[bauercrew]

hi guys new to the board here im about to embark on buying 96 intrepid it is the base model with the 3.3 motor this car has nothing fancy i t came from an estate sale with only 37000 miles had a car fax report on it interior looks fabulous paint stills shines any way they want $4000 for it is there anything i should be aware of with these intrepids just looking for past experiance since this car is so old

thanks

 

[treppintrepidation]

Only 37,000?!?!? That's a find. :biggrin:. Welcome to the site, firstly. As for the first gens, particularly the 3.3 (I've a '95), they are tanks, IMO. Anything shy of dropping a stick of dynamite in the engine bay, and it'll run, at least in my experience. The only problems I've really had are hub assemblies. cv joints, and rack bushings, which isn't much. However, mine has about 100,000 more miles than yours. Enjoy, and post some pics.

 

[Jdnet]

Hi welcome to the board.


$4000 on a 96 seems a bit too high even though it's got low miles. Also if you are going to purchase it test it out as old low mileage vehicles can sometimes be just as bad as high mileage vehicles. (lots of stop and go driving without the car ever reaching optimum temp).

 

[gearhead291]

welcome !!

sounds like a good find. yea check it over good if you can, and always try too see if you can bargain with them for a cheaper price

 

[MegaTrep]

Yeah, even for that mileage, Id say ~3000 and even thats a bit high. It is quite a find though!! That engine will last at least a good 150,000 miles more.

The steering system is the main weak point. Steering rack, rack bushings, inner tie rod bushings, outer tie rods, ball joints are what you should take a look at. With that kind of mileage though, Im thinking it should be pretty good.

 

[Railoffroader2]

Welcome to the site!!

 

[beeblebrox82]

welcome! That cars almost brand new! I wouldn't pay 4K for it unless it was SPOTLESS. The 3.3 motor is bulletproof.

 

[cdmccul]

Welcome! Sounds like a nice ride, great find... I agree pricey, but we'd like to see pictures...

At that mileage, you won't see problems with the 3.3 for a long time. Watch oil changes and levels, and watch coolant levels. The Intrepid seems to be more picky about bleeding the cooling system than other cars, so if you open up the cooling system other than the cap, you'll need to bleed it.

The AC transducer CAN give you trouble, but it is an easy fix. The fuel pumps seem to be going out around this age.

There are always things that can go wrong with cars, but really, you've got pretty good chances with the car you have picked out.

 

[Veeb0rg]

Depending on where in Maryland you are, I'd be more then happy to cruise out there with ya and take a look at it with ya.

 

[Daytrepper]

Welcome to the site!!

 

[be_man36]

wow another fellow 1st gen! welcome