Anything new with your car. By the way, when I was looking at Impalas a couple of years back, one of the salesmen mentioned that "Intrepid" was also the name of a submarine. At the time, I found it to be sort of humorous and just laughed (because I knew what he was implying). Well I just hope there is no connection.
there was a message on my answering machine. The lady at the dealership left a message saying that they had my car in, were looking for the problem, and apologizing for the inconvenience. So basically, nothing yet!
I hope I get the car back soon though, because the truck I'm driving is only getting like 11-12 mpg!
but I just got a call back from the dealership, and they say my car's ready to go again. This time, they say there was a TSB on the car regarding the oil light coming on and flickering. Evidently, it has something to do with the wiring (although I still find it odd it would only do it at low rpms, and when warmed up, just like my '67 Catalina).
Anyway, I did a quick search on the web, and found there is a TSB. It's at this page: http://www.alldata.com/TSB/16/981621EZ.html 45th one down. I couldn't find a way to actually read it in detail though.
how totally true of almost every dealership...they wait until the 3rd attempt before they actually decide to consult the bible (tsbs).
whenever i have a problem that is covered by a tsb...i always mention that when i take the car in...seems to get them headed in the right direction the first time!!
You cant get the TSB in detail from Alldata unless you pay $$. But supposedly there were a couple of guys on the Edmunds site under, I think Maintenance, but I have to go back to previous pages to look up their names. Remember, our host "pat" told us about them a couple or more months ago. I will see what I can do. Or, just ask the dealer for a copy.
It seems more frequent now, when I turn on the heat the windows fog up. The only way to clear them is to turn the A/C on. I think the problem may be a bad heater core. But if I remember correctly, sometimes you have to take the whole dash apart to get to the core, plus you need lots of patience. Any comments on the possible source of the problem.
Don't forget you can always use the keyword search on the left side of the page to look up discussions. It defaults to looking for the keyword in the title of all the Town Hall message boards, but you can use the advanced search to search even deeper within a single board (such as Sedans, Maintenance & Repair, SUVs, etc.).
AND, when you know what discussion you want to search, just use the handy-dandy "Search This Discussion" feature on the page bar.
The outstanding search features here are the Town Hall's best kept secret.
with no problems yet, although I only had one opportunity on the way back to see the rpms drop to 500. We took back roads home, and got really lucky with the few traffic lights that were there! First red light I hit, once the car was fully warmed up, was about 12 miles from the dealership.
Sooo, when I got home, I used this as an excuse to run out to the liquor store ;-) Got to see the rpms drop to 500 a couple times, and no oil light. Who knows? Maybe this time it's fixed for real!
Oh yeah, I also got a good look at that '03 Concorde LXi that my dealer is selling. Saw some online pics. It has a bench front seat!! Yuck! Looks really weird in leather. It actually kinda reminds me of the split-bench seat Chrysler used a lot in the late 60's and 70's on some of their more upscale Valiants and Darts...the kind that was basically two bucket seats with a little, non-moveable section mounted in the middle. Like that's going to be comfortable to sit on!
It also had some funky woodgrain on the center part of the dash that just didn't look right with a dark-gray interior. It looked radioactive, somehow! So, as long as the thing keeps running, I guess I'll hold on to my 'Trep!
I posted the text of the TSB you asked for in the Technical Service Bulletin topic in Maintenance & Repair in reply to your post. Usually Alcan or I can come up with the TSB, if it isn't too lengthy. Have fun.
My idle speed on the Intrepid always seems to hover around 650, even when warmed up. I looked at it again today. It does not seem to go as low as 500 rpm's.
Hi all. I just returned a rented Chrysler Intrepid (as it is badged here in the Great White North). It is identical to the Dodge ones sold in the US.
My rental was fairly basic with the 2.7 litre engine. Very nice car. I have not driven one for a few years and had forgotten just what a nice car this is. The interior is easily the most stylish, and to my eyes, it it the best looking full size car on the market.
The powertrain is not as smooth as what is found in comparably-priced GM vehicles (like Buick Century)but it is not as soft riding and has much better fit and finish. The switch gear was kind of cheap feeling as well, like most other Big 3 products, but everything worked well.
Up here these things are dirt cheap, usually less than C$23K plus freight and tax. They get a 7-year/115,000 km warrantee on the powertrain. Pretty good deal.
So are these now reliable cars over the long haul? The older ones have a terrible reputation up here for long term quality and especially for wonky transmissions. They have absolutely no resale either.
...2004 SE's advertised under $20k in the Toronto Sun. I think the "cash price" on the Chrysler website is about $21.5 ++ right now, although it varies a bit in different parts of the country. This is one of the screaming bargains of all time, but the car is completely off the radar for most customers. People are dropping this kind of coin for 4-cyl. subcompacts.
Even better price - in central NJ a dealer has new 2004 SEs advertised for about $17,000.
A quick story about the local 5 star Chrysler dealer - Mauro Motors, Woodbridge, NJ.
I took my Intrepid there the day before Thanksgiving (couldn't get into the Dodge dealer until the next week) for a check on an oil leak. I change my own oil. From what I could see of it sitting in the parking deck at work, it was leaking from somewhere near the filter. As best I could (without my ramps) I tightened the filter. Brought it in for service, turns out it was the loose filter. They charge $35 to tighten the oil filter, and another $35 for a tire rotation. OUCH!
You are absolutely correct that a well equipped compact is in the Intrepid price range. My 2003 Civic and 2002 Corolla comparably equipped to the Intrepid would actually cost more!
Mind you, living in the Toronto area, a small car is a better choice for city driving. And operating costs for these cars is lower and the engines in the Japanese cars are a bit smoother. But still, the Intrepid is one incredible bargain.
I understand the new base model of the LX cars will carry over the smaller 2.7 litre engine. I wonder if it will be quieter. That was my only real beef with the car is that the base powerplant is noisier than a comparable GM car. Mind you I would rather live with the nicer styling and finish of the Intrepid than the appalling appearance of many current mid-size GM vehicles (and this from a happy GM customer for 20 years!).
Thats $20000 Canadian, about $15200 U.S. Dunworth...I directly shopped the Intrepid against the new Grand Prix (which I really wanted to like), but the Intrepid was just a better car overall not to mention $5k cheaper comparably equipped, plus 0% money (GM wasn't offering 0 on 2004's in August). Appalling appearance is right...the new Malibu is the biggest dog I've seen in years.
Being a long time GM guy I really like that Grand Prix since it nice to drive and soldily built. I have to admit that I prefer the exterior styling of the outgoing Grand Prix more than the current one. I do not like the interior in either the current or the previous Grand Prix. The Intrepid is much more stylish overall on the outside while the dash materials are of higher quality in appearance. Both cars feature switch gear that is a little on the cheap size.
Both of these car are made in the Greater Toronto Area, Oshawa for the Pontiac and Brampton for the Intrepid. The GM stuff always ranks a little higher quality and powertrain refinement wise but the Chrysler gets the thunbs up for style. The price difference is startling and the new Pontiac is not as common with fleets so the deals are fewer and less generous.
...a long time GM guy too, but I made the mistake of leasing a 2000 Jimmy built at the problem plant in Linden, NJ. A complete piece of junk. I was appalled at the poor quality materials and assembly of the new GP I drove, I expected better from the Oshawa plant. Not only was the Intrepid the better deal, it was the better car hands down.
with the Grand Prix. I really liked the outgoing '97-03 body style (except for the base-level models that had the low-mounted grille nostrils, giving it kind of a '96 Taurus/catfish/bottom-feeder look), but always found GM's W-body to be too cramped, uncomfortable, and plagued with poor workmanship and cheap interior materials. I thought that GP was a looker...until you looked too close!
I'm not as crazy about the '04's body style, but like the fact they stripped off a lot of the cladding. And the interior, while not world-class, is a big improvement over the old one. Seems like the body panels also line up much better. I also like the fact that the 3.8 is standard even in the base model, instead of the 3.1. I had a 3.1 in an '01 Malibu rental, and can only imagine that it'd be even worse in a GP! And finally, FINALLY, GM has made a W-body with a front seat that goes back far enough for me! The back seat is hopelessly cramped though. And overall, the car just doesn't inspire me enough to make me want to run out and dump my Intrepid for one.
If I had to get another new car, right this instant (like if my 'Trep got totaled), truthfully, I'd probably just get another Intrepid, or maybe a Concorde. Overall, I think it's still one of the best cars out there, for my needs and wants. Only thing I'd do differently is get a 3.5 instead of a 2.7.
...for a '04 ES with M package (leather), sunroof, chrome rims, 3.5, etc. $28k Canadian + free money...nothing else was even close to the way this car was equipped at that price. The GP comparably equipped was $33k after discount, and financing was at 3.9 or 4.9 (can't recall).
andre1969 "catfish/bottom feeder look" Great description. My feelings exactly. That last Sable was truly hideous (nice driving car though).
That Chrysler 3.5 litre is a really nice engine. I have driven a 300M which is a lot more money with that engine and it was powerful and smooth. I think the economics of that car are not as attractive as the Intrepid with the same engine, although I liked the 300M overall.
At over $35 K - $40 K for the 300M it is in direct competition with Acura, Lexus, Infiniti, Mercedes and BMW, all of which have more cache. Mind you some of these premium cars are not all that great quality and servicing is getting to be an issue on the M-B. Heck even Kia and Hyundai are selling cars in this price range so it is all relative.
about the '96-99 Sable, though, is that some of the higher-level models had really nice interiors. I remember some of 'em had a seat design that was cloth with leather trim...you don't see that too much anymore! Almost seemed like something they would've done in a high-priced '50's car! IIRC, the door panels had some nice fabrics as well, a sharp contrast to the Rubbermaid-looking door panels on the Taurus!
I thought the Sable (and Taurus) cleaned up quite nicely when they restyled them for 2000. And Ford was the about the only automaker by that time that had the guts to offer a green interior!
How about the new Charger, due to come out supposedly in a matter of weeks. It promises to be a neat looking car with a long hood amd some real exciting engines. However, Chrysler probably wont be offering any good rebates, ie. like the $4,500 I got on my Trep, for awhile. But maybe, finally, you will see ABS as standard equipment. It would be pretty exciting to drive one of the first Chargers on the road (especially with a good looking woman in the passenger seat)!! :-)
My company recently switched from Ford Vics to Dodge Intrepids for security and adminstration cars ('02s & '03s). As a car goes, they most certainly do not inspire me! They handle well and ride okay, but I really think they are a drudge in most respects.
The one thing I will say is they have been very reliable so far. The most miles on any one is around 35,000 the last time I saw the print out. The few problems we've had were within the first 60 days in service and it was dealer adjustment stuff. Because for some of these cars the driving is constant stop and go, transmission problems were a major issue with the Victorias. So far, not even a hiccup from the Intrepids.
You're correct about the resale value, but they are also one of the cheapest cars you can buy especially in that size range. Of course, the truth be known the full size Fords are terrible on resale value, too.
is to get it serviced more regularly than what the owner's manual calls for. I've had mine done every 30K miles, and now, with about 88K miles, have never had a lick of tranny trouble. I did a lot of stop-and-go driving for about the first 35K miles, because back then I delivered pizzas. The only thing I think I really wore out prematurely was the power lock actuator in the driver's door! It wouldn't always unlock the door properly, and once or twice I hopped out of the car with the engine running, closed the door, and it locked itself behind me! Thankfully, I usually left a window cracked, so I never got myself stranded.
That driving probably wore out my tires and brakes prematurely, too. I got about 30K out of the first set of tires, and the front pads lasted to 39K, and the rears, 51K. Before that though, I was driving cars that would sometimes go though front brakes every 10-15K and rears every 15-20K, so I wasn't complaining!
just seem to have better quality that Chrysler products. The V-8 engines are excellent. They seem to be a favorite with police departments (including my town). Also, limo companies use Town Cars which have pretty much the same engine. And these companies put hundreds of thousands of miles on their cars.One problem with them is that they are rear wheel drive. I suppose traction control would help but still not as good as FWD in snow. After driving rear wheel drive cars my whole life, I swore I would not buy another.
Otto has been absent all the DC boards here for a while. The scuttlebutt over on the 300M site is that he got fired for discussing plant activities in a public forum. Hard to believe DC would go that far without warning him, harder yet to believe the union would let them get away with that. Since we haven't seen him post for a while, I'm guessing he was told not to participate if he wanted to keep his job. Otherwise, he would be here telling his story. I always found his commments interesting, supportive and enthusiastic towards his employer.
Otto (and another worker in the same situation - who goes by "ybnormal" at dodgeintrepid.net) was rehired. I think the issue was not so much posting at the various LH websites but that he had taken photos of the Brampton refit and of ureleased product at a family day at the plant and posted them. I have to believe there was a WHOLE lot more to it than just that, though.
mike372...the Charger (or whatever the Dodge version of the LX sedan will be called) is not confirmed yet. Only the Magnum wagon will be released initally. It's hard to fathom that there wouldn't be a Dodge sedan (or why it's not being released right up front) but that may indeed be the case.
The reason why most police agencies have Vics is because there's no other full-size, V8, rear-wheel drive platform on the market anymore but them. RWD has traditionally been favored by law enforcement.
There is some movement towards FWD and both the Malibu and Intrepid are picking up some previously all RWD customers in the police market.
...the Vic inherited the RWD V8 police market because there was nothing else out there. Every officer I've ever talked to (and that's plenty) says the <'96 Caprice was the better car. Our local force bought 80 or 90 of them at the end of the run and put them into storage for future use! The Impala and Intrepid have made huge inroads and the CV is much less common now up here.
I think if there is an LX Dodge sedan (Charger?) this could become the preferred squad by a mile.
The local Air Force Base uses the Malibu and the city where I live is starting to use Intrepids. I have also seen local agencies use Trailblazers and Durangos.
Chrysler owned as much as 40% of the police car market. Unfortunately though, as the years wore on, the civilian versions of those cars couldn't keep up enough sales to keep the whole platform alive. For instance, the '79-81 R-body (St. Regis, Newport, New Yorker, and Gran Fury) made an awesome police cruiser, especially when equipped with the 360-4bbl, but as civilian cars, the public just didn't go for their massive, hulking look that made a Caprice or Crown Vic look dainty by comparison.
Then there was the '82-89 Diplomat/Gran Fury, which also made a great police car (or taxi), but by that time they were such guzzlers that even if the public wanted them, Chrysler never would have built them in a very large quantity. And as time went by, Ford and GM got stuff like 4-speed automatics and fuel injection for improved fuel economy, while the Gran Fury/Diplomat stuck it out with an old Torqueflite 3-speed and 4-bbl carb right through the end. The only advancement they beat Ford and GM to the market with was in mid-1988, when they made a driver's side airbag standard in all cars.
There were actually a few Dodge Dynasty test mules set up to see how they'd do for police duty, and they actually didn't do too bad, but by that time, I think Chrysler decided the police market just wasn't worth it.
Now that the Intrepid's back in the game, though, it actually stacks up pretty well against the Chevy Impala and Ford Crown Vic. Awhile back, I found some Michigan State Police comparison tests on the internet, and I believe the Intrepid was slightly quicker from 0-60 than the Impala/Crown Vic, and that advantage widened for 0-100. I think top speed was even a bit better.
Where the Intrepid came up short though, was underhood area for installing stuff like lights and sirens, and I think the cops also weren't too crazy about the interior. Although I think an Intrepid's interior blows away a Crown Vic and especially the Impala!
As for the Crown Vic in general, they're not perfect, either. The old 302 was notorious for premature self-destruction, and the 4-speed trannies weren't all that durable. When they first went to the 4.6 in the new style for '92, they also had engine problems. One year, they switched to a larger rim with a lower-profile tire, and the resulting harder ride tore up suspensions, especially ball joints. Handling also isn't a strong point. Maybe they've improved with the '03 redesign that has rack and pinion steering, but every Crown Vic/Grand Marquis I've ever driven makes a mid 80's Caprice, or even my old '79 Newport, feel like a precision machine in comparison!
In fact, a lot of police departments like to buy up old Caprices and refurbish them, rather than buy a new Crown Vic. The '94-96 Caprice is especially desired by police departments.
Chrysler shouldn't have a problem cracking this market open again, especially once they go back to their roots with RWD (even if those "roots" have some Mercedes mechanicals!)
I have a 1997 Intrepid. Headlights seem to be a bit week. The headlight cover is a bit "foggy" as well. Any thoughts on replacing the covers (or cleaning them) or replacing the actual bulbs with a better quality, higher output bulb (halogen??)
Buyer, don't you just like those plastic headlight housings? We have the same problem on our Avalon. I noticed the fogging of the headlight plastic a couple of years ago, but my wife had a fender bender last winter and after the one side headlight housing was replaced you could really see how much the other one had fogged.
You might try a brighter headlamp bulb. I believe its Sylvania that has a new line of "sharpest, whitest" replacement bulbs out now that contend to illuminate more light.
The wife's 2002 SE started thumping at an idle or while stopped in drive this past week. Had a similar incident with it last summer when they replaced a coil pack, computer, and injectors to finally get it running right again. Of course all of that took 3 trips to the dealer to take care of it - only got a loaner once. Anyone else have a similar problem with the 2.7 engine?
PS...The Sylvania bright halogens are called "Silver Stars" - I run them in my Explorer, they are excellent.
Problem is, I have 9 payments left on the loan, and I'm really not feeling taking on a new one. I was in a similar situation when I got this car - I got rid of a car that was almost paid off, took on a new car (headache) and the bottom line is I'm still paying for it.
BTW - the engine needed the computer re-programmed. Kinda weird, as they replaced the computer when the car was seven months old, now this new computer had issues. According to the paperwork they gave me, there is a TSB on this, the engine fail code was "FM"
I've got a 1996 Dodge Intrepid and a 1996 Dodge Ram that are both having the same problem: the FM radio no longer works. Has anyone else had this problem and what's the resolution offered by Dodge other than a replacement of the factory radio?
Tonight I drove the Intrepid for the second time since it's out of the shop (it's my wife's), and guess what? The engine still thumps while stopped in drive.
So, that is a coil pack, fuel injectors, a new computer, and a re-programming of the replacement computer, and it's still not right.
As luck would have it, the Lemon Law in NJ is good until 2 years or 18000 miles. The 2 year mark was 5 weeks ago.
According to my manual, I should start with the service manager for conflict resolution. I guess I'll start there so as to not jump over anyone's head. Anybody else been down this road with DC?
depends which engine you have. if it's the 3.5l then you have a timing belt. if it's the 3.3l then you have the chain. chain's normally don't need any maintenance. dodge suggests changing the timing belt around 105k...
This "road" is well travelled, and the players on the other side have their lines rehearsed well--the most common being -You are the first one with that problem. Start with the service manager then the GM and if your lucky the dealer principle works on site. Good luck but don't get your hopes up too high. Personally I had problems with a DC purchase and the only way it got resolved is when I decided to take the loss and unload the JUNK. We have had the same problem and lack of action by the DC group regarding the fleet vehicles. In 2001 the bean counters decided the "cheaper" Intrepids would be a suitable vehicle for our needs, never have they been more mistaken. The 2001, 2002 had many problems electrical, transmissions (solenoids), ball joints, wheel brgs, door locks, window motors, heater motors, a/c parts etc etc etc. When the cost of ownership got to a certain level the bean counters admitted their mistake and decided that initial cost is not the only factor in determining the correct vehicle for the job. We only have one 2003 Intrepid the recent purchases have been from another manuf, and one thing for sure they cannot be any worse then the Intrepids.
Comments
I hope I get the car back soon though, because the truck I'm driving is only getting like 11-12 mpg!
Anyway, I did a quick search on the web, and found there is a TSB. It's at this page: http://www.alldata.com/TSB/16/981621EZ.html 45th one down. I couldn't find a way to actually read it in detail though.
whenever i have a problem that is covered by a tsb...i always mention that when i take the car in...seems to get them headed in the right direction the first time!!
Don't forget you can always use the keyword search on the left side of the page to look up discussions. It defaults to looking for the keyword in the title of all the Town Hall message boards, but you can use the advanced search to search even deeper within a single board (such as Sedans, Maintenance & Repair, SUVs, etc.).
AND, when you know what discussion you want to search, just use the handy-dandy "Search This Discussion" feature on the page bar.
The outstanding search features here are the Town Hall's best kept secret.
:-)
Sooo, when I got home, I used this as an excuse to run out to the liquor store ;-) Got to see the rpms drop to 500 a couple times, and no oil light. Who knows? Maybe this time it's fixed for real!
Oh yeah, I also got a good look at that '03 Concorde LXi that my dealer is selling. Saw some online pics. It has a bench front seat!! Yuck! Looks really weird in leather. It actually kinda reminds me of the split-bench seat Chrysler used a lot in the late 60's and 70's on some of their more upscale Valiants and Darts...the kind that was basically two bucket seats with a little, non-moveable section mounted in the middle. Like that's going to be comfortable to sit on!
It also had some funky woodgrain on the center part of the dash that just didn't look right with a dark-gray interior. It looked radioactive, somehow! So, as long as the thing keeps running, I guess I'll hold on to my 'Trep!
Here's one that's winking at you... ;-)
And here's one that's supposed to be a devilish grin... >:-)~
I used to know some dirty ones too, but I'll play nice today!!
Jboehm...see my response over on the 300M board.
Usually Alcan or I can come up with the TSB, if it isn't too lengthy.
Have fun.
Oh yeah, Hi Pat!
My rental was fairly basic with the 2.7 litre engine. Very nice car. I have not driven one for a few years and had forgotten just what a nice car this is. The interior is easily the most stylish, and to my eyes, it it the best looking full size car on the market.
The powertrain is not as smooth as what is found in comparably-priced GM vehicles (like Buick Century)but it is not as soft riding and has much better fit and finish. The switch gear was kind of cheap feeling as well, like most other Big 3 products, but everything worked well.
Up here these things are dirt cheap, usually less than C$23K plus freight and tax. They get a 7-year/115,000 km warrantee on the powertrain. Pretty good deal.
So are these now reliable cars over the long haul? The older ones have a terrible reputation up here for long term quality and especially for wonky transmissions. They have absolutely no resale either.
What are your experiences?
A quick story about the local 5 star Chrysler dealer - Mauro Motors, Woodbridge, NJ.
I took my Intrepid there the day before Thanksgiving (couldn't get into the Dodge dealer until the next week) for a check on an oil leak. I change my own oil. From what I could see of it sitting in the parking deck at work, it was leaking from somewhere near the filter. As best I could (without my ramps) I tightened the filter. Brought it in for service, turns out it was the loose filter. They charge $35 to tighten the oil filter, and another $35 for a tire rotation. OUCH!
Mind you, living in the Toronto area, a small car is a better choice for city driving. And operating costs for these cars is lower and the engines in the Japanese cars are a bit smoother. But still, the Intrepid is one incredible bargain.
I understand the new base model of the LX cars will carry over the smaller 2.7 litre engine. I wonder if it will be quieter. That was my only real beef with the car is that the base powerplant is noisier than a comparable GM car. Mind you I would rather live with the nicer styling and finish of the Intrepid than the appalling appearance of many current mid-size GM vehicles (and this from a happy GM customer for 20 years!).
Being a long time GM guy I really like that Grand Prix since it nice to drive and soldily built. I have to admit that I prefer the exterior styling of the outgoing Grand Prix more than the current one. I do not like the interior in either the current or the previous Grand Prix. The Intrepid is much more stylish overall on the outside while the dash materials are of higher quality in appearance. Both cars feature switch gear that is a little on the cheap size.
Both of these car are made in the Greater Toronto Area, Oshawa for the Pontiac and Brampton for the Intrepid. The GM stuff always ranks a little higher quality and powertrain refinement wise but the Chrysler gets the thunbs up for style. The price difference is startling and the new Pontiac is not as common with fleets so the deals are fewer and less generous.
I'm not as crazy about the '04's body style, but like the fact they stripped off a lot of the cladding. And the interior, while not world-class, is a big improvement over the old one. Seems like the body panels also line up much better. I also like the fact that the 3.8 is standard even in the base model, instead of the 3.1. I had a 3.1 in an '01 Malibu rental, and can only imagine that it'd be even worse in a GP! And finally, FINALLY, GM has made a W-body with a front seat that goes back far enough for me! The back seat is hopelessly cramped though. And overall, the car just doesn't inspire me enough to make me want to run out and dump my Intrepid for one.
If I had to get another new car, right this instant (like if my 'Trep got totaled), truthfully, I'd probably just get another Intrepid, or maybe a Concorde. Overall, I think it's still one of the best cars out there, for my needs and wants. Only thing I'd do differently is get a 3.5 instead of a 2.7.
That Chrysler 3.5 litre is a really nice engine. I have driven a 300M which is a lot more money with that engine and it was powerful and smooth. I think the economics of that car are not as attractive as the Intrepid with the same engine, although I liked the 300M overall.
At over $35 K - $40 K for the 300M it is in direct competition with Acura, Lexus, Infiniti, Mercedes and BMW, all of which have more cache. Mind you some of these premium cars are not all that great quality and servicing is getting to be an issue on the M-B. Heck even Kia and Hyundai are selling cars in this price range so it is all relative.
I thought the Sable (and Taurus) cleaned up quite nicely when they restyled them for 2000. And Ford was the about the only automaker by that time that had the guts to offer a green interior!
The one thing I will say is they have been very reliable so far. The most miles on any one is around 35,000 the last time I saw the print out. The few problems we've had were within the first 60 days in service and it was dealer adjustment stuff. Because for some of these cars the driving is constant stop and go, transmission problems were a major issue with the Victorias. So far, not even a hiccup from the Intrepids.
You're correct about the resale value, but they are also one of the cheapest cars you can buy especially in that size range. Of course, the truth be known the full size Fords are terrible on resale value, too.
Regards,
Dusty
That driving probably wore out my tires and brakes prematurely, too. I got about 30K out of the first set of tires, and the front pads lasted to 39K, and the rears, 51K. Before that though, I was driving cars that would sometimes go though front brakes every 10-15K and rears every 15-20K, so I wasn't complaining!
mike372...the Charger (or whatever the Dodge version of the LX sedan will be called) is not confirmed yet. Only the Magnum wagon will be released initally. It's hard to fathom that there wouldn't be a Dodge sedan (or why it's not being released right up front) but that may indeed be the case.
There is some movement towards FWD and both the Malibu and Intrepid are picking up some previously all RWD customers in the police market.
Dusty
I think if there is an LX Dodge sedan (Charger?) this could become the preferred squad by a mile.
Then there was the '82-89 Diplomat/Gran Fury, which also made a great police car (or taxi), but by that time they were such guzzlers that even if the public wanted them, Chrysler never would have built them in a very large quantity. And as time went by, Ford and GM got stuff like 4-speed automatics and fuel injection for improved fuel economy, while the Gran Fury/Diplomat stuck it out with an old Torqueflite 3-speed and 4-bbl carb right through the end. The only advancement they beat Ford and GM to the market with was in mid-1988, when they made a driver's side airbag standard in all cars.
There were actually a few Dodge Dynasty test mules set up to see how they'd do for police duty, and they actually didn't do too bad, but by that time, I think Chrysler decided the police market just wasn't worth it.
Now that the Intrepid's back in the game, though, it actually stacks up pretty well against the Chevy Impala and Ford Crown Vic. Awhile back, I found some Michigan State Police comparison tests on the internet, and I believe the Intrepid was slightly quicker from 0-60 than the Impala/Crown Vic, and that advantage widened for 0-100. I think top speed was even a bit better.
Where the Intrepid came up short though, was underhood area for installing stuff like lights and sirens, and I think the cops also weren't too crazy about the interior. Although I think an Intrepid's interior blows away a Crown Vic and especially the Impala!
As for the Crown Vic in general, they're not perfect, either. The old 302 was notorious for premature self-destruction, and the 4-speed trannies weren't all that durable. When they first went to the 4.6 in the new style for '92, they also had engine problems. One year, they switched to a larger rim with a lower-profile tire, and the resulting harder ride tore up suspensions, especially ball joints. Handling also isn't a strong point. Maybe they've improved with the '03 redesign that has rack and pinion steering, but every Crown Vic/Grand Marquis I've ever driven makes a mid 80's Caprice, or even my old '79 Newport, feel like a precision machine in comparison!
In fact, a lot of police departments like to buy up old Caprices and refurbish them, rather than buy a new Crown Vic. The '94-96 Caprice is especially desired by police departments.
Chrysler shouldn't have a problem cracking this market open again, especially once they go back to their roots with RWD (even if those "roots" have some Mercedes mechanicals!)
Thanks.
You might try a brighter headlamp bulb. I believe its Sylvania that has a new line of "sharpest, whitest" replacement bulbs out now that contend to illuminate more light.
Regards,
Dusty
PS...The Sylvania bright halogens are called "Silver Stars" - I run them in my Explorer, they are excellent.
*ABC Anything But Chrysler
Problem is, I have 9 payments left on the loan, and I'm really not feeling taking on a new one. I was in a similar situation when I got this car - I got rid of a car that was almost paid off, took on a new car (headache) and the bottom line is I'm still paying for it.
BTW - the engine needed the computer re-programmed. Kinda weird, as they replaced the computer when the car was seven months old, now this new computer had issues. According to the paperwork they gave me, there is a TSB on this, the engine fail code was "FM"
Running good for now.
So, that is a coil pack, fuel injectors, a new computer, and a re-programming of the replacement computer, and it's still not right.
As luck would have it, the Lemon Law in NJ is good until 2 years or 18000 miles. The 2 year mark was 5 weeks ago.
According to my manual, I should start with the service manager for conflict resolution. I guess I'll start there so as to not jump over anyone's head. Anybody else been down this road with DC?
depends which engine you have. if it's the 3.5l then you have a timing belt. if it's the 3.3l then you have the chain. chain's normally don't need any maintenance. dodge suggests changing the timing belt around 105k...
This "road" is well travelled, and the players on the other side have their lines rehearsed well--the most common being -You are the first one with that problem. Start with the service manager then the GM and if your lucky the dealer principle works on site. Good luck but don't get your hopes up too high.
Personally I had problems with a DC purchase and the only way it got resolved is when I decided to take the loss and unload the JUNK.
We have had the same problem and lack of action by the DC group regarding the fleet vehicles. In 2001 the bean counters decided the "cheaper" Intrepids would be a suitable vehicle for our needs, never have they been more mistaken. The 2001, 2002 had many problems electrical, transmissions (solenoids), ball joints, wheel brgs, door locks, window motors, heater motors, a/c parts etc etc etc. When the cost of ownership got to a certain level the bean counters admitted their mistake and decided that initial cost is not the only factor in determining the correct vehicle for the job.
We only have one 2003 Intrepid the recent purchases have been from another manuf, and one thing for sure they cannot be any worse then the Intrepids.