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Running into a little snag as the dealer says I can't use the Olds credit and the upgrade credit together on the Alero. I called GM Canada today and they said there should be no problem and they could be used together. Ugg! Anyway, I'm scheduled to pick up the car on April 29th, just waiting for a final verdict on this credit issue.
As for the K&N. I haven't tried getting one yet(waiting till I need to change original). It should be no problem though. If there is no listing for A 2.2L Alero yet at your local store, I'm sure its a standard GM dimention that you can probably match up. Just call the dealer parts department and ask what other cars use the same filter part #.
Is there a website for rsm racing? Or perhaps a location close to Toronto?
GM tells them that is what the warranty is for but that is not a comfort.
Consumer report now rates the 'oo' and '01' Alero lowest in dependability and and resale.
Does my friend just have a lemon? Example of problems:
Mirror doesn't adjust, it gets fixed, then the mirror falls off when they get it back.
It is so bad that they have contacted an attorney. They don't expect these problems from a new vehicle or that reaction from GM.
Good luck with your Aleros.
cpwingnut : It's actually a line in a policy book that states one can never use two credit coupons together on one car. We have time to sort it all out as I don't take delivery for another week.
Dindak was right about the mirror, it sounds like dealer incompetantcy. I hope things get better for them.
Dindak, that seems weird. If you can't combine discounts, why can people use their GM Visa points? Besides, if GM Canada said it was ok, just get them to fax you it in writing before you go in to the dealer. Then if he still tries to squirm out of it, you can show it to him.
A friend of mine who recently bought a new car had a GM suppliers discount coupon and used it plus the olds loyalty coupon and his GM Visa points. Thats three discounts?
Good luck next week!
Someone else on another bulletin board I post to has had multiple problems with her Alero, and she's not had much satisfaction getting these things repaired by her dealer. On the other hand, our experience with our local GM service centre has been excellent. So I guess it depends on the car, and who you're dealing with.
There should be instructions in your owner's manual for resetting the tire pressure monitor system (in ours, the instructions are toward the end of the booklet). The reset button is located inside the driver's side instrument fuse panel. Press and release the reset button, and the warning light should go off.
I was unsure if the engine needed a break in period, since there never was a difference with my past new vehicles.
However, last night I filled up and got 32MPG in mixed driving. That is more like it!
I read somewhere else that the Alero mileage improves after a few thousand miles...something to look forward to! Anybody else have a similar story?
It took about 5 tanks full to get better and is now averaging very close to the advertised mileage after about 8-9 tanks. But I have to admit that now that the break in is complete, I am driving it with a little more zip than before. I could probably get better mileage if I was more careful. Yeah right!!! this car is too much fun to drive slow.
Dont give up jpelder, it does get better.
Hey dindak, Wheres the new GX? Got it yet? Details!
As for gas mileage, it was also awful on our Intrigue for the first 5-6 filups. I know it's a different motor, but I remember being horrified by the numbers. All of a sudden though, the mileage got better and is still right on the posted numbers.
Fill up # 1 = 30.5 MPG. Then I set tire Pres. at 33 Lbs.
Fill up # 2 = 34.59 MPG
Fill up # 3 = 32.78 MPG
Fill up # 4 = 34.01 MPG
Fill up # 5 = 32.77 MPG
Fill up # 6 = 37.54 MPG
My dealer is giving first oil & filter change free. I think I will have it done soon and will watch how they do the filter change,then do it my self after that.
I REALLY like this engine and Trans.Combo.
Bill
Was that mileage from highway, city or mixed driving?
My front tires look a little low on air, but tire pressure measures right at 34PSI.
I would like to have gotten an Alero instead of the Grand Am but my better half wanted CHROME wheels and they were available with an Opt.package on the GA.
Oh well!! I got the powertrain I was after.
Bill
So far everything looks good. Really like the RDS stereo and the 6 speaker sound is really good for a base model. The Ecotec engine / transmission combo is very good also but I didn't want to push too hard until the first 1000 kms pass.
I think we will really like this car. Great looks, performance and quality at a bargain price.
I agree it is a great car. For all you hear about poor fit and finish of american cars, my 2002 was right on the money. However, I did notice that the hood casters were not adjusted.
I was looking at the engine, and when I closed the hood, I could still rattle it. Funny thing was, the hood fit perfect in height and panel gap without the rubber casters being adjusted. I just snugged them up and all was fine.
Car is solid though, drove it on some very rough roads this morning and not one squeak or rattle.
Question : Anyone know if there is an after market or GM keyless entry system that can be installed? If it's not too much, I may consider it.
I had the dealer add keyless for $225. It operates the doors, panic alarm and trunk. $225 was a bit high, but I didn't feel like shopping around, and the dealer installation ensures warranty coverage.
Also thinking about aluminum wheels, but I will hold off until I find some I like. Maybe I will call the wreckers and see if they have some used stock wheels.
I have seen aluminum wheels on Ebay for the Alero from time to time for around $300. Most of the time, the sellers traded up to 16" chrome.
FYI, I had Keyless installed on a new caravan in '98 for $125 at a stereo shop. It was just as good as the factory model.
I will monitor the e-bay situation. Shipping might be expensive on big items like that though!
K
As for the Keyless, you can go to tint king, zeibart, or any local car audio store and get a remote starter installed for between $2-300. They have a built in keyless button and can also get the keyless trunk too with the 3 button remotes. If you are handy you could install one yourself as they are available at Canadian Tire. ($100 for delux or $150 w/alarm)
Or you could get just an alarm with keyless entry installed @ futureshop for $199 and up. But unless you have a garage, Its nice to have the remote starter for those winter mornings.
That stereo is pretty good too. I liked the info button. But it seems that the few stations that have the service(edge 102, y108, etc.)seem to use it for advertising alot. At first it was giving the song and artist but is now displaying weather info and a few advertisements.
I'll keep my eyes open for rims for you. I am looking to get aftermarket rims but I want to keep my factory 16" ones for winter tires.
Talk to your salesman abou tthe Keyless remote. He may be willing to do it at his cost for you.
cpwingnut : Our Alero does not do that on the highway, sounds like you need an adjustment on the transmission. I've had the car on the QEW three times doing 130+ and it's been flawless. I will check out all the options, but my first choice would be a GM Delco keyless for warranty purposes. We have a 2 car garage so I don't need the starter. Let me know if you find some rims.
Thanks
Thanks for the help on the scratched window posts. Oldsman, I'm with you on the Intrigue. The "shortstar" engine is a gem and if Olds had made an Intrigue coupe I would've scooped it up in a heartbeat.
Anyway, the delay in my writing back is because I just moved from California to Florida. I wanted to ship my car, not drive it accross the country battling truckers on our clogged and dangerous interstates. So, I basically went online, found a place and decided to go with them. Until I logged onto epinions.com and saw over a dozen negative reviews of this organization. Whoops! Called em back and said "uh, actually I'm not moving after all, thanks anyway."
So, then I decided to go with the creme de la creme of automotive transporters, Intercity Lines (www.intercitylines.com). These guys are more expensive but they are totally the best. They only do enclosed transports and people ship their multi-million dollar one-of-a-kind cars with them. When they came for the Alero, there was a Ferrari 550 with 600 miles on it already loaded in the truck. Not only is it enclosed but they put not one, but 2 covers over your car inside the trailer to guarantee you'll get your car back in the same condition you gave it to them in.
So, if anyone ever is considering shipping your car, these guys are highly recommended. You get what you pay for with auto shipping, and I was happy to pay a bit more for total peace of mind. Shipping your baby is stressful, especially if dealing with an unknown quantity. And compared to other quotes for an enclosed transport from CA to FL, they actually weren't more expensive at all. Just wanted to let you guys know in case you ever need this kind of service.
Things I like are : 2.2L Ecotec (amazing engine), smooth auto transmission, great 4 wheel discs, solid build and good stereo sound from a base system, RDS feature is cool!
Quibbles : The uneven sides of the center stack, stiff window crank (I will have them adjust this), small pre-set buttons on the stereo and small glove box.
I also think the trunk could have a more solid thunk to it when closed, but it's fine.
I agree about the trunk thunk! Then again, it's better than the Toyota I will get stuck renting again this week in NC.
Took a co-worker out for lunch today and he was surprised how nice it was for the price. He drives a fairly loaded Corolla and didn't pay a whole lot less than I did.
I have a similar problem w/ temperature gauge on my 88 Olds.
Did you find out the answer?
I know that normal operating temperature is 195F.
I noticed that it is going as high as 220(in the city) but then drops. On the highway is below 200 always, except when I'm stuck in trafic.
1) Average mileage dropped recently from the mid to upper 20s down to the low 20s. I used to get easily over 300 miles per tank of gas, but now I get about 260.
2) A coolant leak, which apparently means I have a bad head gasket. Estimated cost to repair: $1,300. Evidently this may be related to the corrosive nature of Dex-Cool.
Has anyone else here experienced either of the above problems with the 3.4L V6?
4 bolts but 2 holes near bumper need to be enlarged to 1/2 inch. The one on the muffler side has to be done special. Needed an extension on the twist bit to drill from the behind the car at a slight angle.
The trailer hitch was installed to hold a bike rack. Hitch cost - $130 Online its cheaper but couldn't wait (works for Grand Ams also)
Gas mileage seems bad so far, I will fill up in the next day or two and figure out where I'm at. Only 350km on the car so far.
First tank converts to 21.5 MPG. Mostly city driving, but that bad. Hope it gets better!
cpwingnut : Ya, I only had about 360 kms at fill up. Wasn't quite on empty but I wanted to beat the price increase this afternoon. I'm sure it will get better.
Surprised it cost you that much for this repair. ON the Malibu board(3.1L V6), the range for this repair is $550-$900. There could be factors that I am not aware of.