I want to buy a car for my Grand daughter. We found a 2002 Intrepid SE with 123K miles on it that looks good and drives very good. They want $2980. It has new radiator and is very clean. Are these good reliable cars? What kind of problems do they have? Is the price about right? Thanks in advance for any help. (The car will be used to go to school and since we live in a little KS town all entertainment and stuff is 30 miles in any direction. Lots of driving.) Thanks again.

 

Inspect the frame really well as it is a uni body. Check panel gaps, hinge colors, fender bolts for over spray.

Radiator replacement is normal for a 11 year old car. But it can be a sign of lack of maintenance.

Yes. They can be good cars if treated correctly.

Your car is an OBD2 system which means the check engine light and cache can be easily dumped and reset. So drive it for at least 20 plus minutes to see if it codes. Make sure it is cold to the touch when you arrive and start it. Let it idle when you inspect everything again. If the radio stations or clock is off, then you have a clue.

Check tire wear especially inside edges of front for wear and turn the wheel all the way to the left and right and do small circles to see for cv joint snap from wear. Different brand tires on different corners is a clue to uneven wear too as used skins are usually added before a sale.

Tranny fluid should be pink and grit free.

The motor is a good unit and will get 200K of service if treated correctly.

The price is on the high side IMO but fine for a private sale if all checks out. Remember anything over 75k -90k is wholesale to the dealer so you have some wiggle room to negotiate.

I am very trustworthy normally but since its your grand daughter I assume issues until proven wrong. You already stated that she may be solo on long drives so I would have a pro go over it. 50 bucks will usually get you 30 minutes of inspection and lift time to make sure it checks out.

I like those cars. Very comfortable on the highway and front wheel drive is a plus for weather. I had one for work for 3 years and it was solid. Only problem was an AC compressor bearing. But you can hear that a mile away.

Lastly... mighty nice of you to purchase her a car... she's a lucky girl.

 

What engine does it have ? IF it has the 2.7 V6 pass on it !!!! 4 cyl is ok I think they had the head gasket problems fixed by 2000-01

 

The 2.7L are granade motors the 3.5 is ok but like PK1 said I would have it checked over by a proffessional it would be worth it. To keep your grandaughter safe. you are a nice gd to buy her the car...

 

Thanks for the input. Called dealer this am and he says car now has a check engine light and coded that it has a bad temp sensor. It's a 3.5 v6 by the way. Will check on the other things mentioned. They just put in new radaitor so maybe they haven't reset the code. Will let him figure it out. I think if it all checks out I will offer $2700 and see if he bites. It is an independent lot so he probably bought this at auction. Thanks again and we will see what it drives like today.

 

It went to the auction for a reason. BEWARE

 

Auction is not necessarily bad. A lot of dealers Don't mess with the older cars and just send their trade in's to auction. (no money in them...) I would maybe offer $2500. Check the vin to see if it has had an engine change. If they swapped the 3.5 in to replace the 2.7 ? it's ok but they may not have the correct sensors or hooked them up correctly. Personally with todays gas prices I would look for a 4 cyl car for her

 

Took INtrepid for a drive and it ran out pretty nice. Got back to lot and opened hood and it is a 2.7 not a 3.5. Told dealer thanks but I will keep looking. Sure was a nice car but need realibilty and the 2.7 won't get it. Thanks again to all.

 

Run dont look back, thats a bad first choice car for a youngster.