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Oldsmobile Alero

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    infinia1infinia1 Member Posts: 174
    just got back from a long trip and happy to report that my alero got about 29 mpg. now that's with a fully loaded trunk and the wife and 2 kids, plus cold weather here in wyoming. mine has the v6/auto and i love the power, especially when i need to pass quickly. nothing out of the ordinary yet at 6500 miles. oh ya i had the dealer replace the license plate light last weekend. other than that this car rules! my only wish is for a door ajar light and maybe a v6 5 speed. that would be fun. i still cannot believe gm is killing olds! what a huge mistake!
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    dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    That is the ABS for sure. If you have never had them before they will certainly throw you off because it sounds/feels like something is wrong. Your brakes are fine. As for the mileage, my Intrigue got much better after about 2000 kms. Different motor though.
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    coalcrackercoalcracker Member Posts: 53
    I have a 2000 GL3 4 door sedan with a V-6 engine and automatic transmission.The car now has over 12,000 miles. I bought the car new in November, 1999. I am no hot rod. I am a conservative driver. The gas mileage from the day I bought the car to today was and is 20-21 MPG for suburbia driving,with windows closed, no air on and warm weather driving. It dropped down to 17 MPG during 20-30 degree weather. On the highway I get 30-32 MPG under the same conditions. When I turn the air on it goes down somewhat. This MPG has not changed at all in all this time in spite of the dealer telling me that it will improve with time. That is just "BS". I have never driven the car in the city. I expect that the city MPG would be lower than the suburbia driving.
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    kim532kim532 Member Posts: 19
    I am glad to know the weird feeling with the brakes was ABS. I have never had ABS before and I was going to call my dealership to look at them.

    Kim
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    wuxwux Member Posts: 18
    A local dealer is offering $3,500 off MSRP for all 2001 Alero before other rebates. That brings, for example, a GL1 with V6 ($19,850 MSRP) to as low as $12,450. In my case,it would be MSRP-3,500-2,000=$14,350. Still seems to be a too good deal to pass by. On the other hand, I really liked intrigue but they only have one in stock and the deal is invoice-$2,000. The sale ends at the end of this month as I was told that the special deal they got from GM only good until then. If you were me, would you wait for intrigue or take an Alero now? Thanks.
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    etharmonetharmon Member Posts: 399
    Wait for the Intrigue and the Olds deals aren't going away, they will probably just get better. Don't get the me wrong, the Alero is a great car and that looks to be a great deal you mentioned, but the Intrigue is(as would be expected with the increase in price) a class above the Alero. Both are great cars and it basically boils down to what you need and can afford or really want.
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    dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    Having driven both, I would wait for an Intrigue. That being said, an Intrigue is a more expensive car so it should be better. I have a 2000 Intrigue GL and my mom has an 99 Alero GL.
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    dcnwsdcnws Member Posts: 12
    If you can get $3500 off the list price, plus the rebate, you are getting a good deal. I have been using the GM Buy Power web site and contacting Olds dealers to get their best price. The best price I have come up with is around $1800 off the list. This is on a GL2 with a few other options. List price is $21095. I live in Green Bay, and have checked as far as Milwaukee. What dealer quoted you that price?
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    arcticfunarcticfun Member Posts: 11
    Two months and 900 miles later I'm happy to have no problems to report on my GL2 4cy. Gas mileage is improving finally, from about 17 the first 800 miles to 21 out of the last tank. This may be due to the warmer weather we've had here in Virgin.

    Not having any stereo system to speak of in any of my past cars, I'm very happy with the 200w sound system/DC player. I can't get use to all the bass, but my 13 year old son loves it. I have decided, however, that the in-window antenna SUCKS. I get a lot of interference that I don't get in my Escort GT with a real antenna. Anybody got a work around for this?

    Kim532 - I traded in my 96 Mustang Convertible AL 6cy for my 2001 Aero GL2. The Aero 4cy has more power than that 3.8L pony did.
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    wuxwux Member Posts: 18
    This Chev/Olds dealer is about 5 minutes from where I live (Columbia, SC). They do have a few GL2 but only two of them are sedan. was told by the manager that they are getting extra $1500 from GM for each new car sold between 2/24 and 2/28 as they were #1 in sales in the past few weeks. I don't know if this is true but they must get something from GM as the discount is about $1800 below the invoice before the rebates. This is the case for all other models except for intrigue (which they have only one).
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    ribewribew Member Posts: 15
    Hello all -

    I've been noticing a problem with my 2001 GLS when it has been parked for a few hours.

    When I start the car and begin to back up, when I apply the brakes, there is a grinding noise coming from the brakes. This only happens when I back up. I have not had any vibrations from the brakes when drving at any speed. It's just a rather loud grinding noise when I am backing up only. Could this just me massive amount of brake dust??? I have no idea what it could be.

    Any ideas?
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    infinia1infinia1 Member Posts: 174
    i've noticed grinding brake noise after washing the alero, but it goes away quickly. has anyone put custom rims on their alero yet? i'm checking into these---> http://www.tirerack.com/mycar/baseframeset.jsp?model=Alero+Sedan&make=Oldsmobile&year=2000


    i've been looking for a bug deflector but haven't been able to find one yet. anyone else have one?

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    tina24tina24 Member Posts: 7
    Ribew...I also have this grinding noise when I back up, and I wish I knew what it was. I was thinking maybe it was the rotors. It only seems to be noticeable when I am going at a slow speed. Once I speed up, and apply the brakes, I really don't hear this grinding sound. I might have it checked out when I bring it in for an oil change. Keep you posted.
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    rat284rat284 Member Posts: 20
    I also hear the grinding noise that you're talking about. I wonder what it is...
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    rkw2rkw2 Member Posts: 66
    My 2000 also has the grinding noise. It happens when backing up and applying the brakes when the car has not been used for more than 24 hours. It only started a few weeks ago. Car has 6800 miles.
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    charekcharek Member Posts: 1
    Hi all,
    I damaged one of my 16" wheels on my 2000 GLS coupe and I am wondering how much it costs to replace one of these things. Thanks
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    marobinsmarobins Member Posts: 2
    Hi,
    I was wondering if anybody has had a problem with their driver's side mirror vibrating?
    Since, I bought my 2001 GL about two months ago the mirror has vibrated. so today I took it in to get replaced, and the replacement mirror does the exact same thing. So now the dealership is ordering a second one. Is this just a freek thing two crappy mirrors or is it related to their design?

    on a side note, I think the grinding noise you here is just the pad removing the oxidation on the rotor.
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    blautensblautens Member Posts: 14
    The vibrating mirror (only driver side ones do it) thing is a "feature". You should learn to live with it. Replacing it won't help. The replacement is designed as badly as the first. My dealer tried backing the reflective surface part with silicon bead, also, but that still didn't help. Standing around the service area with other Alero owners (and a LOT of Alero's need a LOT of service) you can take comfort you are not alone in this issue.

    16" polished wheels costs vary considerably from dealer to dealer. I ended up fixing mine, since the dent was cosmetic and not critical to the bead. My local Olds dealer wanted $449. I found several GM parts dealers on the Internet willing to sell them (new) for a little over $200 though. My repair was $99 from Wheels America (plus shipping). It isn't flawless, but I've never found a pickier person than me. Only on close examination (with wheel off) could you notice a lip curve of about 3mm in a 3 inch area. It was a trade off I'd make again.

    But those guys can fix almost ANYTHING, assuming yours is damaged and not stolen.

    My sympathies to all my fellow Alero owners...
    Bruce
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    infinia1infinia1 Member Posts: 174
    mine has never been in the shop for anything but oil changes and a light bulb. don't assume we all have problems. mine's great-i kicked butt on a lumina z34 yesterday! he was po-ed. it was funny. my mirror doesn't vibrate. still looking for a bug deflector-anyone???
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    rldas1rldas1 Member Posts: 3
    1999 4 door Alero GL w/4 cylinder, 12,300 miles

    1 tank ago: 33.598 mpg
    2 tanks ago: 30.5 mpg
    3 tanks ago: 30 mpg

    I live in flat Florida and these are 70%-80% highway miles. My goal for the next tank is 34 mpg!
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    tebbenstebbens Member Posts: 5
    Just a note to those who are waiting for the fuel pump, we to had ours replaced in December, took about a month + - to get it in. Wouldn't start like it should at times and wife said it stalled!
    Now the other day we smelled "Gas" fumes in the cabin at every stop! Dealer checked pump job and said was ok, ran a sensor all over car but found nothing. Anyone else had this, GM say's this is the first one they have heard of? This 4cyl. tourer really looks good but we have had our share of problems. Hope it all quits very soon. Check out www.alero.org and sign up for there e-mail group and keep in touch everyone, Ben.
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    tebbenstebbens Member Posts: 5
    Reading on alero.org e-mail list that alot of fellows are having to charge or get their battery's replaced, we had our alternator replaced by the dealer since they caught that it wasn't putting out the correct AMP's. May want to have dealer check this out, Ben.
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    fatjuanfatjuan Member Posts: 14
    took me 16 days to get a new fuel pump.....a month plus you waited????
    did you check out lemon laws? certain # of days out of service (waiting for parts) qualifies.
    Got my rotors replaced as well. Almost got into a wreck a block away cause my brake pedal went to the floor and hardly stopped. 3 hours later the brake pad was seated "correctly"
    Would love to trade in but it depreciated so quickly..
    Nissan Altima or Mistubishi Galant?
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    etharmonetharmon Member Posts: 399
    Don't even think about a Galant or Altima. The Alero is a a much better value. Altima only comes as a four banger and a loaded Galant will cost more than a loaded Alero and the Alero still has more standard features. Not to mention the Alero is much better looking than both of those. If your wanting to step up from an Alero, I'd recommend an Olds Intrigue. More room, far superior powertrain, excellent handling, and still very good looking. And good deals are sure to be found.
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    infinia1infinia1 Member Posts: 174
    good point etharmon! if anyone is interested i finally found a bugflector over the net this weekend! and at a great price too, $36.99 thru partsamerica.com previously i had only found 1 for $80 and another at $60, so i ordered this one right away. it should be here tomorrow. plus right now they have free shipping thru the 15th i think and if there is any problem it can be returned at any Advance, Checker, Schuck’s, or Kragen auto parts store. i'll be driving i70 thru the colorado rockies next week-can't wait for the twisties! enjoy...
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    foxhoundsfoxhounds Member Posts: 5
    I like it so far. It is replacing an 88 Grandam Q4 5spd with 165k. I think the old Q4 is actually a bit quicken, but that may be because I gas flowed the heads when I replaced the gasket at 100K. The Q4 bottom end has been very tight - no smoke and always passes emissions. I hope the new 2.4 liter is as reliable. Anyway I like the shifter, very smooth and the car handles really well. I found that you can really bargain for a good deal - especially at the end of the month. Old is extending the warranty now to 60K/5yrs - but the last 2 yr/24K are on "extended", so some items, like the brake rotors aren't covered. I have been following the message board for the last couple months and I appreciate the posts on problems as it allowed me to buy the car with my eyes open to the rotors, fuel pump, leaks, and mirror wiggle problems that you all wrote about. Can't say much about gas mileage yet.
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    arcticfunarcticfun Member Posts: 11
    Has anybody installed ventvisors on their Alero yet and if you have, how do they look? I would like to install them on my white 2001 come Spring, but want someone's opinion first.
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    fabtedfabted Member Posts: 1
    I have had my Alero for two months now, and have had to have a Power Calibration module updated already. Has anybody found their engine to be really vibrating when your is idled at a red light. I can feel the car vibrating in my drivers seat. Is this still part of breaking the car in, anyone else hae the same problem.
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    39043904 Member Posts: 16
    About three weeks ago I purchased a new 2001 Alero sedan and shortly after to took delivery I noticed the very same thing. The driver's side mirror does vibrate yet the passenger's side mirror is steady as a rock. I'll be mentioning this to the dealer the next time I have it in for servicing.
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    newalero76newalero76 Member Posts: 13
    Hi Alerophiles,

    Well, I put my car in the shop this am to get the side mirror fixed. It seems a lot more people have been experiencing this problem lately. The dealer ordered the mirror a little over 2 weeks ago when I took the car in for the 1st oild change at 2200 miles (me-paranoid). So now I'm at work, the car should be ready when I leave. When you get a new side mirror, it has to be painted to match your cars color, and this takes a day. So now my car should be at a body shop, with a new painted mirror. Lets hope it will be fixed the 1st time. I will definitely let you all know how the replacement is tomorrow. Other than that, the car is totally cool. I haven't noticed a grinding sound when in reverse, but I have noticed some weird (though quiet) sounding thumps, which I think is ude to the extreme angle I have to put the car in when leaving the carport to avoid the curb. Hope everyone has smooth driving!!
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    drivehard1drivehard1 Member Posts: 20
    My 2001 Alero has the same vibrating in the steering wheel and the drivers seat, it only has 1100 miles and a V-6 engine. I have already replaced the fuel gasket because the Service Engine soon light was on! I am not happy so far about this car!!!
    Anyone elses engine running rough or is this just the way the car is, my wifes van has the same 3400 enigne, no vibrating, and my sons 98 Grand am has a 3100 v-6 with minimal vibrating as well, Do I have a major engine problem???
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    newalero76newalero76 Member Posts: 13
    Hi everyone,

    Well, the mirror got replaced-it took an overnight stay, too. But I'm afraid it might even be worse than before. I can't say definitively yet, because I haven't taken the car on the freeway, where most of the jiggling action happens. But just on the way back to work from the dealer, musical bass made the driver-side (and brand NEW) mirror vibrate like crazy The passanger side mirror barely twinged. And I have not yet installed any subs, the sound system is still stock. Not a good sign. Who the hell makes these crappy mirrors, and why does GM buy them?!! Boy, if I have to get it fixed AGAIN I'm gonna be steamed. Why is it so hard to get a good mirror?! Well, I'll post again after a trip on the hiway confirms/puts to rest my worries. Hey marobins, did the 2nd replacement mirror do the trick?? Let me/us know. It is not a freak occurance. Drivehard1, the vibrating is not a good sign. But if you drive like your handle, I wouldn't be suprised, because the first few thousand miles are a time to baby the engine as it breaks in. Not good time to floor it all over the place or 'drive hard.'
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    mfletoumfletou Member Posts: 22
    Hello all. I purchased a Blue Alero GL1 V6 with the Sun and Sound package in late December. My car has 2600 miles on it now and I overall very happy with its performance. I did have a freak problem though, which was a nasty squeaking noise coming from the rear. The dealer eventually determined it to be a misalignment of the rear window, and had it refitted which took well over a week because the glass company managed to scratch my roof in the process and thus had to repaint it. It looks exactly the same now and the problem is fixed but I was VERY annoyed at the time---not to mention the fact that my loaner was a '90 Ciera with 144k!
    Now there seems to be a slight squeak in the drivers seat. My mirrors are fine, but my last car was a '97 Malibu (same platform) with the exact same problem. I went through about 3 mirrors and a couple of dealers and finally gave up. It was never a huge problem but was a bit annoying...
    As far as the warranty, mine is full 5yr/60k bumper to bumper (not extended)....
    Gas mileage has been a bit a little lackluster, I'm doing no better than 22 in mixed driving, the Malibu would do 27-28 easily. I'm hoping it will improve...
    Despite this, I love the car. Performance is great, the powertrain/transmission is smooth and very potent. The 8 speaker 200 watt stereo is the best I've experienced and the envy of all my friends, including those who payed much more. The car looks great of course as well.
    Speaking of looking great, I didn't get the features package so I have the 15' wheels. How would I go about upgrading to the 16' alloy wheels? I realize its probably expensive, but I would be curious.
    To any prospective Alero owners, I'd absolutely urge you to go for it--great car, excellent value!
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    infinia1infinia1 Member Posts: 174
    see my post 514-i also am looking into 16" wheels and tirerack lets you see the wheels on the car.

    http://www.tirerack.com/mycar/baseframeset.jsp?model=Alero+Sedan&make=Oldsmobile&year=2000
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    wndavis191wndavis191 Member Posts: 2
    my 2000 GLS has the same vibration problem, on the driver's side only. My guess is that the passenger side does it too, but it isn't noticible because it is a wide angle convex mirror, and it's further from the driver. Has anyone gotten a satisfactory fix from a dealer? I haven't brought it in yet..
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    adennadenn Member Posts: 18
    I just purchased a 2001 Alero GL2 with the V6 engine. I have been pleased with the car (had it about ten days and 250 miles), but I have noticed that my mileage is poor. I have not calculated it, but I just filled it and now down a quarter of a tank and have only driven 55 miles. I hope this improves as others have written. I am happy I went with the larger engine--love the power to pass--but do not like seeing the gas gauge drop as I put the engine to work.
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    mfletoumfletou Member Posts: 22
    For your vibrations---see if it happens when you are accelerated or just when you are braking. I had to have my rotors replaced at about 400 miles because they vibrated. Dealer told they replace over half of them they sell right away. Says that the problem is that GM outsourced the rotors and they install factory GM built rotors that do the job. My braking was fine as soon as it was replaced. Just a thought.
    As for the 16" rims, is their any way to buy Oldsmobile rims? I'd love to keep the Olds logo on the wheels...
    Thanks infinia for the link though...
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    dcnwsdcnws Member Posts: 12
    Any of you that have mirror problems or notice the
    vibrating, were you aware of this when you took the car for a test drive? Do you need the window down to hear it? I am getting ready to buy an Alero for my daughter and don't want to have problems right out of the block. If the brake rotors are such a problem, why aren't dealerships changing them out before the car leaves the lot?
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    yurakmyurakm Member Posts: 1,345
    Because most of rotors work fine.

    According to the last Consumer Report survey, 2 to 5% of 2000 Alero, and 5 to 9.3% of 99 ones had problems with brakes (rotors and other). The same with Pontiac GA (a tween car). The other 90% of owners had no problems with brakes.

    Of course, the reader surveys are only exhaggerating problems. Would you rather fill a long questionnaire if everything is fine, or when you are unhappy?

    Chevrolet Malibu and 97-99 Olds Cutlass have the same brakes as Alero/GA. They have more problems, especially for 97-98 models. I have a 98 Malibu, and its rotors had to be replaced. Do not think, though, that even with these cars 50% of rotors are defective.

    So it is better for dealer and to GM to change only bad rotors, than all. Both financially, and because there is risk to screw-up some cars at dealership.
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    mfletoumfletou Member Posts: 22
    Well as for the Rotors, the 2000 Model Year was not the same situation. The dealer said that for 2001 GM started outsourcing the Rotors, which they were not doing before. I had a '97 Malibu so I am quite well aware of those brakes, and I never had a problem (in fact mine lasted till about 40k). The Alero brakes vibrated from the very beginning, and the dealer said that half of the vehicles he has sold in the last few months have ended up getting the rotors fixed. I have no idea if this is common or just bad luck, I'm simply telling you what they told me. This was a different dealer than the one I bought the car from.
    Also, I'm experiencing another problem that I wonder if anyone has dealt with. Simply put, the drivers seat is squeaking. When I sit in it, or accelerate, it makes an annoying squeaking noise (the pax seat does not do this). It seems like the problem is the area where the cushion and the seat back meet. Is there any easy way to fix this other than bringing the car in?

    BTW, to dcnews, I know it sounds like there are a ton of problems, but honestly don't panic....it is still a great car and reliabiilty has steadily improved. Are you from the DC area?
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    dcnwsdcnws Member Posts: 12
    I still plan on buying the Alero, but will wait a few more weeks until the weather warms up. I don't live in DC, (those are my initials), but was stationed near there in the Navy 25 years ago.
    Haven't been back since.
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    hockeymomhockeymom Member Posts: 3
    I also had the driver seat squeak. It seems to happen only in warmer weather. I added that to my list of things last May when I got it inspected but they couldn't find anything wrong. I figured they would at least squirt some oil in the springs, or something. It hasn't done it all winter so we'll see if it comes back in the spring/summer.

    On another subject, my rear defrost just died. The light goes on but the defrost doesn't work. I'm going to try replacing the fuses before I bring it in, but I'm getting close to the end of my warranty. Anyone else have this problems? Any suggestions?
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    dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    Sounds like a fuse. No big deal and easy to replace.
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    rktmanrktman Member Posts: 2
    Looking for anyone who may have any insights into a turn signal problem on my 99 Alero sedan. Signals work OK when just starting out, but lately after 25-30 minutes of driving, turn signals don't work - no lights, no flashing. Fuse is OK as are all bulbs. Flasher wouldn't seem to make sense since the lights don't light at all. All other functions on multi-switch OK. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
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    joshua12joshua12 Member Posts: 1
    After nine years with my Grand Am, I bit the bullet and went for its baby brother (Alero). I have had my new car for 10 days and am a bit worried on the following: I would be surprised if I was getting 20 miles per gallon, the automatic transmission hesitates from first, esp when cold and the blinkers need a wide turn in order to shut off. It's been so long since I bought new-- are these break-in issues, or should I go to my dealer for fine tuning? Thanks
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    teragramteragram Member Posts: 7
    Hi everyone! I'm new and I've got two questions...(1) Did anyone special order their Aleros? I'm holding out for a midnight blue GX stick shift and the dealer says this will probably be a special order that takes 6-8 weeks. If anyone else went this route, did the car arrive on time and were you excluded from the cash-back rebate or financing because of it? (2) are their any mechanics montioring this site? The Honda chat room (my previous choice) has mechanics who were brave enough to admit it and they've been busting dealer scams (Honda parts cost a mint) and making armchair diagnoses which are VERY helpful. If you are a mechanic, you'll get a real ego thrill from letting us all know it! :)
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    tina24tina24 Member Posts: 7
    Teragram: I special ordered my midnight blue GL2 5-speed in the middle of December and received it at the end of January. Very happy I ordered. I got 4 door sedan, everything but leather seats and sunroof. No hassles, speedy turnaround. I got the extended warranty 5 yrs/60,000 and the 2,000 cash back incentive, GM dollars to boot. Might as well order a GL2 instead of GX. They supposedly only make so many 4 cylinder 5-speed GL2's.
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    skibry1skibry1 Member Posts: 174
    With a 2.4,Tina, what are your RPM shifting
    levels? No one in west central IL could even
    find one for me...or even order one! What area
    do you live in? Thanx Thumbs Up Bryan
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    14151415 Member Posts: 249
    The Olds brakes are borderline junk whether you have an Alero or Intrigue. They always seem to have a replacement rotor ready and another story.

    The shake in the front end usually is a tire problem-bad runout or factory balance off.

    Water leaks seem to be an Alero exclusive...

    Do we have any noisy front ends, sloppy steering or bad alternators.

    For such a small car and low HP V-6; the gas mileage is awful. The 215 HP 3.5L V-6 in the Intrigue delivers great mileage under a heavy foot.
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    dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    Alero brakes are fine. My mom's 99 GL has fantastic brakes as does my 2000 Intrigue (best brakes I have ever owned). Some people have issues, no doubt. Brakes on Alero are the same as Grand Am.
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