2003 Dodge Intrepid SE from North America - Comments

After owning the vehicle for two days, the engine caught on fire.

There was smoke in the car during the test-drive. I returned the car to the salesperson, who kept the car for two days to review the car with their mechanics. After the two days, the salesperson called me back to say that they did not find anything wrong with the car. They thought that since the air-conditioner was on and put on the heat it caused condensation on the engine to make it smoke. I purchased the car on a Wednesday, November 12th and the car caught on fire on Friday, November 14th. The dealership took the car back and today they told me that they could not find anything wrong with the car. Since I purchased the car, the car is mine. I cannot get back into a vehicle that caught fire and they cannot find anything wrong with it. Otherwise, I love the car. It is roomy, it rides nice. I don't know what to do with it now!!!

Dude I'd tell them to take the car back and show it up there asses.

Not to be rude to you, but if you test drove a car that was smoking, and bought it anyway, then you're the worst consumer in the world, and sort of deserve what happened.

I'd have to agree with the 2nd comment. If I was test driving a car and it was smoking, I would not buy it. I would insist on another car. Maybe it's just me. Me and Everybody else in the world with the slightest bit of common sense.

Why on Gods green earth Sir, would you buy a car from any dealership of any make that made any kind of smoke during the test drive??

As another commenter wrote, you got just what you deserved.

If you are unsure what to do with it, sell it for a dollar, if you can find a buyer who hasn't read any reports on Intrepids from www.carsurvey.org.

Good luck!!

I know that this will sound pretty idiot... but did the car still move???

I mean do you still can drive it?

Or the car was written off?

I would not buy a car that smokes, REGARDLESS of how new or almost new it is. You can't always take someone's word for it.

I have to agree with the majority on this one, but isn't there some sort of "Implied Warranty" that is uniform in most (if not all) states, giving the consumer legal rights in a situation like this? I just bought a used '03 Intrepid, and I was told that if anything major goes wrong within the first 15 days, the dealership is responsible for restoring it to a safe, working condition.

Also, aren't there lemon laws in your state?

- you NEED to read more...

Never burn a car a little bit. Burn it all the way and finish it off! Just make sure you're not in it.

Come on this guys having a laugh at our expense. No one could be so stupid to go home with a smoking car. Even in the 70's a car didn't usually catch on fire or smoke until about 6 months.

Since no one else seems to want to help, I also have an intrepid, it's a 94, 3.3L. I also experienced smoking. It came from the steering wheel, My ignition wires had to be replaced, If I can remember correctly it cost a little under $200. Hope this helps. I hate my car. Had nothing, but problems - every other day it won't start, then 30 minutes later, it fires right up. No one seems to be able to figure out the problem.

The problem with the car not starting consistently is the ignition mechanism. Basically, the contacts that are used when you turn the key have worn and/or the heat from operation over the years has warped the assembly. Once the contacts start to wear, the diminished amount of electrical contact creates more heat - which contributes more to failure.

Have the ignition cluster replaced and your car will start regularly - and a great fire hazard will be eliminated.

I feel bad for you dude, but here's advice for anyone else interested in getting a used car: during a test drive you are supposed to TEST THE CAR. A car that has problems should not be bought as there are SO MANY other cars out there. Look around and buy only when you are comfortable, not because some dealer (who's probably b/s-ing you about no problem) convinces you to buy. Their job is to make a sale, you're job is to buy a reliable car.

If the dealership can't find a problem with your smoking car, then perhaps you should consult an independent mechanic.

As someone suggested in another comment, there must be some legal action you can take against the seller. Selling a dangerous vehicle like that must be illegal. If your car catches on fire while you're on the road, not only are you in trouble, but you're risking the lives of the other commuters around you. I suggest you consult a lawyer if the seller is unwilling to cooperate with you.

Another option would be to write a strongly worded letter to Chrysler explaining the problem and asking them to either replace the car, fix the problem under warranty or refund the car in full. You may get a faster response if you threaten to seek legal advice (companies don't like that).

Please be more careful in the future. All the best!