there is this 98 intrepid i'm eyeing out. it goes for under 3000bucks. its got over about 115,000 miles on it. its got the 3.5L engine in it. do you guys think its worth it? if this was a honda accord im sure i wont have much problems with it. but from what i hear and what i read here in the forum, engine trouble, the knocking and all that stuff.. engine replacement.. its just so common. so please enlighten me. is it worth the buy? if so, what do i watch out for? sorry for being so ignorant but this is the first time i considered buying an american car.

 

2.7L had problems with the crankshaft - I think the 3.5 is a solid motor.

Other minor problems they have had is the power window motors, and weather strip on the rear doors.
Odds are that if they are working now - they have been fixed already.

 

thanks dodgedlr, anyone else can give me more thought on this. i read alot about sensors and stuff. do i have to get someone to attach it to a computer or a diagnostic tool before i drive it out? or can i simple tell by the engine noise?

 

Some thing doesn't smell right. You're sure it's a 98. The 3.5L was dropped after 97 when the model was redesigned in 98 and didn't return until 2000. The 3.2L replaced it. Which trim level is it? Is it an SE, ES, SXT, or R/T. If it is an SE then chances are it had a 2.7L that sludged and was replaced with a 3.5L. If it's an R/T, then it is a 2000-2002. If it's a SXT, then it is a 2002-2004. The 3.5L is a solid engine. I've got 137,000 on mine. Just make sure the timing belt and water pump are replaced at the appropriate time. I've seen many of these with close to 200,000 miles.

Make sure the transmission has been properly serviced as well with the correct transmission fluid (ATF+3 or ATF+4).

 

If its a 2.7ltr its most likely gonnna blow up if it hasent already. STAY AWAY!!!. The 3.2 and 3.5 on the other hand are extreamly good motors and I think you'll be good. As has been said change your fluids, belts and pumps on time and youll be good. My 00 has 140,000 miles and still runs like new, and feels like it to. Just do what you would on every other car and your golden. Only down side with these cars is that they drink gas.

 

Mine gets amazing fuel mileage on the highway despite the EPAs ultraconservative standards. I get in the 30s on the highway with my first gen 3.5L the only upgrade was a K&N air filter and mine had the lowest fuel mileage ratings. Maybe your refering to city mileage which is pretty bad or maybe your still used to having a fuel-sipping Neon.

 

Im curious if youve went ahead and purchased this car? and it cant be a 3.5 engine only 3.2 or 2.7 if its a 3.2 i hear these are pretty good i have a 2.7 with 123,000 miles just about and you just have to keep a close eye on the oil and mobile oil works best i think for these engines.

 

First of all if you don't know the truth about the 2.7 then don't make replies like this. Not All the 2.7 have this problem. Yes the early 2.7 had it but was resolved in 02. Plus if is a 2.7 and has been maintained it still sould not have the problems. People blow stuff out of perportion because a few have the problem. Here is a link that tells about each of the engines such as when it was introduced and discontinued. Allpar

 

My 2001 2.7L has 94,000 on it and is fine!