My personal opinion, I like the 3.5L DOHC. The 3.5 is higher maintenance
than the 3.8. People are bound to say the 3.8 is more reliable, but is
either really more reliable than the other, no. We aren't talking Mercedes
vs. Lada, we're talking two GM motors. The 3.8 can take more abuse than the
3.5 because of it's robust and proven push-rod design. So if you abuse your
vehicles, the 3.8 will last longer. If you baby your vehicles, it's going to
be personal preference, but be prepared for more "babying" if you opt for
the 3.5L.

Then again, if you abuse your vehicles, I think the tranny (4T65E?), which
is the same no matter which engine you get, will be your downfall.

Here's some more food for thought: The Intrigue was only produced from
1998-2002 and the '98 and '99 models are the only ones that had the 3.8L.
Not only that, but the 3.5L was optional in '99 on the GS and GX models, but
standard in the top-of-the-line GLS. So, if you want a 3.8L, your pickins
might be slim. ;)

Steve

Both the 3.5 and 3.8 use chains to drive their respective camshafts.
I would stick with the 3.8 engine.  Far cheaper to fix if anything goes
wrong.  The 3.5 is based on the v-8 Northstar Caddy engine and is
very expensive to work on.  Plus, the average tech wont want anything
to do with it.  The 3.5 is quite reliable, but when it has problems, you
will pay.

Ian

I vote for the 3.8.  The 3.5 was a very limited production engine based
on the Northstar V-8 and thus has some very costly "features" like the
starter motor being under the intake manifold.

John