[drynoc]

I don't have anyone else to talk to about cars, so you guys have to listen.

I have my 00ES with 183K miles for sale, and I plan to replace it. I still have two other second gen Intrepids, one of which I drive, so it's not like I'm leaving completely. But, even though there are some excellent deals on second gen ES's in my area, I don't think I'll go that way again.

I'm giving the matter a lot of thought, but right now I'm looking at the following:

300M special

Neon SRT4

and yes, I hate to admit it in this forum, but

Cadillac.

It's a wide variety. I'm looking for the best combination of performance and luxury that I can find, but I want to drive the SRT4 to see what it is like. If it performs well, I can give up the luxury.

I wish there were some Challengers in my price range.

I want to pay cash, which limits my budget to about $15K. I'll need to test drive various versions of these cars to see which I like best. Any suggestions and comments are welcome.

[paintballdude05]

For $15k you should be able to find a fairly nice V8 LX car. For about $5k you could find a really nice 300M Special too. I like the look of the Caddy's too but everybody warns me about issues with them. I don't know if I'd ever buy one out of warranty.

[beeblebrox82]

good luck finding an SRT4 that isnt bat to hell. Cool cars though. I'd find a nice Special and put the rest of the money in savings!

[drynoc]

Thanks for the replies, guys. There is an '02 Special in my area for $5995 with 90K miles, and an '01 LHS for $5795 with 53K miles. Both of those are possibilities. There is also an '01 ES with 59K miles for $3999, and an '02 ES with 94K miles for $4245. The prices make them tempting, As for the LX cars, I just can't get into the looks. MAYBE a 300C, but probably not. I've been a Mopar guy all my life, so I'm just now researching the Cadillacs to see what the issues might be.

[paintballdude05]

I always see Cadilac's as GM's experimental cars where they try out new technologies before other brands like Chevy, Buick and GMC put them in their models.

[hrmwrm]

you'd like an lhs. rent the trunk out to a small asian family.
used caddies? stay away from the catera. there are so many cheap because people find out how expensive fixing them is. their built by gm germany. stay on the american side.

[drynoc]

Plus, they are great cars. For example, the huge back seat is great for me because I pick up slugs so I can get in the HOV lanes, and there is plenty of room back there. Several have commented on it. I've decided to stick with the LH's. I hope to find a Chrysler for the sake of a little variety, but if I can't find one I'll settle for another Intrepid. I'm still going to test drive the SRT4, but I'm not leaning that way now.

On the other hand, I don't have any interest in my 00ES yet, and I'm only asking $1895. First things first.

[dilum82]

I have a 2004 V6 - 2.7L Intrepid. It was working perfect until last Saturday. When I started the car the engine died out immediately. Mechanic told IDLE AIR CONTROL MOTOR needs to be replaced. Did that and still the same problem. Then he said the PCM is gone.

So I dont know what the deal is. any ideas/suggestions is highly appreciated.
Codes : P0508

[drynoc]

I sold the '00 ES last night for $1800. I feel a little bad about it now because that was a great car, but it's done now. I'm in the mood for something a little different. I'm considering the following in my area:

02 300M special, 90K, $5995
01 LHS LTD, 53K, $5989
03 Neon SRT4, 71K, $9800
06 Magnum RT, 53K, $13777

How's that for variety?

[cdmccul]

It is the RIGHT variety for sure.

Good luck... I'd stick LH or Maggie... Or Challenger!

[paintballdude05]

Magnum or Special, I'd probably go Magnum if I could though.

[concordefreak]

Not to be a downer on Chrysler vehicles, but I'm sure if you wanted a sporty alternative you could find a caddy cts with a stick for under 10k. The LX cars are nice but fuel prices is a deal killer these days so use that to your advantage when bargaining.

And when it comes to SRT-4s makes sure the owner is elderly and the car is stock or has a real mopar stage1/2/3 kit.

[drynoc]

I went shopping today. The SRT4s were beat. I wouldn't buy either of them, plus they are noisy. My wife wouldn't like it, and I have to keep her happy.

I looked at a 2002 ES with 94K miles for $4200, and it was only in average shape. Not for me.

The Magnum I wanted to look at was sold. Also, I have to say that I am annoyed that those LX cars weigh a thousand pounds more than the LH.

I looked at a 03 300M Special with 65K miles for $7995. Excellent condition, low miles, definitely a possibility.

I also saw a 01 LHS with 59K miles for $5995. Great mileage and price, but some cosmetic issues: a crack on the top of the dash, a couple of speakers blown, all of the door seals (on the body) rotted away, a big scratch on the rear bumper. Definitely a possibility though. I can fix everything but the crack in the dash, and that might be possible. I'll look into it tonight.

Also: it's amazing how much nicer the Chryslers are than my Dodges: better leather, quieter, better overall feel.

One lesson: the used cars that are for sale at new car dealerships tend to be more expensive than those at the strictly used car lots, and they tend to be in better shape. I'll probably stay away from all the "Joe's Cars" on Autotrader.

[cdmccul]

Ah - car shopping... Fun!

[paintballdude05]

The weather stripping is an easy fix. The dash can be replaced with a good one from a junkyard, there's a how-to kicking around somewhere.