Stratus Intrepid

Thanks for visiting our site!
Stratus Intrepid
Checkout Ebay Auctions For The Cheapest Prices

Check out Amazon:

Account limit of 2000 requests per hour exceeded.

Here are some more information for Stratus Intrepid:

The increasing number of vehicles in the roads of the United States means that there are lots of vehicles to choose from for thieves. The popularity of a certain model is not only gauged by its sales figures in the markets but how it appeals to auto thieves.

Sadly though, that remains a fact as car thieves steal the most popular vehicles and this is as shown by a study that was conducted in the state of Texas. Last year, the Texas Department of Public Safety compiled a list of vehicles that were stolen in the said state. For more than a decade before 2006, Chevrolet pickup trucks top that list but for the year 2006, the most stolen vehicles are Ford pickup trucks. While this is a sign that Ford is producing vehicles which appeals to the taste of Americans, it is saddening that the same attraction it has for law-abiding citizens also appeal to thieves.

The list reported by the Texas Department of Public Safety comes from the database of the Texas Crime Information Center. The said information was reported by different law enforcement agencies across the state. Ford pickup trucks rank as the most stolen vehicles for 2006.

Following close behind Ford is the Chevy brand of General Motors. Chevrolet pickup trucks are also some of the most common targets for car thieves in the state of Texas. Ranking third on the list are Dodge pickup trucks. The popularity of pickup trucks to thieves is evident in the fact that the top three most stolen vehicles are all pickup trucks. Of course, it is a known fact that Americans love their trucks and it comes as no surprise that thieves targets these pickup trucks.

Number four on the list is the Honda Accord. This mid-size sedan that has become so popular among consumers is also attracting the unwelcome attention of car thieves. Another Honda model is included in the list of Texas' most stolen vehicles - the Honda Civic ranks the fifth most stolen vehicle.

The Chevrolet Tahoe, the full-size sport utility vehicle from General Motors is listed as the sixth most stolen vehicle in the state. Number seven on the list are GMC pickup trucks once again showing the attention pickup trucks attract from crooks.

The Ford Taurus, the mid-size front wheel drive sedan is ranked as the eighth most stolen vehicle in Texas. The only model from Toyota to have made the list is the company's best seller - the Toyota Camry - which is ranked as the ninth most stolen vehicle. Completing the list of the most stolen vehicle last year in Texas is the large sport utility vehicle from General Motors - the Chevrolet Suburban.

Aside from the state's most stolen vehicles, the Houston Police Department also published the most stolen cars in the city last December. Topping the list once again are Ford pickup trucks while Chevy pickup trucks with their Chevrolet pickup racks retains the second spot. The third most stolen vehicle in the city last December as compiled by the Houston Police Department is Honda cars. Of the stolen Honda cars for the said month, 54 percent are Civics and 45 percent are Accords while the rest is composed of various Honda car models.

Ranking fourth in the list are Dodge pickup trucks which are quite known for their powerful HEMI engines.

Number five on the list are Ford cars. Of all the Ford cars stolen for the month of December last year, the Ford Taurus is the most popular among thieves with 60 percent of Ford cars being stolen consisting of the Taurus model. The Ford Mustang is also very popular among car thieves as ten percent of Ford cars stolen for the month are Mustangs.

The sixth most stolen vehicles in the list are Toyota cars. The Toyota Camry is the most popular Toyota model among thieves as 57 percent of Toyota cars stolen were Camrys. The Toyota Corolla, Toyota's compact sedan, is also popular among thieves with 29 percent of Toyota cars stolen being Corollas.

Next on the list are Chevrolet cars with 25 percent stolen cars being Chevy Malibus, 23 percent being Chevy Cavaliers and the rest is comprised of different Chevrolet car models. Dodge cars ranked eighth on the list with the Dodge Intrepid being the most popular Dodge car model for thieves with 49 percent and the Dodge Stratus follows with 15 percent. Number nine on the list are GMC vehicles.

Completing the list are Nissan cars with the Sentra and the Altima having 38 percent apiece of Nissan car models stolen.

Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive.buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.You can also visit Chevrolet pickup racks for more information.

High Quality Oil Gone Bad

Individuals purchasing used cars usually neglect to inspect the most crucial auto parts. That makes them guilty of the automotive original sin. The negligence of purchasers could lead to complex car problems at some future time. In fact, such negligence could turn high quality oil into futile gasoline.

Several hot-selling cars appear to have an increased peril of serious mechanical troubles. This is, most of the time, caused by neglecting the scheduled oil changes during the car’s formative years. One of the reasons that challenge the quality of the car is the buildup of sludge. The viscous tarlike deposits diminish or shut off oil circulation. It could cost the owner thousands of dollars for repairs or replacements.

Sludge is the term for solid waste and the thick breakdown of oil as it deteriorates. The buildup is triggered by moisture and contaminants that turn oil to gel. As a result, friction increases. Eventually, it may cause excess wear or worst – a stop-right-now failure. Experts are saying that there is no foolproof technique to ensure car owners of a trouble-prone vehicle to protect themselves. In addition, if there is a trouble involving sludge, the automaker may reject the warranty claim over the vehicle because it is likely hard to prove that previous owners neglected oil maintenance expected of them.

Oil sludge usually occurs at temperatures lower than 100 degree Celsius. It could be a key contributor to major engine problems. As a fact, sludge could necessitate a timely engine replacement. Late models of piston engines from several manufacturers have experienced failures by reason of oil sludge contamination. Failures happen when engine oil passages are clogged with sludge. Hence, even if oil is of high quality, it will be futile. The worst that it could do is to damage the whole engine much to the owner’s disadvantage.

Oil sludge has resulted to several auto catastrophes. In the automotive history, 3.3 million engines from Toyota, 430,000 from Saab, 426,000 from Volkswagen and unknown numbers from Chrysler, Dodge and Audi had such problems. These failures require changing to synthetic oil, inspection, and even engine replacement.

“Chrysler has a serious sludge problem with the 2.7-liter V-6 engine used on some of its Concordes and Sebrings and also on some Dodge Intrepids and Stratus in the 1998-2002 model years,” said Clarence M. Ditlow, executive director of the Center for Auto Safety. He added, “The center’s Web site (autosafety.org) had about 2,800 complaints of failures from sludge.”

Sam Locricchio, Chrysler spokesman said, “The center was exaggerating the problem. He said the center received many duplicate complaints as well as cases in which it could not be shown that the vehicle had been properly maintained.”

Dean Tomazic, director for performance and emissions at FEV Engine Technology, a consulting firm in Auburn Hills, Mich. said, “The owner of a used car could conscientiously change the oil every 3,000 miles and still have a problem if the previous owner neglected the maintenance. The engine may be so damaged from the past abuse,” He also added that such could “eternally cause sludge formation.”

Used car owners are not alone with said dilemma. Earlier, Jeff Meckstroth of New Orleans, initiated a class-action suit against Toyota involving sludge problem. Meckstroth’s new 1999 Lexus RX 300 sport wagon also had a sludge problem. Later, it was ruled by a Better Business Bureau arbitrator that the car was properly maintained. Unfortunately, Toyota denied there was a problem with the engine.

On the other hand, Consumer Reports magazine reported “the problem rate as reflected in our reliability data is very low.” “Oil sludge,” according to an auto expert, “is almost like clogged arteries. You look good on the outside, but you don’t know what is on the inside.” Every auto parts serve a vital role in the vehicle’s efficiency. Hence, an owner should not only concentrate on brakes, EBC pads and the like. He must inspect each part to be secured.

About the Author

Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.

What do you know about the reliability/comfort of the Dodge Stratus? (The later models--- mid 2000s.)?

Please, no general bashing of Chrysler. Specific models are okay to bad-mouth; I know they've made some lemons, but you have to admit, certain models are just winners when you're shopping American-made. (Both of my parents and several of my friends drive Chrysler/Dodge.). I'm in love with the Intrepid, especially those made after 2002 (Yes, I know about the 2.7L issues, get a 3.5, blah, blah. I've been researching.), but I'm drawn to the sexy design of the Stratus (No, I'm not going on looks alone, but it's certainly a perk.), and I know it gets slightly better gas mileage. I was just wondering how well, say, a 2006 Stratus would compare to a 2004 Intrepid. Which spends more time in the shop? Why?

Also, I love the "cavernous" feel of the Intrepid. I know the Stratus is a little smaller and sportier, but will my passengers be whining for leg room after 10 minutes?

i own two of them right now the newest one being a 01 model and i love the way it rides and drives and also it runs extremely well ,the only problem i have had from mine was the timing belt broke on it other than that is has been an excellent car to own and drive,the best engine that you can get in one is the 2.4,its almost bullet proof if you,ll take good care of it and do real good maintenance to it,i wouldn't even compare a stratus to an intrepid,the intrepid is not half the car that the stratus is,the intrepid will spend more time in the shop than the stratus will,its your choice on those but i would stay away from an intrepid if possible,good luck

Salt Lake police investigate shooting; victim in critical condition
Police are investigating a shooting at 643 South and 700 East in downtown Salt Lake City. Neighbors reported hearing several gunshots Monday night and called police, who found a victim with at least two bullet wounds.

Thanks for visiting!