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Intrepid purchase advice

929 views 10 replies 5 participants last post by  Ronbo 
#1 ·
I had a 99 SE with the 2.7L which had the expected issues as well as a tranny with a crack in it within 20,000 miles, then the "new" replacement went bad at 75,000 miles. Even with all that, I really loved that car and have always wanted to get another.

Is there any general advice as to what to look for or watch out for other than the 2.7 engine issue? From the descriptions I read, I think I would prefer the R/T over the SXT but probably would be happy with either. I would consider an ES. Any "must have" options?

Is NADA pricing fairly accurate for anyone who has bought or sold an Intrepid or what is the best way to gauge a price?

I found an ultra low mileage 2003 Dodge Intrepid SXT - $4,999 76,000 miles. Seems high to me for such an old car but sure seems like a great specimen.

Thank you,

Joel
 
#2 ·
For the 2.7, look for sludge under the oil cap. Shine a flashlight in the oil cap hole and see if you can see clean metal. If you see sludge, walk away immediately. Maintenance records are a plus; especially those that indicate if the water pump has been replaced or not. Replacing the water pump needs to be done regardless of leaks on any 2.7 more than 5 years old, or with more than 75K miles.

A 3.2/3.5 is going to be a better bet, same deal, look for sludge under the oil cap. This isnt as critical as on a 2.7; there may be some dark staining but usually that is normal. Main concern on 3.2/5 is the timing belt, it should be replaced along with the water pump every 8 years or 100K miles.

Also listen for suspension noises on these cars; older or higher mileage cars may need struts or sway bar links, sometimes ball joints/tie rods. Other than that not may super common major issues.

I like the ES with fogs and the options, leather interior, and navigation; just my personal preference. That part is up to you.

For pricing, $3-$5000 in great condition lower miles, not needing any work. $5,000 is absolute tops, it better be less than 50K miles and super clean for that price.

On a side note, your username, do you mean Rush the band?
 
#6 ·
How about a "Fixer-Upper" in Little Rock.

2000 Intrepid R/T. Around 90k miles. Needs work. Negotiable with many included parts. Drivers door has been replaced already. If you can do work yourself this might be a bargain.

Hybrid 300m Special interior installed. Powder coated 300m Special wheels installed. Lowered and needs new struts. Will include many replacement parts.







 
#11 ·
That's why Moog Quickstruts assemblies will be included in the sale. Along with a bunch of other parts.

I bought this already lowered and I hated every mile driving in it. After the strut replacement you can pull the Eibach lowering springs off and sell them. Seems there's still a number of people that would like to torture themselves with a lowered car.
 
#9 ·
2004 SXT $2,000 with the following details. Worth it or too much trouble?

- Front control arm bushings cracking
- Oil Leak
- Transmission pan leak
-Rear sway bar bushings cracking
- Transmission Shifts harshly under hard acceleration
-Small exhaust leak
- Clunk over bumps
- 3rd break light out
- Slight surge at idle
- Leak by upper radiator hose
-Jack/tire iron missing
- RR Power door lock INOP
- A/C doesn't blow cold
 
#10 ·
Big bucks in repairs even if you can do it yourself. I'd pass on it.
 
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