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Comments
Does anyone know how accurate the trip computer is?
Incidentally, that is good mileage. My recent mileage has dropped to about 15.5--however that's completely "in-town", short trip, snow, and long idles to warm up.
With this said I write this so as to give fair warning to potential buyers of what is a beautiful line of cars albeit a very, very cheaply put together line of cars...fit and finish worthy of a Yugo (a note: put together not in the USA, But in Canada)... I decided to go back to the Japanese cars and bought a Maxima...this car although not anywhere as visceral as the 300M/LHS...has a reputation for great reliability...at the end of the day you still have to live with a beautiful women even if she is a [non-permissible content removed]...with that said, give me an average looking women with a heart of gold...Good luck to all! This post is only to intended to possibly alleviate or eliminate potential "car heartache and grief "...I wanted to LOVE my chrysler, but the poor quality eventually took its toll on me....happy and safe motoring and caveat emptor
They adhere to more standards and guidelines than the US built ones do.
I agree. The workers in Canada just build them! They don't design/engineer them. They don't pick what vendors will supply the parts. The car could be built with the highest tech robots there are, but if the QUALITY of the parts isn't there, the quality of the end product won't be there either!
fastdriver
No flames, please. The story you have read is true, and the names have NOT been revealed to protect their "innocence."
I'm not sure just what sources you draw from, if any, however resale value according to Carpoint@msn.com, their reviewers, and other sources is comparable to good. If you review the reliability records at Carpoint AND at Chrysler nemesis Consumer Reports--you'll see ratings anywhere from "Best In Class" for the first generation LH to "average". Incidentally, "average" from CR is high praise in most people's books. In addition, you'll find that overall Chrysler (in particular) and Dodge (a bit less so) score above the industry average on J.D Power "overall" rankings. This thread was discussed at other topics last fall when the information appeared. In the recent Car and Driver, you'll find a positive "long-term" report on the 300M and here at Edmunds a largely positive report on their long-term Intrepid. In addition, you'll find that a review of recall and TSB listings shows that even the first generation Intrepids had no worse--and in many cases better--records than there domestic peers and a variety of "vaunted" imports.
I have sympathy for individuals that have a bad ownership experience with ANY vehicle. And virtually ALL manufactureres have produced some problematic vehicles. However, to accuse Chrysler of being "worse" than other domestic is simply and factually wrong.
p.s I don't have multiple handles, and would be happy to e-mail you privately at any time
Jeffc1
Jeffc1
As I mentioned--I'm not here to build bad blood just to state my experience and, on occasion, try to bring "other side of the story". From my first year K-Car to my current 2000 Intrepid, my experiences have been positive. Does that mean everyone's have been...No. But neither is Chrysler a "poor" manufacturer simply because of limited people's experience or what you view as "poor" resale value.
And regarding the first generation Intrepids--Check with the reliability rankings at Carpoint.com then get back to me..
All cars should have Michelins Pilot,like ours,the car becomes another car with the new tires,it´s amazing the difference.
Second, I have had four sets of Michelins on four Hondas, factory tires, and they all hydroplaned at 55mph. I am assuming Pilots are better. Am I correct?
I looked in the brochure and it says the front headroom is 38.3". I put my front seat all the way down to the floor as far as it will go and measured from the back area (where I would be sitting) to the headliner and I get 35 1/2" to 36". So my questions are: What is the definition of front headroom? Does anyone else find that is is inadequate? It is Chrysler's largest sedan and I wouldn't think it should be a problem.
A few thoughts...in no particular order. The Intrepid and Concorde are more like the LHS and 300M than they are dissimilar. I don't recall our "debate" involving issues of "build quality" or "interior quality" per se...weren't we discussing reliability and resale? As usual "guys like you" attempt to shift topics or use distraction instead of dealing with "the data". Incidentally, "figures lie and liars figure" is a cute little euphemism that folks use when they can't or won't understand or provide concrete evidence to back up their claims.
Lastly, before buying my Intrepid, I spent a total of three weeks in rental Intrepids. That process helped me make my decision. In addition, I have two family members who own Intrepids and we have discussed them at length. I currently have an uncle with a 1999 LHS, which I've driven and discussed with him. Because of our travel for work, my wife and I have spent roughly four weeks in rental LHS's. I think that gives us some "behind the wheel" indication.
With regard to which of us is very, very sad... I think that is largely evident..
All the LH cars are built in the same factory on the same assembly line by the same people! I'm sure that the parts i.e power window motors, switches, leather etc. are all from the same company no matter which LH car they go in.
I agree with you.
fastdriver
Quick story: years back, selling auto parts, buyer, usually male, would come in and ask for parts (tune-up, front end, shocks, etc.) and brag about his 4-4-2, as though it was unique. When I start to open the catalog, naturally it is listed under F85, Cutlass, 442. You want to see someone have a fit right there? Tell someone with a 442 that his car is really and F85, souped up, of course. But, same shocks, springs, balljoints, etc. Used to drive these guys nuts!
Yet, we have some posters stating that the Intrepid is nowhere near the 300M or LHS. Slightly different suspension, more HP, but a totally different car? Hardly. Hey, maybe that was the guy with the 442.................
Not sure how old you are, but do you remember the Oldsmobile Rocket V-8 engines? If I recall all of this correctly, it was touted as being different, but was in several other GM cars?? Didn't that lead to GM putting in the disclaimer in their manuals that some parts "may" be shared with other divisions!
Jason5-
SOMETIMES those same LH cars get different parts put on the wrong models. Don't forget, the European 300M is made in Canada too. That model has many different parts/options that the American 300 doesn't have or even offer as an option!
fastdriver
all kinds of good reports and bad reports for each
manufacturer. My point is that people who are
experiencing no problems with their vehicles
typically don't take the time post an extended
message on these bulletin board systems. People
who are having problems use these bulletin boards
as an outlet (rightly so). What I am suggesting is that we all could tell a horror story or two about a new vehicle that did not perform to our
expectations, or an insensitive or untrained dealer service rep who left a bad taste in our mouths. Ignorance has no dealer favorites and greed or insensitivity sometimes appear after the sale is consummated. The same frustration or anger that drives some of the comments in this bulletin board, drives the insensitivity we experience at some dealerships or meetings with manufacturer reps. The truth is, we could all stand to be a bit more sensitive, understanding, patient, and forgiving when we encounter lifes problems. If we all lived closer to God's expectations, we might see these problems differently and not let them fill us with anger, resent, and the quest for vengeance. All throughout the posts I have read in this and other
bulletin boards, are stories (mostly legitimate) of bad experiences with vehicles, of all different
makes and manufacturers. Treat these bad past
experiences as just that, a thing of the past.
Don't dwell on it. It's bad enough that the dealer has your money. Don't give them years off your life from keeping that anger pent up inside of you. Pray for God's intervention and a better vehicle next time around. Move on to new experiences, whether with different makes or the same. Eventually, with faith and God's help you will find something that meets your needs and expectations. God bless all of you! I can't wait for my Intrepid RT!
Jeffc1
After reading all the other posts today about others having the problem I called Chrysler Customer support. The guy said he searched for a Tech bulletin on the vibration and did not find anything.
If anyone has any info on how to go about getting the dealer to change out the tires, I would greatly appreciate it.
Also if anyone has info on the "Soft Cam Warning" sent to dealers, I would appreciate that info also.
Thanks,
johnk@matrixcc,com
I will probably go back to Acura, Nissan, or Honda, even though the LHS is what I want. Why cant DC - or any Amercian car company - make cars that hold their value. THEY are forcing us to buy import cars just to stay ahead financially.
Yes, there is more to a car than just financial investment, but in this day and age, it doesnt make sense NOT to consider this.
I will continue to monitor this post, and if anyone has other resale info on these cars, please let me know.
thanks
BE CAREFUL!! I THINK it was kp1's dealer who sent her flowers or a plant! Others got gift certificates for dinner! I don't even think I got a thank you! Anyway, be careful if they give you a fancy, wrapped Honey Baked dinner!! LOL....
Make sure your health insurance is paid up! ;-)))
john_kolodziej-
I believe all those soft cam cars were caught BEFORE they left Canada! If you suspect that yours slipped through, call Chrysler! There is a way for them to tell if you got the soft cam although it's a job that calls for specific equipment that the dealers most likely don't have- a borascope! I believe these cars were built around Sept. of 99, maybe a little earlier.
fastdriver
I FORGOT to tell you about your tires- if the dealer has balanced and aligned them and done the million other things they needlessly do to TRY and solve problems and they're still the same- then go to the tire dealer and have them check it out!
You need to read this ESPECIALLY if you have the Goodyear tires! http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Flats/7501/
The tires are warranteed by the TIRE company, NOT Chrysler!
Good luck. You'll need it.
fastdriver
Fastdriver: I just turned 47. Yes, I remember the Olds Rocket 350. If I recall correctly, in the 70s, there were minor differences in GM's 350s. Chevy had theirs, Buick, Olds and Pontiac had theirs. An Olds Rocket 350 was one hell of an engine, equal to or better than a Chevy 350 (except high performance models). All engines were only sold in their respective cars until 1977, when GM did the switcheroo trick, Chevy engines in Olds, Buick engines in Chevys, Pontiac engines in Buicks, etc. GM got into much hot water because they spent many years advertising and promoting, for example, the Rocket 350. So when people bought an Olds, and later found out they had a CHvey engine, but were charged a premium for the Rocket, lawsuits followed and GM lost. The logical answer for GM was no more engine advertising, and that infamous phrase "Your engine has been manufactured by one of GM's divisions."
BTW, 1977 was the same year that GM came out with their V6, where they thought they would save money by leaving off the hardened nut from the hardened bolt on the piston connecting rods. Instead, they screwed the hardened bolt into the upper half of the connecting rod, which is made of soft cast iron. Worst enginneering mistake since the Vega. And you folks want to know why I am suspicious of American cars?
Yes! Now I recall all that confusion! That was something! They should have just said that the engines were the same instead of trying to FOOL the public! If you have ever looked at http://www.autoextremist.com, you'll see that they are STILL TRYING to pull the wool over our eyes! Go read about that infamous Motor Trend Car of the Year award- PURE BULL AND HYPE! The article is in the archives there. If you can't find it, let me know. I'll get the direct link for you.
fastdriver