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Need your thoughts on 1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue GLS - Opinions? Pros? Cons?

PeeluckyDuckee

Diamond Member
This is the vehicle we're looking at right now.

This is what it is comprised of basically...

1999 GLS Model
3.5L V6 Front Wheel Drive
66,000 Kilos on it
Leather seating
Dual Power Seats
Dual CD/Cassette Player
Boss 8-speaker system w/amplifier
4-Door
PCS (Precision Control System)

The dealer is asking $18,000Cdn right now. We didn't offer anything yet, just looking around still. If we can come to a $15,500Cdn, then we'd be happy. Have not taken it for a test drive (will be coming Saturday though 🙂 ). Is it me, or does the engine sound loud? When we start up the car, both this 1999 and the new 2002 model, they both sound loud? Some of the smaller sedans are VERY quiet.

When you buy used at the dealership, do you have to pay only GST? Or both GST and PST? If its a private sale, then no GST/PST at all, correct? This question is more directed to Canadians who know about our tax system.

Also, those who own such a vehicle, please provide me with your input about it. Much appreciated. Those who have considered this vehicle before in their purchase, but when with another vehicle instead, please lmk which alternate vehicle you chose and why you chose that one over the Intrigue.

Lastly, any known problems or defects about this vehicle, announced by the manufacturer?


Thanks.
Plucky

 
Also, how is the safety rating on this vehicle? Do the doors use single beam or double beam? I'm assuming double is better when in an side impact situation?

Reading some editorial review right now, as well as consumer reviews and ratings, the Intrigue seems to attact a happy crowd. That's good to hear...
 
I own a 99 Intrigue and have been fairly happy with it. I Got it in 2000 and have put 40,000 mi on it since purchase. I have the older, but venerable 3.8 L engine, which I like, though I hear the 3.5 is a nice one too. Maintanance includes: new ABS computer, new pads and resurfacing of rotars, strut replacement, and standard oil changes, tires, etc. Overall, I am pleased with my purchase.
 
The Oldsmobile Division in the USA is being phased out. Resale will suffer. Is Oldsmobile going to continue selling cars in Canada?
 
Originally posted by: DonaldC
The Oldsmobile Division in the USA is being phased out. Resale will suffer. Is Oldsmobile going to continue selling cars in Canada?

I doubt it. GM is taking over all Oldsmobile related warranty work after the specified period. Automaker is required to keep parts for at least 20 years, so you shouldn't have to worry about finding parts for repair work.
 
Also, those who own such a vehicle, please provide me with your input about it. Much appreciated.

I own a '99 model. I beat the living crap out of it and have put 69,000 miles on it, changing the oil every 3000 miles. The engine is quiet and runs like the day I bought it (new). As far as maintenance, I've replaced the pads and rotors on all four wheels, as well as the tires all around. I also burned out the ABS sensors (like I said, I beat the crap out of it). The only thing that really has "broken" was the blower motor resistor for the climate control had literally burned up (it only cost ~$15 for the replacement part). The interior is standard GM trash in case you haven't heard about them. I've got an annoying squeak on the driver side, the bass/treble knob cracked and doesn't adjust properly, and the padding on the top of the steering wheel has dried out, cracked, and looks like crap. Overall I'd say the car is reliable and runs great.... the interior just sucks.
 
Yeah, I've heard about the interior as well. The ENTIRE Oldsmobile division is going out? Why? Bad sales? The name's got a bad rap?

Also, guys who bought this car new, how far down the road did you have to begin doing maintenance repair on it? Excluding the usual oil change, filters, sparks, etc. Any extreme costly repairs that you didn't expect occur prematurely? Also, how's the vehicle's handling on the road? Hear it doesn't do too well in this area? How about the Bose sound system?

Not too worried about the car's resale value, as it will be driven to its death, like our '85 Bonnie.

Speaking of vehicles, but on a different note, we have an old 1985 Pontiac Bonneville V6 (retired), but seems to have lost a lot of hp. Its just very unresponsive, pedal to the metal and all it does is eat up the gas but hardly gets anywhere. I'm just curious, do all vehicles lose hp as they get older? Anything you can do to restore it?

Yield, can you expand a little on your opinion? It doesn't really help me a lot when you simply state that you like it or dislike it.
 
Originally posted by: rufruf44
Originally posted by: DonaldC
The Oldsmobile Division in the USA is being phased out. Resale will suffer. Is Oldsmobile going to continue selling cars in Canada?

I doubt it. GM is taking over all Oldsmobile related warranty work after the specified period. Automaker is required to keep parts for at least 20 years, so you shouldn't have to worry about finding parts for repair work.


Where did I use the word "parts"?
 
I have the 2000 and like it. The only problem I noticed is that the air filter for the passenger compartment gets dirty/musty rather quickly.
 
Up for more thoughts on it.

Pop really likes the design of this vehicle and the 3.5L V6 215hp engine. I guess what I want to know is is there any significant reason that would hold one back from purchasing this vehicle?
 
If you really like the car, can get it at a good price, and it seems to have been maintained properly go for it. Since you say resale is of no concern and parts will be available for years to come it may be a great buy.
 
I've got the '98 Olds Intrigue w/ the 3.8 V6. the engine on this one is very quiet, but it is TERRIBLE on gas mileage. other than that I love this car. it rides well, it handles well (for a 3800 lb car that is). It is a bit short on space (Trunk and Back seat space is less than some civics). Quality on this car has been very high.

But your paying too much for it at $18,000 Cdn. I think i'm gonna have trouble trading mine in at $8k US.

Edit to add more detail

the only thing i've had done on this car is New tires, new brakes, oil changes.

It actually handles VERY WELL. I don't know who said it doesn't handle well. You have to remember it is a pretty big car so comparing it to something like a civic or something, sure it seems sluggish, but compared to accords or camrys (recent years) it is comparable in my opinion.
 
PlatinumGold, what about noise? I mean sqeaky noise when you hit the highway? It handles well? In what way? Hear it doesn't do so well in this department. Yes, I believe $18k Cdn is a pretty bloated price as well, consider its a '99 model w/66,000 kilos on it, and has a few paint scratches here and there.

The car is said to be a lease/rental car return. So I would assume it has been driven everyday like its the end of the world. *shrugs*

As far as gas efficiency goes, the Bonneville wasn't great either, being a 3.8L V6. We pay around $100-$120Cdn each month. Drives like a car, sucks gas like an SUV 🙁


Here's an even better question that can help me judge how happy owners are with the Intrigue - Would you purchase ANOTHER Oldsmobile Intrigue if you had the opportunity to purchase another vehicle?

We own a Bonneville for the past 17yrs, but would not purchase another Bonneville. Not because I don't like it, but it has turned more into sports/luxury vehicle, and WAY out of price range. Its been 17yrs, so it'd be nice to consider something else besides the Bonneville name, even though there's nothing wrong with it, just kinda gets plain boring with another Bonneville.
 
About the GST/PST thing

If your buying from a dealer, you pay both.
If your buying from a private seller you only pay PST when you transfer ownership of the vechicle. Also you pay PST on either what you paid or the current value of the car (u pay PST on the higher value).
 
plucky

how does it handle well?? well that's a tough question, it takes corners well, has a nice pliant ride (the suspension is set up to be stiff side to side but pliant up and down).

if you've driven a bonneville with the 3.8 than you have to realize that the olds has the same engine in it. it might be tuned a bit higher to put out 205 HP but it is the basic same engine thats in the bonneville (well i think it is anyway).

I'd buy this car again, or keep this one, but i really need something that makes it easier for me to haul around large amounts of computer equipment.
 
Here's an even better question that can help me judge how happy owners are with the Intrigue - Would you purchase ANOTHER Oldsmobile Intrigue if you had the opportunity to purchase another vehicle?

Nope. Crappy backseat space combined with crappy interior = getting an import next time for the same money.
 
i have a 92 bonneville that's gonna get driven until its death. 😛

you might have a carburetor on yours, should get that looked at. what's the mileage?
 
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