2002 Dodge Intrepid

[JJEH]

Since Jess' Honda broke down we are looking for a new ride.

We don't wanna spend a new Trans. into the Honda.

We found a 2002 Intrepid, 2.7L V6 with almost 94k mls. on it.

Is there any major issue with this modelyear?
What about the oil sludge?

Seller is asking $4000.00 but is willing to negotiate.

[MrQuick]

yep sludge is the big killer on them engines....we usually use a good engine flush compound (plus Z max) to the oil. Peer down the oil filler cap with a light, you can see past the corner. Make sure the oil changes have been done.

Other wise pretty good cars. Defrosters are ok too. LOL

Vince

[JJEH]

Thanks for your help. I will check the oil stuff...

Defrosters are improtant here LOL
Winter sucks...

[MonzaRacer]

Pass on any of the 2.7s, they do sludge up but also have wear issues with the timing chain guides, and to do a waterpump runs about $2000, its ran by the timing chains and if you remove it and the guides throw them away.
Just did one and its a major pain in the ass. Also the thermostat is almost as hard to change, royal pain the back side.
the 3.2/3.6 is better engine, any of the Chryslers with timing belts are much better choice. Also in those years they have trans issues, my uncles LHS has had 7 so far his daughter , my cousin has had 4 in her Intrepid and neither drive hard.
Also see the pipe in front between the valve covers, upper hose attaches to it, well that plastic housing degrades and the pipe also run under the intake all the way to the heater hoses. and come with hoses, not cheap.

[JJEH]

Thank's for your posting.

This happens when you cooporate with Daimler. Everything gets expensive... LOL

The seller got down to $3000.00 right in his 2nd e-mail...
He don't wanna ship it back because it cost almost the same as the car is worth...

Well, we need it only 10 more month than we move to the States anyway... and $3k sounds not bad...

[CarlC]

Check all of the electric door lock latches. The plastic gear inside of them strips and a new latch, parts only, from Chrysler is close to $150. I had to replace three of them in my 2000 2.7L Intrepid. If you actuate the switch and the latch makes a grinding noise during operation, it's broken.

The 2.7L worked great for us with 90,000 miles on it when we sold the car for $2,500. I did replace a noisy fuel pump as a preventative maintenance measure.

These cars are all over the junkyards here.

[JJEH]

Thanks Carl for the Info.

We are still interested and want to have a look on the car.

Here's the VIN: 2B3HD46R92H131903

Is someone able to do a car.fax, please?

I bought 5 a couple month ago, used 2 and 3 expired :-(

[MrQuick]

dealer info shows no service history.....yikes. just the recliner recall.

buyer beware.

vince

[strtlegal]

Work for Dodge for 15 years..That is one motor and car combo to stay away from!

[strtlegal]

I ran the vin on Chrysler Website and found this:


Vehicle Restrictions
Restrictions
Description Restricted LOPS Restricted Parts Part / LOP Description
TRANS REPL PSC AUTH REQD 21002105

Looks like the trans is restricted for what ever reason..That dealer would have to let me know what happened. No real detail

Open recall:

C04 drivers seat recliner bolts

[chevyhector]

Where does one go to get a free VIN check?

[rrstroker71]

Run away, run fast! I am a mopar guy and would not buy that car!

[MrQuick]

I ran the vin on Chrysler Website and found this:


Vehicle Restrictions
Restrictions
Description Restricted LOPS Restricted Parts Part / LOP Description
TRANS REPL PSC AUTH REQD 21002105

Looks like the trans is restricted for what ever reason..That dealer would have to let me know what happened. No real detail

Open recall:

C04 drivers seat recliner bolts

looks like it was done
No Incomplete Recall Information Available
Complete Recall
Recall Number Description Launch Date Repair Date
C04 DRIVERS SEAT RECLINER BOLTS April 16, 2003 July 31, 2003





For the trans it was either replaced previously, the dealer has performed too many per given time or it has been tried to request warrenty too many times.

I'd pass on this car, but Intrepids are otherwise good cars if you took care of them.

Although it looks like Jochen can fix anything.


Vince

[JJEH]

Work for Dodge for 15 years..That is one motor and car combo to stay away from!

Really? $.h.i.t...

Thank's for that advice!!!

Although it looks like Jochen can fix anything.

Sure I can fix some, not anything. But we don't wanna spend that much money for crap. The Honda needs a Trans. and it cost ridiculous money. And I don't wanna buy the next car who needs major repair.

We are leaving Germany next year and we just need a ride for the next 10 month.

We have other bills to pay, also I need plenty of "Benjamin Franklin" for my diving equipment...

Thanks for your help guys, we love this board!!!

[MrQuick]

hey Jochen that Honda automatic or manny?

[JJEH]

Automatic

It's a Civic EX 4door Sedan, 1.7L

[ARAD RS]

Hey Guys, My wife and I bought one back in 2002 2.7L with 35,000 on the odometer. She made it to 184,000? before she blew! My wife is weak on proper maintenance schedules for her car. Alys too busy and no time to stop.
IMO change the oil every 3000 miles and use something like sea foam just before you change the oil. Also I agree with the POS water neck change. You have to remove the intake manifold just to remove one frekin bolt holding it down. No way around it.
When she blew the tow truck/mechanic guy suggested that we accidentally have an electrical problem and let it burn. We would be better off. Well Being paid for, getting good gas mileage and not having much value in its current condition we decided to find a pick-n-pull motor for replacement. It took 3 motors before I would accept a keeper. All three motors had 89,000 miles on them. What are those odds?
On the keeper we replaced the water pump, water neck, and belt tensioner before we dropped it back under the hood. So far so good and another 12,000 miles since.

Do a Google search in the car or join a intrepid forum before you buy. Chrysler knew the 2.7L motor was a POS.

[MrQuick]

I don't know what you guys are complaining about, it only takes 10 min to remove the intake plenum to get to the tube. Come on, the guy works on Mercedes Bens for fun. LOL


Vince

[JJEH]

Come on the, guy works on Mercedes Bens for fun. LOL
Vince

That's different... Mercedes-Benz gave me money every month to work on their cars LOL

[claytonisbob]

you cant find a civic trans pull out to throw in there?