1998 Dodge Intrepid 2.7 Litre

Summary:

It's a money funnel- buy at own risk

Faults:

Drum roll please...

1) Power steering pump- $350 @ 78,125 miles

2) water pump- $450 @ 80,098 miles

3) warped rotors x 4 + brakes- $1,000 @ 93,430 miles

4) water pump (again) + radiator - $800 @ 98,765 miles

5) 3 blown tires @ various times, 2 for unexplainable reasons on relatively new tires- maybe d/t deficient steering mechanism (it shimmied when braking even with alignment) - about $300

6) 2 bushings- $400 @ 104,978 miles

7) crank sensor (car would shut off while driving- all power would be cut, very scary) $250 @ about 110,000 miles

8) starter- $275 @ about 115,000 miles

9) alternator- $300 @ about 116,000 miles

10) alternator belt bracket sheared off engine block (dangerous & unusual) $500- 117,000 miles

11) Engine sludged @ 118,592 miles $75 to determine car needed a new engine, $4,000 used and $7,000 new.

Total cost for repairs over 2.75 years: $4,700.

General Comments:

Looks sharp and drives rather nice with a lot of comfort. Totally unreliable and a maintenance nightmare. Performed normal maintenance (oil changes, tune ups, etc) and either this 2.7 Litre engine has major engineering flaws (i.e. radiator and water pump used do not effectively perform their function on the engine) or the previous owner drove it hard w/o any oil changes. The comments on this site suggest the previous. Paid cash ($11,000) looking for a reliable, American car (patriotic duty & all) to get me through college. All it has done is make my financial situation dire straits. Got $1,000 for it at a scrap yard (parts for other Intrepid's is big business!!). For those that have had engine failure and still owe on loans, you have my sincerest sympathy. I'm lucky to junk it and get another car (not Dodge, ever) or truck. For those that are still driving one, watch out for the flickering oil light that auto shops/dealer will say is harmless. Soon enough your engine will fail- even with high grade synthetic oil, oil additives, octane booster and fuel injector cleaners. Beware of the ping and rattle...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 23rd January, 2004

1998 Dodge Intrepid Base 2.7

Summary:

A gamble

Faults:

A/C compressor quit working at 75,000 miles.

Starter quit working at 76,000 miles.

Oxygen sensors had to be replaced at 60,000 miles.

The engine has sludge problem which causes oil level to fluctuate when checking oil, and oil light to blink when car is warm, at idle, at 78,000 miles.

General Comments:

I love the comfort of this vehicle, as it is very roomy. It is also a very attractive vehicle.

I am very concerned with the reliability of the engine. The Dodge shop I took it to this week refused to service the engine and recommended I do the work to remove the sludge myself.

There are numerous posts from owners who have had engine failures, and I am trying very hard to not become one of them. I am very frustrated at not being able to find anyone to work on the engine, as I have receipts for all the oil changes I have done, and I have not neglected this car. I am especially disapointed in my local Dodge dealer for refusing to assist me.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 22nd January, 2004

24th Jan 2004, 15:08

Get rid of the car soon- your engine is going to fail. I maintained my Intrepid just like you have and did all I could to stop the engine from failing d/t sludge and it seized w/o warning. I sympathize...

25th Feb 2004, 22:23

We bought our 98 Intrepid right off the show room floor. Beautiful car. Has held up better than any other vehicle we've owned physically, but mechanically I've never seen a worse lemon. Whole top end had to be replaced at 50K - it was under an extended warranty and we had to produce all kinds of oil change and maintenance receipts, but they finally did cover it. Now at 100K it has stopped completely - broken timing chain, bent valves, cracked valve guides, etc. Dealer wants to put a whole new Chrysler engine in for $6,600. Called a salvage yard and he offered to rebuild the whole engine for $4,500 with a 3-year parts and labor unlimited mileage warranty - said it would be a shame to salvage such a beautifully kept car!