Upper Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
high- Typically appears
- 80–130k mi
- Estimated repair
- $400 – $750
2000 Oldsmobile
IntrigueSedan
Sedan
The 2000 Oldsmobile Intrigue is a front-wheel-drive mid-size sedan that represented GM's attempt to field a genuinely competitive, European-influenced family car under the Oldsmobile banner. Built on the GM W-body platform shared with the Pontiac Grand Prix and Buick Regal, the Intrigue offered a more upscale interior and sharper handling than most domestic sedans of its era. By 2000, the Intrigue was in its second and final full model year run — Oldsmobile discontinued the brand entirely in 2004, making parts availability an important consideration today. The 3.5L DOHC V6 (RPO LX5) is the standard and only engine offered in the 2000 Intrigue. It's a sophisticated dual-overhead-cam unit shared with no other GM product of the era, which is both its strength and its weakness: it makes good power and has a refined character, but sourcing certain parts — especially timing components and the upper intake manifold — takes more effort and cost than a garden-variety pushrod V6. The 4T65-E four-speed automatic transmission is a proven workhorse used across many GM platforms. At 25 years old, surviving Intrigues are now deep into used-car territory. Most examples have well over 100,000 miles, and the brand's discontinuation means dealership support is long gone. Independent shops familiar with GM W-body cars are your best resource. If you find a well-maintained example with documented service history, it can still be a comfortable, capable daily driver — but go in with realistic expectations about parts lead times and the vehicle's age.
Reliability
3/5
Verified data
Specs shown for Intrigue — the most common configuration.
Other trims may vary in engine, drivetrain, or fuel economy. Sign in to see your vehicle's exact specs.
Engine
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Drivetrain
FWD
Fuel
Gasoline
MPG
17 city / 26 hwy / 20 combined
Seats
—
Doors
—
Body
Midsize Cars
Overview
AI-curatedThe 2000 Oldsmobile Intrigue is a front-wheel-drive mid-size sedan that represented GM's attempt to field a genuinely competitive, European-influenced family car under the Oldsmobile banner. Built on the GM W-body platform shared with the Pontiac Grand Prix and Buick Regal, the Intrigue offered a more upscale interior and sharper handling than most domestic sedans of its era. By 2000, the Intrigue was in its second and final full model year run — Oldsmobile discontinued the brand entirely in 2004, making parts availability an important consideration today. The 3.5L DOHC V6 (RPO LX5) is the standard and only engine offered in the 2000 Intrigue. It's a sophisticated dual-overhead-cam unit shared with no other GM product of the era, which is both its strength and its weakness: it makes good power and has a refined character, but sourcing certain parts — especially timing components and the upper intake manifold — takes more effort and cost than a garden-variety pushrod V6. The 4T65-E four-speed automatic transmission is a proven workhorse used across many GM platforms. At 25 years old, surviving Intrigues are now deep into used-car territory. Most examples have well over 100,000 miles, and the brand's discontinuation means dealership support is long gone. Independent shops familiar with GM W-body cars are your best resource. If you find a well-maintained example with documented service history, it can still be a comfortable, capable daily driver — but go in with realistic expectations about parts lead times and the vehicle's age.
Known for
- Smooth, refined 3.5L DOHC V6 with genuinely good power for its era
- Handling and ride quality that outclassed many domestic competitors
- Upscale interior fit and finish by late-1990s GM standards
- W-body platform durability — shared bones with Buick Regal and Grand Prix
Best for
- Buyers who want a comfortable, roomy mid-size sedan on a tight budget
- DIY-friendly owners comfortable with GM W-body repair procedures
- Low-mileage highway driving where the 26 MPG highway rating pays off
Watch for
- Orphaned brand — Oldsmobile is gone, so some OEM parts are NLA (no longer available)
- The 3.5L DOHC V6 has unique timing and intake components not shared with other GM engines
- Upper intake manifold gasket failures are a known W-body issue at higher mileage
- Age-related rubber degradation: coolant hoses, vacuum lines, and suspension bushings are all 25 years old
- Limited resale value ceiling — money spent on repairs may not be recoverable
Common issues by mileage
6 knownCamshaft Position Timing / Variable Valve Timing Solenoid Issues
medium- Typically appears
- 90–150k mi
- Estimated repair
- $200 – $600
Oxygen Sensor / Heater Circuit Failure
medium- Typically appears
- 80–120k mi
- Estimated repair
- $150 – $350
Power Steering Leak (Rack or Lines)
high- Typically appears
- 100k+ mi
- Estimated repair
- $300 – $700
Strut and Suspension Bushing Deterioration
high- Typically appears
- 80k+ mi
- Estimated repair
- $400 – $900
ABS / Brake Control Module Communication Faults
medium- Typically appears
- 100k+ mi
- Estimated repair
- $300 – $800
Maintenance schedule
- 1 Every 5,000 miles or 6 months Engine oil and filter change
The 3.5L DOHC V6 has a complex valvetrain with tight oil passages. Neglected oil changes are the leading cause of timing and camshaft issues on this engine. At 25 years old, err on the shorter interval and use a quality conventional or synthetic 5W-30.
- 2 Every 3 years / 50,000 miles Coolant flush and hose inspection
GM's Dex-Cool coolant breaks down and can cause intake manifold gasket issues when mixed with air or run past its service life. Inspect all hoses — at 25 years old, any original rubber should be replaced proactively.
- 3 Every 50,000 miles Transmission fluid change (4T65-E)
The 4T65-E is durable but degrades quickly with neglected fluid. Use GM-spec Dexron VI. Avoid flushes on high-mileage units with unknown service history — a drain-and-fill is safer.
- 4 Every 60,000 miles Spark plug replacement
The DOHC V6 uses 6 plugs that can be awkward to access. Worn plugs stress the ignition system and can cause misfires. Use OEM-spec platinum or iridium plugs.
- 5 Every 60,000 miles or at purchase Serpentine belt and tensioner inspection
A 25-year-old belt is a failure waiting to happen regardless of mileage. Replace belt and inspect tensioner and idler pulley bearings at the same time.
- 6 Every 3 years Brake fluid flush
Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, lowering boiling point and promoting corrosion inside ABS components — a known cost center on these cars.
- 7 Every 30,000 miles Fuel filter replacement
Older fuel systems accumulate tank sediment over decades. A clogged filter stresses the fuel pump, which is an expensive in-tank replacement on this vehicle.
- 8 Annually (every fall before winter) Undercarriage / underbody inspection for rust
Wisconsin road salt is relentless. Inspect brake lines, fuel lines, subframe mounting points, and exhaust hangers every fall. Surface rust is cosmetic; compromised brake or fuel lines are a safety issue.
Always defer to the manufacturer's service manual for warranty-mandated intervals.
Cost of ownership
Annual maintenance
$600 – $1,800
Fuel
At 20 MPG combined and ~12,000 miles/year, expect roughly $1,400–$1,700/year at current Wisconsin gas prices. Highway commuters will do better.
Insurance
Typically low — older low-value sedans carry minimal comprehensive/collision premiums. Expect $600–$1,000/year for full coverage depending on your record and location.
The Intrigue is an inexpensive car to insure and fuel, but its age means deferred maintenance items tend to stack up. Budget on the higher end of the maintenance range if the service history is unknown. Parts sourcing for the unique 3.5L DOHC engine can add cost and wait time compared to more common GM V6 platforms. This is a car where a pre-purchase inspection is worth every dollar.
Seasonal care
Lake Geneva, WI Winter
- Switch to a 5W-30 full synthetic if still running conventional oil — cold-weather flow on startup is critical for the DOHC valvetrain and VVT solenoids.
- Test the battery before November. Cold cranking a 25-year-old car with a weak battery is a recipe for a no-start at -10°F. Replace any battery over 4 years old.
- Fill the washer fluid reservoir with a rated -20°F or lower solution. The Intrigue's low nose and long hood means significant road spray on the windshield.
- Inspect and if needed replace wiper blades — use winter/beam-style blades that don't pack with snow and ice.
- Check brake lines and fuel lines underneath for corrosion before salt season begins. A hairline crack in a brake line can open fully in cold weather.
- Keep the fuel tank at least half full during cold snaps to reduce condensation in the tank and help the in-tank fuel pump stay cool.
Summer
- Check tire pressure monthly — every 10°F of temperature rise increases tire pressure by roughly 1 PSI. Overinflation reduces traction and wears tires unevenly.
- Inspect the A/C system early in the season. The refrigerant charge on a 25-year-old car is likely low. A weak A/C on a hot Wisconsin day with a heat-soaked interior is a comfort — and sometimes safety — issue.
- Monitor coolant temperature gauge during hot weather. The 3.5L DOHC runs warm and an aging cooling system (water pump, thermostat, hoses) is more likely to show weakness in summer heat.
- Inspect the serpentine belt for cracking or glazing — heat accelerates rubber degradation on a belt that's already old.
- Check power steering fluid level. Heat expands fluid and can reveal slow leaks that hide in cooler months.
Comparable vehicles
2000 Pontiac
Grand Prix
Same GM W-body platform, similar price range, and easier parts availability since Pontiac lasted four more years than Oldsmobile. The 3800 V6 in the Grand Prix is simpler and better-supported than the Intrigue's DOHC unit.
2000 Buick
Regal
Another W-body sibling with a more upscale interior — closer in character to the Intrigue. The 3800 Series II V6 is one of the most proven domestic engines of the era and has excellent parts availability.
2000 Toyota
Camry
A direct mid-size sedan competitor from the same era with significantly better long-term parts availability, higher reliability scores, and a larger pool of maintained used examples.
2000 Honda
Accord
Comparable size, segment, and price point with one of the strongest reliability and parts-availability track records in the class — a useful benchmark when evaluating whether an Intrigue deal is actually worth it.