The Cost of an Import vs the Reliablity of an Intrigue

Something to consider...

While I am not naive enough to think that Intrigues don't have their share of problems, one area where they do beat imports is GM's use of Timing Chains.

Hondas, Toyotas, and many imports use Timing Belts. The advantage, they claim, is that timing belts make an engine run more quiet, and that they are lighter weight. Timing Belts must be replaced every 60-90,000 miles, though, or major engine damage can result. It is not uncommon to have to pay $600 to have a Honda timing belt replaced at the 60,000 mile mark.

Since both Intrigue engines have Timing Chains, GM owners don't have to foot this bill. I guess they use their $600 to fix things that American cars usually aren't as good at (electrical switches, etc).

Who comes out ahead in the end? The owner of the Japanese Car or the owner of the American Car? What do YOU think?

Dude, everyone has a different opinion. Yes, domestics can make more power, and its cheaper, but it doesn't matter. Imports are me, not domestics. So I'm going to say imports.

I kind of like the idea of a timing chain too. But, consider this....
A timing chain system could have a bad tensioner or guide that could also result in engine damage if it should fail. A good example is a Pontiac Grand Am with a Quad 4 motor. They are famous for the tensioner going bad and causing engine/valve damage - usually around 90k miles. I will keep an ear to the wind to make sure that down the road this doesn't start happening. I did timing belts on many interference engines, and I would always sweat it a little bit, I was very paranoid about engine damage from jumping time.

I used to be a big fan of the imports, especially VW, and worked on them professionally, but I think the American cars have come a long way since the 80's and I have kind of come over to the other side. BTW, I love the 3.5L so far.

Karl