18th Nov 2009, 18:51
I bought this 98 from my grandmother. It had 17000 miles when I got it. it was good for 2 years then started leaking coolant. Lots of expensive coolant.
There is a strange noise possibly with the brakes while braking and turning the wheel to the right only sometimes. when it does happen its when I'm going in reverse.
Rear windows work.. also only sometimes. Suddenly they decide to work for a couple weeks.
It makes me crazy that things seem to be broke only sometimes... IT CAN'T EVEN BE A PIECE OF JUNK RIGHT!
Luckily the car is paid off, I'm so sick and tired of it that I'm going to drive it till she's completely dead. I would NEVER EVER EVER EVER (repeating) buy this car again. This car helped convince me GM has gone astray.
I cannot stress how much of a mistake it was to buy this car.
8th Feb 2010, 21:47
I have a 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue that I bought with 120,000 miles. I am unsure of the previous maintenance, but I don't think it was great.
I replaced all four rotors and pads, plugs, wires and 2 coil packs, and the upstream 02 sensor also.
There are lots of imperfections.. the gas cap and trunk release buttons have fallen off a few times, and each have failed to work a several times.
The button on the gear shifter, when you first start the car, has been extremely hard to press in to shift into reverse on occasion.
The bottom corner of the gas cap area has started to bubble and rust.
The driver's side headlight assembly has been replaced, but the passenger side turn signal fails all the time.. the socket seems to have a short, because if I wiggle it, it will work.
I am in the process of replacing the water pump and the A/C compressor, which has been shot since I bought it in June.
Power window motors on driver side have both acted weird.
I was pleased with the MPGs, the performance, and the look.. but I almost have as much in parts and labor as I did in the car. Don't really regret the purchase yet, but it's getting there.
Be wary, but if you find a good one, they will serve you well.
20th Mar 2010, 16:45
Bought in 2006 with 106,000 miles. Currently have 230,000 miles and have had to replace only the most basic of things (sensors, wheel hub assemblies, brake pads and rotors). This has been an AMAZING car.
This car is now 12 years old. Things will start to wear. With proper maintenance, this car will give you 1,000's upon 1,000's of miles before you retire it.
I STRONGLY recommend buying this car. Take care of it and it WILL take care of you!
3rd Jul 2010, 12:44
I have a 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue, and it runs great to me. The brakes are beautiful. The handling is amazing. The way it accelerates is a dream.
I have been happy with it since I bought it. I paid 2600 hundred dollars for it, and I think I got off easy on that. I honestly don't see a problem with it. I just wish the lights on the dash didn't dim when you go under shade because of the sensor on the dash. Pretty smooth thinking in '98 to have a solar sensor in the dash, but it really wasn't needed.
24th Jul 2010, 17:38
I bought my 1998 Intrigue new, in 1998. I have one of the rare ones as I bought it with the Autobahn package, which included the larger rotors and a stiffer suspension. I'm going on my 13th year and still love this car.
Over the years I've upgraded the stereo system to an Alpine Unit with 2 amps and a sub. I've also included an Alpine head unit with GPS navigation and blue tooth.
I just refurbished the entire car bumper to bumper. My other option was to buy the new Buick Regal 2011. After test driving, value for the money, no contest, I spent $4,800 on my Intrigue and saved a whole lot of money, while still having no payments and a one year warranty.
Go figure, I never thought I'd have this car for this long, but in the end despite some irritating problems at the beginning, it's well earned its keep.
5th Aug 2010, 15:00
Well, I've read all the comments, and I have to say I'm glad I just bought a 98' Intrigue with 170,000 miles for $900.00. Body is real straight with some bad paint on the hood; probably due to lack of wash and wax, along with the Florida sun.
Interesting note about some that have had window problems. I just repaired the drivers window by lubricating the regulator track. Had it all apart and tried the switch for kicks, and it worked a bit. Lubed it up and works!
I knew nothing about this model before buying, and so far I LIKE IT!
Make sure you check out the recall list for some free repairs.
3rd Oct 2012, 09:40
I have a 1998 Intrigue, and it's good running, but cheap made. Did not have defrosters, and the control panel would work when it wanted. It ended up being a bad ignition switch. Who would have known? Not even the auto parts store. Went on the web, and found out about it; 80.00 to replace yourself. Tedious and not a lot of room to change it, but it fixed my problem.
3rd Nov 2009, 12:17
I also own a 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue, and most of the problems are minor. The fuel gauge randomly messed up, it's a really easy fix; just get a screw driver and take out your gauges and put it back in place (mines worked every since).
I only have problems with windows. None of my back windows work and my passenger window probably needs a new motor.
I have strange blinker problems that are costing me a lot because even my mechanic is not really sure what is going on. But I think it's a great first car.