Anyone here ever own an Olds Alero?

[chrisjor]

What do you think. I might get a 2001-2002 Sedan. Will I have any problems when Olds goes bye-bye? Will they guarantee future parts supply?

 

[HappyPuppy]

Why not just pick a car from a manufacturer that you are sure is going to be around for awhile?

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: HappyPuppy
Why not just pick a car from a manufacturer that you are sure is going to be around for awhile?

because GM is going anywhere soon

 

[chrisjor]

Something about "sporty yet very practical". I fell in love with a sweet looking blue one I saw several months ago....I been looking around ever since. These are the size and price point I am interested in. I have found several 2001 and 2002 with 16000-20000 miles going for $12,000-$14,000. Comparable model suggestions are always welcome.

 

[amdskip]

I drove one for my drivers ed class, believe it was one of the first years of them. I actually like it and wouldn't mind finding a 2 door because they are kinda sporty looking.

 

[Zenmervolt]

I think that there are enough parts similarities among GM that you'll be OK if they do decide to discontinue Olds.

ZV

 

[ElFenix]

should also have a 5 year manufacturer's warranty on it through GM dealers

 

[KingNothing]

My recommendation

High quality, practical, sporty, AVAILABLE WITH A STICK, bulletproof engine, lots of aftermarket stuff if you're into that.

 

[chrisjor]

Actually Maximas & Altimas were what I was considering when I started noticing the Alero. I believe the Maxima may hold a better resale price down the road.

God yes....a riced out Alero Sedan!!!!:Q

 

[KingNothing]

Originally posted by: chrisjor
Actually Maximas & Altimas were what I was considering when I started noticing the Alero. I believe the Maxima may hold a better resale price down the road.

God yes....a riced out Alero Sedan!!!!:Q

When I said aftermarket stuff, I meant *performance* aftermarket stuff, i.e. suspension upgrades, turbos, etc. www.maxima.org has tons of info on that. The Maxima will definitely have a better resale price. I dunno, I've never been impressed with recent American cars, except for a few here and there.

 

[ElFenix]

get a civic and put a blower on it!

 

[frizzlefry]

I own one. Bought it October of 98. It's a great car. Mine's the 3.4L V6. No problem w/ Olds going away. The parts match those of the Malibu and Grand Am. Body panels, etc are still going to be made. Most likely the vehicle will be sold under a different name.

As far as the reliability of the car. Let me run through some regular problems. Coolant leaking into the block is a common problem. All that needs to be done for that are new gaskets. The rotors tend to warp. Mine warped w/in the first month. Kept taking it back and finally they decided to try out different types of pad and rotor combinations on mine. Once we found the right one, I drove on the same pads and rotors for 3.5 yrs.

Some other issues commonly found on the car is the transmission. But I believe they have that all solved now. Before I think it was a computer glitch that prevented it from downshifting and such. I killed my tranny but that was from something else.

It's a great car. I can't complain about it. My trunk space is limited from the sound system I put in. Which also negates the use of my spare tire But yeah. A great car. I've got mods in it, not on it.

 

[chrisjor]

Was 98' the first year? I read they would be ending the line in 04 with the Special Edition.