2002 Intrepid

[Grug]

Ok, where are the chronic problem areas for the Intrepids? Might be buyin' one. I've seen a few people complain of transmission problems. My '98 Caravan just had the transmission replaced. I'm getting rid of it as it's been nothing but trouble! I DON'T need another car with a questionable transmission.

[wafrederick]

Stay away from one with a 2.7 engine.The 2.7 has a weak bottom end,timing chain problems.My father and I have put crankshaft kits,timing chains in them.

[theFREAKnasty82]

wafrederick, Chrysler has drastically improved the 2.7 liter from its inception in 1998. I have a 2002 Intrepid and it is flawless. In 2000, the redesigned the oil pickup tube to reduce the friction and chance of sludge build up. The timing chain was strengthened to avoid breakage. The best advice I give everyone that has a 2.7 and it hasn't started to go yet, USE SYNTHETIC OIL!!!! It may cost a little but it will save you in the long run. And only use 5W-30. Other than that, 2002-2004 Intrepids are very reliable vehicles.

[blackrose322]

right now I know of over 600 people that are having problems with this car. With th 2.7 engines sludging up. I know an atturney that is trying to start a class action lawsuit since it has been proven that there is a defect in the engine itself where the exhaust is being sucked up back into the manifold (i think thats how you spell it) causing sludge. I lost mine at 61,000 miles and I know of anothers who's went at 24.000 miles. call dot and ask them about there complaints the will tell you the same when I called to complain the guy told me he wished I would of called before buying the car. Buying a car is your choice but make shure you check up on the car before buying, so you don't get stuck with a problem.

[wafrederick]

The 2.7 engine has no power at all and is still a piece of junk.Oh yeah,why do the Chrysler dealers sell timing chains,tensoners keep and keep them in stock.The 2.7 is a piece of junk and an used engine goes for $2,000-$2500 if any auto salvage yards have them

[theFREAKnasty82]

Earlier models of the 2.7 had some issues, I will agree. But for the 2002 model year, they revamped the design of those engines drastically. Like I said before, the oil pickup tube was changed, valve timing was changed to allow valve overlap, where the intake and exhaust valve open at the same time doing the same thing as an EGR valve, and the timing chain was strengthened not to mention a much more sturdier bottom end. I have rarely seen much engine failures in FL where I live, most of the people have troubles up north. I could understand if people who have had problems with the earlier 2.7 are disgruntled, and rightfully so. But to classify that engine is "defective" is not so. I work for a Chrysler dealer and most times, people fail to maintain their cars leading to: SLUDGING. Change your oil and you'll be fine. As far as power, when I go full throttle on my car, the amount of torque steer on this car is insane; it pulls hard to the right until it reaches around 45 MPH then straigthens out. That's a lot of power for me; the last car I drove that had that much torque steer for a front wheel drive car; a 2001 Nissan Maxima. With the Intrepid; whether it is a 2.7 or 3.2/3.5; you have a car with noticeable power and decent fuel economy. I would only recommend Intrepids from 2001 and up.

[Merilee]

Hi there. I just thought I would add that I have a 2002 Intrepid and I love it. Not a single thing has gone wrong with it. It's a family car and isn't meant to be driven harshly, but as theFREAKnasty82 has said, the engines have been greatly improved. I wouldn't look at anything older than a 2002.

[wafrederick]

2002 2.7's blow up too.I read it on a website.The website is www.dontbuyone.org. There is a whole bunch of 2.7 engine failures,including 2002 2.7's from owners of 1998 and up Intrepid and Concorde owners.

[wafrederick]

theFreaknastynasty82,You forgot an improvement to the 2.7.Chrysler improved the water pump five times.I found out from a Jasper Engines rep that comes into my dad's shop once in a while.