Common 1st Gen Problems & Issues
 

Im preparing to buy another 1st gen Intrepid 3.5L and i am trying to figure out what will most likely need to replaced when i get it. I am assuming that the car will probably have at least 130,000 miles or more so a bunch of stuff proabably need to be fixed or replaced. Here is what i have come up with so far. I have searched the site and i can only find bits and pieces of this info. If anyone can confirm these problems, or point me in a direction that discusses the most common problems, it would be appreciated, thanks.

Im not sure if all of these are "common' problem areas or just rare circumstances:

-Transmission (supposedly can be fixed and doesnt need to be replaced)
-Water Pump
-Thermostat
-Tie-Rods (can you avoid this problem by using slightly narrower wheels?)
-O-Rings at the Fuel Rail (should have been fixed already from a recall)
-Rack and Pinion System (needs extra strength mounting bolts?)
-Steering Column
-Air Conditioning
-Antilock Brakes
-Suspension - Lower control Arms
-Ignition

I had a 97 Intrepid 3.5L and i needed to replace the transmission, water pump and air conditioner and ignition back in the day. Can anyone suggest the best year of 1st gen intrepid to buy. I know that ususally the last year of production has the least problems (in this case 1997), but i want to make sure this is the best year to buy before i go get one. Thanks