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Oldsmobile Alero

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  • fclspatfclspat Posts: 61
    What did you pay for the remote entry and the power windows? Were they GM parts (under warranty)?
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  • jauto98jauto98 Posts: 77
    Well, it was with a package deal, actually the pwr windows, since they didn't have a GL. They were aftermarket ones, not the one GM uses on the upper trim levels. These windows are alright, but factory is much better and would recommend factory (though I would image they would be more expensive) As for the keyless remote, I got that for free as the person who installed the pwr windows (which was American Radio) felt sorry for us because we had some problems with the pwr windows such as a loose cover and a rattle when the doors were shut. They forgot to check for the rattling noise, so the guy came out to our house to deal with the rattle (surprised they did that). The guy later said he would install the keyless remote for us free of charge, but we would have to go to there shop for that. As for the warranty, told the dealer that the windows would be covered under the 5yr/60000miles and got it in writing... the dealer has several dealers around the country, so i fig they won't be going anywhere for a while. Hope this helps
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  • b_bazinetb_bazinet Posts: 23
    I bought a 2000 Alero last June before all the huge rebates came out and I can honestly say that I don't care because I'm completely satisfied with my car. I have a v6, 20k miles on it, get 20-22 city - 30-32 highway, great pick-up even running the ac, traction control really worked this past winter here in Maryland, and overall I feel it's the best decision I've ever made with an auto. I wasn't even considering an american car let alone a gm until a good friend of mine took me for a ride in his Intrigue. Had to say I was impressed with the car and went over to Olds-man-mobile dealership to test out the Alero and walked out the door a couple of hours later with this car. I know a lot of people on this site trash the car but I can only say from my experience that this car has not only been rock solid, it's also been fun as hell to drive. Don't even go for the sport suspension package, totaly not worth it, I test drove both and couldn't tell you the difference? With the rebate and warranty they're offering right now, plus low financing rates (I got 1.9% for 5yrs) I can't see how anyone would pass this up?????
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  • strugglingstruggling Posts: 7
    Bazinet...Thanks for the words of wisdom...I live in the DC area so it is nice to hear from someone in the area...Being in my mid-twenties, I tend to be more concerned about the exterior looks of the car rather than the car itself which is something I think I need to get over...My parents each have an Intrigue so I am quite familiar with that car...I am trying to decide if it is worth me spending the extra money (which obvious it is since you get more car)...I really don't want to look like I am 35 (no offense to those who are) married with two kids...Try finding a car that is reliable for around $20K that fits that bill...Some say the Jetta but hell you can barely fit two people in the back seat and the car only has a two year warranty...I am a bit leary of getting a VW to say the least...My best bets are the Alero and the Intrigue, noth of which are getting harder to find in the color and style I would like...I just need to pull the trigger I suppose...Thanks again...
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  • dindakdindak Posts: 6,632
    If you are single and don't need the space, Alero will do you fine. You can save some bucks and a little gas. The big plus of the Intrigue is the 3.5L twin cam, which is one of the best V6 engines out there.
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  • arcticfunarcticfun Posts: 11
    Struggling...I also live in the area, Northern Virginia to be exact. I'm a chick, just turned 41 and wouldn't have given the Jetta the time of day compared to the Alero. The Alero is by far the best buy for the money out there. I bought my Arctic White GL2 v4 on January 2nd, have 3,000 miles as of today, haven't had one leak, rattle, klunk or shutter, and don't regret for a second making this purchase. I have everything you can get except the v6 and leather seats and only paid $19K at Koons of Manassas. Considering the competition wasn't even an option because they don't compare.

    B. Bazinet...I don't agree about the Sports Suspension package. The 16" wheels and Goodyear Eagle tires do make a big difference, especially when combined with the spoiler.

    Jauto98...How do you like the looks of the Vent Visors? I'm struggling with the idea of putting them on. Are the installed inside the window channel or outside on the trim?
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  • rldas1rldas1 Posts: 3
    There is a technical service bulletin on window scratches.
    Service Bulletin Number: 98831520
    Bulletin Sequence Number: 277
    Date of Bulletin: 9810
    NHTSA Item Number: SB602752
    Make: OLDSMOBILE
    Model: ALERO
    Year: 1999
    Component: VISUAL SYSTEMS:GLASS
    Summary: COMPLAINTS OF ONE OR MORE DOOR GLASS SCRATCHES. *YC
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  • strugglingstruggling Posts: 7
    Bazinet, Dindak, Articfun...Thanks to all of you for your encouraging words...I spoke with a Dealer in VA last night that in going to give me invoice for the GLS, and the I will likely take the $2000 rebate putting me at $19,770 (invoice of $21,770)...My only question seems to remain is what color to try to get...They have the whole shbang in bronze mist, I am kinda leaning towards the midnight blue...Any suggestions...I have a dark green car now and want a change of pace...Thanks again...
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  • dindakdindak Posts: 6,632
    I would go midnight blue unless you live in a heavy snow area. If you get lots of snow you might want to go with a lighter color. I live near Toronto and I went for silver. Even in the dead of winter the car doesn't ever look very dirty.
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  • infinia1infinia1 Posts: 174
    ...still loving my alero after only 13,000 miles. the emergency brake boot tore for a 2nd time, (i use it every time because my driveway is sloped) and it took 2 weeks to arrive. i had the brakes redone on warranty about 500 miles ago. also, where the plastic that covers therear bumper comes around on the side (rear quarter panel area)is bulging a bit. has anyone else noticed this? dealer told me nothing they could do but i could talk with the olds rep next time he was at the dealer. the dealer then made me more upset. the service manager promised it would be washed and vacuumed but it wasn't, then the next time i was in they said "if we have time". i told them what do i have to have a cadillac to get a wash? so they did it but when i went to leave the trim around the bottom of the door was off and the service manager was the one that drove it around front for me!!! now there is only 1 olds dealer where i live but i went to the chevrolet dealer for oil change since they are $10 cheaper and they said they could do my warranty work, they would just have to inform olds that i refused service at olds dealer. we'll see. car good, dealer bad.
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  • arcticfunarcticfun Posts: 11
    I opted for the Arctic White. Having dealt with the darker colors before (black and burgandy), I decided to try a lighter color. I have a silver 91' Escort GT and I like that as well. But the Alero looks sleek in the white, especially with the spoiler. Everytime I look at her I say to myself "man, what a good looking car!" White doesn't seem to show as much and seems easier to keep clean than the darker colors.

    Go with your heart!
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  • timothy777timothy777 Posts: 7
    OK guys (& gals!).... would appreciate some discussion on this.
    The '02 Alero will have the same 2.2 litre engine as can be found in the Saturn L-series.
    It is 135 hp vs the current 150hp (2.4 litre).
    Does anyone have any thoughts as to which is the better of the two (assuming the price points stay the same for '02). Obviously the current 4-cyl has more HP, but is the Saturn 4-cyl a more refined (better mpg?) engine. Any - all - thoughts appreciated for someone pondering buying an '01 now .... or an '02 when they come out.
    Thanx in advance!
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  • dindakdindak Posts: 6,632
    Where did you see this?? I am very surprised if this is true.
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  • burdawgburdawg Posts: 1,524
    I seem to remember that I read in Car & Driver some time back that the GM 2.2 would be replacing the quad 4. I don't remember any specifics though. The 2.2 is supposed to be much more smoother and refined. Still a DOHC design.
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  • tffkaptffkap Posts: 11
    I have the sedan and have window scratches on 3 of 4 windows! How did you get the dealer to replace the glass? Mine said it was considered "normal wear and tear." What a bunch of BS. Also, thanks for the NHTSA report.

    Finally has anyone tried to find an intake kit for the V6 Alero? I have tried everything and can't locate one. Also, I am looking for a performance muffler. Any help would be appreciated.
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  • timothy777timothy777 Posts: 7
    I have a pretty reliable source with Oldsmobile.....
    The Edmunds Saturn board feels the 135hp engine is a bit more refined and fuel efficient than the current. Any thoughts out there appreciated.
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  • drwilscdrwilsc Posts: 140
    In my opinion they ought to take it one step farther and replace the old 3.4 pushrod V6 with Saturn's fine DOHC 3.0 V6. It has more horsepower (182 vs. 170) but I believe a bit less torque.
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  • dindakdindak Posts: 6,632
    I've driven both the 4 cyl Alero and 4 cyl Saturn and the Saturn is definitely a bit smoother. I guess you will be giving up some speed, but it will be good for the car's refinement.

    I'm really surprised they are changing engines given the Alero will be phased out in 2-3 years.
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  • chavis10chavis10 Posts: 166
    a couple weeks ago I started looking for an Alero GLS coupe with the sport suspension and a factory sunroof. Apparently, none exist. The dealer told me I would have to order one but it will have to be an '02. Problem is, he doesn't know when the '02s are going into production. Does anybody know when they will start making the '02s and if they will have any changes? thanx
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  • strugglingstruggling Posts: 7
    Where are you looking for an Alero GLS (which state)...I too have been shopping for and Alero GLS with a sunroof and leather and the whole nine yards...I finally found one in Midnight blue in NJ (I am in VA) but I did not get the sports suspension...I can tell you of a dealer in VA that has a Bronze mist Alero GLS with sunroof and the sports suspension...They were going to sell me that one before I found the midnight blue one...I know it is still there because I spoke with the dealer this morning...Let me know if you wnat more info since I not quite sure where you are located...

    Bob (bobjoynes@hotmail.com)
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  • munkyatpumunkyatpu Posts: 8
    I just took delivery of my 2001 Alero GLS sedan, sterling silver with pewter leather interior. I wanted the performance suspension and sunroof. I had the hardest time finding one so I put one on order in the first week in March. I wonder why it took so long. By the way, I live in Indiana and my dealer just received about 10 new Aleros.
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  • chavis10chavis10 Posts: 166
    I'm in Philly, Pa. I had two dealers do a search and both came up with nothing. I don't want an aftermarket sunroof. I'm willing to wait a little while, but not forever. One dealer told me to come back in mid July to see if they had started production for the '02s. I hope so.
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  • arcticfunarcticfun Posts: 11
    My GL2 Sedan came with the Sun & Sound Package, the Performance Suspension Package, and the 6-way power driver's seat. This gives me everything except the leather which I didn't want anyway.

    This was bought off the Koons of Manassas lot in Virginia on January 2nd. They just received a rather large inventory of 01 Aleros, 15 of them sedans (some with the new "Spring Special Edition" package), but they have 2 Coupes; 1 Blue GLS with the power sunroof option and 1 Red GL4 with the Spring Special Edition package. Their inventory is listed at wwww.koonsofmanassas.com if anyone in the area is interested.
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  • strugglingstruggling Posts: 7
    Well, the deal with the dealer in Jersey for the midnight blue GLS looks to be falling through so I am going tonight to check out the bronze mist GLS, sunroof, spoiler, leather (neutral) and sports suspension in Northern Virginia...It is my second favorite color and being that their is not another blue one in NY, NJ, PA, MD, DC, VA and W. VA. with everything I want in it, It looks like I am going with it...The more I thought about it, the bronze mist will show less dirt and may be a bit cooler in the summer...Who knows, I will see what the dealer has to say about everything tonight...I think if they throw in a pinstripe it is a done deal...Invoice price...Don't think I can beat it...Thanks for everyone's input...Chavis10...good luck, these are getting really hard to find...
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  • dindakdindak Posts: 6,632
    I have seen the story of the Saturn 2.2L replacing the 2.4L next year popping up a few other places. Does anyone know where I can find a story to confirm?

    I am pretty excited about the prospect of that engine in the Alero. Although you give up about 15 ponies, the 2.2 is a smoothie! If we can avoid getting an SUV next spring, we will likely get an Alero.
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  • mlm4mlm4 Posts: 401
    Just thought I would mention that I read an article that listed auto assembly plants that offer tours, and Lansing (home of the Alero) is one of the ones listed. Cool!

    http://carpoint.msn.com/advice/default.asp?contentid=244181&type=6&src=Home&pos=Edit1
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  • jingdongjingdong Posts: 2
    Hello, everyone. I am a new comer here. My friend told me the performance of Alero is great and I have a try today. I feel good too. So I decide to finance one. The delear set the price for $26,645(US$17,763) including $3,085(US$2057) options and $890(US$593) for destination charge. I am a new immigrant in Canada and this is my first car. I have no knowledge on the negotiation on car buying. Is there anyone can do me a favor? Is this price reasonable? By the way the finance rate is 0.9. Sounds good. Thanks a lot for your help.
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  • hengheng Posts: 411
    Don't rush into this. There are too many traps and too much to try to explain here. See the Edmunds home page. They have some web pages that address the whole car buying thing.

    The price sounds OK, the finance rate too. But there are ways that the dealer can end up overcharging you.
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  • dindakdindak Posts: 6,632
    Price sounds a little high to me. I'm not sure what options or the list price, but I think you can do better. Give us more info.
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  • jingdongjingdong Posts: 2
    I need a 3.4L engine. But only the GL has such kind of engine. This is my first time to finance a new car. So Thanks heng and dindak for your help. The basic price of the GL is C $22,765. This is the MSRP for GL which I can find on the www.gmcanada.com. The options include: federal air conditioning excise tax-$100, 3.4L engine-C $890, automatic transmission- $1,035, preferred equipment group (fog lamps, 8-speaker sound system, leather-wrapped steering wheel & shift knob, 15" aluminum wheels, 6-way pwr driver seat)-C $(1,055-250)=C $805 and rear deck-lid spoiler-C $255. So the option is about C $3,085. I check the www.gmcanada.com and find the option should be: ADVERTISED SPECIAL SELECT- A- UNIT (SAU) R7Z - inc: 3.4L V6 engine,4- speed auto trans, rear deck- lid spoiler (REQ: 1SB Preferred Equipment Group)
    Code: R7Z
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