2002 Dodge Intrepid SE 2.7

Summary:

Disappointed

Faults:

Cam sensor replaced at 27,000 miles, oxygen sensor replaced at 35,000 miles, water pump being replaced at almost 76,000 miles and lights flickering since the beginning/never have found the reason/fix for the light problem.

I bought this car used/11 months old at the end of 2002. The car was the demo for one of the dealership owners and a certified used car. Overall, I cannot complain about this car in terms of repair expenses. The dealer never did find out why the lights flicker, and they still do to date (4-2-10).

The cam sensor was not covered under the warranty and the cost was 200.00. The oxygen sensor was not covered under the warranty as well, and was located in an area that required the gas tank to be removed for replacement, cost was 300.00. I thought bumper to bumper meant that...?

Anyway, at almost 76,000 miles (3-30-10) I noticed anti-freeze dripping out of the front of the car. The car was taken to the dealer and the water pump, timing chain/belt, purge tube..? and a few other things need replaced. Cost is estimated at 1,500.00! (car trade in/book value on Edmond's about 3,200.00). I got lucky because the extended warranty will cover almost all of this cost (unlike sensors and to my surprise :) ).

I am considering replacing this car because this repair, in my opinion was to excessive compared to the current value of the car, and I now have become aware of the many problems others have had with the 2.7 liter engine, etc and potential future problems/expenses I face.

From what I have read the engines begin to have serious problems on average in/near the 70,000 mile mark and up. If you have an Intrepid with higher mileage, you may want to do research to become more familiar with potential future repairs... just a thought.

Overall, I cannot complain about my 2002 Intrepid, and have always considered it dependable until this very expensive repair it is currently undergoing (and I got lucky because I got the extended warranty).

Additionally, I will add the car was garage kept and on a tight maintenance schedule. With that said, the kudos are over, water pumps leaking anti-freeze both on the ground and into the oil pan, creating the potential for the engine to seize, should not be a COMMON PROBLEM. There is no excuse for this, just as a water pump should not cost 1,500.00 to repair. How disappointing.

General Comments:

Car rides/looks nice and is roomy, but can potentially make you broke on repairs. My advice is to buy the extended warranty.

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

Review Date: 2nd April, 2010

14th Sep 2011, 22:48

To correct the flickering oil pressure light, you must vent the oil pressure switch connection. Drill a small hole in the plastic towards the base and re-install; your problem will be solved.

2002 Dodge Intrepid ES 3.5

Summary:

Well worth the price that you pay

Faults:

Turn signal relay.

Trunk lock rusted.

Seats are worn.

Sensors can be faulty.

General Comments:

This car is little piece of lightning on wheels.

3.5 L V6 has enough power to get out of its own way.

I've honestly had the car for a couple of months, and have been very happy with it.

Do make sure you get the 3.5, the 2.7 will end up needing replacing.

Sorry to see that Dodge got rid of this model line. For the price point, you will not find a better car that seats as many people and drives as well as it does for the price.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th December, 2009

2002 Dodge Intrepid 2.7 liter V6

Summary:

This car is a piece of crap!

Faults:

There are many problems for this car. The car will make it a mile and it will start acting up with its problems.

The map sensor is out and the car has other problems I don't even know about.

The right speaker on the front is starting to go out. Also the driver side window doesn't roll down. And the windows take forever to roll up when you are trying to roll up all of them.

The transmission is starting to slip.

This car is just all problems.

General Comments:

I love the way the car handles. The car is pretty quick for a family sedan. I have taken on many cars and have beat a lot of them. I loved this car until the problems came.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 4th October, 2009

4th Oct 2009, 11:25

"The car is pretty quick for a family sedan."

- With the 2.7? Are you going off cliffs all the time?