Dodge Intrepid - First car, what do you think?

[CompactTractorFan]

Yes, I'm thinking about getting my first car... :cloud9:

I have the opportunity to buy a 2000 Dodge Intrepid from my uncle. It has 130,000k miles. Still waiting to find out what engine is in it. He's asking $1,600.

Do you think it's a good deal? Do you think the Intrepid is a decent car???

 

[Alan L.]

Yes, I'm thinking about getting my first car... :cloud9:

I have the opportunity to buy a 2000 Dodge Intrepid from my uncle. It has 130,000k miles. Still waiting to find out what engine is in it. He's asking $1,600.

Do you think it's a good deal? Do you think the Intrepid is a decent car???

If it runs thats should be fair. I know a guy who had one and got a lot of miles out of it. It probably has a V6 but not sure.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Cant go wrong at that price.

I think a lot of them had Mitsubishi motors. They made a good combo with Dodge back then.

Chris

 

[dodge man]

Its most likely got a 3.5 V6 in it, which is a good engine. It could also have what I think is a 2.7 V6 in it, which isn't as good a motor, but if the oil was changed on a regular basis, it would be O.K. also. They are pretty good solid cars. I'm pretty sure they didn't put any Mitsubushi motors in them.

 

[LD1]

Its most likely got a 3.5 V6 in it, which is a good engine. It could also have what I think is a 2.7 V6 in it, which isn't as good a motor, but if the oil was changed on a regular basis, it would be O.K. also. They are pretty good solid cars. I'm pretty sure they didn't put any Mitsubushi motors in them.

Yep.
2.7.....Not so good
3.5.....Much better:thumbsup:

 

[gengine]

Maybe it's the businessman part of me, but offer him $1000 and try to settle around $1300. Although $1600 is a good price if the car was taken care of. When the engine is running do you hear any taps, or is there any air coming out of the oil filler neck? A little bit of air is fine, almost unnoticeable. When driving are there any rattles? How about when you hit a bump in the road? Go to a parking lot, go slow and turn as sharp as you can and listen. Other than the tire squeal which isn't necessarily a bad thing, can you hear any other funny noises?
You don't have to answer any of these questions for us, but it's ammo for you when you go and haggle with your uncle. All these things can be indicators of things to come. I don't know what a hub on a intrepid costs, but they are $180 bucks a piece on a dodge magnum.
In all, I think any running drivable car is worth at least $1000, and the nicer it is, the more you pay. I think it will be a great first car for you, and insurance should be easy on the pocket book. Congrats!

 

[Dmace]

Thats a big car don't expect great fuel mileage but is a typical reliable Chrysler product. There were early problems with sludge when not maintained properly so make sure the oil is changed regularly and stick with good oil and filters. The V6 3.2l and 3.5l are the engines of choice but don't let the 2.7l scare you.

You should easily get 200k out of that car with regular maintenance but don't use it as a race car. Plenty of room for friends though unlike my first car, a Honda Prelude...

I bet it's gold colored, that was the color of choice then.

 

[dodge man]

Having owned some of these in the past, I would almost expect the front end to rattle. These cars eat front end parts. I've replaced sway bar end links on the cars of the same vintage I owned. It never really hurt the function of the car, they just ratttled. These cars also aren't that bad to work on for a young new car owner that wants to do some of the stuff himself. I'd also think junkyards would have some of these cars around as a source of cheap parts.

 

[CompactTractorFan]

Thanks for all the advice so far. I'll keep you all updated...

 

[Bird]

Our younger daughter had one, and I think it was a 2000 model. I kept it a few days once while she was in the hospital. I don't know what engine it had, but it was peppy car and I really liked it. Unfortunately, daughter crashed when it was only a couple of years old.

 

[k0ua]

My company still has many of the 2000 Intrepid's in service. It is a responsive car both in throttle response and handleing.. I don't care to get in and out of them, as they are low and the back rake of the door frame I don't care for either. But if you are young, and not terribly tall, perhaps the car would fit you. The car seems to be pretty durable, as I think most of them are around 200, 000 miles.

James K0UA

 

[CompactTractorFan]

Well, found out the engine is the 2.7L. Still think it's worth it???

I know it is known for problems...Other than that it seems like a good car.

 

[RoyJackson]

Well, found out the engine is the 2.7L. Still think it's worth it???

I know it is known for problems...Other than that it seems like a good car.

I dunno, Kyle...I always pictured you as a Yugo guy...

Since you're buying this from your Uncle...do you trust him?

 

[Dmace]

Like I said, don't be scared of the 2.7l. It's still a good engine and made 200 hp vs the 3.5l at 225hp. It also was all aluminum, DOHC and had a three layer timing CHAIN vs belt so its a reliable combination. Make sure the oil was changed regularly to avoid sludge problems.

 

[dodge man]

Dmace pretty much hit it on the head, they were known to sludge up if the oil wasn't changed regular. I'm also pretty sure the 3.5 made 250 hp vs the 200 for the 2.7.

I had a 2.7 in a latter model Sebring convertible and it was fine. I sold it to someone I sort of know, and he says its still running good.

 

[5030]

Well, found out the engine is the 2.7L. Still think it's worth it???

I know it is known for problems...Other than that it seems like a good car.

1500 for a beater in today's worthless money market ain't bad. It is a beater after all......:laughing:

 

[EddieWalker]

Do you have the money cash or is your uncle financing you?

If I had the cash, I think that I would keep looking. It's not that I have anything against that car, but think that a first car should be reliable and economical. The miles aren't bad and since it's family, I'm hoping that he took care of it. But there are some pretty decent deals out there for under $2,000 grand for something like a Honda, Nissan or Toyota. I'm a Ford guy, but when buying a car for a kid, I go with what has a proven track record.

How much can you afford on gas? What is the insurance on that car? What will you need to put into it to keep it on the road? How are the tires?

Every car is a money pit, but some are not as bad as others.

New Cars, Used Cars, Car Reviews and Pricing - Edmunds.com is a decent site to read reviews. Do your research and keep your options open.

Good luck,
Eddie

 

[CompactTractorFan]

A little update:

Test drove the car the other night (and hit a curb - don't ask). It seems like a nice car. Only problem is the drivers side window will not go down, but everything else seemed in great condition. After thinking it over we decided to go ahead and buy it. Picking it up next Saturday...

 

[LD1]

A little update:

Test drove the car the other night (and hit a curb - don't ask). It seems like a nice car. Only problem is the drivers side window will not go down, but everything else seemed in great condition. After thinking it over we decided to go ahead and buy it. Picking it up next Saturday...

Congrats.

Now just waiting for the next post "How to change ball joints on dodge intrepid due to multiple times hitting curb":laughing:

 

[k0ua]

Congrats.

Now just waiting for the next post "How to change ball joints on dodge intrepid due to multiple times hitting curb":laughing:

Or tips on how to straighten a bent rim.. Just kidding,, You did not expect us to cut you any slack did you? Congratulations on getting the Car..:thumbsup:

James K0UA