dodge intrepid/chrysler concorde what to look for?

[pandus13]

Hi fellow BITOGers,

I have a friend looking for 98-2003 chrysler concorde / dodge intrepid.
he likes the "couch on wheels" concept.
he drove mainly in europe so he is biased towards the 2.7 engine because is smaller (he thinks gas mileage will be better)

what he should be check for? or what to run from?
price range 1k-2k....

Thanks

 

[SLCraig]

I'd try to steer him more towards a 300M if he wants something in that era.

2.7 is a mixed bag. It has its issues, but some people have no problems ever with them, while some would without a doubt say "never again" the 300M on the other hand is mostly reliable, the 3.5 engine has very few if any real weaknesses, and the whole car as a whole is just a pretty well made car.

300M's get way too little respect. I would love a 300M special edition myself. Such a good looking car.

 

[rshaw125]

Forget the 2.7. I have had Intrepids with both engines. The 3.5 got just as good gas mileage. Was more powerful and more reliable.

 

[renegade_987]

The 2.7L should be avoided UNLESS you have excellent oil change records to back it up, and the mileage isn't too high. Otherwise, go with a different motor and save the headaches

 

[Topo]

Dodge intrepid with 2.7L especially 1998 to 2001 can be problematic. Expect as preventative maintenance to change water pump at 75,000 miles or less, usually won't make it that far. Then you might want to change out tensioner and chain(upgrade to new style), this isn't a easy task and expensive. The Intrepid with the Catalytic Converter sitting right next to the engine causes sludge buildup near the oil return passages. I say the Intrepid is super high maintenance in most cases with the 2.7L, in addition it is wise to clean the pcv at each oil change if it doesn't have the new design. I do think they drive relatively nice and have decent power. I go with a Chrysler 300M with 3.5L that engine is as bulletproof as they come in most cases.

P.S.: I own on 98 Intrepid, water pump went at 75,000 miles on rebuilt motor. In addition the brake booster needs replaced, 1 cat is bad, blowing the blower motor resistors and will be replacing the blower motor. I was fortunate that when timing chain and water pump was replaced the car didn't show any signs of sludging but there is a slight varnish build up.

 

[NHGUY]

I would go with an early 93-95 with 3.3 V6 (base non ES model) and leave it at that.

 

[dishdude]

How about a Buick Century or Regal from that era? Not sure you can get anything decent in the $1k-$2k price range.

 

[VNTS]

I would say good luck just finding any Intrepid or 300M, he should shop condition and one with maitenance records.

I see some nice ones come into the local junky all the time, probably with bad transmission or problem they think is the transmission.

My parents had a nice 93 Intrepdid ES with the 3.5, nice car, sold it in 2007. Had over 150K miles and no issues.

 

[tightwad]

My experience with these cars is not good. Fathers' 1999 nickel and dimed him to death. Bad electronics, bad A/C. Body feels like a tin can on wheels. Might have been OK as a concept. Lousy as a car. I agree with idea of A Buick. 3.8 V-6 is not sexy, but it's bulletproof.

 

[donnyj08]

for 2k its going to be hard to find anything very decent. i would look at 1997-2000 grand prix with a 3800. decent cars and good mileage. every ABS light in the world will be on in a pontiac, but the 3800 is reliable.

another reliable but more fuel thirsty car would be a crown vic. county garages frequently auction old municipal and police crown vics for very cheap. the 4.6l is a little more thirsty, but its super reliable.

 

[Chris142]

Id rather take the bus if my only automotive choice was either of those steaming piles.

 

[ET16]

My father had one of those, and I drove it for a short period. They're not bad. I agree with comments on the 3.5. That's the one to have. I think the trans is the weak link. My father had to get a rebuild fairly early on.

 

[getnpsi]

True Chris, in Chicago at least OP has public transportation options. Out here you need a car to find a job, and need a job to keep up a car...

Good thing about those "piles" is there are a lot more diamonds in the rough sub 80k miles compared to tried and true 4 cylinder imports. More grannies had the big dodges and GM 3800 based platforms than a 38 mpg civic with 288k miles.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

Originally Posted By: Chris142
Id rather take the bus if my only automotive choice was either of those steaming piles.


Agreed ... there are much, MUCH better vehicles out there ... for significantly less money.

 

[InhalingBullets]

WE had 75, 2004 Intrepid's in our fleet of 1500 cars and they cost us an average of $9,000 a year each in upkeep!!!!AVOID them at all costs!

 

[pandus13]

wow, fellows, thanks for the lots of responses.

he comes from a 92 wv jetta. he appreciate the "couch on wheels" feeling.
i already told him the 2.7 are seen at problematic (well also the year is 2013 so if we have survivors after 10+ years.......)
but i guess i should steer him to 3.3/ 3.5 ?
i tried to steer him to crown vic ( hint: people getting out of the way?) or to buick regal ( cheaper because of grandma perception....) but he likes the lines of those cars.
he will also use his car as a semi-work vehicle (NO, he does not want any minivan, i've tried that too) so he cannot use public transport to carry a ladder and tools.
also this will blend in in the neighborhoods he will work too....

 

[cptbarkey]

Originally Posted By: InhalingBullets
WE had 75, 2004 Intrepid's in our fleet of 1500 cars and they cost us an average of $9,000 a year each in upkeep!!!!AVOID them at all costs!


wow, so what vehicles did you see that were the opposite? and middle of the pack? this is useful information that does not get out very often.

 

[ram_man]

What to look for on a 2.7 SLUDGE,WATER PUMP. so many other options I wouldn't consider anything with a 2.7

 

[Tdbo]

What to look for? Public transportation if one buys one of the 2.7's. Worked with a guy who found a "creampuff" Intrepid with 55K miles. Had it all of 6 mos. before he dumped it on a year old '04 Stratus, which he still drives.

 

[QuietPortage]

Originally Posted By: pandus13
dodge intrepid/chrysler concorde what to look for?

Any other vehicle. Chrysler products have never been reliable, but they were exceedingly poor during that era.

The $2,000 budget is going to be tough... a car of that vintage and cost will likely need expensive and constant repairs; especially a Chrysler product. You might be on the right track suggesting a Crown Vic. I'd probably go that route if he really wants a large RWD sedan.