1996 Dodge Intrepid Base review from North America

Bought this Intrepid at 96K from a local used car place, traded in my non-running Buick Century Ltd.

The thermostat failed around 98K and engine overheated.

Water pump failed around 100K, replaced it and the timing belt at the same time.

Head gasket leak around 110K, replaced. Bad install and failed again at 115K, replaced again.

Intake manifold gasket vacuum leak at 120K. Replaced.

A/C condenser was in the process of failing when I hit a deer and destroyed it, so got it replaced for (insurance) free.

2 hubcaps have had broken clips, lost one, one is in the process of trying to lose itself.

Headlights are nasty, especially in the country where long-throw lights are important to watch for deer and other obstacles. Useless in fog or winter storms.

Front brakes and rotors replaced around 135K, the rotors were badly warped, which is apparently a standard for this car.

Rear driver's side lock has never worked (power).

Driver's side master window switch blew out rendering the driver's window inoperable at about 145K.

Black paint on the door posts has been steadily flaking off during the life of the vehicle.

Driver's seat now has a metal bar poking through the fabric on the lower left side, probably just from wear.

Airbag clockspring went around 150K rendering both the airbag and cruise control inoperable. Could fix for $230 but have opted to wait on it.

EGR valve and solenoid replaced at 152K due to being stuck open all the time.

It is really too bad this car has cost me so much money, because I absolutely love it. It is so very *choice* to drive... lots of power from the 3.5L engine, the shifting is a bit rough, but there's lots of power once it gets into a gear. Corners beautiful for such a large car, there's clearly some good design going on in that.

I've been completely spoiled by the feel of driving this car. It's very roomy, even in the back seat, which my friends have declared the largest back seat ever. The trunk has plenty of space available. The sound system is good if you replace the head unit.

In short: I love this car. I can't tell if it's just me or if this car always has a lot of problems. I would like to try one out at low mileage and see if it has the same problems.