to wait until early Monday for they have estalished a case # and Charlotte my service advisor will contact me early am Monday..It's nice to call a number on Sunday and listen to people ready to help..
Meanwhile its off to the final day of the golf match btw the three golf clubs..
jgriff:::::thanks for the update and really happy to see you have adjusted to your ownership of the Acura..You sure don't drive much and its hard to evaluate a 1k/month activity..
wmatysti::::::Try the SLP cat-back exhaust system for the Intrigue..I took the one for the 3.8 and it fit the 3.5 like a glove..Mudflaps and squirrel tails are not vogue..Vcjumper has installed a strut tower brace on the rear..Not alot of items made for a soon to be dead duck car..
vcjumper:::::the wing looks like something of Asian extraction. remember the 66 Dodge Chargers with the Daytona wing???
off to hit the ball if I can get the wife away from the Intrigue...
readly_one : Congrats on the new Civic. It's a good car. I'm sure it will serve you well. I still think you should have tried out a Sentra though. It's been getting rave reviews to boot!
9899olds : Any news from Cambridge or are they still doing recounts?
dindak ::: yes GM wins in the truck category, but when it comes to cars, Nada. Try and think of some in the last few years. Please I would like to know who is giving GM awards and for what.
9899olds ::: the Acura sure has been a far sight better than my Intrigue experience. With the Intrigue I was in getting something fix every 30-60 days, again nothing major just brakes, front-ends and cosmetics stuff.
Thanks.
Also, while I'm here, anyone find a good headlamp bulb (other than the stock 9006 Sylvana's) my left bulb seems to be getting dim and I have to buy a new 9006 just to make sure its the bulb and not the car. But I want a new look, maybee halogen or a higher wattage? I heard the PIAAs don't fit in the intrigue, is this true?