1996 Dodge Intrepid review from North America

- Timing belt and alternator blew in Summer 2006

- Radiator replaced in Spring 2009 (due to front end accident)

- Alternator blew again in Fall 2009

- Fuel pump started going out around 190,000 miles.

- Tie rods started going out in 2004-05, but I haven't replaced them and the tire is still going strong. (It's 2009 now!)

- Cradle bushings going out, but at 200,000 miles that's just normal wear.

I bought this car from a junkyard for $700 in 2003, and it has lasted me almost seven years. I've dropped about $3-4,000 into the car during that time, but most of it was to fix problems caused by two front end collisions. I.E. new hood, two sets of headlights and brackets, radiator and the rest was just regular maintenance - alternator, fuel pump, etc.

I joke around that the car has a lot of character, but really it's just little things that could be fixed easily - the passenger side automatic locks stopped working out of nowhere, my after market radio blew as soon as the warranty expired, the front bumper is held on by zip ties (accident), etc etc.

I loved this car. I'm just tired of working on it and want something slightly newer. I just sold it for $350 (could have gotten more...), but with another $1000 worth of work it could go at least another 50,000 miles.

The 3.5 liter engine is one of the best ever put in the Intrepid. I'm looking to upgrade to a new model, but am slightly wary of the newer engines compared to the great experience I've had so far!