Hey guys our Subaru has given up the ghost (finally) and i'm looking at the Dodge Intrepid, Chrysler Concorde, and the 300M. and well i was wondering if there was anything i should look out for. I know about the sludge in the 2.7L's but how should i go about making sure that it doesn't sludge up? and how would i know if it already has sludge in it?

 

Bah, go for the 3.5!

 

Not everyone goes for the 3.5!! If it's a "family thing" as it was with me it matters not. As far as the sludge goes changing your oil and running some engine cleaner through it will keep the sludge down. I have also been told to run synthetic in mine so check out our sponsor ROYAL PURPLE. (nick I mentioned a sponsor again I should get some freebies) If you keep up on your oil changes and run cleaner every so often you should be fine.

 

yea i wouldn't mind having the 3.5L but gas and such... and plus its for my parents to drive so we wont need the power lol.

 

are there any other problems with the Intrepids besides the 2.7L? or signs of trouble?

 

I have a '98 ES with the 3.2. It gets mid 24's for MPG routinely, and has adequate power for everyday use. Personally, I'd avoid the 2.7 entirely... just too many issues with them to take a chance. You don't know for sure what any prior owner(s) have done in the way of maintenance.

 

if u can afford it go for the 300m. they are absolutely amazing. if i wasn't poor i would be rolling in one now.


BTW Mobil 1 is what i use with my 2.7L and so far the 2.7 is the only thing i haven't had a problem with. it is the best running most consistent part of my car. if u take care of it you wont have a problem.

 

Their around 12-14 grand (depending on year) on ebay. thats the only way we could get one lol.

 

With everything I've read here about the sludge, I'd never buy one. If you don't need leather seats, the Dodge Intrepid R/T has most of the features of the 300M. It's comfortable, and with a good set of tires, it'll handle well. It's not the fastest off the line, but what's great is doing 50-60 and being able to pass someone without any hassle.